I can't believe I bought an RX-8 yesterday! But I did, I just traded in my '04 Mazdaspeed Miata (my third Miata) for an '05 Shinka. I've been toying with the idea of getting an 8 ("I will, no I'll miss having a convertible, yeah why not, maybe I shouldn't", etc.) since I found this website over two years ago. Last week I decided to take the plunge and get a new '06 in the spring—and not have to get winter tires 'til next fall. But after reading about the great deals on leftover '05s, I started searching dealer inventories, just to see what's out there. I didn't really think I'd find anything 'cause I wanted NAV, red & black leather, and no rear wing, a combo that's hard to find. Then, just for the hell of it, I searched for Shinkas. I always liked that package, even 'though it meant no NAV. Well, lo and behold, there were three Shinkas about 40 minutes from here, so I went "just to look," and one had no rear wing and only six miles on the odometer. And this morning its sitting in my garage space! I drove it off the dealer lot in the dark—haven't even driven it in daylight yet! (Don't worry, I'll only take it out when the roads are dry and there's no snow in the forecast.)

Thanks, everyone, with all the helpful info I've found here!

 

Congrats!

Now, say ZOOM ZOOM~!

 

Take good care of the paint. I have heard that the Skinka paint scratches and shows imperfections more than any other paint color. Otherwise, good job. I really like the Shinka.

 

Yes Shinka good, now post picks

 

Awesome! You're going to love this car more than any other car you have ever owned...well, except maybe a Miata.

 

Congrats, wax and polish it before you take it out. Protect that beauty. Post pics too.

 

Isn't it a bad idea to wax that new of a car because the paint may not be set? (Depending on the build date of course)

 

Welcome to the cult and good decision.

 

Congrats and welcome.

 

It's a 2005. No problem. Wax will condition the paint and help stop paint chips. I've been told wait 6 weeks before waxing new car paint.

 

Welcome! I wish I had a Shinka =(

 

If I were you I'd do the 3M clear car bra on it.

 

Thanks, everyone - I still can't believe i actually went out and bought one—I'm never that impulsive! ('Course, spending hours a day here for the last two and a half years doesn't exactly make it an impulse buy, does it?)

Glad I checked tire pressures this morning. Would you believe I checked 'em at the dealer - they were about 10 lbs low all around - watched the guy add air and, as it turns out, they were still 3 lbs low! Why am I not surprised.

Definitely want to do that. I'm paranoid about stone chips and actually found myself practicing the Driver's Ed "3-second following rule" today. (Which, I'm sure, comes across to other drivers as "this idiot doesn't know how to drive".) And once it warms up a bit, I'll do Zaino or the Mothers stuff I have lying around.

Took her out today for a short spin, varying RPM's, mostly keeping 'em between 2.5 and 5K. But I can't wait to open her up. So there's now 117 miles on the odometer. And wow, I like those sunvisors and how, if you position your head just so, you can see through them (to see a red light) and block out the sun at the same time.
But you guys know all this stuff already so I'll shut up now.

 

I have heard this, but it doesn't work for me... are you all under 5'5" or something? My 6'2" makes this seem impossible

CONGRATS on the car, classy color choice (similar to the Nordic color on that level)

 

Oh, and a word of advice for that light colored leather:

Don't wear new jeans (especially dark colored ones) in your 8, it will stain the seats and it is a BITCH to get out.

 

I'm 5'7" so yes, I bet that's why the sun visors aren't great for you. Maybe when you're 85 or 90 you'll be 5'7".

 

Congratulations Three37ny! I as well just picked up my '05 Shinka just yesterday. I also wanted the Red/Red GT, but the Shinka just somehow looks more "sofisticated" to me, and I got a great! deal. In just the last two days one thing has become exceedingly clear: Wash and wax as soon as the weather permits. That finish is very sensitive to swirling. Enjoy the ride!

 

Congrats & Yee Haww! I have had my Shinka since the end of last Nov I love it more every day!

 

Another member of the Sacred Brotherhood of Shinka Owners is always a good thing. Welcome.

 

Congrats and Welcome.............. be prepared to watch people stare..... its great!