Jump120MPH

Welcome Dave

I wish people would just get over the gas mileage issue. Its a sports car. If you couldnt afford the gas for it then why buy it? I hear all this complaining about it yet I dont see alot of people selling theirs. So it doesnt get as much as they said it would big deal. If they are really so unhappy with it they should sell it.

I love this car. This is my first sports car I have ever owned. First RWD car too. Man I just love driving it. Yes its not as fast as it should be, but aftermarket companies and working that.

I have had my car since Aug 15. I have 12,000 miles on my car and have not had one single problem with it.

I hope you really enjoy your test drive and purchase one.

Regards.

Jeremy

Ike

If you've had it with Turboed 4 "buzzboxes I don't know how well that bodes for the Renesis. To me, it feels a little like a 4 cylinder turbo car with less midrange grunt. The EVO, STi, do not feel much like 4 Cylinders and will smoke any stock 6 cylinder and many stock 8 cylinders on the road. But if you can't get over the looks, then that doesn't really matter.

As for the people that keep saying it's a sports car people should just get over it. While great fuel economy is not something anyone should expect from a sportscar, that doesn't change the fact that there are many cars superior or close in accelleration and HP that get much better fuel economy, which makes it a little more difficult to just overloook.

I also agree with Japan8 on the Legacy, if you don't mind a wolf in sheeps clothing. Though judging from your car choices in the past you don't seem to care much for the whole sleeper look. Keep in mind the J-spec wagon version recentl beat the Audi RS6 around a track in the best motoring video.

Bubble, everyone makes such a big deal about the 50/50 weight distribution. I notice in the list you made, the only car you list as having it is the RX-8. However, the S2K, 350Z, and some of SRTs old cars are 50/50 or damn close.

Hammy, I found the EVO to be a little more refined in one sense (the steering and handling feel), but not in others. The ride on the EVO compared to the STi was a little harsh. I think the STi is a much better daily driver for that reason. Plus the fact that it has a couple more creature comforts adds to the daily driveability as long as you don't mind getting an aftermarket radio. Which IMO is a good thing since almost all factory radios are overpriced garbage. Both have great seats, but I must admit, the Recaros are a little better.

Have Fun with your testdrive SRT, and let us know how it goes.

Ike

Japan8

Actually I love the wolf in sheep's clothing look. The other 'Stangs were my father's... don't forget that. I've only owned a '90 5.0 LX... totally stock exterior... and still is as my father is going for the wolf in sheep's clothing look too. Outside of that I've had a '91 Sentra SE, '89 Prelude Si, '93 Ascot, and '01 Familia S-Wagon Sport 20 (MP5).

For my next car when I move back to the States... I've got a family to think of and simply... I want a sporty, but luxury and classy too. So the STi and Evo are out. Nice cars, but not what I'm looking for. The Legacy... mmmm... almost bought a used one instead of my Mazda... probably should have too... slow POS :p (nah.. I love the handling though). BMW's are nice, but repair costs and reliability knock it off my list. The G35c has only 2 doors. Z, and s2k have only 2 seats. '05 Stang is only 2+2. Basically... I want an affordable BMW M5:D

cruzdreamer

Car insurance is extremely reasonable...Only $5/mo over my Protege5. The car is awesome though I wish it got better gas mileage.....I expected closer to the sticker ratings. I know it's a sports car and all. I never flooded it so can't say much on that. May not beat some off the line but the handling is awesome. The car is a work of art styling wise.......constant looks and people talking to me about it! Great backseat utility(I have a 4 year old who sits back there...he loves it) A decent trunk, beautiful interior and a blast to drive. Test drive one more than once if you want to be sure and then compare to other cars to find out what you trully want in a car! good luck. I don't like Dodge cars....look nice but horrible reliability after 2 years!

Ike

I wasn't saying you didn't like the sleeper looks, I was saying Dave probably wouldn't :D

Japan8

Oh! My bad, IkeWRX. Misunderstood that one.

mlino01

Go test drive one and check out the grin factor for yourself.

Overport

well....they say the mazdaspeed rx8 will hit our shores in late 2004 or early 2005. i think the srt-4 would be fun enough to last a year, then wait and get the mazdaspeed rx8 so you can blow everyone away!

Japan8

Here's an article on the 2005 Mustang....

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

Sounds pretty good...

