jimbo_gixxer

hmmm...

today i test drove the 2004 RX-8. Hooker Red Exterior with a Black and Red Leather GT package. i was pleasantly surprised! i have been an American Muscle Car Freak since my kiddie years (i've owned an 89 Mustang GT...) i'm patienly awaiting the arrival of the new 2004/2005 Ford Mustang and considering buying a turn-key Shelby Cobra replica-car. my ballpark is under $40K. but now (this maybe hard to believe thanks to a Japanese Anime: Initial D) i'm considering something from the land of the rising sun. i've been aching to drive something "sporty" with performance and looks. i think i may have found it in the RX-8! to begin - the car has unique looks. i've grown to like the suicide "free-style" doors. these doors were initially a deal breaker but overall the car has sharp aggressive sports-car-like lines everywhere evocative of the Dodge Viper, which appeals to my am-muscle car aesthetics. it does not look like a sports-sedan like the IS 300 or WRX STI or LanEvo or RSx.

i wanted to see if something with only 80 cubic inches / 1.3 liters of displacement would satisfy my need for speed and the RX-8 seems to feed as much as you can take upto the 9000 rpm redline. it's like spooling up my motorcycle! i didn't get to test the car in any spirited corners. however i got to drive the car (please don't flame me) 100+ on the 101 freeway. the car hauls @$$!!! i could not believe i could be going 70+ in third gear and still have room to accelerate! it's small nimble and manueverable. perfect for negotiating (ie weaving) Northern California traffic.

but the RX-8 also has very nice road manners when spirited driving is not required. quiet interior, sufficient feedback from the road, and a 70 mph cruising speed at about 3K rpms. the RX-8 seems to satisfy some basic practical needs like fuel efficiency (1.3L rotary engine) and seating for upto 4 full grown adults.

CONS:
1) suicide doors are kinda funky and not for everyone.
2) small engine: naturally aspirated (NA) 1.3 L 238HP / 157 ft lbs torque
3) no turbo option
4) new engine / new platform
5) service at Mazda is unknown (i own a Lexus and i "LOVE" Lexus service)
6) price tag is between $30-35K fully loaded, which leave many competitors to consider
7) small 7+ cubic feet of trunk space

i'm still on the fence...it's only been less than half a day since i've seen this car. i can imagine this in my garage... i hope someone convinces me out of this car...

mikeb

It looks like you have the answer already
you liked cons but no pros

jimbo_gixxer

hey mike-
thanks for your post. i'm still debating. doing my research. this forum is excellent regarding RX8 info and feedback. my pros do exist however they are buried in the section above the numbered "cons".

it would almost be a no brainer if there were a RENSIS RX-7 or a RX-8 Turbo OEM...


so why did you choose the RX-8? any compelling reasons? thx...

Squidward

being that you are an american muscle car fan, you have to realize the RX-8 doesn't have the same numbers or straight line performance as high-HP v8's and such...

but if that doesn't bother you, then definitely get the car, because it has SOOOOO much more to offer..

Appreciate the RX-8 for what it *IS* and don't fool yourself for things which the car isn't.

The RX-8 IS:

beautiful inside and outx

unique. definitely very different from any other car, IMO. Enough heads have been turned for me to validate this for myself.

plenty powerful.. has enough pep for passing up most cars.

handles wonderfully.. just about the one attribute about this car that sets itself above the rest in its class, so observed by all the major car publications.

a sportscar (it looks like a sportscar, it feels like a sportscar.. it's a sportscar, end of story.)

a sedan (seats four full size adults.)

rotary engined auto that has a very unique sound.. too quite for some, music for most owners, especially in the upper RPM ranges.

very quiet. unless you push the engine, the car is VERY quiet.. As or more quiet than expensive german luxury autos like the BMW's and Audi's.

smoooooooth.. you got that feeling on your first test drive...

economically sound investment. best bang for the buck, for sure....

