Sequel: 17 reasons I should keep my '05 8 after test driving over a dozen 'New Cars'
09-12-2010, 01:58 AM
#1
Sequel: 17 reasons I should keep my '05 8 after test driving over a dozen 'New Cars'
At the risk of sounding like a fanboy, those of you who have read my past posts know that I've gone back and forth, like a Yo-Yo, on whether I'm selling my car, or not, or selling it, or not, or selling it, or not...infinitisquared.
I'm probably not going to. My RX8 may be my first car, purchased new or used, that I end up keeping for 8 years or more.
It may not be the world's best, but it's an very good car, and an outstanding value, and I really, honestly can't find a better fit despite much effort.
Let me apologize up front for flip-flopping so much, but let me add the specific reasons why I'm having trouble finding a 'preferable' replacement, even after driving more than 12 NEW replacement candidates over the last 18 months or so.
My RX8 may be my first car, purchased new or used, that I end up keeping for 8 years or more.
Here's why:
1) No matter the configuration, gains in interior space, EVEN in the rear seat, for someone needing no more than 4 seats, is minimal.
2) Nothing else I've driven, save the BMW 335i, even comes close to the 8 in steering feel, feedback, and accuracy. The 8 has the most successful electric steering system I've ever come across.
3) Nothing else is as creamy smooth at high revs than the Renesis - NOTHING. Not even close. End of story. Some V8s were aurally beautiful, with low grunts and very nice exhaust notes (Mustang 5.0 was spectacular), but the Renesis, as Jeremy Clarkston so aptly put it, can't possibly run "on petrol; it must run on 'double cream' ." Running the 8 up and down smooth expressway ramps in the 4500 to 8500 rpm range is intoxicating. In contrast, some of the I4s, N/A and otherwise I drove were awful in terms of idling and engine note, and even some V6s stumbled somewhat and made unappealing sounds at different parts of their power band.
4) The standard issue brakes on the 8 are truly outstanding. Some, but very few new cars match the outstanding stopping and fade-resistant qualities of the 8's brakes, but it's a small, select group, and that includes cars at prices much, much higher than the RX8.
5) MANY new cars have cheap interior bits and pieces, IMO. This is true even of alleged 'premium' vehicles, such as the Acura MDX. This is one area that I find automakers are really dropping the ball on, compared to their past products - I'm looking squarely at you, VW, Acura and Lexus.
6) My 8 still tracks like new and has not become loose or wiggly in terms of chassis flex or steering rack rigidity. It also idles smoothly. In other words, it drives just like the day I bought it, which is an amazing testament to the good stuff Mazda used (can you say carbon fiber drive shaft, magnesium steering wheel core, extensive use of friction bonded - not welded - aluminum parts) building it in Hiroshima. Many of the demo models I drove, with less than 8,000 miles on them, feel sloppy and idled roughly.
7) Unless you upgrade to the top of the line stereo in most of the new cars, even the 8's base 'premium' audio system has better sound quality than the base systems in any of the cars I test drove, save a couple examples.
8) New car prices are less flexible now than in the past, though I have noticed (and was told outright) that inventories are starting to build fast again, even with the massive production/capacity cuts (just tells you how weak our economy is; from 17 million car sales in 2006 to 11 million today, annually). So, prices probably will come down on the new cars, too, if inventories continue to build as they have been.
9) Front seat comfort in the 8 trumps every new car I test drove, easily.
10) Manual shifter in the 8 is VERY GOOD. I used to think 2nd was notchy, but either the competition is worse, or my 2nd gear has smoothed out with time.
11) The original 8 looks better than the somewhat competitors, but this is my opinion, and highly subjective.
12) The paint on some of the new cars is EXTREMELY delicate. A Hyundai product I drove had a spot of paint wearing off, and this was a new car, with the wrap barely off.
13) For anyone who thinks the 8 is terribly slow, it's not. Do you know how to keep the revs between 3,500 and 6,000 rpm to exploit the power on tap with the Renesis?
14) The Renesis, with the dumb location of the oil filter, has GOT TO BE one of the easiest motors to work on, with tons of space in the engine bay, and a design that is a marvel in simplicity.
15) The gauges and ergonomics of the 8's dash and controls rival and typically beat anything in the new cars I drove.
