robertw

hey whats up im new to this forum and i am having a bit of a dilema. im looking for a new car and went car shopping yesterday and im looking to spend around 20-22k. i test drove a 04 rx-8 with nav and the appearance package and i loved the car. i also drove the 07 si and liked that car. i really like the rx-8 more since it is rear wheel drive and more fun to whip around, im just not sure it would be a good car as an everyday driver. i dont mind the bad gas mileage its the other things that worry me. reliability is important as it will be my only vechicle, and thats where the problem is. honda is awsome when it comes to reliability but im not a big fan of fwd. the performance of the cars is pretty close the rx-8 being alittle quicker. if i get the rx-8 MT, it has 21,000k miles and dealer was asking 19k for it what are some things i should consider before jumping into a rotary car? any major things i should think about, or just be aware of? is it a really high maintenace car? im only 19 so this is a big jump in a car and i dont want to be in the shop every week because something is wrong, i hadnt heard about the rotaries being unreliable i waould already own the car, im just conserned, and i want a fun reliable sporty car. thanks

playdoh43

rx8

map

Out of those two I'd get the Si because it's new, and the 04 was the first model year (but really I'd get a GTI not an Si). However comparing a new Si to a new RX8, I'd spend the couple thousand extra for a base RX8. It's so much more car for only a little more money when you consider rebates and last year's model pricing.

eriznik

The 8 is a great car. It nicely blends performance with every day drivability. The handling is great. Here are the key points to consider:

Make sure the dealer has performed the recall before you buy it.

Are you willing to keep a close eye on your oil and add more as needed. The 8 burns oil and you have to add a little now and then. This is not a flaw in the car, it is a part of the design of the rotary.

Personally, I feel the car is quite reliable. I have had only one problem with mine and it appeared to be a fluke. I have not encountered or heard of anyone else having the same problem (strut failure are 2k miles). The dealership fixed it in a day and haven't had anyproblems since.

It's rear wheel drive.

It's fun.

Everything else is secondary.

Buy the 8.

CarAndDriver

Civic Si - you'll be stylin' in it.

khtm

man that's tough to read...ever heard of the "Enter" key?

CarAndDriver

^+1

He's 19. Be hAPpY tHaT iT WaSNt TyPeD liKE tHis tOo dUdE.

Trekk

If you plan to mod the crap out of a car or try to drag it go for the Si.
I think my rx8 is a blast to drive and I love it for that. I'm not tring to when races day to day, just need to get to work. I have a 360deg off ramp near my house, when it's empty I like to fly down it at about 50mph and feel the G's pulling on my body. It feels so solid Im sure I could up the speed even more, but I'm not crazy.
Sometimes my g/f makes me drive her mazda3 around for her and it quickly reminds me how great the rx8 is.

no dice

Get an si, i dont want you ******* up my insurance rates when you turn DSC off and wreck it.

robertw

unless you live MA, i dont think you'd be affected if i crashed.

no dice

insurance rates are based off of national averages. The more children that wreck their rx8s, the more statistical insurance claims, the higher the national insurance rate. If you dont believe me, go check how much it costs to insure common ricer cars, 240sx, prelude, civic, RSX, integra, etc etc..

CarAndDriver

Definitely get a Civic. You'll be more popular with your friends. Please!!!!!!!

Dinhx8

calmdown dude



robert- to answer your question- i'd say get the Si. Good first car and plenty fast. Plus its brand spanking new.

Or , as another poster who said ifyou really love the 8, maybe spring a few more g's and get an 06 end of year clearance or something.

no dice

I am calm, is there something wrong with me saying what on my mind? I know half the forum is thinking it, im just saying it..

Dinhx8

well, your use of f*cking didn't seem calm at first. And no, im not worried about a kid in Ma making my insurance go up.

there's so many mitigating factors, and I doubt half this forum is worried about it.

SayNoToPistons

iTrader: (8)

Please... do some research... THeyre completely different cars...

AdRoCK3217

When I saw the title, this popped into my head also!!


If you are even COMPARING the two, get the Si. You obviously lack the knowledge of what the RX8 is...it certainly can't be compared with an Si.

sunilseru

get the si. your total cost of ownership would be significantly lower than the rx-8 - mostly because of the difference in resale value. that's what I would do if I was 19.

SayNoToPistons

iTrader: (8)

Ding ding. Sorry, but seriously. if youre comparing the rx6 with a si you should get the si... FWD is more forgiving for um... people. Dont forget its more reliable and gets better mile ot the gallon

Xantium

The si is more your demographic...

CarAndDriver

Si Si Si. It's calling your name.

TomAssBender

Its surprising how many "should I get an RX8?" threads come up, and how harsh a reaction we usually give people who are considering purchasing THE SAME CAR WE DID.

They may be different cars as far as mechanics and the badge on the back, but it sounds like you are looking for something that is fast/fun to drive with a little functionality behind it. Which makes the rx8 a good consideration.

A lot of what people have barked at you is pretty true, especially the cost of ownership.

Is this your first car? Or simply the first car you are buying where you have a choice? Do you like X-Men a lot? if so, get the RX-8

I cant speak to reliability, as I've only had mine for 4 months. There aren't a lot of mods to dump money in to and expect big gains, but there are plenty of ways to spend money on an RX-8.

I would definitely seek out a "new off the lot" or low mileage 05 or maybe an 06 if I were you. I got a loaded (everything but the nav and appearance package) 05 for $23k before the 07s came out. From what I understand, a new Si is at least that. Actually, look around on this forum for people selling their cars, there are some great deals on here.

I think a lot of people who are on this forum would say bottom line is if you get the civic, you'll be driving a civic, like everybody else in the world. You get the rx-8, and you are one of a kind (sort of). And once you get an rx-8, you earn the right to obnoxiously bark at other people who are considering buying the car.

Oh, I don't know if you mentioned this, but dont bother with an RX-8 if you're going to get an AT

CarAndDriver

The Civic Si is much better for a younger person--more mod potential.

RX8Dragon

I really dont know why people expect a objective answer from here, Of course the majority are going to vouch for the car they own...I wonder what the Si owner forum thread he presummably made looks like?

SlowLude

Part of the reason is cuz NO ONE EVER SEARCHES!!! I don't care if you're comparing the 8 to a 350Z or to your mom, the good and bad points have been discussed a million times before. Just search, evaluate the pros and cons and make a decision.