I know that the RX8 is very different than the three I mentioned in all aspects, but I'm saying price wise it's similar to the base model 8. My friend leased a Celica GTS with the performance package for $300 a month based on a cost of around $24K. I know the GT model will be out of that league, but a base RX8 won't be too much for an working teenager since it's around $25K to begin with.

As far as I go, I'm only 23 and I don't like to buy my cars. I get sick of what I have in like 3 years anyway so leasing is perfect for me.

 

I would say a majority of younger people don't Lease a vechicle, it doesn't make since unless they have a good and steady income. Most High school/College age people don't really have that type of income. So most people go for buying a car, and keep it awhile. Until they are established with a career...

But their are some that can afford it. It's just not the majority...

 

In my experience i see more leasing in my area. I know the pro's / con's of leasing versus buying. For me atm (at the moment) leasing is the way to go. It lets ya step into a car that ya probably would not be able to afford normally unless you are comfortable with paying off a car for 60 months or more.

I just dont wanna spend X_Amount of dollars over 5yrs on financing a car.......be bored with it after the initial 3years....continue payments......all on a car that has depriciated a substantial amount......and lets not forget the hassle of a private sale of said car afterwards....or the ***-raping that is "dealer trade-in".

I know the flip side of the coin on the con's of leasing as well. Just for my current lifestyle the pro's outweight the cons.


I understand everyones gripe about not wanting this to turn into your run-of-the-mill-Import_001. I think the best thing ya have to ward against this is the price. When ya get to over 30k or so ya weed out must of the riceboy HS/college types. Remember i say "most". The celica/rsx/eclipse fit their budget more so you see the grave injustices to automotive styling there.

Im having a similar issue. For a while now i wanted an Evo. Well finally after years the US gets one. I figure it will be my bext car when my lease is up (1.5yrs). Im all psyched up about it, blah blah blah. Them i see it as the flagship car in 2f2f. ARGHHHH!
Now every boy-racer will have one? Hope the over 30k price tag keeps em at bay. Much like i beleive the rx8's tage will as well.

 

I agree with Boozehound. Actually if the RX-8 follows the sales pattern of the WRX, you won't see them on every corner, but at the same time, Mazda will make a really good profit from the RX-8.

The WRX had an initial production target of 10,000 units per year when they first came out, and they ended up selling over 18,000. If the RX-8 stays around the 18-20K range, it will remain relatively "exclusive" yet make Mazda money and get the tuner shops and aftermarket on board as well. I know I for one don't see WRXs on a daily basis, and I live in South Florida driving common highways and city streets where I know they have sold quite a few. I actually see S2000s more frequently than WRXs.

The RX-8 will likely be a combination of popular and exclusive all at the same time. Especially with it having a rotary engine which is in itself "an acquired taste".

It will definitely help the future release of a Mazdaspeed RX-8 and/or RX-7 when the RX-8 does well. (notice I said WHEN the RX-8 does well )

 

Does anyone know what Mazda is aiming for in the way of sales? That would go a long way in determining how many you can expect to see.

I don't think you will see them everywhere. You can't put the RX-8 in the same lineup as a Civic. That is what the Protege is for. On the other hand to say that you hope Mazda doesn't sell that many is a ridiulous statment. You want them to sell as many as they can make, otherwise your exclusivity will become extinction and I know no one wants that.

 

How many RX8's is Mazda making for the first year anyway?

 

For this price range, I don't think anything will remain exclusive for very long. When I first got my 5th Gen Prelude in 97, I'd be happy to see another 5th Gen Lude once a month! 6 years later, I see more Preludes than Civics. It's just a matter of time before the same thing will happen with the 8... and Mazda will probably sell more RX-8s than Honda did Preludes.

 

sure hope so.

 

For the US: 18,000 for first year, then 30,000 per year thereafter.
Worldwide: 30,000 for first year?, 60,000 per year thereafter

Definitely a mass production car...

 

deff. so
i know the lancer evo has 4600 for the US this 1st year

 

How about if mazda would just use SMG tranny for all of their RX8's? No manual and no auto. Just SMG like in BMW M3. THe car should cost like around $33,000 but hell, all auto and manual people would get it. SMG rocks.

 

I wouldn't buy one. I wouldn't get SMG on the M3, either. I want a clutch and a shifter, not steering wheel paddles and computer-driven hydraulics.

For that matter I wouldn't get the new tranny coming on the 3.2L V6 Audi TT, either...

 

I'm with BillK - I want the clutch, the gear shift, the whole nine yards. Its all about being involved with your driving and developing skill... any monkey can pull paddles...

 

according to the owner of Tustin Mazda... they are in Limited Production and all dealerships have limits on allocations ... unlike the miata, 6, etc.