Rx8 advise sought.
 

Hello,

Hello fellow Rx8 fans, this is my first post on this board!:)

I'm here because I am seriously considering purchasing a new RX8. So was looking for some realistic advice from responsible owners on this vehicle.

Looking to get a 08 sport with manual, I get S plan from work and there is great cash back incentive on this model. But I have some reservations.

I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee which is paid and I've maintained well , I’ve toyed with this idea of keeping this vehicle, ( I have allot of love for it) But I’m also not really keen on the idea of dealing with two vehicles. Also keep in mind selling the Jeep would net me more money for a bigger down payment for the Rx8.

How is the Mazda for a daily driver? Would it much be worse then say a Mustang?

I know its a relativly expensive car to maintain properly and I'm prepared for that.

I live near St. Louis so the winters are relatively mild (depending on what part of the country you are from). Can I get by with it year round? I know its RWD and would need snow tires.

Any advice or opinions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Jazz

Not sure about snow, but you definitely have the right idea with getting snow tires. I daily drove mine here in FL for 2.5 years. Works like a champion for almost all daily applications. Only problem I ever had was fitting a large cooler with a passenger riding in the front seat. There was no place it would fit without either damaging some plastic or teetering on the edge of a seat. Unless you're looking to haul lumber on a daily basis, I think you'll be happy with how versatile the 8 can be.

I would not buy either if it was going to be my only ride.

I use mine as a DD and it works great..I did come from PA and the winters could get bad drove it the first winter with high performance summer directional tires and I made it but barely then just bought a beater....I hear snow tires are good personally I would keep the jeep get the 8 and in the winter/or even just the real bad snows drive the jeep...or you could get rid of the jeep big down payment and buy a cheap cheap beater for winter...either way i'm recccommending parking it in the winter because it just keeps it so much nicer without the salt on it and not taking the risk of sliding off the road and damaging something....but if you are set on driving it def get snow tires and u should b ok there are many ppl on here that drive itin the snow im sure they will chime in shortly

You know the more I think about it, Selling my Jeep is just stupid. I own it free and clear and it's a great beater already. Why would I want to punish the Rx8through a winter anyways when I have the perfect vehicle already.

I already know my answer. If I do go thorough with this I'll post pics.

Thanks,

Jazz

I won't make any friends on this Board by saying this, but the RX-8 is a BAD daily driver. I was forced to use my 8 daily when my Hyundai went down, recently. I'm getting 14mpg, and remember that's premium!

Of course, I didn't buy it to drive every day. It's my Sunday driver/ head turner/ chick magnet vehicle. It is a pure treat, which lives up to all the expectations that I had when I bought it. There's nothing like a 6 - 4 downshift-and-punch at 80 mph! I can't imagine why any of the Members spend money on new exhaust systems, because the stock one is like fine music.

There's also nothing like dropping 50 bucks at the gas station twice a week if you're doing the daily thing. And let me tell you: nothing SUCKS like being in a M/T RX-8 in a rush hour traffic jam. It's one of the greatest teases there is, and it costs money.

I suggest you get a "gas mileage" vehicle to supplement, and further appreciate the RX-8. My Honda Fit arrives on Thursday. I'm stoked!

One more question, sorry this is a big decision for me.

Would you guys recommend I go for the 08 with the 3500 cash back or hold out to see if any incentives come out for an 09 in the next couple mothes?

Believe me I want to drive one now, but I think I can hold out if the improvements are worth it.

wait for the 09....itll be more reliable due to more oil injectors=less engine wear.....

Good reasoning. My 8 is my daily driver, and it's been great. I kept my '87 Accord as a beater and snow day car. Kept me from having to spend $1000 to $1500 for a set of winter tires and wheels for the dozen or so days a year we get snowy/slushy/salty roads here in Virginia.

Ken

Wait for the 09! Heck I would find out what they got coming and put a deposit on one! But dont expect any deals or discounts on the first bunch that comes in.