Only the buttons on the Homelink mirror

Having an RX-8 is a love and want to hate kind of relationship. Pay out the ass for EVERYTHING, but the driving experience is worth it. You drop $1,000 for a transmission repair at a time when you are saving up to get the Ninja 300. But you hop in and drop the clutch after not driving her for a week, all the bad feelings melt away and are replaced by pure driving bliss. The feel of the car is absolutely remarkable! Every single thing is transmitted back to you so you can make more confident decisions behind the wheel. From the way the tires tell you the condition of the road and how much traction you have to work with, to the way the clutch pedal changes pressure and feeds you little vibrations about where the friction point is based on the speed and engine RPM.

Throw in that the car gives you the confidence to drive it however because it does tell you everything that is going on. The car allows you to place it wherever you want it to go, almost a telepathic type of connection, truly. Driving position is just about perfect. Everything you need is right within reach, the wheel, the pedals, the shifter. Visibility is great too, and if you are tall enough, you can see the fender arches which help you position the car easier as well.

The car is one of those few cars that make you feel as though it is an honor to drive it. Not a right because you have the pink slip to it (they actually are pink, ironically), but because it is just so special, you feel as though you are honored to drive it. 2 years in and I still love the car, adore the car! I can guarantee it to you that your RX-8 will become more than just a car, it will become its own entity and you will fall in love with it.

And that brings me to what I tell everyone that tells me my RX-8 is an unreliable piece of shit money pit: You would understand if you ever drove one.

P.S. One last word of advice. Some people will call this excessive, but check your oil level EVERY fill up. Just to make sure you always know how much oil you have, and keep it at the full line or close to it. And use only dinosaur non-synthetic oil, NEVER full synthetic. Synthetic blends are fine, that is what the dealerships use.

Op should buy a Honda

Is it noticable?

Oh god you guys are driving me insane! the temptation to buy this is off the hook! :D
Yeah it's a true honor for me to drive this. It's actually a privilege. I know now that this car is comfortable and reliable (when you maintain it properly). It's fast and it looks amazing. That's all I ever wanted. I'm buying this. I might end up bankrupt buying this. It's not exactly a family car but I'll be using it as a family car. My friends will tease me for buying a slow car. Nvm. It's fast for me! I might waste all my cash on maintaining it. But it doesn't matter. At least I'll have it. And if I run out of gas, I'll go in the bus. At least I can sit in it and... Chill <3 if it won't start, I'll stay at home. I can look at it more. it's such a beautiful car.
I'll treat it as a sports car. Use it a few times a week. Take it out on Sundays for a blast down a back road. Keep it inside a garage, under a cover. Yeah. I'll look like James Bond :D

No ugly Hondas. This is the car for me :D

My 6sp auto has never had ANYTHING rattle under or in the cabin.

It has 2 smart credit card keys that you put in your pocket with a real key that slips out for the valet.

I've wondered what the valet purpose is since I used it when the car was new and the battery ran down. I don't think I left a light on; I figured it was checking stuff and the alarm wasn't set.

Any way I'm one of those "OLD FARTS" since I'm 60 years old and crippled, but I go to the track 2- 4 times a year in spring and fall, and drive it 120 mph every once in a while to test it.

My car doesn't "eat oil", rattle, smoke, leak fluids, or break very often.

Most of the guys in this club are not average car owners.They mostly drive the piss outta the car, and do free research and development like they are OCD or something.

Now the real exotics like Ferrari, Lambo, BMW, Mercedes have dealerships that expect you to be able to pay the limit on repairs very often.

Mazda cars are real world cars that are made to be trouble free and low maintenance.

This car is designed to burn oil by design

And to OP

JUST BUY IT ALREADY

yeah, yeah, yeah, it burns oil by design, but my 1/2 quart every 2,000 miles doesn't make it much more special than any other car.

I had a few American Pickups that used a quart every 700-800 miles from new to 175,000 miles.

Interesting dream you are chasing dude,

If you get the Spirit R, send me your rims and I'll send mine!

Thanks!