16) Most cars I drove forced me to choose between comfort or handling, with the comfort biased suspension setups being sloppy and disconnected in the corners, while the tied down ones were typically very harsh on rough concrete/asphalt. Not so the RX8...which is the best example yet I've come across that balances outstanding handling with reasonably comfortable ride quality (I have been thinking about a Bilstein upgrade if I decide to keep my car for another 3 years or more, but worry about ride quality degradation).
17) If you think road noise is an issue in the 8, I ASSURE you that you should go test drive some new Honda products. The 8 is extremely quiet on asphalt/blacktop roads, even those in less than stellar shape, and road noise only truly becomes an issue on broken up concrete stretches of runway. As for wind noise? The low profile, great window and door seals and fluid dynamics of the 8 make wind noise very low compared to some higher profile, less well sealed competition.
Bonus: While I usually average around 280 miles (give or take 5 miles) to the tank (13.4 gallons of real fueling), I just did a 312 mile tank, which is my personal best, probably explained by 70% highway driving at 70 mph or less (Mazda should really add a taller 5th and 6th gear, to keep the revs below 3500 or even 3000 rpm at highway speed of 75 mph or more). How is this possible, you ask? I don't know. A few of us with 6MTs get appreciably better mileage than others here. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I also think some people here fail to understand how relatively small the 8's fuel tank is compared to a lot of other cars - 13.4ish real world fuel station gallons is not a big fuel tank today.
Double Bonus: I now have close to 40,000 miles on the clock, on the low side due to the fact I had a Jeep for my first two years of 8 ownership, and I've only had a battery and starter motor replaced (the battery was needed, the starter motor was done per a TSB, just in case), both which were free in year 3.3 courtesy of Mazda.
Disclaimer - I do not work for Mazda, any Mazda affiliates or subs or vendors, was paid nothing and given nothing of any value (nothing, period) to post this, and am being 100% honest.
Double disclaimer - Of all the cars I test drove in the past 2 years, I really only considered the Pontiac G8GT and the BMW 335i seriously as replacements for my 8. But, they did away with Pontiac, and the BMW 335i, when optioned to my preferred level, became insanely priced for what I was getting, IMO (no offense intended to BMW owners or fans, the latter of which I've always been).
Triple disclaimer - I like the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is based on the Mercedes ML architecture, and has vastly improved build quality, ride quality on road, ergonomics and fit and finish, but it's comparing apples to the RX8's oranges, and it's not cheap once you toss in 4x4, leather and the other goodies I would want in that vehicle.
Summary: The more I try to get rid of the 8, the more I struggle, and think about hanging onto it for another 3 years or more. I honestly think the RX8 is the last of a true breed of 4 seat sport cars that emphasize outstanding handling, a laser-like tracking chassis, superb steering feedback and input response, innovative interior packaging without sacrificing very attractive and unique exterior styling, what may be some of the last outstanding Japan-at-its-best interior assembly and switchgear quality. Also, the more new cars I test drive, the more I realize what a miracle Mazda pulled off by balancing sports car aspirations and daily driver comfort with the 8, which no other automaker, aside from BMW (IMO), has as successfully pulled off, but at a much higher price.
What would take the 8 from great to the Holy Land, IMO?
1) 50 more HP and 50 more lbs feet of torque. Not 100, not 75 - just 50. 50 would be enough to fully exploit the incredible chassis that underpins the RX8.
2) A taller 5th and 6th gear (or maybe the addition of a 7th gear) for better highway fuel economy at speeds of 75mph+.
3) A more robust front end, because the 8 lacks some of the solidity in the very tip of the car that exemplifies BMW and Audi (but oddly enough, not necessarily VW, which is an Audi stablemate). The 8 isn't delicate by any means, and the light front helps it to retain the perfect 50/50 weight distribution that only Porsche (AFAIK) has achieved, as the Mazda is a front engine car, unlike Porsche, but it could stand a little bit more substance.
4) An option for FI from Mazda's factory, with the full factory warranty (Mazda, extend the 8 year/100,000 mile warranty to all RX8 motors, not just the 04s, 05s and 06s, like you did for me - thanks). This, done properly, might help close the HP/Torque gap.
I'm probably not going to. My RX8 may be my first car, purchased new or used, that I end up keeping for 8 years or more.
It may not be the world's best, but it's an very good car, and an outstanding value, and I really, honestly can't find a better fit despite much effort.
Let me apologize up front for flip-flopping so much, but let me add the specific reasons why I'm having trouble finding a 'preferable' replacement, even after driving more than 12 NEW replacement candidates over the last 18 months or so.