The RX8 ISN'T:

a racecar. it isn't blistering in stright-line performance. many souped up imports can "kill" this car. but don't let that bother you, because their cars can't even compare in so many other ways. for me, the same comparison would be a porsche being beat by a motorcycle.. you can always find something to get ahead of another vehicle. But that doesn't necessarily make it "better".

for boring people. being a cool-cat with some taste is a prerequisite for ownership.

a luxury car.. for you materialistic, superficial people, sorry but even if it does compare to the luxury cars in terms of design and style, it's still not a luxury car.. doesn't give off the "I'm rich" feeling that ,say, an SL500 exudes (an equally if not more beautiful car). Interior fit and finish is a far cry from "luxury", IMO. Albeit is better than most economically sound cars... it's a Mazda.. a damn nice looking one, but nonetheless, a Mazda.. Yes, I'd feel damn good driving an 2003 SL500, even if it doesn't go 0-60 as fast...

a sipper.. it's a guzzler. (so you've heard??) I get 16mpg right now.. turning off DSC/TCS takes it up a couple of points at best. btw I use 87 octane.

for the lazy... you might have gotten away with missed oil changes in your previous pistoned engine car, but according to our resident rotary experts, this one will definitely pay the price for poor maintenance.

mikeb

I bought the rx8 because---
rotary engine
also unlike the 350z and infinti g35 I was considering the rx8 will turn people's heads
also I love the way the rx8 looks,drives, handles

Spin9k

IMO this is exactly why you would buy this car. This is what a rotary is all about

So IF you like THAT, you'll never get tired of driving a rotary!

mmjames

I know this car has so many things that are different than most. I really enjoy the fact that worldwide this is a very unique car.

But to my surprise and truth be told, it was the four-seat capacity that sold this for me. As a family man find a better four-seat sports car on the market.

If I were looking at two-seaters I just don't know if I would have got this one. I probably would have got a 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster or a viper.

But for a family of four, like mine, FOUR seats are very powerful. Right now if you want a sports car and have a family this is the best car.

cruzdreamer

This car is awesome from inside and out and is unique......it performs awesomely and I was surrounded by people talking to them about it on a Sunday when the dealer was closed and I could not control my excitement in my voice as I spoke to them about it. I still have yet to get mine...due in mid to late October. The freestyle doors are awesome....easy to get my son in and out and my husband and I fit in the back comfortably...we were sold! What a concept....looks, a true 4 seater, a trunk, exceptional handling, rotary w/ a cool sound, two tone leather, 3d looking dash that changes color, audio pilot, rotary accents, cool headlights and taillights, awesome ways to customize this car, cool alloys, heated seats, navigation, black glass looking dash, need I say more????? 2005 Mustang is sweet, too.....all a matter of what you are really looking for!

klegg

I love the car, because it is so diffrent then anything else out there. It really is a show car, only actually in production. only other car with this kind of visual appeal is the crossfire, but no back seats, no rotary, and I loath the interior!

mine is red, red/blk interior, and I feel like I am getting into a ferrari every time I drive it!

BTW, I get about 18 mph, and have not had any of the problems listed by some. Mine is a first shipment car.

Did I mention the rotary?!

rotarymagic

You drove the 6-speed MT, right? 70 MPH cruising is more around 4000 RPM, not 3000 RPM. At 60 MPH, the RPM is exactly 3100 RPM according to my experience and car magazines.

rotarymagic

I chose the RX-8 because:

1. Great Handling
2. Great Braking
3. Great Looks
4. Fairily fast (Faster than most other cars on the road)
5. Interior materials and finish
6. Exterior Finish
7. Curb appeal
8. Price
9. Transmission
10. High Redline


And the list goes on

The only other car I considered for this price (34900) fully loaded, was an Infiniti G35 Sedan and Coupe. These car both a little more expensive though, but also have similar performance.

graphicguy

If you're on the fence, go with your gut feeling. I compared the Z/G cars to this car. Every time I got out of the Z/G I always found things I liked about the RX8 better.

More pros....

-Rotary is one of the best sounding cars on the road.
-Great stereo
-probably the best combination of sports and comfort I've found in any car
-to get significantly better all around performance, you are going to have to spend significantly more money (I think the next rung up the performance ladder would most likely be a Corvette)
-best steering/shifting/clutch action I've found short of a Porsche
-my MPG is dead on what the MSRP says it should be
-useable power from 2K RPM all the way up to its redline at 9K RPM
-Can be used as a daily driver (try that in a Viper)
-Not boring to look at (like the Acuras)
-the most readable, gorgeous set of guages I've seen in any car

I could go on, but you get the drift.

mikeb

amen
its nice to hear owners saying pros about the 8

klegg

Can we bounce this A#@hole, he is just posting this on every thread!!!!