I would suggest NSX but that would be one less for me :P

you may wanna get that checked out

OP should buy a Camry

OP should buy a Camry, I should buy a 787B

How did I miss this post!

Have you ever driven any of the cars you mentioned there?

I guess not :)

I know sir. You have a good car because you take good care of it. So it doesn't rattle. That's another question down. Guess it's a well built car then :) another reason to buy it! :D I've never had a car with a key that looks like a credit card. Must be pretty cool!

Haha I'm buying it man. I'm considering an automatic now.

Haha those rims look ugly in gold bro. Seriously. The gun metal ones in the R3 look way better IMO :) And I'm not trading :P

Dude an NSX would cost a fortune!! (Probably)

Camry????? :crying:

No I haven't. But I've read plenty of reviews on them. Most say that Lamborghinis are harsh. Porsches tend to be a bit more comfortable but not more than Astons. The RX-8 is more comfortable than the 350Z.

And I'm really sorry about the late replies. Assignments are killing me haha.

Btw, to all 6 speed automatic rx8 owners with "6 port" engines out there, what's the fastest 0-60 time you've got? I can't seem to find any automatic RX-8 videos on YouTube with the newer 6 port engine. All of them are 4 port ones.
And since the new autos have 6 port engines, will there be a huge difference in acceleration compared to the manual? I know the automatic will be slower, but is it night and day like some people say?

Stop.

Dude just buy your dream Prius already

My Grandpa still races his RX-7 and he came to the dealership with me to pick up my 8. I let him drive it and he burned out going out of the parking lot. When he got back he had no words but just a big smile on his face. LOL

OP read the new to rx8 thread , i wouldnt buy an automatic RX-8 or automatic Rotary powered vehicle because it takes away from some of the fun of having an RX just my opinion ... I have 1 automatic vehicle and thats the 2010 mazda 3 sport ...the only time we drive it is for long trips or when we are feeling lazy...

Manual only. Do not get an automatic!

All the autos since 2006 have been 6spd with 6ports.

A manual might do 0-60 in 6.3 seconds depending on how you beat on it, but my auto at 7 seconds seems fast enough.

The 6spd auto never misses a shift and has approx the same power up to 7k rpm when it shifts. The main difference in manual power is that you can hit 9k rpm.

"Auto" is an emotional buzz word for some people.

No, you will never get equivalent power to the wheels with the same motor with a manual transmission. You have a torque converter to say the least. A equivalent manual will without a doubt shit on an auto, day in day out. BTW, 5.7sec is the fastest recorded for a 6spd manual RX-8, by C&D I believe. Granted it was a 6000 rpm drop.

With that said. Why isn't this thread locked yet? It's one of the longest going, repetitive, and unproductive discussion thread to date. Lots of misinformation to boot also.

I 2nd locking this thread as well!

As much as I've posted in this thread, 3rd that! Lock that bitch up!

Don't lock this thread yet...i think its getting interesting...

So this guy comes here with a dream , and all several of you have done is shit in "his thread"!

He didn't say anything against the rules, but several guys have accused him of being young so he'll tear it up.

I think the OP is a breath of fresh air, and he didn't ask if you can abuse it by dumping clutch at 6krpm.

His questions were along the line of a nice luxurious quiet GT car which it can be if left stock.

Too many haters in the world; if you don't like the questions in someones own thread then, don't read them.

Very easy.

There is indeed lots of repetitive information, and therein by, going nowhere. That is the main reason. I've said it, and 6 other people have said it, buy the car. Dishes are done. Next thread

Close the thread.

I'm sure in a years time we will have a "any engine re-builders in Shi Lanka?" thread anyway

What? Shit in his thread? The thread was shit to begin with.

He didn't ask about abusing cars with clutch dumps. He did bring up 0-60 times. So, it's irrelevant for you to even bring up anything about abuse.

Everything he has asked can already be searched with ease. Hell, he doesn't want to search? Okay, post in the non-flaming thread for noobs.

Might as well have him ask us what the color red looks like on the RX-8 and how the texture of the seats feel too. He practically asked about everything else already.

I'm so sorry for the late reply guys.

