Road trip, RX-8 or civic?
 

Ya so in 2 weeks I'm going on VACA to the carribean but I have to drive from Central NY to Ohio to pick my buddy up and then we're driving down to Florida where we're flying out of Orlando with my other buddy down there. I'm having a hard time deciding on which car I want to take. The 8 I've had for 3 weeks or my 97 civic I've kept to use as a winter car. If I drive the 8 I have so much more comfort, speed, and I'd say it's probably 10 times less likely to break down. But with the 8 I get worse mileage, risk the chance of something happening to the car I adore (not to mention I have to leave it at my buddy's house alone for the 2 weeks we're gone) and it requires (as u all know) alot more TLC while on the road.

I just want to get some opinions on what others might do in a similar situation. I've already drove the civic to Ohio and back and it sucked. It's uncomfortable and has pretty much lost alot of acceleration since I've had it. But I'm allocating most of my MOD money to the 8 so I refuse to fix anything on the civic unless it's something critical. Thanks for any insight!

'Vic.

I would say figure out the difference in the cost of fuel you are going to use by taking the 8 vs the civic. Then decide if the extra comfort and fun is worth the extra cost.

I don't think the 8 really takes that much more taking care of on the road than a civic. Just check your oil every once in awhile.

I would take the Civic. The 8 is meant to be "driven" not cruised. With gas prices the way they are and the fact you will have other people in the car, the Civic seems to be the better choice for this trip.

I've taken my 8 on several road trips and besides checking the oil every once in a while, it required no special care that I can think of (unless you consider keeping it at sane speeds special care). The RX-8 is all about road trips and unless your worried about the cost of gas (I achieved a 23-24 mpg at highway speeds at 80mph and above) or interior room, I wouldn't hesitate to take it at all. The seats hold up well to long distances, the driving position never wore me out and the engine doesn't drone or wheez even w/ after market exhaust. As razor sharp as the steering is, the car isn't darty on the highway and will track straight and true all day long with no effort. The A/C shouldn't have a problem keeping you cool at highway speeds in those hot climates. If you've already taken the Civic on a road trip and didn't enjoy it then the decision is a no-brainer. Everyone that has an RX-8 should at least take it on one lengthy road trip to see how good it is for this sort of thing. I'd kick my self for setting off on a road trip in any other car knowing my 8 was left behind.

Rent a Toyota Yaris and beat the F@&*k out of it. No need to "prep" (maintenance) this car for such a journey, with the beat up civic u would. Save ur other cars the wear and tear. Cant take you more than a few days to make that drive (as long as u take turns), spend $30 a day to have a car that gets great gas mileage and that you dont have to worry about breaking down.

I mean c'mon, ur already spending good $ on the trip, why not throw a couple extra bux into the security of a rental? Split up between the others it would be negligable. Thats a ton of mileage to put on ur 8, along with all the weight and baggage. No way i would make this trip in MY 8, no way in hell.

lol, "beat the fu&*k out of a yaris" that made me laugh. :lol: But the only thing is rental car companies as far as I know are anal about taking the car out of state and charge alot for doing so.

Richter u got me wanting to take the 8 though for real. Plus my Dad down in Florida who I'll be visiting wants to see it. As much as I keep trying to convince myself to not take the 8 I keep finding more and more reasons to take it.......:banghead:

Are you serious???

You said you have to go from NY to OH and then OH to FL.
You said just the NY to OH part sux in the Honda.
Why would you even consider 4 times that far in an old POS when you have the 8?

You bought it to drive, drive it. If something happens to it, that is why you have insurance. If you are worried about leaving it at your buddy's house, pay to store it somewhere or use his garage.

Saw your new post - your Dad wants to see it, leave it with him - let him get some frins for two weeks and he can take care of it for you

There is no way a 97 Honda POS would beat out the 8 for this trip.

Gas mileage isn't a big deal, if you can afford to be gone for two weeks what is the big deal about a gas mileage difference.

Even though I love my 8 I'd rather take my mothers Civic. Cheaper on gas, more room for people and crap. I also wouldn't want to put the miles on my 8 as compared to the civic. Civic FTW

Take the 8, Get to know your car better since you've only had it for 3 weeks.

I'd, personally, take my 8. Then again, I've already been on a trip with it, so that makes the decision a bit easier.

LOL we're making about much progress here as the great syn vs. dino oil debate. I'm leaning towards the 8 I think, I mean I have a sweet warranty from the dealer on it not to mention the Mazda warranty and full coverage with progressive......... Only thing I really have a question about if I do take the 8 is.........I was planning on getting my TAnabe GF springs installed before I went; good or bad idea? As long as I get a good alignment shouldn't be an issue right?

I agree, with the rental. Enterprise has unlimited mileage and a great selection of cars. Just talk to an agent and tell them what you are looking for. You can turn it in probably close to where you will be boarding, and then have another reserved for when you return. It'll save you money in between on fuel, wear and tear not only on the engine but your tires as well. As long as you both have Credit cards you both can drive, and make the trip easily.

Hey I have had mine two whole days. I am going to Denver in 3 weeks (from Dallas) and you can bet it is making the trip. I have a 2 seater that I took on a 2400 mile road trip a month or so ago it was a blast.

Take the 8, you will have a great time. Unless you bought it to look at :-)

rent a prius. you might not look in a wedge of cheese but it'll save you money. But i would drive my 8 if it was me though.

I am driving my 8 from MA to FL at the end of july... im not worried about it.

lol and I thought I had far to drive.

Since the purpose of the trip is not to pick up chicks or look cool, just to get from point A to point B, and the savings alone in gas might get you a cheap mod, why drive the 8?

Not that it is bad to drive on long trips. I've taken long trips with it and no problems, except sometimes finding enough space for your stuff can be hard.

like i said, dont worry about it, check oil levels often and bring a few quarts of oil and youll be good

i'd take the civic.

OK, I have had mine a 2 whole days and I keep hearing worry/don't worry.

So what is the REAL deal on the oil? I hear up to 1 quart every other tank - some say more some say less.

Sorry about the thread hijack.

hmm if its just a trip to get to point A to b with no fun involve, then i would take the civic.

You may have wanted to do some research before buying this car!:spank:

09rx8,

Just check your oil every other fill up or three. You may find you don't use as much as others. I know for a fact my dealer over fills mine a little...they are taught to on the 8's but it's not like doing it on a piston engine, since it's easily consumed. I Might use 1/2 quart between oil changes but I have mine done religiously at 3000 miles, and it is recommended by probably 90% of the knowledgeable people on this board. I also DILISI....period, and have no problems.

I bought my car in Ohio and had to drive it back to NYC... 550 mile trip. WELL worth it, got to know my car by the time I got home that day. I filled up 2 times. 1 of which was when I was in NJ and just wanted to fill up with the cheap gas before driving into NY.