What did you buy the RX-8 for?
03-04-2006, 09:02 PM
#51
Extraordinary Engineering
Saw it in a magazine in 2004
Test drove it in 2005 (had to wait to get rid of my Honda)
Four seat sports car? Wow, I had to have it.
Fell in love.
My only problem now is that the car is still in the shop due to unfavorable contact with wildlife. I can't wait to get it back.
Test drove it in 2005 (had to wait to get rid of my Honda)
Four seat sports car? Wow, I had to have it.
Fell in love.
My only problem now is that the car is still in the shop due to unfavorable contact with wildlife. I can't wait to get it back.
03-04-2006, 09:50 PM
#53
Registered
I discovered the RX-8 when my mom was getting an oil change. They had literature on it before it came out in 04. I decided I had to have one, that it was going to be my first car....and it is as soon as it gets out of port!!!! My goal was always to get a car by/at the time I was 25. I ordered one and am now anxiously awaiting it!!! 
03-04-2006, 11:59 PM
#54
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Originally Posted by DailyDriver2k5
After reading many post of current owners who are unhappy with the 8, i have to ask why or what did you buy the 8 for? I could understand why many of you are unhappy, or unsatisfied with your purchase, but what did you expect when you were buying the 8 to begin with?
The 8 is not a Asphalt tire shreading 1/4 mile car, nor is it some 200+ mph top speed exotic......
What the 8 is , its a drivers car that rewards its passengers or driver with 50/50 weight distribution,good handeling,adequate power, uniqueness from other cars,smooth revving 9k rpm motor. Period.
I have driven many cars and owned many interesting cars from sports cars to muscle cars to fast sports sedans. And i have to say , the RX-8 is a joy to drive and own. Its unique in its own way, it has character like no other car on the road and gets respect from the most advid enthusiast, journalist , and car buffs. I traded a 99 Mustang Gt for my 8, and i don't regret it one bit, my Mustang was bullet proof too, fast in all gears, would tear my 8 a new one, i apreciated my stang for what it did best .... put massive amounts of power and tourqe to the rear wheels in a authorative manor.
But my Stang didn't handle well , it was a far cry from my past TTZ, and other Z's in the past that i owned, it was common, yet how many people liked or loved it, you seen one stang you seen them all. It wasn't light, or nimble on its feet, it was big and bulky and styling was ho-hum. Mainly i bought the stang for power and nothing else. And you know what, i got what i payed for......
It wasn't a sports car and it was a far cry from having any sports car characteristics like my previous Z's in the past. When deciding on my next purcahse i wanted something unique , a all around performer, something that would put a smile on my face again like my coveted Z's. Was going to buy a 04 M3, instead with a litte persuasion from my wife i got the 8 instead.
And it felt good to get back into a RWD car that touched my heart and made me smile when driven like my past Z's did. No the 8 isn't the fastest, but its an all around performer that can be appreciated by its driver.
Why do people buy Mini's, VW bugs, etc.....these cars aren't fast,they don't leave two black marks 50 yard longs on the road. But people love these cars , because they are diffrent, there unique in there own way, and they bring smiles to the owners face when driven. Here at my job, my co worker is a Mini enthusiast, he has 4,3 older ones and one new sport Mini. One day he took me for a ride in that thing, and what a little amazing car! The car drives like a go-cart , its fun, fun, fun!!! Because it handles so well in the S's you would think you were going 100+ because the cars just pushes so well to the limit! Where other cars would have to back off or would have lost grip and eaten a pole, the Mini just keeps wanting to push harder through the corner.
Yet your average Honda civic or Dodge neon would beat it silly in a strait away, but speed isn't everything....its the way the car feels and reacts to the drivers input. Just like in my 8 and your 8, the car could be tame as it wants to be, but can be pushed to the limits in a rewarding fashion.
I think people get the wrong idea when they drive the 8, they expect to much from the power plant. People its a 1.3!!!!!!! Yet it can nip at the heals of 350Z,keep up with a S2000, shame and flat out embaress cars that cost twice as much on the twisties and on the track. And all of this from a mere, measly 1.3 liter......If you want more power , buy a turbo kit or SC if you feel the need to prove something to other people or yourself. Mazda engineered a hell of car that can do it all!
