I won't go into my sordid past and how I've arrived here looking RX8s and other sports cars. But suffice it to say that I've been looking very seriously and in great detail.

I have narrowed my choices to the RX8 and S2000 based on several reasons - but never mind that, let me tell you my observations:

The Suzuka blue is pretty and the car is definitely tight and solid on the road. The sound of the VTEC 2.2L is fun and the car has serious sex appeal. A truly class-act.

On the road however, the S2000 was rougher than I had hoped for (then again I am in my mid-30s now) and even the Miatas I've owned in the past felt more "fun".

The tight accomodations and rough ride played against the S2000 as a daily driver.

Immediately following the S2000 drive, I went across the street and took a new RX8 (6spd/GT/Titanium) for a spin.

Whether the specs show it or not, the seat of the pants test gave me a much better feeling than the S2000. There was more perceived "thrust" in the RX8 without the harshness of the S2000.

The sounds coming from the rotary made me smile. RX8s are as tossable as my 1st Gen Miatas were - which I love. This car may not kill Mustangs off the line, but it is a total kick in the pants.

Either you connect with this car, or you don't. I would suggest that if you don't - you are probably not a real "driver". This car is every bit as fun as the $60 BMW M3 - minus a few ponies.

They are working up a deal as I type this message.

Only two to choose from at the moment...
Silver or Titanium. The big decision awaits.

 

Damn where can I get a $60 BMW M3?

 

I bid $65.

6mm: If you only have the choice of the two I would recommend the Titanium. Silver cars are a dime a dozen (which is much less than a $60 M3)!

 

Titanium! Really looks great on the 8.

 

I have Titanium and it's a very popular color. So if you prefer more exclusivity, you might want to go for the silver

 

$72!

 

Yeah, the Titanium is relatively new for my area and I am amazed at the number of people who prefer or comment about the gray color.

I like Silver (had 2 Miatas and an Acura in Silver), but it is a bit more common these days.

Oh, and I have a very close connection with the BMW dealer - they are getting a black on black M3 any day now. I want to get the RX8 before I am tempted to push my budget over the edge!!

The Gray8 has been test driven several times...obvious by the 40-50 miles on the ODO. I've driven it twice....love it.

My friends are tempting me to look at Vettes and so on...I need to close this deal before I go wandering into $$$$$$ territory.

 

I prefer Silver because it is a neutral color and goes with anything and everything!

 

Just between you and me... and everyone else here (he he)
My hubby and I both bought one, and he got titanium and I got the sunlight silver. Needless to say, I get more compliments. So if you need a side-by-side comparison, we can testify :D

P.S. My silver looks cleaner and is shinier for a longer period of time!

 

Ahmm I'll bid $55?

I drive an S2000, and as a daily driver. I can only speak for the car I drive, and that is I LOVE IT. It's a great handling car. You can take corners, high rev. Once you hit that Vtec there is nothing like it and you'll want to do it MORE and more. Now please undertand mine is the 2.0L and I have the 9K Rev Limit. The new S' have 2.2L more torque and a 8K Rev Limit. They also from what i hear change the handling to make it a little smother.

You can't beat a sports car and a convertible at that, which you have a lot of fun driving. I will admit that sometimes i wish i would have waited for the 8. Then I realize after that the problems the car's having I'm glad i'll be waiting another year or so for it. My car is also a lot more impracticle than the 8. You really don't have much room and is sorta like being in a figher jet (Not that i've ever been in one). You have all the controls in front of you, the seat hugs you and it's definetly a race car driver's dream.

OK So i've bored you enough. Just wanted to give me personal (girl's) opinion. Glad you decided on a car that YOU enjoy to drive, and hopefull i'll be joining the ranks of you guys soon!



.... just made 10 posts WOOHOO!!

 

Well...the Titanium is gone.
Daddy bought it this evening for the 17 yr old kid.
Texans in Alaska...God help us.

So, that answers the immediate color question.
However...they do have a red one at the next closest dealer...

 

What i did at my dealer in CA is they did a search for the options i wanted specified or anything close to it. And they pulled up a list of like 15-20 cars in the area and it listed all the options and the price. After i found the car i wanted which was a better deal than all the others, they drove it down from Santa Monica which is an hour away and still got it from that same dealer. So just a trade, but they were really nice and gave me a pretty nice price.

 

Well, I'm not sure they would want to drive it as far...
The next closest dealer is hundreds of miles away - and I wouldn't want it if they DROVE it here

The deal I've been offered on the S2K is unreal and is swaying my thinking - I am going to drive them both again tomorrow and make up my mind.

 

I understand what you are going through. I had two other interests besides the rx8, but luckily for me dealer had the exact model I wanted (black on black GT, with everything. I drove it, fell in love, and they gave me a great deal. If I could have not found the one I wanted, it could have caused serious problems in choosing which new car to buy. You cna't go wrong with either choice. Good Luck!!

 

6mm (.243)
Check out the red in sunlight. It is a unique red and the metal flake sets it off.

As for the S vs 8, both cars rock. If insurance is an issue, you will probably find the 8 has a lower symbol rating than the S. (4 doors, hard top).

 

i bought an s2k this past august...i think i would wait another year or two before considering the 8 due to its newness. i trust the renesis, but i would want to be sure the kinks are out before purchasing. in fact, i would even consider trading in the s2k in a few years on one (but i sure as hell am enjoying the drop-top for now)!

 

Well, my issue with the RX8 is that Mazda's don't hold their value. The S2K is kicking the RX8's tail when it comes to the lease deal. I am not feeling good about the $100 difference in payment.

I was just leasing a $45K+ Audi for only a few bucks more than the RX8's lease payment.

I think I love the RX8 more...but rational thinking keeps flooding my decision making.

Today, I will drive both again and maybe mix in the Z4 for flavor...stir and decide.

 

6mm,
Rx8s do hold their resale value. Consumer reports rate them just a little under the accord in resale. Since we are all familiar with the accords great resale value, your concern is unfounded.

 

Then the question is, why such a horrible lease?

I am close to $500/36 months with $1300 into it.

The S2K I can pick up for $390/48 with $700 into it.

Actual monthly difference including insurance, etc. - the S2K comes in $80/mo less

So then, it's apples to oranges

 

Oh and in either case, I am less than what I have been paying fo the Audi - so I'm sure I am splitting hairs at this point

 

What would a 48 mos. lease cost for the rx8?

 

It was higher than the 36 month by at least +$80

 

After 7 years in a Thundergrey MX-6, I realy did NEED another color. Agreed, 7 years is a very long time...
Do what I did, go for the red!!!!

 

Found a new 04 RX8 with 200 miles
Totally loaded , less the navigation
close to $28K

I may buy instead of lease...
Red/GT with most everything.

 

I will (again) testify for one VERY good thing the Stook has: NO OTHER TRANSMISSION CAN EVEN GET NEAR IT.