SpeedSeraph

Okay so I guess I should start this thread by saying hello as I am a newbie to the forums. I have been looming around the forums as an unregistered member for some time and let me tell you it was just as bad for me throughout the downtime :p it felt like it would be ages before I could register and start speaking with you all.

So as for the info I seek I was wondering if I could get some opinions and information concerning a purchase. I am currently in the market for a car and have brought it down to 3 vehicles. I was really interested in a FR platform because of the fun factor etc. I am currently looking at the S2000, RX8, and Evolution VIII.

I know these 3 cars distinguish themselves quite differently. The S2k being a revvy roadster, the RX8 obviously the new rotary, and the Evo as a turbo 4 door AWD.

I like the Evo because of what it offers in it's price range. AWD and turbo and a bullet proof 4G63. I enjoy the S2000 because of the high revving engine, IVTEC and handling aspects (although the space and convertible aspect aren't so hot to me... even IF a hardtop is available). But the RX8 seems to be the perfect compromise for me. It gives me a FR car, with ample space for 4, a high revving engine, numbers close to that of the s2000, and looks to kill.

You see my father was an ample rotary enthusiast as am I. I love the RX7 and with enough work I have the option to get an 02 spirit R. But there are a few things affecting my purchase. First off is I hear about very misleading HP and TQ numbers in the RX8. I know the RX8 is no torque monster but I hear it's very over rated on both HP AND TQ. Secondly I hear soooo many gripes about gas mileage... so I don't really know what to think. I thought I was dead sold on the RX8 but had to take a step back for a second thought after hearing the gripes.

So can you all inform me of a few things. For example gas mileage on the RX8, gas mileage on the RX7, and actual HP and TQ ratings.

Oh and one last thing... what kind of deal do you think I could get on an 05 with appearance, GT, rotary accent, nav, 6cd changer, spoiler, carpets and pearl paint???

Once I get these kinks worked out I'll only have one problem... Winning Blue or Brilliant Black lol! Thanks for all the help guys!! hope to hear from you all ASAP.

rotarygod

My advice to you is not to look at numbers on paper. Go drive one. If you like it, that's all that matters. Numbers on paper are highly over rated. The RX-8 isn't the most powerful or the fastest car out there. Not by a long shot. It isn't even the fastest in it's price range. That doesn't mean it isn't a great car though. The only thing that matters is how you like it. If you go out and drive an EVO, S2000, and an RX-8, choose the one you like best based on those drives. Don't compare their spec sheets. There are other things to look at also. Compare the build quailty between each car. This is one area that the EVO is sadly far behind in. The S2000 is a very nicely built car. The whole point is that if you drive it, you know how much power it has and how it performs. You can't be mislead if you know how it drives. Don't worry about the window sticker.

If you and your dad are avid rotary fans then the gas mileage shouldn't shock you at all. This area hasn't really changed that much. It's gas mileage is still comparable to the RX-7. If you look back, the difference in mileage between all the different RX-7's wasn't taht much regardless of power output. That's just something you live with if you want a rotary. It isn't the most fuel efficient. People get different mileage readings in their cars because they all drive differently. If you've had a roary you know that getting on the throttle hard even a couple of times in a tank of gas will affect your overall mileage. The Renesis hasn't changed at all in this regards. The problem is that many RX-8 owners are new to rotaries and aren't used to this. The comparison to other engines is usually made and this doesn't work. Logically you would think an engine of this size would be more fuel efficient but it isn't. Oh well.

Basically if you can live with the gas mileage of a rotary engine you are half the way there. While we are obviously partial to the RX-8 here, go drive all of your choices and see which one is for you. That's all that matters. Not what anyone here or on another forum say and not what a spec sheet says. If you want the fastest of the bunch, the RX-8 isn't for you. If you want the best built of the bunch, the EVO isn't for you. If you need more than a 2 seater, the S2000 isn't for you. You get the point. Go drive them all. If you want an RX-8 afterwards then great. If not, that's cool too.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

wow, you have a lot to ask in one post.

you should try searching, as there are lot of existing threads that discuss the highs and lows of the cars you are looking at.

MrMethane

I wouldn't rule out the 04s if I were you. Same car as the 05 but with lots of rebates right now. I just bought one for almost $7,000 under sticker. Loaded with every option but the Nav system. That might help you make up your mind.

Captain Amazing

If the RX-8's power isnt enough for you, there are some great turbos that are out. And I agree, go drive them all and see what suits you best.

SpeedSeraph

Thanks everyone, oh and rotary god That's the best reply ever =) I have driven all three vehicles. I like what I get out of the evo but the interior leaves with much to be desired. I got to toy with the RX8 and i loved it but I suppose I'd just have to get used to the gas mileage. And the s2000 is an amazing car, but I haven't gotten to REALLY drive one. They aren't giving me much flexibility with the test drive, up and down the block etc. but not highway time etc. Chances are I'll be driving out with an 04 or 05 RX8 but we'll see what happens. Thanks everyone!

rotten42

My advice would be to go drive all the cars. Take a good drive, not just a 15min loop like some dealers make you do. I think once you do that, the choice will become clear.

Most of us here haven't had any trouble with the car. I had my engine replced in the first three months....hey, **** happens. I still love the car and haven;t had any problems with it since then. My dealership was fantastic to work with and they honored the warranty. I've heard some bad stories about warranty with the EVO. My gas mileage is about 18mpg for the city. The HP isn't the biggest out there...but that's ok because I don't need to have monster hp. The car has more than enough HP to do what I want on the streets. It won't win you many races on the street but if you are buying the car for that reason, then you are looking at the wrong car.


