TJLack

Some of you may recall my thread on the garage fire that took GR8-RX8 long before her time.

(moment of silence)

I have received my settlement (got $26400 - thought it should have been $1000+ higher especially as they gave $0 credit to aftermarket parts) and now need to decide what to do with it.

I'm thinking I do nothing for a few months, especially since I won't even have a garage to put it in until sometime next month.

My debate is when I'm ready, do I:

a) find me a used RX8 (i.e. saw one 2005 with 7k miles advertised for $24,995 - basically a duplicate of what I had in a 2004 except in Velocity Red). Could probably knock 5% - 10% off that price if I move on it mid-Winter.

b) find me a new 2005 (appears I can get what I want ($33k MSRP) for $28k.

c) order a new 2006 Shinka in the new copper red color. I have a friend that can get me one ordered under invoice using the friends and family discount plan.

d) consider a different car (BMW M3, Porsche Carrera S or Corvette) - tempting but can't justify the price difference given the performance of the RX8.

I'm leaning towards a) or c) depending on when one would be able to order a 2006 and when would get delivery (I'd hate to go too long into a short Buffalo summer without an RX8).

Opinions welcome!

Dinhx8

sounds like you still are in love with the 8 seeing that a, b, and C involve one.

that being said, i vote for C. if you could get the new shinka under invoice that would be cool imo. I love the new color. Plus, you deserve it after what happened.

I def vote in doing nothing prior to doing C. Youll save money, and almost relive that "just got an 8" feeling.

TJLack

Thanks - that's the feeling I'm looking for! Have you heard anything about when 2006 models might start being delivered?

Dinhx8

i haven't, but recall a thread a few weeks back, perhaps in the media news secition that they are in fact gonna be '2006s'...i think maybe april, but do NOT quote me on it...maybe you can pre order thru your friend, and be one of the first Shinka's out there....

I can tell based on your posts, you've got full rx8 blood, so i'd get a spankin new one regardles of the many "get this car that car" answers you might get in this thread

NoTears316

I can understand why you would want to go back to an 8, I love mine, but if these are the alternatives (BMW M3, Porsche Carrera S or Corvette), then I would probably have to go with one of those. If I had my choice, I would go with the Porsche, just because of it's rarity down here (I would have to travel over 400 miles to get to a Porsche dealer). If you can afford it, and you dont really need the back seats, I would honestly recommend the Vette.

BlueEyes

Used boxster with a 3.4L engine swap (300 ish hp), some suspension work, and voila!! Probably buy one already done for 30k ish.

I didn't even notice the 997S on there. Get that if you can afford it. Brilliant car.

alamike

I would consider option d. Shop around for a couple weeks, it couldn't hurt.

TJLack

Thanks. I am pretty committed to another RX8 - even bought a RX8 watch. It has the best price / performance value out there along with the uniqueness of the rotary. I also love the fact that you don't see very many - especially in Buffalo - retains the "wow what is that" factor.

I know I'd love the Porsche, but 3 x the price? Can't justify the investment. The M3 is awesome to drive but I don't like the looks - just not sexy enough. The Corvette is my favorite next to the RX8, but the practicality of the back seats in the RX8 makes a huge difference for me.

Take care.

TJLack

I'll definitely be doing some shopping around - looking at cars is my second favorite recreational activity!

TJLack

Need (would strongly like) at least a token back seat to use in a pinch - that's why was looking at the Carrerra...

RichardK

That is a nice watch. Are they expensive? (By which I mean, TAG expensive, or Rolex expensive, not 'half-decent Casio' expensive).

czr

iTrader: (3)

1 vote for the new shinks~

dmp

Get a loan for the difference and pick up a 2006 STI. Or, just use the $24K to fund the payments, instead of paying down. That way, you'd get 'x' amount of months with NO impact to your budget (perhaps insurance increases..)

StewC625

Get a new 2005 - most immediate gratification. A Shinka is just a trim and shine package and the price differential won't carry in resale value.

Also, your experience with "no money for aftermarket parts" is EXACTLY why I don't bother wasting my money modding a new car - you don't get a dime for those mods when you sell, and you also don't get coverage for them if you crash and burn

And by the way ... welcome back! As I recall yours burned in a garage fire - you had cardboard under the car and that ignited off of heat from the catalytic converter, right? So it went up, you managed to get it shoved out of the garage before your house burned, and ... well the pics are the evidence.

Stew

hemanrulez

New Shinka if you can afford it and want the wow factor. The copper red is just sweeet.

truemagellen

oh gosh I remember the horror you experienced from way back...now it is time to pay respect to her

also if you BOUGHT THE WATCH you must have an inner craziness for our car (we know the watch aint cheap)...get another one bud

besides if you have the money for the other cars...do a 3 rotor swap on the 8 instead and have a SUPERcar that will beat ANY porsche into the ground (including the GT)



can't wait for the 'I bought a new eight' post

TJLack

Nope - my baby was killed by a 2000 Taurus (my daughter's). The fire dept got the fire out before the house was lost but smoke and firemen damage thruout. Will have the house and garage back in shape in mid Feb.

Here's the thread on the fire:

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/no-longer-so-gr8-rx8-79065/

TJLack

I do have the money in theory - but I think I'll keep it invested for retirement!!

BlueEyes

Simply not true. If you tell the insurance company you have the parts, you'll be covered for them. Your rates may go up slightly, however.

BlueEyes

Probably not.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Get another RX-8, it's pretty obvious you still really care for them.

IF you can get the Shinka under invoice, then I think you should go with that. (isn't it great to know ppl in the auto industry?!)

Keep us posted as to what you decide to do...you definitely deserve to be happy after what happened to your last car.

Fanman

Go for the new Shinka. I saw the new 06' color it is amazing. I would think about trading in my car for it. Like a nice metallic burgandy color. Especially if you can get a good deal on it.

YT1300

As much as I love my RX-8, I'd have to say that if you can reach that far, a used 911 rules all.

BunnyGirl

Go for the Shinka. Assuming someone at Mazda actually had a clue when they answered, the new Shinka should be out the end of April to early May. Of course, you will get a different answer each time you ask because everyone seems to have a different idea about what's going on with building and availability schedules for the RX-8 in general, seeing as I got answers ranging from January through summer for when the regular RX-8 will be available.

truemagellen

3 rotor conversion can be had for under 10K now