Hey even owners in exotics aren't happy with there rides, i can't tell you how many times i heard , Viper owners say, i love the car, but dang the heat coming from the footwell and firewall is overwhelming, and i wish Dodge could have thrown in some more amenities and toys, or how the Viper beats you up after a long drive. Or the Lambo owner will complain about the seats , how uncomfortable they are, or how the Ferrari owners will complain about the stiff clutch and how the car is not easy to drive to the limit. Never seen a video of a Ferrari owner who really pushed his car on the twisties, yet i can find many owners who take videos of themselves pushing 180-200 mph on a long strait away. The reason why... because they can't, many don't have the skill or know how, to push there Ferrari or Lambo on the twisties. I think its fair to say many owners who buy exotic cars , just buy them for status or show off factor.It would suck to buya car that cost 180k+, yet you can't even drive the car to its limit, or the way it should be driven......
Yet we have 27k-35k sport car that can be driven to its limit, that can be driven like the way it should be and at the end of the day, still can pick up grocieries,and haul for indviduals to where they want to go. Yet for many, that is still not enough......
I love my 8, its satisfies my needs and wants on the road. I hope Mazda doesn't change a thing about it, if they add a new power plant then fine, if they revise the front, then fine, but i apreciate for what the 8 can do, instead of what it can't do...i think many of you need to do the same.
The 8 is not a Asphalt tire shreading 1/4 mile car, nor is it some 200+ mph top speed exotic......
What the 8 is , its a drivers car that rewards its passengers or driver with 50/50 weight distribution,good handeling,adequate power, uniqueness from other cars,smooth revving 9k rpm motor. Period.
I have driven many cars and owned many interesting cars from sports cars to muscle cars to fast sports sedans. And i have to say , the RX-8 is a joy to drive and own. Its unique in its own way, it has character like no other car on the road and gets respect from the most advid enthusiast, journalist , and car buffs. I traded a 99 Mustang Gt for my 8, and i don't regret it one bit, my Mustang was bullet proof too, fast in all gears, would tear my 8 a new one, i apreciated my stang for what it did best .... put massive amounts of power and tourqe to the rear wheels in a authorative manor.
But my Stang didn't handle well , it was a far cry from my past TTZ, and other Z's in the past that i owned, it was common, yet how many people liked or loved it, you seen one stang you seen them all. It wasn't light, or nimble on its feet, it was big and bulky and styling was ho-hum. Mainly i bought the stang for power and nothing else. And you know what, i got what i payed for......
It wasn't a sports car and it was a far cry from having any sports car characteristics like my previous Z's in the past. When deciding on my next purcahse i wanted something unique , a all around performer, something that would put a smile on my face again like my coveted Z's. Was going to buy a 04 M3, instead with a litte persuasion from my wife i got the 8 instead.
And it felt good to get back into a RWD car that touched my heart and made me smile when driven like my past Z's did. No the 8 isn't the fastest, but its an all around performer that can be appreciated by its driver.
Why do people buy Mini's, VW bugs, etc.....these cars aren't fast,they don't leave two black marks 50 yard longs on the road. But people love these cars , because they are diffrent, there unique in there own way, and they bring smiles to the owners face when driven. Here at my job, my co worker is a Mini enthusiast, he has 4,3 older ones and one new sport Mini. One day he took me for a ride in that thing, and what a little amazing car! The car drives like a go-cart , its fun, fun, fun!!! Because it handles so well in the S's you would think you were going 100+ because the cars just pushes so well to the limit! Where other cars would have to back off or would have lost grip and eaten a pole, the Mini just keeps wanting to push harder through the corner.
Yet your average Honda civic or Dodge neon would beat it silly in a strait away, but speed isn't everything....its the way the car feels and reacts to the drivers input. Just like in my 8 and your 8, the car could be tame as it wants to be, but can be pushed to the limits in a rewarding fashion.
