Razz1

Seroiusly.. I wouldn't get an 8 if I still lived in Minnesota.

Flooding which will hapen
12 MPG using winter gas and warm up
Rust!

fyrstormer

If you've never ever redlined it, then how do you know you haven't lost power due to neglecting the "extra" maintenance?

Don't get me wrong, I like my car's stereo and seating position and handling, but there's no point in buying the rotary if you don't want to wring it out like a wet towel from time to time. It is a sports car, after all.

- - -

Anyway, to the OP:

My first car was a 1989 Mazda 626LX. That was a fantastic first car; it wasn't dog-slow, but it wasn't fast enough to get me into trouble before I could see it coming, either. It only ever broke down twice in the six years I had it (between age 10 - 16), it ran well on 89 gas, and I didn't lose a ton of money when a teenage girl smashed into it when I had it parked in front of my house. I know why you want a nice shiny new car, but in short order you'll realize why so many frumpy old people buy Camrys -- because reliability and affordability are most important. I'm not glad that I waited until age 27 to buy my first new car, but I am glad I didn't get one at age 18 -- especially considering the two very close calls I had before I even made it to college. If I'd been driving a sports car, I would've totaled it by now. Hell, I'm still a little scared of this one, and I've been driving for ten years now.

neverla8

Hey man. I'm 17, high school, junior and my first car is an RX-8. The way I drive, the fuel economy isn't THAT great...I get about 13 driving aggressively to and from school. I bought it used with 69k miles on it and it runs terrific, and I think it's a great first car. I have the best car at my high school for sure and it's great to drive. The worst I've done is hit a curb while parking, otherwise just be careful with it if you decide to get an 8. Hope this helps!

Edit:
Just remembered more info to add in. Mine RX-8 is 2004 titanium grey (if color matters at all...) and I got it for about 12k. Since then it's been a blast painting calipers, installing strakes, getting a new body kit, etc. It's a great way to learn about cars. Rotaries really aren't that hard and are a LOT simpler than piston engines. I live in Cali so the weather is warm most of the time so I don't have to worry about cold starts and all that jazz. Insurance-wise, I'm not sure since my parents do that, but since the RX-8 is a "4-door" car it helps...a bit. Also good grades help the insurance too. However my parents insurance did double...but that's normal for any teen getting a car under their parents' insurance.

EmperorBen

You should also think about cops.... They see a young kid driving something nicer than what they have they're gunna be hard on you alot of times. I'm 19 and this cop was giving me **** the other night... these cars are f'ing cop magnets

neverla8

Yeah I'm 17 and had a cop follow me around for about 10 minutes before he finally gave up and drove off.

xsnipersgox

kids, 1st recommended "upgrade for your car"

1) Valentine radar detector (it will pay for its self many time over, it's expensive.. and worth it)

2) a run at a local autocross, it will humiliate you and hopefully teach you a thing or two.

I-RX8

i actually got a 2004 mazda rx8 as my first car haha its actually really fun to drive just dont thrash on it im still a beginner on it but from wut i keep hearing and everything its just maintainance like constant oil changes you gotta add oil every third or fourth time you put gas on mine on gas is alright i put twnty bucks of premium it lasts me about 4-5 days so not that bad but if you really want this car as your first then i say go for it others say not to because of other ppl who thrash and dont take care of there cars so my suggestion is go for it its a great first car and plus theres not that many around man mines electric blue and i got ppl turnin there heads and with the exhaust haha so thumbs up if you get it man i love my rx8 and still im a beginner

RX8pwnage

iTrader: (1)

Are you the original owner? And why have you never been above 7k? Thats like buying a hooker and asking for a handjob. If you are the original owner, and that car has never been over 7k, I think you have a ticking timebomb. Wish I could see the carbon inside when it blows.