Thanks to those who offered me advice. I picked up my 07 GT for 26k. Very happy with the purchase. I originally wanted to get a 08 C6 or the new STI, however, due to a recent new purchase of a home, I could only afford an RX8. But, this allows me to save money for an Elise in a year or two down the road.

To tell you the truth, compare to my modded NA Miata, the 8 handles like a boat. The reflexes aren't as quick as the Miata and way too much body roll. The clutch feels too soft, but I knew all this going in. Whoever said Rx8 handles better than a Miata hasn't driven a modified Miata which weighs 2300lbs. I guess there's no substitute for dieting. I prefer oversteer, but 8 is very neutral.

The first mod will be the alignment. Then, perhaps lighter rims. Any suggestions?

 

Comparing a modded car to a non-modded car and saying you perfered the modded car?

Color me surprised!

 

lol, well i wouldn't say it handles like a boat, but ~600lbs difference is quite a bit in comparison. And modded vs stock is also a difference.

I've driven some smaller cars that would feel "tighter" and quicker in steering response due to a number of things (such as suspension, sway bars, strut bars, rack ratio).. but when push comes to shove the rx8 feeling "sloppier" would take the turn better and at higher speeds.

higher rate springs and thicker swaybars would help tighten things up for your preference im sure. Maybe some koni adjustables to boot.

I prefer oversteer and rwd for the better potential to control the car. Usually you can feel the oversteer before it's past its recovery threashold.

 

Despite having supposed "sport suspension" on the 8 GT model, do most here go with some stiffer after-market suspension, larger sway-bars etc?

 

Maybe I'm a bad shopper but how the frig did you get an 07 GT for 26k?

 

Every dealer I visited was offering for it for 26k. The dealer I finally purchased it from actually did not have the color I was looking for. So, they searched for it in their nation-wide Mazda databank and had to ship it over from a dealership in Oregon. Since 08s started arriving just this past month, they're more willing to negotiate to get rid of the '07s on their lots. Finally, the '07 models currently have a $3,500 factory rebate.

So, depending on the options, an 07 GT is between 32k - 33k MSRP. But, no body pays MSRP on RX8s. The invoice price is between ~ 29k. Minus $3,500 rebate, you have 26k.

Mazda will eventually offer the $3,500 rebate on the 08s as well, if you want to wait that long. My decision was based on the fact that there's no difference between the 07 and 08 models, and I needed a daily commuter now, not later.

 

Would you mind posting a few words (or you can email me) on how you got the weight down around 2300 on your Miata? Or is it an older one that started out that way? I have thought many times about putting my 8 on a diet; just curious how you might have done it. Thanks,

Jeffrey

 

it's the first gen miata. i think they weigh 2200lbs to start with. My folks had a 91 NA. 115hp little car. No power everywhere. But FI ones are fast! Great steering feedback. Cannot compare a modded miata to a stock RX-8.

 

Yes my Miata is an earlier "base" model which weighs 2300-2400 to start off with. I took off the ac, power steering, airbags, tow hooks/front & back, heatshield/exhaust manifold, no spare tire, aftermarket lighter rims, exhaust, battery, no cat, flywheel, and a few other things. It's absolutely a blast to drive it around town. However, it does get tiring if driven on a daily basis. What's more amazing are people get pretty close to 2100lbs. If you go to http://forum.miata.net/vb/ and do a search on weight reduction, you'll more ideas, some extreme.