I think people get the wrong idea when they drive the 8, they expect to much from the power plant. People its a 1.3!!!!!!! Yet it can nip at the heals of 350Z,keep up with a S2000, shame and flat out embaress cars that cost twice as much on the twisties and on the track. And all of this from a mere, measly 1.3 liter......If you want more power , buy a turbo kit or SC if you feel the need to prove something to other people or yourself. Mazda engineered a hell of car that can do it all!
Hey even owners in exotics aren't happy with there rides, i can't tell you how many times i heard , Viper owners say, i love the car, but dang the heat coming from the footwell and firewall is overwhelming, and i wish Dodge could have thrown in some more amenities and toys, or how the Viper beats you up after a long drive. Or the Lambo owner will complain about the seats , how uncomfortable they are, or how the Ferrari owners will complain about the stiff clutch and how the car is not easy to drive to the limit. Never seen a video of a Ferrari owner who really pushed his car on the twisties, yet i can find many owners who take videos of themselves pushing 180-200 mph on a long strait away. The reason why... because they can't, many don't have the skill or know how, to push there Ferrari or Lambo on the twisties. I think its fair to say many owners who buy exotic cars , just buy them for status or show off factor.It would suck to buya car that cost 180k+, yet you can't even drive the car to its limit, or the way it should be driven......
Yet we have 27k-35k sport car that can be driven to its limit, that can be driven like the way it should be and at the end of the day, still can pick up grocieries,and haul for indviduals to where they want to go. Yet for many, that is still not enough......
I love my 8, its satisfies my needs and wants on the road. I hope Mazda doesn't change a thing about it, if they add a new power plant then fine, if they revise the front, then fine, but i apreciate for what the 8 can do, instead of what it can't do...i think many of you need to do the same.
Bought for style, performance, handling and yes, practicality.
I have triplet daughters who are now five and I can easily carry them in back.
Just wish Mazda was considering powertrain enhancement -- I'd gladly pay $40k for the car if it had better power!
03-05-2006, 12:39 AM
#55
Shock and Awe
I honestly wasn't even looking for a "sports" car. I was test driving luxury type vehicles and was coming back from a very disappointing test drive at a Jaguar dealership, and decided to give the 8 a spin. I was hooked after that.
03-05-2006, 05:43 AM
#56
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I wanted something unique, with lots of comfort and sophistication. I loved the lines of this car, and then it happened, took a test drive. Love that hummmmmm! Two weeks in now, and I definitely have that "zoom-zoom" feeling.
03-05-2006, 06:23 AM
#57
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tho I don't own one yet I'd say any doubters need to only take it for a drive and they'll realize WHY the RX8 is such a good overall drivers car. I'm hopin to hold out for '06 clearances unless the 07s are showing positive changes.
03-05-2006, 02:42 PM
#58
Insanely Yellow
Originally Posted by BunnyGirl
Exactly what version is that. 
03-05-2006, 03:27 PM
#59
So I could join here, and then listen to owners of other cars denounce the mileage and lack of torque in the 8. 
(Problems I have not had - 20 mpg, and torque isn't an issue in the upper RPM band - the car moves).
(Problems I have not had - 20 mpg, and torque isn't an issue in the upper RPM band - the car moves).
03-05-2006, 07:29 PM
#63
I hate FWD cars
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I bought mine cuz of the looks, HANDLING and interior design and the 2 + 2 and rear door thing!!! But the Oil/Gas problem is catching up to me and recently I had a very bad dissapointment with the car/dealer or MAzda it self (more info look into general discussion and SE FORUM)
But Overall its an incredible car to driv and the handling is GREAT!.....
Wont buy one again unless the HP and Fule is improoved
But Overall its an incredible car to driv and the handling is GREAT!.....
Wont buy one again unless the HP and Fule is improoved
03-05-2006, 07:44 PM
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I got this car coz it's like the ideal woman. SEXY, it screams when you give it to her. It wants more if you slow down. When you think you are in trouble... she is very forgiving. More importantly... she commands your wishes.
