23109VC

ok. test drove TL-S again, and RX8, back to back.

also hit honda dealer and test drove an S2k!!

first off, the RX8 was my favorite!! what a frickin blast. it handles like it's on rails, is super comfy, and looks slick. the salesperson let me go solo....i loved it. got to rev it up to 9k...and if you do that, and shift quick, it just pulls nice.

the TL-S I drove was a six speed - I had previously tried an auto, and wanted to see how the stick was. short story - hated it. i like the TL-S, but the stick version is horrid. the thing torque steered so bad it almost jerked the wheel out of myh and. the RX8 you can shift at 9k and it just goes...the TL-S you shift at 8k and it wants to change lanes on you. i hated that. so UN sporty.

oh, the S2k. i was expecting to think it was way better than the 8, but i actually did NOT like it. i drove the 8 first...and the 8 i drove was a new 08. the S2k i drove was an 05 with 30k on it..but it looked/felt new. i didn't reallyl ike it. first it was noisy as hell. and GEEZ is it small inside. i am not big, i'm 5'9", 180lbs..so i'm average in size. it was hard to get in/out of . the tunnel area unde the steering wheel where your feet/legs go...OMG...i felt like my legs were jammed together and if i had to spread my legs to get comfy, forget it. very very very cramped feeling. it would be great for at rack day, but for commuting, or trying to be comfy while wearing a suit/tie...forget about it.

did i mention it was NOISY. and it buzzed...it was very buzzy/noisy. it handled a bit better i think, less body roll and it felt a tad fater once vtec kicked in...different power. while the 8 was SOOOo smooth...the 8 just revved and revved up and got a little burst of power in the upper revs...while the s2k had like a kcik int he pants at 7k or something....you felt it kick in..and it was buzzy the whole time. the 8 was much nicer to drive.

The TL-S felt like a big floaty cadillac after being int he 8 and s2k. but i still liked it overall. the stick sucked, but the automatic has less torque steer, although it also feels slower than the manual TL-S.


best commuter car - TL-S
fastest in a straight line - probalby TL-S. i odn't think it's a huge difference, but the rx8 is not exactly fast. when i drove it i kept thinking wow this is fun, but wow this is not that fast. yo have to redline it constantly to get it to go fast. it's fast enough, but teh big thrill ist hat it's just so FUN.

the inside of the RX8 is super cool. you feel like you re gettinginto a cockpit of a fighter plane or a spaceship or somethig. the inside of the s2k is crappy feeling compared to the rx8...the s2k felt plain jane inside. and i don't like that digital tach thing. barf.

the gauges and layout of the 8 is slick. very sporty feeling.


FUN CAR - RX8
on a twisty road the s2k and rx8 would leave a TL-S in the dust. DUST. while the TL-S would make up time on straights, and maybe could hang to some degree if you pushed it to the limit, the TL0-S would feell ike it was about tos lide off the road, while the RX8 would feel right at home.

i want both. bummer.

if i could keep my volvo and get an 8, that would be my first choice. if i can't afford to do it, or decide the 8 is just too impractical, i'll get a TL-S.

the RX8 is somewhat practical but it's more of a true sports car, with less focus on luxury, mostly on handling, styling, sports car sounds/feel etc...but it does have SOME practicality wih the rear seats...just not as much as a true four door sedan.

so boht are sporty, but the 8 is sportier..and the TL is more luxurious, more practical, but will NEVER give you the ultimate thrill you get from an 8 or S2k on a twisty road.

both are awesome cars in their own right. depends on what you need them for.

the car that makes me keep thinking about it - the RX8.

Rote8

When I read the title, I thought Suzuki TL-1000S (AKA The Widowmaker) and was going to suggest an SV-1000.....

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

You redlined a 08' rx8? How many miles were on it, because there's a break in period where your not supposed to go over a certain RPM.

07rx8gtblack

I don't know... It's a tough choice, I suppose.

I am not sure if CL type S is anything like the new TL type S, but CL type S is a blast drive. It handles well, quick and fast and nice over all luxurious quality. I have owned a couple of Acura's, and they are very good cars. I guess it's the same Honda but more luxurious.

That being said, CL type S does not compare to RX-8 in fun-to-drive factor. It just doesn't. CL type S is a nice sporty coupe, I guess just like the TL type S. 8 is a sports car with two extra seats. If fun is what you are looking for in driving, it's really hard to beat 8 in that category. It's really hard to explain, but I find reasons to drive my car. I do miss driving it if for some reason I skipped a day of driving it.

By the way, I heard that the new TL type S is not even as fast as my few years old CL type S.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

i dunno, i've heard another break in method. you thrash it for the first 1000 miles. change the oil, and then drive it normally. supposedly, you get more hp that way.

Razz1

I thought you said you weren't going to drive it very often.

Keep the Volvo and buy the RX8

mdw1000

Sounds like you got a good impression of the two cars.

Sounds like you've got the mod bug. If you have the cash, you can make an RX-8 a really fast car. There are some good FI kits on the market now. But they aren't cheap.