My RX8 may be my first car, purchased new or used, that I end up keeping for 8 years or more.
Here's why:
1) No matter the configuration, gains in interior space, EVEN in the rear seat, for someone needing no more than 4 seats, is minimal.
2) Nothing else I've driven, save the BMW 335i, even comes close to the 8 in steering feel, feedback, and accuracy. The 8 has the most successful electric steering system I've ever come across.
3) Nothing else is as creamy smooth at high revs than the Renesis - NOTHING. Not even close. End of story. Some V8s were aurally beautiful, with low grunts and very nice exhaust notes (Mustang 5.0 was spectacular), but the Renesis, as Jeremy Clarkston so aptly put it, can't possibly run "on petrol; it must run on 'double cream' ." Running the 8 up and down smooth expressway ramps in the 4500 to 8500 rpm range is intoxicating. In contrast, some of the I4s, N/A and otherwise I drove were awful in terms of idling and engine note, and even some V6s stumbled somewhat and made unappealing sounds at different parts of their power band.
4) The standard issue brakes on the 8 are truly outstanding. Some, but very few new cars match the outstanding stopping and fade-resistant qualities of the 8's brakes, but it's a small, select group, and that includes cars at prices much, much higher than the RX8.
5) MANY new cars have cheap interior bits and pieces, IMO. This is true even of alleged 'premium' vehicles, such as the Acura MDX. This is one area that I find automakers are really dropping the ball on, compared to their past products - I'm looking squarely at you, VW, Acura and Lexus.
6) My 8 still tracks like new and has not become loose or wiggly in terms of chassis flex or steering rack rigidity. It also idles smoothly. In other words, it drives just like the day I bought it, which is an amazing testament to the good stuff Mazda used (can you say carbon fiber drive shaft, magnesium steering wheel core, extensive use of friction bonded - not welded - aluminum parts) building it in Hiroshima. Many of the demo models I drove, with less than 8,000 miles on them, feel sloppy and idled roughly.
7) Unless you upgrade to the top of the line stereo in most of the new cars, even the 8's base 'premium' audio system has better sound quality than the base systems in any of the cars I test drove, save a couple examples.
8) New car prices are less flexible now than in the past, though I have noticed (and was told outright) that inventories are starting to build fast again, even with the massive production/capacity cuts (just tells you how weak our economy is; from 17 million car sales in 2006 to 11 million today, annually). So, prices probably will come down on the new cars, too, if inventories continue to build as they have been.
9) Front seat comfort in the 8 trumps every new car I test drove, easily.
10) Manual shifter in the 8 is VERY GOOD. I used to think 2nd was notchy, but either the competition is worse, or my 2nd gear has smoothed out with time.
11) The original 8 looks better than the somewhat competitors, but this is my opinion, and highly subjective.
12) The paint on some of the new cars is EXTREMELY delicate. A Hyundai product I drove had a spot of paint wearing off, and this was a new car, with the wrap barely off.
13) For anyone who thinks the 8 is terribly slow, it's not. Do you know how to keep the revs between 3,500 and 6,000 rpm to exploit the power on tap with the Renesis?
14) The Renesis, with the dumb location of the oil filter, has GOT TO BE one of the easiest motors to work on, with tons of space in the engine bay, and a design that is a marvel in simplicity.
15) The gauges and ergonomics of the 8's dash and controls rival and typically beat anything in the new cars I drove.
16) Most cars I drove forced me to choose between comfort or handling, with the comfort biased suspension setups being sloppy and disconnected in the corners, while the tied down ones were typically very harsh on rough concrete/asphalt. Not so the RX8...which is the best example yet I've come across that balances outstanding handling with reasonably comfortable ride quality (I have been thinking about a Bilstein upgrade if I decide to keep my car for another 3 years or more, but worry about ride quality degradation).
17) If you think road noise is an issue in the 8, I ASSURE you that you should go test drive some new Honda products. The 8 is extremely quiet on asphalt/blacktop roads, even those in less than stellar shape, and road noise only truly becomes an issue on broken up concrete stretches of runway. As for wind noise? The low profile, great window and door seals and fluid dynamics of the 8 make wind noise very low compared to some higher profile, less well sealed competition.