Seriously... I got this car coz it makes me happy and proud owning my RX8. RX8 is also a great platform to learn to improve your driving skills. I am even forcing myself to take up track lessons, just so I can enjoy the RX8's (close to) full potential. It'll take some time... but I know I'll become a better driver as time goes by. It's gonna be fun doing it as well.
BE PROUD OF YOUR RX8!
Seriously... I got this car coz it makes me happy and proud owning my RX8. RX8 is also a great platform to learn to improve your driving skills. I am even forcing myself to take up track lessons, just so I can enjoy the RX8's (close to) full potential. It'll take some time... but I know I'll become a better driver as time goes by. It's gonna be fun doing it as well.
BE PROUD OF YOUR RX8!
03-05-2006, 08:49 PM
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Given some of the responses on here I guess I bought mine because I wanted to own a car that is down on power, has no torque, needs to have a fuel tanker hooked up behind it, has shitty resale value after a short time, and to bitch about it "using" oil.
Now in reality I bought it because I find it to be an amazing fun car, that is great to drive and look at and my wife and I could both agree on a car.
Now in reality I bought it because I find it to be an amazing fun car, that is great to drive and look at and my wife and I could both agree on a car.
03-07-2006, 05:11 AM
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I love threads like these, it gives some of us diehard RX lovers a chance to speak out.
Originally, I bought mine because of the looks, the handling, and the uniqueness of it being the only current production vehicle to have a rotary engine...even though I knew next to nothing about the rotary. I didn't even know it had a rotary until I got into the passenger seat with the salesman and he pointed out that purring note at idle..."that's the sound of a rotary engine, just something a bit different". That, followed by him pulling some massive g's around a carousel convinced me that this was definitely a car that would match my "corner like a madman" driving style.
Over time I noticed that with the RX-8, it was incredibly easy to become one with the car. And it was happening not only on a physical level, but on an emotional level. Handling aside, there was something about even just hearing that "REEEEeeeeeeeen" while at a steady 3000 RPM cruise that would make me grin like a madman. At this point I decided to really read up on the rotary engine and its history.
Getting to really know the Wankel rotary, how it came about, what it represented to Mazda, and how they struggled to make it a viable alternative to the common piston engine was quite an eye opener for me personally. Watching clips of the 787B and how it won the ultimate victory for Mazda at Le Mans, and the promotional info for the RX-8 that were heavily centered around the rotary, made me feel a lot more love for this engine than ever before. And it made me see the RX-8 in a completely new light.
The rotary engine indeed has the spirit of aiming higher. It literally personifies the spirit of driving for fun, and you can just feel this in how insanely smooth and effortlessly this engine can rev up high. It is this sensation of unrestrained ease that has me breaking out in big grins for absolutely no reason at all, other than knowing that the rotary's probably having just as much fun as I am at high RPMs.
As Jeremy Clarkson said, this is a car that is just so easy to drive fast. With new passengers I always have to dial down my cornering because it is just so incredibly natural to toss the RX-8 into a corner at high speeds. It has incredible balance and poise. It has looks that would allow it to keep company with Ferraris without being embarrased one bit. And it has a sound that no other production car in existence can ever hope to produce! And none of this would've been possible without the rotary engine to center the RX-8 around.
In the end I think you need to love the engine before you can love the car. And there are definitely people that own a RX and "get it", and those that own one and don't have a clue. And I feel pretty sorry for those that don't get it. Me personally, I would be hugging this car after every single drive if it were a little more huggable. I absolutely love it and its great big triangular heart.
Originally, I bought mine because of the looks, the handling, and the uniqueness of it being the only current production vehicle to have a rotary engine...even though I knew next to nothing about the rotary. I didn't even know it had a rotary until I got into the passenger seat with the salesman and he pointed out that purring note at idle..."that's the sound of a rotary engine, just something a bit different". That, followed by him pulling some massive g's around a carousel convinced me that this was definitely a car that would match my "corner like a madman" driving style.
Over time I noticed that with the RX-8, it was incredibly easy to become one with the car. And it was happening not only on a physical level, but on an emotional level. Handling aside, there was something about even just hearing that "REEEEeeeeeeeen" while at a steady 3000 RPM cruise that would make me grin like a madman. At this point I decided to really read up on the rotary engine and its history.
