Another thing to remember: While the husband may be the "King" of the house, the wife is the "Prime Minister" ... Just like in the UK where the King is a mere figurehead, and the Prime Minister is the one that really makes the decisions ... well you get the picture
Well don't really have it yet. Did all the paperwork. The car has to be brought in from another dealer but should be here in a couple of days! Got a red 6-spd, Sport Package only. Paid less that MSRP, but not much!! Got 3.99% financing, so I feel OK about the deal... I'm not going to write about the dealer and the buying experience, because it wasn't that pleasant. I'm new to this board, but I'll write more after taking delivery :-)
Ok guys, you don't have to be that obnoxious about my comments. At least I'm steering the conversation away from all the stupid nonsensical discussion about misstated hp and "whose car is better". And remember, I'm on your side, I think the RX8 is a hot car!
Maybe everyone is just simply missing my point. Why go through all the trouble of advertising this car as roomy enough for 4 adults and design in the extra doors if it really offers no advantages? Why make it easier to get into a back seat that is actually more restrictive? Obviously no one in here has plans of actually using this easier to access back seat so why did Mazda put so much thought into it? It seems to me they could have made the structure more rigid by not using those half doors and been able to reduce the size of the center tunnel, thus actually making the car more livable and still keep the sporty aspect. Anyway, I'm just throwing out what-if and why scenarios. I'm not trying to slam the car.
One last comment about the door...I think it is a big deal to see a 30k car's door shudder visibly and sound tinny when shut. I mean it sounded as bad as a 2000 Kia Rio and shook as if it was made out of paper. If I spend that much on a car, I want all aspects of the car to sound solid and be of high quality. I'll take yall's word that this car was an anomaly though. Heck, I may go back this Sunday and see if I get lucky twice and the cars are still all unlocked and kill my curiousity.
I'm not missing your point. I just think your point doesn't make any sense. How can you say the RX-8 extra doors don't offer any real "advantages"? Four adults can ride along comfortably in a sports car! The car is extremly light and fast for having four seats! It handles like a true sports car (not to mention the four seats)! What do you mean more restrictive? Two adults of decent size couldn't even get into the seats of other coupes and remain comfortable for even a short drive! The reason people buy the car is that they need the practicality
"Obviously no one in here has plans of actually using this easier to access back seat so why did Mazda put so much thought into it?"
What?! The main reason why people bought this sports car is that they needed the practicality of back seats. That's the whole point! That's where the niche market is!
No, I think we need to be much more obnoxious about your comments!
Well, this RX8 (Winning Blue, AutoTrans with the GT package) is by far the best car I've owned. It's quite powerful, handles nicely and the MPG is now about 21-22 with a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving. I love the trunk space (I used to have a 90 Miata and so almost any space is lovable).
Part of the fun of driving (and parking) is watching the heads turn and answering questions about the car. Some people even want to have their pictures taken standing next to it.
I bought it Aug 23rd and I've had no problems with it at all. I've opted for the $500 + free servicing which makes the entire deal (invoice + $517) even sweeter.
For those who have one - you're amongst an enviable few.
For those who don't have one - you're missing out on a remarkable vehicle.
I have two girls, and unless a 3rd happens to come along before I can afford my rx-8, I'm sure I will be squeezing a carseat back there.
I have heard from others that most will fit, and because of the way the doors open, it is actually easier than a normal "sedan". You just get out, open both doors, and pull the kid out. No problems, no door to walk around 3 or 4 times, easy enough.
I am really surprised that no one has done a normal sedan with freestyle doors. I guess the structure would be hard to do if the back doors were longer. But even if it had a center pillar, it seems like the door opening the other way would be very convenient.
lngtonge18-I will have to agree with Carliker on this one. One of the primary reasons I could even consider the RX-8 was because of the 4 seat versatility which allows me to transport a young one (1 1/2 yrs) to daycare. My morning commute is only about 5 minutes/3 miles, but driving an RX-8 would make it ohhhhh sooo niiiiiccccee!!!
