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So, rotary ownership is nothing new to me. Driving one daily is nothing new to me as both of my FCs did daily duty for long stretches of time. I would like for the RX-8 to serve as a second fun car, but due to space and my wife's objections, I think it may have to serve as my daily driver. Given this weird new world we live in, that may not make for as may additional miles as it would have a year ago. My current daily driver is a 2015 Mazda 6. It has been a great car, completely reliable, but is not exciting. I've always liked the RX-8 and understand that, like RX-7s, not all of its bad reputation was deserved. Like RX-7s, reliability mods and supporting systems in good working order are the key to a long living and happy engine.
If I did this, I would probably be pretty picky with model. The 40th Anniversary and R3 models appeal to me the most, with the 40th AE because of its amazing color combo and the R3 for the extra performance focus.
What say the RX-8 owners? I did quite a bit of reading last week in the FAQ of this very section. That combined with half of my life owning rotaries, I can't see why this is a bad idea. Right?
Now is the best time to own one. Prices are low and the car is a lot of fun. Go for it but make sure you get a compression test done before purchasing.
For me its all about expectations. I think as a previous rotary owner you will be realistic with your expectations. The RX8 is a great car, especially the R3. It's the best version of the car ever made in the states, and will also be the newest and most reliable stock. I daily drove my RX8 for 8 years, going on 10 years of ownership.
Back when I bought the 8 I tested it against the S2000, 350Z, and the Civic SI. The 8 was the best combination of fun and daily driver conveniences. The S2000 and the 350Z were more expensive and less useful as a daily. The scissor doors on the 8 makes a huge difference. I'm a hockey goalie and previously worked as a videographer. I never had an issue getting all my gear in this car. I don't have kids, but others have said the 8 is very baby/kid friendly too. You can also fit normal sized adults in the back seats.
Last edited by Chrishoky; Jul 10, 2020 at 11:20 PM.
The rx8 well look and feel eons over your FC. I know I had a 1991 GSL.
Tha rx8 remarkably has been aging quite nicely. Folks are beginning to appreciate it. Good specimens are gonna maintain its price. Buying a cheap one just means you'll pay for it later.
Since you're familiar with the 13b, it's really the same principles for caring.
The scissor doors on the 8 makes a huge difference. I'm a hockey goalie and previously worked as a videographer. I never had an issue getting all my gear in this car. I don't have kids, but others have said the 8 is very baby/kid friendly too. You can also fit normal sized adults in the back seats.
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This stuck out to me. I also play goalie. While we haven't played since March, and I was souring on playing full time going forward anyway, it's good to know I wouldn't have to borrow my wife's car. I have two kids, 9 and 7, so the backseat will be used.
I've been DDing 8s since 2012. Put 85k on my '04 LY GT that I bought then with 18.5K on it. It's awaiting a new engine. Bought another '04 WB GT in October to DD until I can hopefully get the LY running again.
I love them.
I took several 2K road trips in my LY. Learned the answer to traveling in one is small coolers and duffle bags to take advantage of the limited space.
I would bring a bunch of KC or Memphis BBQ back home, then bring beaucoup Louisiana goodies back to KC
Rx8 is a great car but imo not ideal for daily driving due to fuel consumption. If you're looking for a fun (263hp,280tq) / practical (5dr) / economical (30mpg) Mazda, I'd recommend looking at some MazdaSpeed3's. I purchased my 2012 Speed3 used in '13-'14 with approx 25k miles. Just hit 100k with only very basic maintenance (plugs, oil, brakes, tires, etc). I've long enjoyed driving my Speed and it's proven to be an awesome daily. All around solid car with good aftermarket support and very, very track capable.
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This stuck out to me. I also play goalie. While we haven't played since March, and I was souring on playing full time going forward anyway, it's good to know I wouldn't have to borrow my wife's car. I have two kids, 9 and 7, so the backseat will be used.
I also havent played since March, hoping to get back by the end of this month. I can fit my player bag pretty easily in the trunk, but it is an older cloth bag that can take the shape of the trunk (I play out also). My goalie leg pads and my goalie bag fit laying across the back seats, and I can still see out the back window. No wife likes stinky hockey gear in their car, HAHA.
Last edited by Chrishoky; Jul 11, 2020 at 02:29 PM.
