Well, it's been fun, but I reluctantly traded in my RX-8 for a 2005 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. I had too many cars - a 2003 Corvette, a 2003 PT Cruiser, and the RX-8, and found it was too expensive and too much work to maintain 3 vehicles. I love the Corvette - must keep. I sold the PT - it was fun, but not sporty enough to be my daily driver. Thus, the Mazda6 - sporty and practical. I need a wagon to drive my elderly parents around, along with their wheelchair and walker. So, I'm still in the Mazda family, and will visit the RX-8 forum often (the Mazda6 forum is nowhere as active and interesting). I'm amazed at the things the Mazda6 has that the RX-8 doesn't - automatic climate control, a six-speed automatic (yes - 6, new for 2005, made by Aisin - they make the RX-8 MT), real sun visors (no holes), and AC that people on the Mazda6 forum are complaining is TOO COLD! The steering wheel and center display are the same as the RX-8, so I feel at home. And now that it's gone, I can say that my RX-8 was reliable - never failed to start. While I had it (more than 14 months), I was afraid to say that - didn't want to jinx it. I had a great time with it - especially my recent Track Day at Laguna Seca. I met a lot of interesting people at our weekly get togethers and other events. So, that's the story. The RX-8 is a great car - I'll miss it!

 

So long Bob. Nice array of cars you got.
How much did you get for the RX-8?

 

That's a shame mate, I know the 6 will never be the same as the 8.
I feel for you.

 

Too bad, but it sounds like you had some good practical reasons to switch. I checked out and seriously considered the Mazda6 myself, and it's an impressive car, especially for the price, so you should be fine. Good luck.

 

Congrats on the 6spd...glad you didn't get the 5 spd jatco, you would have been punching yourself in the face otherwise .

 

Yes, I waited for the 2005 to get the 6-speed auto/manual. It's sweet. As far as trade-in, I got $21,000 - not bad considering the discounts on new ones.

 

MazdaBob...

Nice!! I love the 6. My bet is....when the MS RX8 comes out in '06 you be first in line.

Congrats...
- Irish

 

Or the new RX-7/9! :D

 

Sweet Bob. Enjoy you 6 buddy!!

- Irish

 

You shoulda AT LEAST got the 3, I test drove it and it was REALLY nice..

 

sell the corvett and buy back that 8 pronto!

 

It was fun while it lasted Bob... At least you will still have the "Mazdabob Billet Grille" as your legacy.

 

http://www.mazda6tech.com/

This site will be 90% tech info only..not alot of chit chat.

If you want a lounge do the club site.

 

mazdabob i hope you're happy with your new car. just because you don't have an 8 anymore doesn't mean you can't frequent the boards. drop by when you can.

 

How do you feel the acceleration of the '05 6 is compared to the '04? Do the extra gears help lower end torque at all? I didn't get a 6 because I felt it lagging slightly...

 

If you had a C6, I'd understand the 8 had to go, but a C5?

 

Yes, the extra gear helps - first gear is lower (higher number) - so better acceleration, sixth gear is higher (lower number) - so better mpg. Also, the shifts feel crisper.

 

Well, I plan to get a C6 next spring. :D
Hey, that makes 2 sixes - Mazda6 and C6.

 

I agree the 3 is good - I thrashed a few at the Mazda Rev-It-Up. But I need to drive my parents around, and they have trouble getting in and out - the 3 is too small.

 

Please let us know when you get the C6 next spring, I suspect that will be a righteous ride.

See ya around.

 

Your parents can't fit in the corvette

 

One at a time. :D

 

You could even think about the MS 6....

 

I dont think the Mazdaspeed 6 has enough room for the wheelchair(s) which I think thats why he had the PT cruiser before, obviously if the RX-8 had fit everything he probably would have kept that and just sold the PT cruiser. So unless they make a Mazdaspeed 6 Wagon...