My time to purchase an RX-8 is coming sooner than I thought. My brother turns sixteen in June and I have until then to get one. No more putting off my savings for other things, now it's all going towards the new car. Whichever one that might be..

There aren't that many "good" 8s around here and when I do find one I'm reading the description and then those horrible words pop up; "automatic".


Some might remember me posting about my quest to find the perfect 8 a few months back. I'm honestly willing to travel a bit just to get this car if it doesn't show up here any time soon :/


I REALLY want one with a white exterior and sand colored interior, I've always loved that interior color. But that's nearly impossible unless I want to go across the country; which is a little extreme.




I'm so ready to get this car that I've been planning out modifications like rims, air intakes, etc.

I want to go more along the performance over power route but I know next to nothing about suspension.


What have you done to your 8 and how do you really like it? Just curious!

 

I parked it for winter. It's great. I'd recommend it...

 

Performance and power are one in the same; that is to say, a well rounded performance car will have adequate power for its particular use.

Just so happens as the RX-8 comes from the factory with adequate power to make it a top contender on mountain roads or curvacious tracks. However, many people do find it lacking... I believe that's due to the fact that they don't truly know their '8's limits.

If you want to worry about handling, consider a good set of coilovers, reputable brand/model of tire, upgraded front/rear sway bars, etc. If you're looking for more power, there's not too much more to be had without going FI.

You mentioned being ready to buy mods such as air intakes. Research these before you buy. Some intakes actually lose you power, while none will be of any significant gain. Looks/sound is what you're paying for. Not trying to discourage you, just pointing it out.

If you want more info on mods, go to S1 or S2 section and read from "The Tech Garage" and "Troubleshooting" and "Performance Modifications" and " Major Horsepower Upgrades." These sub-forums contain a vast wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly answer your questions.

SearchSearchSearch. Good luck.

 

I lowered mine , and everything else is bone stock, that's how i like it...kthnxby

 

It took me a year until I found my 8. Of course I was looking for different cars as well but found a mint condition Shinka edition. Expanding your area to other locations can expedite the purchasing process. I recommend test driving as many Rx8's as you can. I did and I noticed that performance varied between all of them.

Mine is bone stock and it's great. Performance wise you can't improve much unless you go forced induction. I'm content with the power of the 8. It's not a slow car but not fast either. The car handles very well and is what I prefer the most. I have plans to upgrade the suspension slowly. Stock setup is surprisingly good though.

 

Don't worry about it being cross country to pick up exactly what you want. The drive back makes you appreciate everything about the car a little more. If not, least you'll have a good story you can tell the rest of your life.

 

I dont' intend on making it any faster than it was already built, I have no need for it really. I just want something that looks, sounds, and rides nice

I have considered coilovers but I would have to really work hard on saving up for some in the long run and only get smaller stuff after I purchase the car; like an air intake, some lights, and some new wheel color.

I don't really care to go any further than that, I think I'll stand out enough in my small town with those few modifications.


I'll check out some of those pages you noted and see what I can find. Thanks!

 

Consider dropping by your local Mazda dealership and let them know what your preference is. Sometimes lots swap used stock that comes their way.

Alternatively, find an auto broker with a good reputation. They go to the auctions and bid on cars for you. A guy I've dealt with would talk to you to find out what you're looking for (trim/etc) and how patient you are. If you are picky, you sometimes end up waiting a few extra weeks for your car - but he's going to see a much wider selection of cars than you are.

 

If you want a perfect car I suggest going with the Ford Mustang...

Hahahaha I'm kidding. GL man.

TNC FTW!

 

This is so true, I live in Wisconsin and bought my car in Pennsylvania. the drive was about 14 hours and I loved every minute of it. I also witnessed a car flip over on the highway at 2:00 AM in a construction zone ( I almost ran in to him, thank god i didn't) so that made for a good story. And with my one way plane ticket and gas back, it only cost me about $225.

 

I put myself in the drivers seat and I am loving it.

 

cpenner; That is a pretty good idea actually. I've contacted a place like that recently actually who have had a couple of white RX-8s come through [but got sold before I could do anything about it] and I'm hoping they find some more. I'm very picky about what I want and the specifications I want are difficult to find around here, haha [A WWP Shinka Edition].

 

It may be hard to find 8s around this time do the fact it's "winter."

I put that in quotes as it was 84 degrees yesterday.

 

That is true. I've been searching since the fall as well.
And I feel you, except it's been around the sixties here :/

 

Not necessarily. It all depends on the actual distance.

Bringing a "dream" car located across the country back home might be more expensive than what it seems.

 

If it's the right car for the right price, I would be willing. It just depends on a lot of factors for me, really.


And also, some guy at work tried to tell me that a rotary was the same as a regular engine "just turned sideways", had pistons and asked me how many cylinders it was. I tried to argue with him, but to no avail.. He drives a Honda. So there you go :/

 

So our cars have piston engines that turn sideways? Since when have pistons ever turned in the first place? Hahaha that guy deserves a punch in the face.

 

You're both kind of right. Rotary and Wankle Rotary aren't always the same.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_engine

 

Why does it matter that your brother is turning 16?

And don't be afraid to travel to find the 'right one.' I drove from Utah to Washington round-trip in one day to pick up mine.