Hi all, been lurking here a bit and finally signed up.

So I'm considering buying an RX8 with autox in mind and would like opinions on what year.

A new 09 Sport MT or and base/sport 04-08?

An 09 is really a bargain with the $5k rebate. I'd go with the sport over R3 due to weight and 18" wheels, not to mention the price. The only thing an R3 has going for it is the foam filled front brace. All other frame stiffening appears to come with the Sport.

Seems to be a myriad of small improvements for 09, but how about the 4.777 rear gear change? 30-60 acceleration has to improve a bit, but I can see having to shift to 3rd or pounding the rev limiter frequently.

So the gearing seems that it could/would be a negative for autoxing.

Thoughts??

Thanks!

 

To date only a 2005 has won Nationals.

For all the "updates" the 09+ has, it also seems to have found some weight. Not sure why you would need to shop around, when there are at least two natl competitive BS prepped cars for sale on here - including the 2009 winning car.

 

How about a national champion car
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-wanted-43/fs-natl-championship-winning-2005-mazda-rx8-bs-184037/

or

http://sccaforums.com/forums/thread/381538.aspx

The only problem with buying one of these cars is you have no excuses for not being at the pointy end of the field.

 

Definitely save money, and time, buying one of the cars mentioned...I've driven both Eric's blue car and Zach's '09 Nationals winning car and they are both in great shape, work extremely well and you can trust the sellers. It just is a matter of which is closer and whether you like blue or silver (which is the ONLY color RX8 to have won lol)

 

More importantly, only a SILVER RX-8 has won Nationals!

 

With a $5k rebate and the Mazda s-plan price through mazdaspeed you'd be looking at $19,470 for a brand new ~0 miles Sport package, no options car at any dealership in the nation. It's hard to beat a brand new RX-8 for under $20k. I know that's why I bought mine new.

 

You can probably get a used low mileage one for under $10k if you look hard enough, most people are asking too much which is why they aren't selling them. The newer ones are heavier and haven't proven to be any faster. You willhave higher insurance and a longer loan. Given the uncertainty of today's economy cheaper is better. If I was selling my '05 Base with 7500 miles I'd consider getting $10k to be lucky, but since it's paid off I'd just as soon keep it rather than get into a new loan.