Getting to really know the Wankel rotary, how it came about, what it represented to Mazda, and how they struggled to make it a viable alternative to the common piston engine was quite an eye opener for me personally. Watching clips of the 787B and how it won the ultimate victory for Mazda at Le Mans, and the promotional info for the RX-8 that were heavily centered around the rotary, made me feel a lot more love for this engine than ever before. And it made me see the RX-8 in a completely new light.
The rotary engine indeed has the spirit of aiming higher. It literally personifies the spirit of driving for fun, and you can just feel this in how insanely smooth and effortlessly this engine can rev up high. It is this sensation of unrestrained ease that has me breaking out in big grins for absolutely no reason at all, other than knowing that the rotary's probably having just as much fun as I am at high RPMs.
As Jeremy Clarkson said, this is a car that is just so easy to drive fast. With new passengers I always have to dial down my cornering because it is just so incredibly natural to toss the RX-8 into a corner at high speeds. It has incredible balance and poise. It has looks that would allow it to keep company with Ferraris without being embarrased one bit. And it has a sound that no other production car in existence can ever hope to produce! And none of this would've been possible without the rotary engine to center the RX-8 around.
In the end I think you need to love the engine before you can love the car. And there are definitely people that own a RX and "get it", and those that own one and don't have a clue. And I feel pretty sorry for those that don't get it. Me personally, I would be hugging this car after every single drive if it were a little more huggable. I absolutely love it and its great big triangular heart.
03-07-2006, 07:13 AM
#69
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I've said this before, but what the heck...
When I went looking for my next car there were certain things I needed other than the common sports car stuff (power, handling, looks-style, etc)...I needed rear seats since my wife and I were planning on having a baby.
The finalist came to the 05 Mustang GT, GTO, and the RX8. Of course there were alot more cars on the list but those 3 were the ones left standing.
I knew the Mustang and GTO were significantly faster, but they were also not as good looking as the RX8 nor as easy to get into the rear seats. The Mustang (eventhough it's significantly longer and has a bigger wheelbase (I could be wrong about the length)) still had poor rear seats considering my head rested on the rear glass. The GTO had better comfort all around than the RX8 but it's heavy weight and sadan like handling killed it for me.
So, in my opinion...at my price point, I got the best all around 2+2 sports car possible. I'm all smiles every time I fill the trunk with stuff or drive around with 3-4 people in pretty good comfort. The RX8's fun to drive factor really put's other cars to shame...and it can do it with 2 people in the back seats.
Basically, I got a family friendly sports car that looks great and has a super unique and special rotary engine.
I'm not sure why you say alot of owners are not happy with their 8's, look at the poll section , but while I would love another 50HP and a bit better fuel economy I'm as satisfied with my 8 as the day I drove it off the lot.
When I went looking for my next car there were certain things I needed other than the common sports car stuff (power, handling, looks-style, etc)...I needed rear seats since my wife and I were planning on having a baby.
The finalist came to the 05 Mustang GT, GTO, and the RX8. Of course there were alot more cars on the list but those 3 were the ones left standing.
I knew the Mustang and GTO were significantly faster, but they were also not as good looking as the RX8 nor as easy to get into the rear seats. The Mustang (eventhough it's significantly longer and has a bigger wheelbase (I could be wrong about the length)) still had poor rear seats considering my head rested on the rear glass. The GTO had better comfort all around than the RX8 but it's heavy weight and sadan like handling killed it for me.
So, in my opinion...at my price point, I got the best all around 2+2 sports car possible. I'm all smiles every time I fill the trunk with stuff or drive around with 3-4 people in pretty good comfort. The RX8's fun to drive factor really put's other cars to shame...and it can do it with 2 people in the back seats.
Basically, I got a family friendly sports car that looks great and has a super unique and special rotary engine.
I'm not sure why you say alot of owners are not happy with their 8's, look at the poll section , but while I would love another 50HP and a bit better fuel economy I'm as satisfied with my 8 as the day I drove it off the lot.
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