The handling is fantastic! The brakes are amazing! I like the fact that you don't see many of them on the streets. Its a real head turner in traffic.


Just drive the cars. Forget the numbers and see which car "fits" you best.

V_for_velocity

rotarygod said about all that needs saying, but I'll add this: the RX-8 gets the Oscar for best sound. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrr, baby!

hagar852

Rotarygod hit the nail on the head.. Also I will add if you look at the Subaru STI which is about the same as the EVO, that also has a crappy interior that feels cheap.

But the one thing I have to comment on is the fact I hear all this talk about how the RX-8 doesn't have a bunch of torque or a bunch of horsepower.. This aggrivates me to no extent for these reasons:

1. Listening to how people talk about the power of this car makes it sound like it is no faster than a friggin ford escort. Yes it doesn't have 300hp, yes it doesn't have super high torque compared to the big motor sports cars... Lets realize for a sec how big this renesis is... The new ford mustang: 4.6L V8... RX-8: 1.3L!!!!! 2 rotor engine!!... It is less than half the size... How can anyone expect a small tiny engine to produce all that torque.. It isn't possible, cause if it was the 8 would have a very torquey engine.. First off 2 "piston" like rotors have so much work to do to move this car that high torque I don't think is possible with 2 rotors( a small mass cannot produce a large force..aka torque)... If there were 4 rotors I think you would see an increase. The horsepower of about 238hp for this engine is ridiculous, if you think about how small it actually is and only using 2 rotors. Imagine a rotary engine using 4. This is not accurate but I would guess close to 400 might be possible.

2. I had a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE 6speed manual and 265hp.. The RX-8 is much faster feeling that my maxima was... And the maxima had 255ft*lb of torque.. The RX-8 doesn't feel as torquey yes, but this car friggin moves!!!! I just hate it when people make this car sound like a damn turtle... THIS CAR IS FAST!! This car by far out handles the maxima hands down.


I know most people here realize this car is powerful, and ofcourse no it isn't like the mustang or the Evo... But this car has the best options in stereo and nav and all of the other little packages you can get which give you more bang for the buck in my opinion.

fredw1

I went from driving a Civic Si getting 27 mpg with mixed driving (and lots of WOT acceleration to engage the second set of cams) to the 8. Gas mileage was a concern and caused me to delay my purchase for a few weeks, but I decided I wanted to have fun. I got my '05 on 12/31, and I'm getting 15-16 mpg in mixed driving (through 670 miles), but I have a smile on my face when I'm filling up, knowing how much fun I had, and knowing that the others filling up at the same time are looking at my car. It's plenty fast for me. I don't go anywhere that a few tenths of a second (or even a full second) in a quarter mile is going to make much of a difference to me.

Rhawb

I don't know why everyone complains about the torque (rotational force) with this car - it turns people's heads much faster than any of my other cars :p

SpeedSeraph

Okay so I am pretty sure I've made up my mind. I go out for a drive today and while sitting at a light I get the distinct HONOR (do recognize the word HONOR) of watching a winning blue RX8 roll right up to the light with me. I couldn't stop drooling or staring... the lady behind the wheel just smiled as I gave her a thumbs up. While I watched her take the turn (she was in turn lane) my eyes were glued as she disappeared.

I miss the rotary and I absolutely love this car. Now I just need your help in getting a good deal. I would like AT LEAST GT, Appearance and Rotary accent, plus the 6cd changer. I can do without the other stuff but I'd love a fully loaded one. I hear the 04's are easy to get at a good price.

And as far as color goes I know that's definitely a personal decision. I LOVE the blue... and I've never had a vehicle that wasn't black (it's my passion... black on cars). I think that the black RX8 with the black/red interior is absolutely gorgeous and aggressive while still being very serious and sophisticated in demeanor while the blue although aggressive holds a playful nature about it. Now I just hope you all can help me get behind the wheel before the end of the month!!! :D

RotaryNoob

This is me exactly. Went from a 2000 Civic Si that I redlined in every gear for 100,000 miles and got about 30MPG while doing it. I bought my 04 8 almost 5 months ago and have ZERO regrets. Sure I fill her up a bit more but she's worth it. Power isn't an issue either. If anything, I'd rather be an underdog and looked at as being slow so I can see the looks on faces when they're in my rear view (on the track of course).
:p

SpeedSeraph

Well I mean the factor of sale has been made... I just need everyones assistance in getting a very well equipped on for a very good price. I know the dealership here can't move them to save their lives. And I would personally prefer an 05 if I can get the right deal but worst comes to worst I'll suffice with an 04.. any advice and tips on what price I should be looking at?

Thanks for all the help so far guys... I appreciate all the hospitality, comradery, and utter outreach to the new members and soon to be members... it really does show what a great community the rx8 owners are.

RotaryNoob

Where are you located? I found my deal (5K off sticker) by checking the Sunday paper and then having 2 dealers fight over me. That was for an 04.

SpeedSeraph

Well I live just outside of Tampa Florida. I went to brandon honda today and I am absolutely SOLD on the winning blue RX8... I know I want at LEAST the GT, Appearance, Rotary accent, rear wing and 6 cd changer. They have a few winning blues with SOME options that I like but not all of them. And worst thing is they have no 04's... what should I do if I plan to get the model I want with the options I want at a good price? Anyone around that can help me? I would really appreciate any help getting behind the wheel... I took one out for a REAL test drive and oh god... I don't think I'll sleep easy tonight unless I happen to be dreaming about the car lol. Thanks again guys!!

SpeedSeraph

oh and by the way if anyone lives in the area and could point me in the direction of a good dealership it would be most appreciated!