Hi,

I am in the market for a new car to replace my toyota mr2 spyder and am considering a RX-8. I have driven both a 40th anniversary model, and regular GT model, both with 6spd MT, and liked both cars. Unfortunately, a test drive is only a short test and I was not able to decide if I like the ride and handling of the 40th anniversary with the bilstein suspension or the GT with the regular suspension better. I am also considering getting a 08 sport model with the performance package, and recovering the seats with Katzkin leather.

This car would be used in Pennsylvania (we have pretty bad roads) for daily driving and for spirited driving on the weekends. I would not be racing the car at a track or doing anything stupid/illegal on public roads.

If anyone has experience with both cars, can they please let me know there opinion on which car would be better to live with for the next 6 years. Also, if anyone can comment on any differences between the cloth in the sport model and leather covered seats in the GT/40th anniversary model that would be helpful as well.

Thanks,

Panek

 

hi, i guess it depends which one cost less . i would go with the least expensive one, and used the extra money on coilovers and wheels. but since you have bad roads, you probably dont care to buy coilovers so i guess 40th. but hopefully othes will be able to answer you question.

 

I'm partial to leather seats and in general a Grand Touring ride so I would go with the 40th edition. My '05 Shinka has similar niceties to the 40th (upgraded suspension, urethane filled cross members, etc) and I'm glad I went that route. It handles poor roads well and yet is plenty spirited enough for me.

 

^ +1

I had a choice between a `05 shinka and a 40th and went with the `05 due simply to price. the options as far as i could tell were all the same. i liked the color better on the `05 as well but i do think the `08 grey is sharp. the interiors are a whole different discussion though. Though i think the `08's interior is... unique, the beige and black of the 05 shinka is beautiful.

anyway, yes i say go with the 40th.

 

I have an 04 with 50k on it and the cloth seats still look new, they hold up really well. The best part is they keep your butt where you want it while going around a tight turn.

I also live in PA and the only thing that bothers me with the road is potholes. Im always so afraid im going to bend my rim.

What part of PA are you from?

 

lol i have a mazda dealership like 7mins from my house and when they got the 40th one i went there knowing nothing about it and i was like.. wtf theres just an emblem differnt on it... (it was sitting next to my friends 05) and i like just walked away lol. but if u have the money go for it! theres only gonna be 1 40th ann

 

with the 40th, but I happen to own one. loved my 05 touring, but love the 40th more. Plan on keeping it as an investment. Only will drive it between 3 to 5 K a year, long pleasure trips only. They only built 1000. Spend most of my time, more than driving it, applying Zaino. Did not buy it for an every day vehicle.

 

get the 40th. those 200-300$ AE tags on the side is sooo worth it haha.

 

If you're going to reupholster the seats, I would NOT go with the 40th. It has the special edition interior which is more expensive.

I would recommend a normal 8.

 

Hi guys,

Thanks for the input.

Just clear things up, I would only redo the seats if I got a sport model with the cloth seats.