Bonus: While I usually average around 280 miles (give or take 5 miles) to the tank (13.4 gallons of real fueling), I just did a 312 mile tank, which is my personal best, probably explained by 70% highway driving at 70 mph or less (Mazda should really add a taller 5th and 6th gear, to keep the revs below 3500 or even 3000 rpm at highway speed of 75 mph or more). How is this possible, you ask? I don't know. A few of us with 6MTs get appreciably better mileage than others here. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I also think some people here fail to understand how relatively small the 8's fuel tank is compared to a lot of other cars - 13.4ish real world fuel station gallons is not a big fuel tank today.
Double Bonus: I now have close to 40,000 miles on the clock, on the low side due to the fact I had a Jeep for my first two years of 8 ownership, and I've only had a battery and starter motor replaced (the battery was needed, the starter motor was done per a TSB, just in case), both which were free in year 3.3 courtesy of Mazda.
Disclaimer - I do not work for Mazda, any Mazda affiliates or subs or vendors, was paid nothing and given nothing of any value (nothing, period) to post this, and am being 100% honest.
Double disclaimer - Of all the cars I test drove in the past 2 years, I really only considered the Pontiac G8GT and the BMW 335i seriously as replacements for my 8. But, they did away with Pontiac, and the BMW 335i, when optioned to my preferred level, became insanely priced for what I was getting, IMO (no offense intended to BMW owners or fans, the latter of which I've always been).
Triple disclaimer - I like the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is based on the Mercedes ML architecture, and has vastly improved build quality, ride quality on road, ergonomics and fit and finish, but it's comparing apples to the RX8's oranges, and it's not cheap once you toss in 4x4, leather and the other goodies I would want in that vehicle.
Summary: The more I try to get rid of the 8, the more I struggle, and think about hanging onto it for another 3 years or more. I honestly think the RX8 is the last of a true breed of 4 seat sport cars that emphasize outstanding handling, a laser-like tracking chassis, superb steering feedback and input response, innovative interior packaging without sacrificing very attractive and unique exterior styling, what may be some of the last outstanding Japan-at-its-best interior assembly and switchgear quality. Also, the more new cars I test drive, the more I realize what a miracle Mazda pulled off by balancing sports car aspirations and daily driver comfort with the 8, which no other automaker, aside from BMW (IMO), has as successfully pulled off, but at a much higher price.
What would take the 8 from great to the Holy Land, IMO?
1) 50 more HP and 50 more lbs feet of torque. Not 100, not 75 - just 50. 50 would be enough to fully exploit the incredible chassis that underpins the RX8.
2) A taller 5th and 6th gear (or maybe the addition of a 7th gear) for better highway fuel economy at speeds of 75mph+.
3) A more robust front end, because the 8 lacks some of the solidity in the very tip of the car that exemplifies BMW and Audi (but oddly enough, not necessarily VW, which is an Audi stablemate). The 8 isn't delicate by any means, and the light front helps it to retain the perfect 50/50 weight distribution that only Porsche (AFAIK) has achieved, as the Mazda is a front engine car, unlike Porsche, but it could stand a little bit more substance.
4) An option for FI from Mazda's factory, with the full factory warranty (Mazda, extend the 8 year/100,000 mile warranty to all RX8 motors, not just the 04s, 05s and 06s, like you did for me - thanks). This, done properly, might help close the HP/Torque gap.
09-12-2010, 08:08 AM
#2
Good write up of your reviews. I tried looking for a replacement and couldn't find one for under 50k. The only thing close was an Infinity FX35. Not same category I know but a good drive with tons of technology. The 8 lacks interior gizmos and gadgets but those are cheap to add aftermarket. One of the things I find you miss the most when driving other cars is a digital speedometer inside the tach. That setup is amazing. Things the next gen must have to keep me....
1 Rotary pumping 300+ hp
2 10k or higher red line
3 Factory FI (cmon Mazda)
4 Dual clutch - drive one people they are fun smooth and fast
Keep the amazing steering breaking balance looks practicality four seats exhaust note and it's a winner.
1 Rotary pumping 300+ hp
2 10k or higher red line
3 Factory FI (cmon Mazda)
4 Dual clutch - drive one people they are fun smooth and fast
Keep the amazing steering breaking balance looks practicality four seats exhaust note and it's a winner.
