As an extremely late high school graduation present, my parents are helping me pay for a new car. The one that completely fits my taste is the Rx-8.

I know the years of different rx-8s range from 04 to 09 now. To help narrow down my search I'd like to ask for your help.

For the first question:

What RX-8 year had alternate color seating? I remember seeing a red/black, and i BELIEVE a blue/black.


I shall move to the 2nd question after this one is hopefully answered..

THANKS :D

Models that are around (I'm using this to cross off models that don't meet criteria)

2004 S/T/GT
2005 S/T/GT
2006 S/T/GT
2007 S/T/GT
2008 S/T/GT
2009 S/T/GT/ That new one that I'm definently not getting

My 2nd Question. I understand that the GT of the RX-8 has a Navigation system, is there any possible way to have the nav system have mp3 playback AND use the speaker system to produce the sound? Possibly with an external harddrive? Or would this most certainly depend on a Car PC

 

There was never blue/black...
All years had red/black.

 

alright thanks for the reply. the 2009s according to the website dont have red and black alternating interior.. Does anyone have any idea what years have it?

 

04-08s do.
I'm not sure on the 09s, but with the 09 R3 model, it comes with recaro racing seats with red stitching

 

interesting..
ok Next question (editing OP)

 

I'm not sure with your question, i'm not an expert with audio stuff.
But you asking bout ipod hookup capability?
lol sorry

 

no, im asking if its possible to have the stock nav system play mp3s and does it have the capability of using an external harddrive.

 

Nav system on the 04-08 is not directly part of the audio system, and is basically a closed system. Not expandable. An mp3 cd player was made available in 05 or 06, but you'd have to take out the 6cd changer that comes with most of the T & GT models and install it in place. I don't know if the S models ever changed over the the mp3 cd player, as far as I know they consistently came with the single audio cd player. The ability to play songs from an mp3 player is an available Mazda accessory, I don't think it came standard on any models though.

 

So basically the only way I would be able to get mp3 playability and navigation would be to install my own carpc?

If this is true, would my Carpc audio be able to take advantage of pretty decent audio systems? Or would I need a capable sound card..

 

No, you can do it with the radio unit. It's not part of the nav though, thats what I meant.
You have your nav system, and them the sound system. On the 09, they integrate the radio and nav, on the 04-08, they are completely separate. If you want to play MP3 CDs, you need this. If you want to use your mp3 player through the stereo, this. The part number is listed on there so you can look it up at other online dealer stores to see if you can find a better price.

 

http://web3point-0.blogspot.com/2006...-carputer.html


CHECK THAT OUT!

Is that possible for an RX-8?

 

The Nav system that came with the 04 - 08 RX8 has had mixed reviews from what I have read...mostly bad. As Jason said you can have both the Nav and mp3 playback...however...the factory systems are...uhmmm...weak??? You will be most happy with the non factory options. For navigation you have the option of the factory unit, standard window mount, a top dash mount and a aftermarket radio that has nav. For mp3 players you have the factory mp3 cd player, the factory iPod adapter, one of the many aftermarket iPod adapters for Mazda's, or an aftermarket radio that does it. The last option can do both...but would require either you waiting for a cheaper dash kit...or purchasing the pricey current option made available by Corksport.

 

http://web3point-0.blogspot.com/2006...-carputer.html

what do you guys think of this?
Say if I were to get an RX-8 with either the top dash mount, or the factory unit..

That thing down near the shifter,the little compartment.. do you guys know if a mac mini will fit in it?

The specs are 6.5" by 6.5" by 2"

 

It wouldn't fit in the compartment. You might be able to remove the compartment and put together some sort of custom enclosure though. Not sure.

 

Yea the hole you are talking about is only 2 inches deep. Someone else on the forums did use a Mac Mini for his CarPuter. He placed it in the manual holder where it fits quite well.

 

Well i think im really REALLY decided on the whole mini mac thingy.
I'd like to ask for more advice..
What hsould I buy, the factory lcd thingy for 1grand, or the other thing...
i dont know if the factory lcd holder justifies the price.. i mean it DOES look good.. but idk.

With THAT being said.. I did some research and found that xenarc make really nice LCDs..

Any input on getting one of those?

and the top dash mount.. does anyone have any real close up pictures of that? I'm kind of confused on how its mounted..

and finally.. would there be any significant differences in the interior from year 04-08?

 

The seat material changed starting in 06 I believe, and they also changed some of the aluminum finishes to chrome starting in 06 (*****, cluster rings, etc.). But basically no, only a few cosmetic items vary between the 04-05 and 06-08.

 

The factory motorized nav system IMHO is not worth it. Most of the things that would make it worth it don't work without the nav unit itself. You would be paying a grand for something that you want a $100 part out of. If you do decide to go this route call around to some junkyards and see if they have any of the nav housings. You might get lucky. The main difference between the dash piece and the nav system in the way of the screen is the motorized flip up which will not work without the nav system so go with "the other thing".

Xenarc make the best touch screen LCDs. If you do decide to go that route search for the CarPC thread. There is a special type of screen that you need to get to cut down on the glare.

There are a couple here on the forums that I found when I was considering the flip up dash piece. Some really good pictures of it too from both inside and out.

Besides the seat style...trim rings...and I think the HomeLink mirror...no. Leather Heated power seats have been standard on the GT's since 04. Shinka's and 40th Anniversary cars come with brown/tan/vanilla interiors while everyone else had the red/black two tone option. You did see a blue/black interior...you aren't crazy...but it was a custom job.

Oh yea...other interior styling that is only available in Sport I believe is the lack of a sunroof. Depending on your height...this may be a necessity.

 

alright.. i kind of really want at LEAST a touring..

I've already read the differences, but what do you see in differences between the gt and t ?

Specifically 2005-2008

 

Leather seats is really the deciding factor between the two. GT is leather, T is cloth.

 

Power Heated Leather Seats...Heated Mirrors...Automatic climate control outside the US I think...the KeyFob system in 07 and 08 I believe...

 

get a touring. with the money you save you can put a custom two-tone interior in it. if i had even known that was possible i would have bought a winning blue sport and put a two tone, blue/black interior. i love the winning blue color. :/

but i didnt know it was possible so i bought a velocity red with the red/black interior.

there are many places a mac mini will fit.

 

I just love the fact that my interior is the brown and black leather. The red wouldn't go with the exterior and the black on black is just too bland for my taste.

 

red goes great on black!

 

Here is a factory nav housing with Xenarc screen for sale. It would at least get you started.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/oem-nav-hood-xenarc-700tsv-148409/