That said, it all depends on how you define fast. If you define fast as high straight-line acceleration, then no, an RX-8 won't be fast without FI. But as far as driving fast at speed, all the reviews say that an RX-8 drives very easily at speed. Look up the Jeremy Clarkson Top Gear video on the RX-8. He loves it, and he's driven a lot of really amazing cars.

I do think a TL handles really well for a front-drive sedan. In fact, the good handling of the TL caused me to look at other cars that have really good routine handling ratings in consumer reports, which led me to the RX-8. Around town the TL handles great. But driving on the tollways, etc around here, I really notice a difference in how the RX-8 feels at higher speeds. Much more responsive, much more stable, etc.

I also know now that I really don't want a high power front wheel drive car. I really hate torque steer. Ours has the 258hp motor, so it probably isn't quite as bad as the type S you drove. But it is noticeable. I've driven FWD quite a bit, but I have more time behind the wheel of RWD vehicles, and I really prefer them. Only time I prefer FWD is when there is snow on the roads. Even then, RWD isn't bad to drive once you learn how to do it properly.

That said, the honda/acura V6 is a really nice motor. Plenty of power and very smooth.

delhi

Why are you telling us something we all have known forever? You should post this to some acura fan site. TL is about as fun as driving around in a Malibu. But VTEK PWNZZZZ JOOOOOO!!!!

o2cls

Not all the members over there are against the RX8....

o2cls

Malibu.....um no. But I will say, even with the extensive mods i've done to my CL, it is no comparison to the 8!

They are similar to typical f bodies and mustangs.....great in a straight line, useless in the twisties.

o2cls

Agreed.....I freak'n love my CL. There are none of them on the road, and I still get compliments on mine. I've done next to zero maintenance for 150k miles and still get 30-32mpg on the freeway!

CosmosMpower

If you think the S2000 is too rough and loud and prefer the RX-8's handling then you should just keep driving the Volvo as sports cars obviously don't suit you God forbid you ever find your way into an Elise, you might have a heart attack

o2cls

I noticed the Elise in the sig.....are you a MSR regular....?

CosmosMpower

Nope, but a few local Elise guys are out there frequently.

23109VC

i test drove the TL-S again last night. this time the manumatic.

after getting more and more seat time in the car, i like it less and less.

the manumatic shifting via the steering wheel paddle shifters is SLOW. theer is a lot of delay...very UN sporty.

if you hammer the gas there is still quite a bit of torque steer even in the automatic. once again very unsporty

the ride is very nice. it's firm yet not too rough. id' say the ride is a very nice blend of sportiness and comfort...body roll is not too bad for a large car. at 7/10ths it feels VERY planted and firm. motor has a nice low growl and it's very responsive.

for a daily driver it would be a lot of fun. for a weekend toy car it would be a let down after you've been in an RX8.

i'm leaning toward keeping my volvo and looking for a great deal on a used RX8 or S2000.

the acura dealer offered me $3000 on my volvo for a trade. HA! i know that's all it's wroth to them, but it's worth way more to me. i wouldn't sell it for less than 5-6k. whether it's wroth that much or not, it's value to ME is worth that much given how good of shape it's in and the maintenance history.

so long story short - i'm keeping the volvo as my commuter/daily driver and will look for a nice RX8.

i plan to drive both the volvo and RX8 here/there but to try to keep the "toy" car for driving to work on Friday and for weekend cruises.

i'm going to also look at new ones to see how cheap they will go. i've seen guys say they are getting new s2ks for $28k....and i wolud assume the rx8s are going for tons off MSRP as well.

some of you have said (even though this is an RX8 board) to get the s2k for a toy car. i drove the s2k but it seemed really cramped. i think the s2k would be a better car for JUST weekend playing around but not so great for commuting much. the rx8 would do both well.

depends how cheap I can get them. also, the RX8 is about $30/month less to insure. $360/year is not the end of the world...but somethign to consider.

i partly wondered if the increased gas costs would offset the increased insurance costs - rx8 vs s2k. rx8 is less to insure but will burn more fuel over a year....

i haven't had enough seat time in both the s2k or rx8 to really say what i'd like more. my first impression was the rx8 was smoother more comforatble and quieter, but still very sporty. the s2k felt tighter through corners, but very rough and noisy...the mtor sounded almost like it had something wrong iwth it compared to how smooth the rx8 rotary is.

mdw1000

If you think you might want a convertible, give one of the current gen miata's a try. I think they are supposed to be more livable than a s2000. And I would guess they already have some good FI options out.

That said, if you don't really want a convertible, an RX-8 would be a great car for what you want.

delhi

if you plan to drive it hard all the time then get the s2k. otherwise you will grow annoyed with it real quick. Alot of people probably through some self-perception that they are Takuma Sato bought the s2k as their "toy car" but realised that apart from driving full-on at tracks the car is not that liveable. hard suspension, 80s interior, high insurance, low tq (hahahah rx-8 too), and somewhat boy racerish can be tough to swallow.
Lots of cheap s2k abound lately. miata is another great alternative as a DD. The PRHT is hot! Love it. Otherwise RX-8 is a fantastic choice.