Say what? :/

I'm buying it I'm buying it! I'm just considering the automatic now. Chill! :(

I know. The automatic is less fun. But it's easier to live with right? And I don't always have to "work" haha.

Ok :/ a lotta people seem to hate the automatic.

Exactly! To get the best out of the manual, you have to work it! You gotta time to shifts precisely. In the automatic, you just floor it... That's it. When you wanna have fun, you just shift into manual mode and keep on flipping pedals :D you're so right about the "never misses a shift" part sir. The manual is "hard work" haha. It's fun and all. But it gets annoying when you just want to cruise. It gets more annoying in traffic.

Won't doing a 6000 RPM drop damage the engine? :sad: anyways, apart from being 0.7 seconds slower than the manual RX-8, there really isn't much more to it right? It's the same car and all? I don't mind being slightly slower. I won't be drag racing or anything in this. I'll just cruise in it... and maybe floor it occasionally. Just to get away from traffic. For that, the automatic is more than enough.

Uhh I don't know about why this isn't locked. You guys are the big shots here. Y'all decide.
I agree that this thread is kind of a hit :D but yeah, it's repetitive. Then again, Isn't that how threads are supposed to be? You talk about something over and over again, taking in everyone's opinion and finally making a decision :)

Thank you :)

That won't happen for at least 5 years sir :)

Not to be rude or anything, but I didn't find a single thread on how comfortable the RX-8 is compared to family cars. That's the whole point of creating this thread. To compare the ride to that of a family car.
I do a lot of searching. A lot of people have talked about how comfortable the RX-8 is. A lot have compared the ride with other cars too. But those cars were 350Zs and mustangs and all "other sports cars". Trust me, if I found what I was looking for, I wouldn't have asked.

I asked about the automatic because nobody seems to talk about it. It's always manual manual manual. I didn't know the automatic's actual 0-60 time. I haven't found any "proper" videos on 0-60 times of 6 ports on YouTube either. I DID google sir. But I didn't find any solid evidence. Sorry if this thread is a pain

This is actually my first post. To everyone out there, I'm not one of those idiots that ask about stuff that can be easily answered by a simple google search. I've asked these questions coz I haven't found any answers.
I actually wanted to ask about the maximum tire width of the rear wheels, but I'm not. Because I'm pretty sure it's already been answered. See, I don't ask about stuff that have been answered :)

Not yet! This thread has some boost left...

Check your Private messages in top right corner.

Regarding the original topic...

One of the many reasons I wanted an RX-8 is because it was the best riding GT car out there. The ride on just about anything else in its class just seemed to beat you up. I recently rode in a friend's late model Mustang and was horrified at how harshly it rode. The RX-8 spring/shock rates are the perfect compromise between ride quality and handling. This is a feature that many automotive reviewers have also mentioned.

Good point. I don't know of many comparisons between these two cars despite their similar practical utility as people movers - sports car vs economy car is not exactly the most common trade.

My wife owned a Mazda 3s for several years before I got my 8. Stock to stock, the two are comparable in terms of suspension firmness and road noise. That being said, the 3 is sometimes criticized (in the US) for having a stiff suspension for a family car. But it is rated highly for low road noise in its price range.

The impressive part of the comparison is how much better the handling and control aspects are for the 8 without requiring a super stiff ride. And say goodbye to the 3's torque steer too.

I took my wife to a dealer for a test drive to prove the 8 would work fine for us (+1 child). She was wanting to sell her 3 for an SUV, and I was only willing to sell my non turbo RX-7 if I got an 8. It has been 2 years since we changed our vehicles, and we have no regrets.

Also, I would not lower the car or run summer tires if you don't want to give up some comfort.


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Stock ride is a bit firm - like everyone said it's preference. Go test drive an 8 near you, even if you do not plan on buying that one.

Also - lucky you to have nice rich parents - ask them if they can adopt me (i'm only 21 so it wont be too bad).

Did you buy it yet?

From a new owner of a 2010 sport... the ride is fine, but not as comfortable as a regular family car. Comparing to a 335i, well the 335i is quiet, luxurious and smooth (after you swap out the run flats), but that car is 1.5x the price and does not handle as well. Comparing to a regular Mazda3, noise is probably in the same range, ride is a little more jiggly (you feel small bumps more), larger bumps, dips are fine. There is a bit more impact feel and noise over cracks and sharp edges - probably mainly a factor of what tires are fitted.

