Hi guys. I'm a new member to the forum and I live in Belleville. Of all the forums out there, this one seems to be the best and most active. Currently I drive an '03 Celica GT-S, love the car, never a problem, but the lease expires this fall and I need a change of scenery.

The '8' is number one on a very short list which includes the 350Z, Solstice, and Miata. Previous car was an '00 Mustang and seeing as I prefer a little variety it isnt' likely to be on the list. At this point in time, the '8' is far and away my #1 choice with the Miata being a distant 2nd.

I have read and re-read everything I could find on the '8' and the only real concern I have is the 'flooding' issue which seems to rear it's ugly head every now and again in the forums.

I'd really like to get some feedback from some of the more experienced owners. Those who have owned their cars for at least a solid year and use it as a daily driver. Also would like to get some of the local owners opinions of the dealerships in Kingston and Belleville. Especially the Belleville dealership in terms of service

It's been fun reading all the posts even though I am not yet an owner. My girlfriend thinks I'm sick!

 

Welcome to the forum.

I've used mine as a daily driver, year round, since 2005. The flooding hasn't been an issue but I never shut off the engine with the gauge on C.

If your GF thinks that you're sick now just wait until you own one!

 

Welcome! If I can offer any insight it would be to stay far away from the Soltice and test drive the 350Z at least twice. Good luck with your car shopping! I remember when I was younger I was in love with the Celica GT-S. Then the RSX came out in '02, and war happened. Fun cars, careful downshifting! Just kidding, I'm just reliving horror stories. :P

 

I've had mine since June '04. No floods here. But I always warm up before shutting her down.

I bought mine from the Kingston dealership back when my brother worked there. I only dealt with him so can't speak for the others there.

Good luck with the purchase. I've had no regrets whatsoever.

 

I'm just a bit west of you, and have an 05 RX. No issues with flooding at all. I do not warm up a car - I just hop in, drive, and when I'm "there" - wherever that is, it is turned off.
I just had the 36K service done at Bay, and they were quite good. Cost me about 10x what I have *ever* paid for an LOF, but they did a fair bit more.
They also did the recall on it, expediently and I got the full treatment - spit & polish i.e. wash & gas.

 

Careful downshifting? Hmmmmm, sounds like some interesting stories there!!!!

 

I have an 05 with 70,000km. No problems at all for me, she hums liek a 500lb gorilla.

 

Oh yea.... one word of advice dont ever say the word "Crossfire" here, i just took a chance by saying it in this post

 

Ban!

 

One of the places where I have been looking for my RX-8 included 'Find-a-Car' in Kingston. They had two '8s'advertised. According to todays news, the Kingston franchise was raided by the RCMP as part of a fraud investigation.

Not sure what that means for the remaining franchises, but....Methinks I will go elsewhere and continue my RX-8 search.

 

I bought my '8 new in November/06. I live in Marmora, just north of Belleville, but bought it in Peterborough. Service is fine, but then nothing serious has happened yet! I tried to buy in my '8 in Belleville, even phoned Kingston to talk to a salesman, but no-body was really interested in selling me one. Really!! Problem was that I needed an Automatic, and there were none on any lots locally. Peterboro salesman offered to have one brought up from Toronto just for me to test drive. That clinched the deal.
Love this car: it is the first "toy" car I have had in 45 years of marriage. My wife and I agree that I am nuts, but life is too short.

 

I've gotten the runaround on several fronts from the Kingston dealer, and the service guys there are dicks. Just my experience.

Flooding is not a problem if (i) you properly warm up the car in cold weather and (ii) the appropriate battery/ECU etc. upgrades have been done.

I've seen the 8 at that Find-A-Car...I say take a look...no charges have been laid, and if the issues involved fleecing customers, they won't be doing it now! I've always wondered about them...the owner drives an orange Gallardo...

*EDIT* there's a story about this in today's Whig-Standard...

http://www.thewhig.com

 

So far I have only been to the Belleville dealer. They have (had?) a new Pearl White '06 GT that I took for a drive. They were wanting $42,038, before taxes, which included $3300 that I still owe on my car and MAC 3.4% financing. I have no interest in the white so they said they could find my Velocity Red with the two tone interior but it would cost another $1000!!!! Which I found a little obscene since the Pearl White cost $95 more as an option, then any other colour, according to the Mazda website. Thus ended my visit. I guess I must look stupid.

Way to much for a car I know they're having trouble moving. I have yet to check Kingston but I will definitely look into Peterborough.

 

All they have in Kingston is a black '07 GT, with the performance package already installed.

 

Welcome to the Forum. My Rx-7 and my dads RX-8 reside just north of Wellington.
I am from Picton but currently working and living in Toronto. It will be good to have another RX-8 in the Quinte area. Dad bought his 2005 new from Bay Mazda in Belleville and the service has been great. I've had lots of dealings with the parts and sevice department and all the guys are great. As far as flooding, I've never had a problem, that being said, my RX7 does flood once and awhile so I am always concious to let both cars warm up before I shut them down.

As far as other cars, Personally, If I had and extra 40K laying around I would be adding a Pontiac Solstice GXP to my collection. Great bang for the buck. Looks great, goes like a stabbed rat, and handles awesome.

Cheers

 

Thanks. I have come across many of the posts by you and your father.

I've owned a lot of cars in the past, but have never researched a car so fully as I have been doing with the RX-8.
It's really an exciting car, but I guess I don't have to tell the people here.

 

You said that "I have no interest in the white so they said they could find my Velocity Red with the two tone interior but it would cost another $1000!!!! Which I found a little obscene since the Pearl White cost $95 more as an option, then any other colour, according to the Mazda website. Thus ended my visit. I guess I must look stupid."

I also saw awhite RX-8 when it was on display in the Quinte Mall in October/06: if it is the same one, it is an '06 not an '07. They also had a red one with 2-tone interior, but it is DEFINITELY an '06: no reds with 2-tone for '07 models. Are they trying to sell last year's model as if new?
I bought my '07 for $41,000 plus freight and taxes from Craig O'Reilly at Angevaare Mazda in Peterborough. Paid $105 extra for the Phantom Blue Colour, new for '07.

Way to much for a car I know they're having trouble moving. I have yet to check Kingston but I will definitely look into Peterborough.

 

[QUOTE=PhantomBlue;1888489]...
I also saw awhite RX-8 when it was on display in the Quinte Mall in October/06: if it is the same one, it is an '06 not an '07. They also had a red one with 2-tone interior, but it is DEFINITELY an '06: no reds with 2-tone for '07 models. Are they trying to sell last year's model as if new?
I bought my '07 for $41,000 plus freight and taxes from Craig O'Reilly at Angevaare Mazda in Peterborough. Paid $105 extra for the Phantom Blue Colour, new for '07.
QUOTE]

It was an '06 Pearl White RX-8 and advertised as such. I am sure it was the same car you looked at back in Oct. When I was at Bay Mazda a few weeks ago they only had the White '06 and an '07 which I think was blue. I haven't seen the White RX-8 for at least a week, so I'm wondering if they sold it.