first of all i wanted to say this site is awesome. im currently looking at getting a new car and i have been reading the posts for the last few weeks, but decided i better subscribe and become a memeber cause i have tons of questions. im looking at getting an 8 within the next 2 weeks, and yesterday i took my first test drive...and all i have to say is im in love. salesman told me to floor it, and befor ei knew i was on the highway about to 100. i only have a couple questions..

what are your opinions on the downsides to the 8, minus your bias, i really want to know?

and is it worht waiting to get one once a turbo version comes out or the second gen.?

im sure i will have more questions within the next couple weeks but as of right now, the rx-8 is my leader for choices in a new car.

thanks again, and im glad to be a member.

 

I would say the downsides would be the average fuel economy (bout 18 city / 23 Hwy), and lack of huge low end torque (for some people that like to rev, this is no issue). Compared to the Z, the 8 is better looking, rides much better and is more livable due to its extra room on top of bering cheaper on the whole. The Z has lots of power, but the ride really beats you up. You could always install the MS trubo later is you wanted I'm sure. Toyota does this for there FI kits.

 

average fuel economy and the middle part that goes through the car gets pretty warm/hot. other then those 2, i love this car and i am having a blast driving it.

 

very big plus is handling , wow I love the handling !

 

i actually drive a truck now with a 25 gallon tank and i barely get 10mpg on a good day so 18 would be a miracle for me. i drove the z also and it didnt appeal to me one bit, i liked the way you could feel the power in the 8. the only other thing im looking at driving is a infiniti g35. i noticed the torgue issue but when i reved it up more it was easier and smoother so i dont think that would be a problem.

thanks for the opinions!!!

 

G35 and the 8 are both great cars. But the G35 is a lot more money, but you get more power, but lose handling. But u get to say u got a rotary engine with your 8! good luck with ur decision.

i get 15 mpg. So gas sucks, but that wouldn't really affect you too much since u had a truck.

 

The only downside I've experienced so far (2 months, 3K miles; 19mpg mixed driving; 6MT GT) is bad placement of the cup holder. It takes away your armrest and you have to reach far back to get the drink. Oh, and the rear and side window defrosters are pretty wimpy.

 

I think the car is just right. If I wanted faster I would have bought an STI. I would be careful about buying a new car with more than a few miles on it, because sales people tend to encourage test drivers to race the **** out of them to demonstrate the car's potential. Not good on an engine that is not broken in yet, IMHO.

I test drove many 8's, but when it came time to buy, my car had less than 11 miles on it, and still had the plastic on the seats.

Welcome to the forum!

 

I got mine as a demo. Would have preferred brand new but it was an irresistable deal on exactly the package I wanted. The only evidence of mistreatment was a scratched hood, and they replaced that for me. No problems so far (knocking wood)

 

The warranty starts at the mileage at which the car is driven off the lot. If you can get a good deal, do it.