Essentially, the ride is good for a sports car with the reactions this car has, but not like that of a luxury GT car or a regular family car with much slower reactions.

Maintenance. It will cost more to run than a regular car. Less to run than a more expensive luxury car. Just be prepared for the fuel economy. The other stuff you need to stay on top of, but is not that expensive in the scheme of things.

Accommodation. I am 5ft11, and of slim build. I can sit behind myself in the car. I can fit a rear facing car seat and still fit in the front passenger seat as long as I don't slouch. BUT it is cozy. The footwell and shoulder room is more cramped width wise than normal cars. It also does feel a little claustrophobic in the back compared to a sedan, there's less of a view out. HOWEVER, there is no other car like this that can fit 4, or rear facing child seats, that drives like this car does for anywhere near the price.

All in, this car is a brilliant compromise between utility and sports car handling. It won't be as comfortable as a regular car, but it does handle like a sports car :-)

Oh, and get the manual!

One final note: the R3 will be firmer than the sport. Also the recaro seats apparently don't fit so well if you have a bit of spare weight around your waist. You can tune things with aftermarket tires, suspension, seats...

well congrats on getting a new 8 and everything, but I just wanted to chime in on the "engine wont give me any trouble because its new" part lol.

I have an S1 (which are the models that experienced far more mechanical/engine related issues than the following models, but nonetheless) which actually had to have its engine replaced with a reman while it was still on the dealer's lot! Then 50k after that again!

So I know that you think because its new you wont have any catastrophic issues, which is probably true, but it IS possible. Take it with a grain of salt and know what your plan of action is. Trust me, any one on this forum can attest to all my posts about being excited about the 8 and then once I got it having a crapload of problems. I spent 5k+ within the past year on parts fixing things and breaking things trying to learn how to fix them!

You can take everything being said here in this thread into consideration, but ultimately it is going to be your decision. I am turning 20 in less than a month and I just recently got an 05 RX8 GT, and I did extensive research on it, and still am, but I know all of the mandatory stuff. It is a great car, you treat it well and it will treat you well. So if you want it as bad as you show us, then get it.

I also learned how to drive manual on this car, was excellent.


Good Luck.

Hey peeps. I have been away from this forum for quite a while. I thought I'd give you guys an update, even though this thread has been long dead :P

After 2 long years of searching Japanese auctions, messing with local car dealers and authorities, I finally bought myself an RX-8 Spirit R. I couldn't be happier. I got my childhood dream car.

To anyone who's looking for the definitive verdict, YES, the RX-8 rides stiffer than the Mazda 3, but they're not too far off. I could go on about this, but I doubt any of the original posters are still keeping an eye on this thread. If anyone of you guys see this, please drop a reply :)

Let's see some pix!

Let's trade rims! My gun metal R3's for your gold Spirit R's!!!

Congrats on getting in one, it's been a long time coming apparently!

You better post photos of the Spirit R!

without pix it didn't happen.

It's good to be back as an owner
 

Haha it's so nice to talk to you guys again. Honestly, I had given up on the RX-8 dream because I couldn't find a 2013 and newer car to import. We can't import cars that are older than 1 year. But I somehow got it and have been smiling ever since.

Gravy, mine is an auto. It came with 18 inch dark gunmetal wheels. You wouldn't want to exchange your wheels with mine :P

Haha I knew someone would ask for pics. Here's a pic of the car when I just got it. It was a surprise, hence the car cover.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...18b02a1094.jpg

Beautiful car ... just gorgeous.
Enjoy it and drive the piss outta it!

Thanks man! Haha I always baby it. I only take it to redline because I want to keep the engine healthy lol.

Too bad you didn't get the Spirit R, but at least you got an 8!

And yeah you're right, you can keep your stock 18's! ;p

RX-8 comfort (ride quality)
 

That IS a Spirit R :P

Looks like a Sport to me due to lack of fog lights.