MP3Guy

This is what I go through with my MP3. Although the cornering power approaches that of a Porsche 996, there are a lot of compromises with the ride and comfort. Which didn't bother me at first, but after three years and 35,000 miles, starts to wear on the old kidneys. What's amazing is the MP3 is supposedly a Buick compared to the later Mazdaspeed version!! I can just imagine what that's like!

The RX-8 would be a better compromise for me- I NEED rear seating, and I'm a long-time car freak, so I need a sports car. And I would also like a nicely appointed car too.

Every car is a combination of pluses and minuses, so you have to weigh them all. Half the fun is thinking about it, at least if you love cars as we all do.

In the meantime, I think we are sometimes TOO demanding. The 8 is certainly no slug, even though it doesn't lead the pack in a straight line. Do you really need to beat everyone else, or do you just need everyday quickness?

And this kind of MPG combined with those 1/4 mile times would be technologically unimaginable not so long ago.

I plan to buy my 8 late this year, as soon as Mrs. MP3's car is paid off.

Ike

I get the feeling Dave never got a testdrive or just decided to keep his SRT-4.

Japan8

maybe so... too bad. His loss...

SRT-4 Owner

Still thinking about it, though I also test drove the Acura TSX and was really impressed. I know it's a totally different type of car than the 8, but it's a lot of car for the money.

What do you guys think?

Japan8

The TSX... is that the Japanese Accord model? If so... that's a nice car... even moreso in Japan. I wouldn't buy it myself... I have had a bad time with Hondas and I hate FWD cars. It doesn't help that Honda makes all their cars into weanies in the US... they refuse to develop a RWD sedan for the luxury market, their cars are boring... I can go on and on. Frankly...other than Chrysler, Honda is one of the other car companies I will avoid at all costs.

Think of it this way... if everyone keeps buying Acura, then Honda will never get the point and continue to do things the same way... vote/convince them with your wallet!

bubble

TSX?! You might want to check out the new Galant, Accord, or Maxima. These cars are way too fast for what they are. You might want to check out the Saab 9-3, Lincoln LS, Volvo S60, Thunderbird, and 3 series. There are a lot of luxury cars around 30,000.

Japan8

FWD, FWD, FWD... almost everything you named is front wheel drive. FWD sucks. The only cars you mentioned that are in the running are the Lincoln LS and the 3 Series. The Thunderbird is too slow, handling too sloppy, 2 doors and its convertible. All No no's.

Ike

If it comes down to more sedan type cars and you don't think the 8 is for you I highly suggest you wait for the new Legacy. It won't have quite as many gadgets as some of the others but it will out perform them and will still be much more comfortable and have far more creature comforts than your SRT-4 and even some of the other cars mentioned. And the clincher, you get AWD instead of torque steering FWD.

Ike

JimJimElf

I bought one and within a month the check engine light came but before I was getting bad gas mileage but took it into the shop they reset or reflased the ecu and had no problems since recently drove from VA to KY with no problems.

Mat

I'm moving to Seattle (from eastern Canada) in a few days. Buying a 8 the second I get there. Think Seattle has bad roads? Have a trip to Montreal

Ike

What's with the testimonials guys, I don't think he's even driven the 8 yet, and just asked asked us what we though about the TSX...

Am I correct Dave, or did you test drive an 8?

SRT-4 Owner

Yeah, I did and was very impressed.

Like you guys say, smooth motor, lots of luxury features, very clever and well put together car.

I drove the one I might buy right off the showroom floor--black exterior, black/tan interior and Grand Touring Package. My only negative impression was lots of tire noise, though seeing as how I'm driving a car without a muffler, everything is quieter!! lol

I got the guy down to the high 28s.

I would have NO hesitation about buying this car AT ALL. I'm just trying to decide if I want a sports car or a sport/luxury sedan.

You guys have been great; I'll keep you posted!!!

Ike

I don't know Dave, it sounds like it's time for you to settle down a bit and get a Deville :P

Japan8

Dave... ouch! Man Ike's hitting low... not even a CTS, but a DeVille he says... that's cold man...

SRT-4 Owner

REALLY cold....but I am 50!!!

Nah, not ready for the old man car yet. That's why I traded in the Acura TL Type S--too boring.

Japan8

Well in that case... j/k.

A TL Type S... nah... too boring like all Hondas. You need an 8 or a aftmarket boosted upcoming Legacy...