Phredd

Almost five years ago, I gave up my Miata and bought my RX-8. I absolutely love it! It's Phantom Blue (which I think was the coolest color ever!) and had installed an awesome in-dash Alpine stereo (see photo - now upgraded to X-305 with bluetooth) with Focal speakers, JL amp and subwoofer and an Astrostart two-way remote - altogether about $3,500.

But, on every nice day, I want to put the top down. I just test drove the new Miata and it's really fun! Just like I remember. Am I crazy to give up my RX-8? And do you think I could recoup my investment in my stereo? I wish I could afford to keep both.

I'd appreciate comments comparing the performance of both cars and what you think I should expect to get for it (2006 with only 32,000 miles in excellent condition).

Thanks,
Phredd

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

To be honest, it comes down to what you think your future looks like. Remember that the Miata is a 2 seater vs the rx8's 4ish. How long do you plan on keeping the car? Kids in your future? How stable is your job? Can you afford the 8's fuel economy?

04Green

iTrader: (1)

yes

Kaiser bun

iTrader: (2)

Not quite sure what the point of two cd players is so I'm not optimistic about it being a fast seller if you were to part that out, and the dealer won't give you any extra for it on a trade in so unless your willing to wait awhile you might just have to bite the cost of the stereo.

Roidz

^^I agree with this. And yes, imo, you're crazy. Obviously I like Rx8's more otherwise I would have a miata instead, but anyway, couldn't you just move part of your stereo equipment to the miata so you don't lost out on the entire investment (if you wanna call it that).

Phredd

Five years and only 32,000 miles, so I don't drive that much. My daughter drives her SUV when we don't fit my RX-8. We'll just fit less often in a Miata.

Blunt... I like that.

Some people in my family think I'm crazy and would be happy if I gave up this idea. I could fit the stereo head and four speakers in the Miata, but the amp and sub would probably take half the trunk.

The point was to be non-desctructive. The Alpine could be removed and the original dash replaced.

ShottsCruisers

Crazy = Hoping to recoop the stereo investment. Heck, I'd prefer my stock Bose...because it's all stock.

Not crazy = Wanting the new MX5. It's almost as quick, the top comes down/off, the powered hardtop is amazing, it handles awesome and another big reason is it's far more reliable.

Personally I could not take that small step back in performance. I would also miss the rotary. If they still made new S2000's it'd be my next buy. My son's is frickin' amazing!

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

kiker14

What about option C - go buy a 1990 or 1991 RX-7 convertible. I bought mine for $1,500 and sold it a year later for $2,000. They are readily available, cheap, and really quite fun.

IronTanuki

My mom picked up a Stormy Blue Mica, also a pretty color, 2007 PRHT MX-5 a few weeks ago and we went down to Charlottesville to pick it up allowing a nice trip through Skyline drive and 211 (curvy mountain roads) on the way back up.

The power hard top is cool I must admit and I was surprised I could fit in the car so well at 6'2. The car handled almost as well as the RX-8 but the engine felt so uninspired to me. My impressions of the 8 are now tainted with 6 months of boost so I'm sure I'm overstating how different they are but the note and power delivery made the RX-8 a clear winner in my opinion. Unless you really like dropping the top I'd still take an RX-8 over an MX-5...

rafaga

iTrader: (1)

Contact user: Astral. He did that switch. He can probably give you good advice.

rx8r3mike

well considering a miatia is one of the gayest cars around, sure i would say its a mistake.

New Yorker

Totally cool to switch.

I had three Miatas over 15 years before I got my 8 in 2006. Such a great car. I prefer the 8 right now because most of my driving is on fast parkways and limited-access highways, where the MX-5 is out of its element. That said, there is nothing — I repeat, nothing — that can compare to the high you get when you put the top down on a warm spring day or a hot summer night. It's a drug.

I wouldn't be surprised if there's a fourth MX-5 in my future, at some point.

Phredd

So half think I'm crazy, half "understand" and one thinks I'm gay.

That's it! I love the RX-8. It's a great car, fast, handles well, comfortable and roomy, but then I drove the Miata with the top down and I felt exhilarated!!!

I hate the Bose sound. I tried to like it, really I did. Do you think there's a big difference in performance? It handled really well, fast acceleration and really smooth shifting. And this may be just a matter of taste, but I like the pitch of the Miata's engine. I think it's toned down since my 1999 Miata.

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

+1 I had a 90 vert quiet an awesome car to drive, just make sure it's a 5speed the autos suck. Or you could swap it to stick if only auto is available. That's what I did to mine... God I miss that car....

WTBRotary!

iTrader: (6)

Haha was waiting for this one...




And my mother has a Miata, it is a blast to drive still but the shape and curves isnt nearly as sexy as the 8. Plus Im a rotorhead, pistons are good for Daily Drivers... Lets not forget the Miata has ~160 hp... Now if you dropped a Renesis in that bad boy I would say YES... buy one...

Bullitt

iTrader: (7)

Yes.

cjkim

s2000

WTBRotary!

iTrader: (6)

fail...

Roidz

That's hilarious.

rx8r3mike

hahahah so true, but ya its ok for a women to drive that car. but if you are a guy its just guy, honestly just look at it. sure its fun to drive but so is smart car.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Option D like me. Once my 8 was paid off, I got a 99 Miata. I daily the Miata, cause it is frankly cheaper. But it's still way fun, and I still get to keep my 8.


Now I just gotta keep the 8 away from my wife

CyberPitz

I like where you're going with this....

RX8Lovah

yes your crazy. you need some meds!
- coming from a chick. the miata is such a chick car! rx8 is much sexier! and guys look very strange driving it!

okok all jokes aside Go with what you like the most!

RX8Lovah

LMAO!!! u sound like me, but oposite. he will wake up an hour earlier than me just to take the car and not tell me. lol its like waking up to a missing car randomly....