diem

Hi everyone,

I have been considering an RX8 for some time now. I really like the fact that there are 4 doors. I currently have one little kid, and a fiance. Is this car practical for lounging a car seat around town?

Are these cars quite reliable? All I have heard about from others is how rotaries have to be rebuilt every 50k blah blah. That may have been true with the old RX7s, I don't know. I know there is a 4 year 50k mile warranty on them.

I have found a 2005 Hivelocity Red with 15k on the clock for $20500. Is that a decent price? It is a 6spd with black/tan leather and sunroof. It only appears to be lacking Navigation.

I currently sport a 1999 Cadillac Seville STS but am looking to ditch it. Any insight is welcome.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

That price is decent for my area. I haul a seven year old and a 12 year old around so I don't know about the seat but I would think it could be done but a tight squeeze.

I bought my car with 12k on the odo and in the first 10k I owned it I had the engine, fuel tank, heater, door sills, gas cap, and temperature control **** replaced. I also had a few stalls on the highway and some fluctuating idle issues and a few check engine lights. However, in the last 20k I have not had any problems what so ever.

The car is the funnest (sic) car I have ever owned (and I have owned some screamers) and the Velocity Red is a true head turner when kept up and shiney. The interior has held up well and aside from the temperture control **** (which I think they broke when replacing the engine) I have been very happy with the form, function, and the fit and finish of the interior.

DarkBrew

The car is the only sports car made for the family man.
Many on this site have put two car seats in the back using the built in anchors. Also the car is very sturdy and safe.
The Rotary isn't like other engines. You must keep an eye on the oil level. You must rev the engine to the red line to keep it free of carbon build up (this really isn't a problem but more of a benefit...)
The RX8 is a car for an enthusiast.

balefire

iTrader: (2)

I have a six month old that has been riding in the car seat in the back since he was born. no complaints. In fact, compared to my wife's VW GLI, it puts him to sleep better...

I too bought a '05 used with 10k miles, and I haven't had a single problem with it.

That price is probably the best price you will get without having to travel a distance. Good luck

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Well, there you go. If it holds a child seat no problem and the price is right then you can't go wrong.

pussywillow1972

I bought an 05 with 4500 miles on it for 19k. My Britax Marathon kid seat fits perfectly. The only problem I have is the latch anchors are a little too recessed into the seat and can be a pain connecting up until you get used to it. I swap the car seat between this and my Jeep though. If you're just putting it in and leaving it, then there shouldn't be an issue. My two year old has plenty of room. The only time I'd see a leg room issue is if the front seat is all the way back.

diem

I will be keeping the base in there so basically it wont be a problem. I'm pretty sure I think I am going to have to get an RX8. I just cant get over the sleek look and the cool looking interior. I'm a fan of high revving and a believer that cars need WOT to keep the engine free of carbon buildup.

My only issue now is waiting on my title to get back from the BMV to trade in my STS, but I am gonna hit the dealership early this week and see what I can work out.

Are the 2005s prone to the flooding issue that I have been reading about?

Razz1

No flooding was fixed with a flash to the ecu.

04RX8man

Go for it man. They're unbelieveable. you'll enjoy it everytime you drive it. The flooding isn't a problem as long as you don't shut it down cold. Let it warm up check the oil and keep it full of gas and it will be the best car you've ever owned.

dbright007

Make sure you get a good long test drive. And make them take you over bumpy roads. Curvy ones also. Because if you are coming out a Caddy the suspension is going to please the hell out of you in the curves, and be a heckuva a shock when you hit a bump.
I once heard that an 8 driver would rather hit a box of kittens than a pothole. First pothole I hit, I understood why.
I personally love mine. So many things to enjoy about it.
Just drive one a couple times is my advice - coming from a Caddy is gonna be a huge difference. Alot good, some bad ( like worse gas mileage ).
Spend some time looking around at different subjects here - read the good and the bad.

As has been said, recalls fixed most flooding issues (make sure they are all done) and don't shut it down cold.

Sidenote - everybody seems to be so pleasant on the board - must be Easter weekend.

diem

Thanks for the continued responses. The caddy is comfortable, and I only get around 16/22 MPG with the way I drive it. I love the 300HP it gives me, but I think I'm over my caddy obsession, time to move on now.

diem

Okay, if you guys can critique this vehicle, it would be great. Does it have the front spoiler I have been reading about? Not sure what that looks like. Also, are all the motors the same size in the 8?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=34

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

it does have the appearance package but i'm not sure which front spoiler you've been reading about. all the motors are the same and this 8 looks pretty good on the face of things. i would check edmunds to see if pricing is right for your area but you can probably negotiate down just as you can with any car. at least it doesn't hurt to try but first check to see what they go for in your area.

DarkBrew

It has the spoiler. All of the engines are the same if you get the manual tranny. The weird thing about the car in the ad is the black/tan interior with red exterior. I can't comment on price. You need someone to run a Carfax report on the VIN. Sometimes people offer them free on this site.

diem

You all have been extremely helpful. I just checked Edmunds and for the same options/miles they quoted the dealer at just over 22k. I will definitely try to talk them down as much as possible.

Oh, and what the heck is a Shinka?

DarkBrew

Shinka is a special edition.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/to...al-Edition.htm

diem

Well, it's official. I am now an RX-8 owner. I didn't get the exact car I wanted, and it was a pretty coincidental way I found the car, but nonetheless the STS is gone and the Hi-Velocity Red is here!

I took her out on some desolate roads tonight for some fun and wow, redlining the gears will get that speed up quick. I also LOVE the sound of the car and I don't think there was a person who wasn't pointing or starring at the car, including cops lol.

diem

Thanks the dealer must have added the word Hi to make it seem more impressive

Hopefully the car proves reliable. Umm one question, if it has a CD changer, where would it be?

diem

Interesting. Thanks!

Visirale

I came from a 98 caddy SLS. I love it, and the RX8. They are very different machines. The Rx8 will feel like it has no torque at all after driving the caddy... but it is a lot quicker. You'll go fast without realizing it. It won't really snap your neck back, but you'll look down all of the sudden and be going 20 over without realizing it.

Like stated before, the suspension will surprise you. You'll take curves about 20-25 mph faster than you did in the caddy. I remember looking for potholes to go over in the caddy because the suspension totally made you not feel it. If you do that in the RX8 you'll get a headache, haha.

Do it though. It's the right decision and you'll love it.

I got a 2006 with 1700 miles on it for 21k... deals are out there if you look.

reaper1

Good decision.