I'm thinking about getting a 2009 RX-8 (probably the R3 -- though no moon roof, but enhanced handling might be worth not having one). After mousing around in this forum, I read about the extended warranty for 2004-2008 models. Plus there are good deals on remaining 2008s.

Any advice on a new '09 vs. a new '08?

Current car is a 1993 Toyota MR2 turbo with 75k miles. I really love the car, but it needs A/C work, brake work, and could use a paint job. I'm trying to decide between putting some bucks into it and keeping it or getting something new. The RX-8 looks intriguing.

Thanks in advance for the opinions and advice.

 

Well yes the engine warranty was raised however i'm sure the 09 model would have the same engine warranty but i'm not positive on that...however the 09 motor is better because of the extra oil injector which is aimed directly at the apex seals(which is where the 04 to 08's had trouble with them wearing out and losing compression meaning a new engine) so personally if you like the looks of the 09 and can afford it I would go with that there is nothing better than that new car smell

 

If you can afford the R3, I'd definitely say that's the way to go, with the improved engine, etc.

However, I suspect that there will be a substantial difference in price between a new 2008 and a new 2009 (I'd guess at least $5,000), since I don't think that they're really discounting the 2009s, especially the R3s.

That's a lot of extra cash to pay for some minor upgrades. It's up to you to decide if it's worth it.

 

04RX8man: Yes!... the new car smell! Hard to resist. Plus, your point about the engine changes was just the sort of issue I was wondering about -- to make up for the price difference Robonaut mentions, because $5k IS substantial.

Just trying to figure out how best to pick between the two. If I'm going to keep the car for a while (I do tend to keep cars for 5 - 10 years), I wouldn't want to be buying trouble EXCEPT that the 8 year warranty might cover it all. But would the RX-8 be spending more time with the mechanic than me if that's the decision (to go with a new '08)?

Thanks for the feedback.