RX-8 Zoomster

Agree! How about it Moderator? Enough is enough!

Genom

Well, I did NOT buy the fully loaded version. I got a Sport package with spoiler and spare tire and only paid 29K. Why on earth would I spend an extra 5-6K for a car that is marginally faster on a race track? I am NOT a racer. I needed a car i could drive everyday and enjoy the crap out of. I test drove pretty much everything in the 22 to 35K range over about 6 months while deciding. I did at least 2 test drives on each car, and in some cases 3 if I liked it. the only cars I did 3 drives in where the 350Z and the S2000. I liked both cars for certain things, and disliked them for others. And in the end I was sold on the RX-8 after only 1 test drive. I was fully aware of all issues surrounding the car since I didnt pre-order it and was on the forums for a few weeks before buying it (no dealer had cars for test drives at the time).

I love the rotary engine design for what it is. I'm an engineer so what can I say, I have a brain. I loved the cars feel, I loved the interior, the 2 extra seats kick *** too. Today I was out and about with my fiance and another 2 friends who are both over 6 foot and they both loved the rear seats (they are pretty skinny though). I Found the look of the car to my liking. When I am cruising it's silent, when I floor it, it goes. Not as fast as some cars out there, I know. but like I said, I am NOT a racer. And it's certainly fast enough for me. Add to this the fact that I have free sevrice for the next 8 years on the car (and I plan on keeping it for a long *** time) and what can I compain about? Sure the mileage is not as high as my old Neon, but who cares? Not me!

I am convinced that with proper care the engine in this car will outlive anythign else out there, and I look forward to having some fun with it replacing some of the parts as mods apear. But not for the purpose of racing mind you. Just for the joy of it. I am going to my first AutoX event next weekend, and I believe mine will be the first RX-8 at the local chapter. Should be interesting. After I do my runs I'll probably let the local champ take it out for a spin since he already asked me about it and see what it'll do in more capable hands.

Anyways, after all this rambling, as is obvious, I enjoy my car immensly, but I am realistic and know that if your looking for something to race, this is probably not your car. If your looking for something different, then this is definitely your car.

Just dont tell the non 8 owners that you might like it since they will feel the need (as you have already seen) of making assinine comments and in general make fools of themselves, even if their car of choice isnt bad.

klegg

NAaaaa, your not my type. Hey mod, how much am I supposed to take?

Elara

None at all. Sorry we took so long.

klegg

No problem, and thank you!

P00Man

my god lol, theres criers all over these parts!!

anyway, if you drove the 8 and you liked it, despite the fact that it isnt what you normally love, i think that says a lot.

things i love about my baby

gauges
can get really good mileage if i want to
looks
interior
useable trunk
killer inside lights
great tranny/clutch
9k on the dial (10 is no problem!!)
going mach1 before you realize your foot is even on the pedal
the faster you go, the smoother it gets
silent under 4k, musical at 9
can drive off in 6th (did it on a testdrive before i learned you had to depress the stick lol)
lots of neat gadgety features (ie, windows work with key out of ignition before you open the doors)
grout sound
great handling
GREAT FUN!!

theres more...
________
California dispensary

Ike

This forum is better than most soap operas, I keep saying I come here because I love cars... But the more I think about it I love the drama, the fanboys, the trolls, I love em all. Don't feed the trolls and there would be less drama, then maybe I'll go away because all we'll have is 500 posts a day about people getting hot feet and how many miles they got on their latest tank. :p

Haris

Why do you own a lexus if your a muscle car freak. Lexus's aren't made for drag racing.

Anyways, RX8 = non muscle car. It's not made for drag race, even though you can...

ml2316

if you do a search you'll find that fuel efficiency is NOT one of its strong points. its gas mileage is below average even for a sports car.

RX8-TX

The cars are still fresh off the oven. Let some time go by.....and you'll have a totally different flavor.

Ike

I figure if I let some time go by you'll all have very very smelly feet and be fired from your jobs due to the stench, then later your families will disown you for the same reasons, then after a while your cars will be repoed. Then we'll have a bunch of angry, poor, smelly, ex RX-8 drivers walking around the streets incoherently mumbling something about straightline performance and trolls.

Ike