09-12-2010, 08:13 AM
#3
FYi I test drove the following
370z coupe and roadster. The roadster is nicer but still sounds like a truck
BMW 135 and 335i. Not a fan of the very old school interior
Infinity G37
Genisis Coupe
Camaro SS
Audi TT (if there was a TTS in my area I probably would have pulled the trigger)
FX35
X5
Acura MDX
RDX
Q5
Of all tested I couldn't find one I loved. The only one better.....
A new rx8 lol
370z coupe and roadster. The roadster is nicer but still sounds like a truck
BMW 135 and 335i. Not a fan of the very old school interior
Infinity G37
Genisis Coupe
Camaro SS
Audi TT (if there was a TTS in my area I probably would have pulled the trigger)
FX35
X5
Acura MDX
RDX
Q5
Of all tested I couldn't find one I loved. The only one better.....
A new rx8 lol
09-12-2010, 11:08 AM
#6
2) Wait until you have to pay for repairs or standard maintenence on a BMW 
9) You obviously haven't driven an Camary yet.
17) You got that correct. The 8 is very quite. I wanted the bar of soap but it was still noisy so I got a G8 GT smooth great handling comfortable quite stero rocks
Mines for sale, (out of work) if you want it with 7k miles
OTHER:
You forgot the Rx-8 is paid for.
9) You obviously haven't driven an Camary yet.
17) You got that correct. The 8 is very quite. I wanted the bar of soap but it was still noisy so I got a G8 GT smooth great handling comfortable quite stero rocks
Mines for sale, (out of work) if you want it with 7k miles
OTHER:
You forgot the Rx-8 is paid for.
09-13-2010, 09:51 AM
#11
It's Complicated
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Just the thought that you put into your post tells me that you are truly battling with parting ways with your 8.
Balancing out the pro's and con's with any vehicle can be a difficult process. However, I can tell that the decision you make will make perfect sense for your needs. Good luck!
Balancing out the pro's and con's with any vehicle can be a difficult process. However, I can tell that the decision you make will make perfect sense for your needs. Good luck!
Last edited by Pico; 09-13-2010 at 10:14 AM.
09-13-2010, 10:05 AM
#12
... but the first four years (or 6 years with a $2k option) of BMW maintenance is free. Now Porsche maintenance/repair... $$$
It is indeed hard to part with the '8, so I haven't.
It is indeed hard to part with the '8, so I haven't.
2) Wait until you have to pay for repairs or standard maintenence on a BMW
9) You obviously haven't driven an Camry yet.
17) You got that correct. The 8 is very quite. I wanted the bar of soap but it was still noisy so I got a G8 GT smooth great handling comfortable quite stero rocks
Mines for sale, (out of work) if you want it with 7k miles
OTHER:
You forgot the Rx-8 is paid for.
9) You obviously haven't driven an Camry yet.
17) You got that correct. The 8 is very quite. I wanted the bar of soap but it was still noisy so I got a G8 GT smooth great handling comfortable quite stero rocks
Mines for sale, (out of work) if you want it with 7k miles
OTHER:
You forgot the Rx-8 is paid for.
09-13-2010, 10:39 AM
#15
No you're wrong.
Rx-8 is slow and ugly, its more like a car for pussies than anything
and the rotary? rofl **** blows up left & right. and it burns oil like there is no tomorrow. oh did I mention it has **** poor mpg like 5 or some **** ?
k20a is the best ****, vtec pwn ur pos mzda ne day ~
/end sarcasm
Rx-8 is slow and ugly, its more like a car for pussies than anything
and the rotary? rofl **** blows up left & right. and it burns oil like there is no tomorrow. oh did I mention it has **** poor mpg like 5 or some **** ?
k20a is the best ****, vtec pwn ur pos mzda ne day ~
/end sarcasm
09-13-2010, 11:04 AM
#16
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I have only one grumble. I wish the 2009 (& newer) R3 model means "3-Rotor".
That would solve all the HP & Torque lacking in the 8. Don't even mind if it's $50K. If that's what it takes to handle and to provide a better Tranny + LSD and so on.
I mean, seriously, that's all what Mazda need to consider. A stock "3-Rotor" as the new rx-7 or rx-8. Suck on the mpg/ smog though, so, probably wouldn't pass the US/EU regulatory.
That would solve all the HP & Torque lacking in the 8. Don't even mind if it's $50K. If that's what it takes to handle and to provide a better Tranny + LSD and so on.
I mean, seriously, that's all what Mazda need to consider. A stock "3-Rotor" as the new rx-7 or rx-8. Suck on the mpg/ smog though, so, probably wouldn't pass the US/EU regulatory.