JohnCarrJr

Hmmmf, typical energy wasting American. Why in the heck do you need 3 cars? That's the problem with this country, there's almost as many cars as people.

I bet! No, I KNOW that when your kids get driving age, each of them will get thier own car, then before you know it, you're a 6 car household, and contributing to the decline of western civilization. I mean, I read your post and it just screams "typical white surburban american".

Ugggg, excuse me while I go throw up.

PS, I just read more of your post. You own a yuppie volvo also.

Excuse me while I throw up AGAIN.

eviltwinkie

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

wtf is this troll doing here? as twinkie said, GTFO.

you wanna talk about rx8s or other sports cars. fine. if you dont, wtf are you doing here?

gtfo noob.

MyRXdrug

I own 2 cars but I can't say I'm an energy wasting foo'. There is only one of me so I can only be at one place.
I must've missed the part where he said he was going to have 3 vehicles.

I say go with the miata (saving the environment, cheaper, sporty and fun) and keep the Volvo (since it can actually hold all of your family members).

mdw1000

He can't drive too cars at once. So how is he wasting energy?

Would you rather have an automotive enthusiast owning cars, or a non-enthusiast? At least the enthustiast is likely to take care of the car, which generally means better fuel economy and better emissions.

23109VC

i'm still lurking here, checking the thread.

i won't even bother responding to the troll.

some of you read my long rambling posts. to sum up, basically I have two cars now, and am debating between chaning one car or going to three.

Car #1 is a brand new Acura MDX. it is an amazing family vehicle. I enjoy driving it and for a guy with a family - it is one of the nicest vehicles you could choose. It has decent power, great handling - for how heavy it is - and it's luxurious. that car is not going anywhere. we use that with the kids, and around town.

car #2 is a 130k mile 1999 volvo. in good shape, looks nice. i've owned it almost since new. i've upgraded it mildly. upsized wheels (off a newer volvo so they look OEM not cheap) cat back exhasut even! sway bars... yeah..modded a volvo. i can't help myself. anyway, it runs nice but like any car iwth 130k on it, it squeeks rattles. the AC is out and that's 1000 to fix. the stereo is out that's a few hundred to fix. other than that it's a good car.

i could keep the volvo as a commuter car for me to/from work and get an RX8 or s2k as a toy. OR just trade/sell the volvo be done with it, avoid any more headache repairs..and get a newer car. I like the new TL-s. for the deals they haven ow on leasing one it's a very good deal.

if i replace my volvo, i need a second car that can fit the whole family - all three kids, a stroller, etc. i don't want to be that guy who has one family car and then a second car that can' fit everyone. there will be some time when the mdx gets a flat and we are in some emergency and we need to take the second car.

so if i get a car to replace my volvo, it cant' be an s2k or rx8. a TL-S would do it. i have looked at them and i can even fit three car seats across the back of it. quite roomy in the rear for a midsized car.

i've run a lot of "numbers" trying to estimate costs of a new car, vs costs of keeping my volvo and adding an RX8, insurance costs of 2 vs 3 cars, possible repairs if I have two vs three cars.

if i get an RX8 it won't be new. to keep the budget realistic i'd get a used 05 or 06 at the most. so it wouldn't be a high mileage beater but it would not be brand new. i'm thinking 25-35k miles on it max. so i'd have some warranty left on the car when i got it.

basically the numbers are sort of a wash. if i lease a TL-S and sell/trade my volvo...it will cost almost the same on a montly basis as buying a used RX8 and then accounting for the extra 75/month I will pay to insure the 8 as a thrid car plus possible repairs here/there on the used RX8 used S70.

so do I want to have 2 or 3 cars.

part of me wants to stay with two. less hassle of dealing with three vehicles. won't have to hassle with repairs. and the TL-S, while NO RX8 in terms of corner carving, it does a nice job for a FWD car. and on weekends, when we tak ea small family trip, we could all squeeze int o the TL-S and have a "fun' drive.

the RX8 would be more "all about me". and with three kids, i have little time to just take off for a drive by myself. i wold mostly try to squeeze fun out of it on my short commute to work...7 miles or so...

the TL is the more practical car that would get more use as I would be able to drive it everyday.

if i keep my volvo, i fear that the family will just keep driving the MDX as our main vehcle because as old as the volvo is it's just not as fun, nor anywhere as relaible as the MDX and so it will just sit there. i'll start driivng the 8 to work everday b/c it will be funa nd the volvo will sit and rot for that rainy day emergency..

Revvittupp

How old are the kids? IF it becomes feasible to keep the Volvo until they learn to drive then your decision is even easier. THis vovlo will never be worth to anyone else what it is to you.. get a used 8, and then when that's paid off get a new DD, and pass on the volvo... that sounds like the right plan of action.

eviltwinkie

Heh...your kids regardless of age will want to always be in it...an RX-8 that is..