09-17-2010, 06:08 PM
#17
Vtak just kicked in yo!!
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I have only one grumble. I wish the 2009 (& newer) R3 model means "3-Rotor".
That would solve all the HP & Torque lacking in the 8. Don't even mind if it's $50K. If that's what it takes to handle and to provide a better Tranny + LSD and so on.
I mean, seriously, that's all what Mazda need to consider. A stock "3-Rotor" as the new rx-7 or rx-8. Suck on the mpg/ smog though, so, probably wouldn't pass the US/EU regulatory.
That would solve all the HP & Torque lacking in the 8. Don't even mind if it's $50K. If that's what it takes to handle and to provide a better Tranny + LSD and so on.
I mean, seriously, that's all what Mazda need to consider. A stock "3-Rotor" as the new rx-7 or rx-8. Suck on the mpg/ smog though, so, probably wouldn't pass the US/EU regulatory.
50K is corvette territory. Meaning this fantasy 3- rotor would have to run 12's and handle competitively to 'other' cars in that kind of price range.
You said it, emissions is the problem. Also reliability concerns. And a 50K Mazda? That'll be about as successful as the 80K VW Pheaton was....
Your hearts in the right place, but its not happening, ever.
09-17-2010, 08:17 PM
#18
Registered
hey, I own both an FD and an 8. two totally different beasts. depends on what you want to do with the car. 8 - daily driver. FD weekend track car or quick jaunts to vineyard
09-19-2010, 12:45 PM
#19
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I also bought an rx8 on release and recently started looking at new cars as I generally keep daily drivers for about 7 years. A number of my friends bought (used) 996 911 turbo's, an excellent used car value, and I also considered the Porsche cayman S. I finally decided these were much more expensive, yet less exotic and less practical than the rx8.
With talk of this new rotary motor and a maybe a new rx7 or rx9, I will wait a little longer.
With talk of this new rotary motor and a maybe a new rx7 or rx9, I will wait a little longer.
09-21-2010, 12:43 PM
#21
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#16: I have the 2008 40th Anniversary Edition with the Bilsteins, ride IMHO is better.
I almost bought the VW CC, but after driving the 8, that was it. If I were to buy a "new" car now, it would probably be the CC. Although I'd have to buy the 2.0T instead of the V6 because I'd want the manual tranny.
I almost bought the VW CC, but after driving the 8, that was it. If I were to buy a "new" car now, it would probably be the CC. Although I'd have to buy the 2.0T instead of the V6 because I'd want the manual tranny.
09-21-2010, 10:03 PM
#23
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#16: I have the 2008 40th Anniversary Edition with the Bilsteins, ride IMHO is better.
I almost bought the VW CC, but after driving the 8, that was it. If I were to buy a "new" car now, it would probably be the CC. Although I'd have to buy the 2.0T instead of the V6 because I'd want the manual tranny.
I almost bought the VW CC, but after driving the 8, that was it. If I were to buy a "new" car now, it would probably be the CC. Although I'd have to buy the 2.0T instead of the V6 because I'd want the manual tranny.
09-22-2010, 06:41 PM
#25
Super Moderator
Good thoughts RR...and what is wrong with being a "fan-boy"..
Well my S2 is coming up to 2 years old, with 18K (miles), there is not a day where I do not enjoy/love this car...and what Mazda put in it.
Even if there is ever a new RX~, it will need to be something "special"..
Look, the 8 really does not ask for much, what.. to keep an eye on fluids, engine, coolant, battery, brakes...that is really all that is needed, apart from servicing.
Funny, my only disappointment is Mazda's poor paint quality and around/under the edges, and is too thin and brittle., and the interior plastics they scratch/mark too easily, particularly the Silver Console pieces and the Piano Black...
But hey, I am being REALLY picky..
Well my S2 is coming up to 2 years old, with 18K (miles), there is not a day where I do not enjoy/love this car...and what Mazda put in it.
Even if there is ever a new RX~, it will need to be something "special"..
Look, the 8 really does not ask for much, what.. to keep an eye on fluids, engine, coolant, battery, brakes...that is really all that is needed, apart from servicing.
Funny, my only disappointment is Mazda's poor paint quality and around/under the edges, and is too thin and brittle., and the interior plastics they scratch/mark too easily, particularly the Silver Console pieces and the Piano Black...
But hey, I am being REALLY picky..