When you look at other sport car/GT coupe options with the 2+2 arrangement, you also have to consider the ease of entry/exit in addition to the back room space. On most cars, I would have to bend over significantly to put/take my child in/out as the child's young. Doing that in a parking garage when you have to watch how close you are to another car is a little painful! Also, even if a child were able to enter on their own, an additional slight inconvenience is moving the front seat forward so they have enough room to get in the back. And I'm not sure power seats are better in this regard because you have to wait (I'm not always at my patience peak on the morning or evening commute!) a spell for them. I found the freestyle doors are easier in this regard.
mngpao - congratulations! I am strongly leaning towards getting blue now as well. I went to Town North Mazda in Dallas/Richardson yesterday, and they had every color on their back lot. The blue definitely catches your eye the most when all the colors are head-to-head!! Do you find you like the color more over time?
gbrozen - my young toddler was actually asleep in his car seat when I went for a test drive. I carted him AND the seat over to the RX-8 and installed it without him waking! It worked out quite fine. And I have one of the big clunky forward facing seats. I would think rear facing seats would work as well, but it may restrict the amount of driver side front passenger room you have. I looked up the company Graco and they have a few models of car seats that look sporty and are more, how shall we say, svelte than the normal child seats. They're called their turbo booster seats and may be used for children over 30 lbs. My son is only 23 lb or so, but in the next 6-12 months, I will definitely be making a trip to Babies R Us (hopefully in an RX-8) to buy this style. Or maybe I'll just order it from Amazon along with some cool import UK dance CD's for playing in the RX-8. . .
Sorry to start something with my minivan comment, but I was being very "tongue in cheek". I will be buying the rx-8 as a sports car primarily. I still have my minivan for trips.
But the back seat is a superb thing to have. Now, when the wife and I go out with married friends, we can all take one car. Plus I can take my girls out for drives. And since I carpool with 2 other guys, they can still ride with me on those days when I take the rx-8 instead of my beater.
The Rx-8 is not a replacement for an ordinary Sedan...if that was the case, then why sell the Mazda6? The Rx-8 is for people like me who pine for a sports car, but can't justify it if it is only driven when I am by myself. Only occasionally do I ever drive by myself or with only one other person.
It's a great concept, and hopefully is a modest hit for Mazda. If the stigma from the horspower thing doesn't hit too hard...(I say modest hit, because I don't want to pay anywhere close to MSRP when I buy it in a year or two!!)
Question to current RX-8 owners: what improvements/modifications would you like to see for the '05 year? You know, little things or more major structural things. . . (besides the lost hp!)?
For example, I think it would be interesting if, like the Miata, they have several editions from which to choose (limited, special, etc.).
jaquino....remember, it is a very good thing to be a wife pleaser. By the way, your wife pleaser support group meeting is tonight...topic is "Caravan colors...macho or sensitive?". Next week's discussion sounds like a barn burner...."Paper or Plastic?" Should make for interesting discussion;-)
Back on topic...I use the back seat to haul friends all the time in my RX8. It's a sports car that I can live with daily. Easy in, easy out. If you want something even easier, may I suggest a nice Avalon with the gold lettering package. I have seen pictures of people who have put a car seat in the back. Being past "toddlers at home" stage, I couldn't even begin to guess the brands/sizes of those car seats, though.
Boy, I just don't know about rattling doors in the RX8. They feel very solid on mine. It always amazes me how the doors close with a very noticeable and solid "thunk" when I close them. Matter of fact, the whole car is so solid. That console that runs down the entire legnth of the middle of the car actually houses a structural "backbone" which is part of the reason the car is so solid feeling.
All that said, if napping in the back seat is a priority for your next vehicle, don't shop for an RX8. Look at a Camry, LeSabre, Accord, Crown Vic, Impala. Those should satisfy the prerequisite.
'05 RX8s? Who knows. There's quite a bit of discussion that Mazda will reflash the current ECUs to return the 9HP. Whether that's true or not, I doubt Mazda will tip its hand. European models have little lights under the side mirrors....maybe that will become standard on the U.S. spec '05s. Maybe they'll offer the 6-disk CD changers at no charge.
Mazda has stated that they want to put the rotary in more than one model. Pure speculation, but there's talk about a single rotar that would fit in the Miata. I think the next Protege is slated for a piston engine, though. Also, talk of a new Millenium being marketed. Will they use a 3 rotor RENESIS for that? Again, all speculation at this point.
Short of some very minor color variations or feature content, I wouldn't think Mazda will do much to the '05 RX8s.
Graphic Guy - I agree with you about the lights/turn signal under the side mirrors. When I look at the car, it seems like lights would be fitting. I don't see anything change with the engine. They took so much time getting this vehicle right, I don't see them making too many necessary changes. I also agree with you about them making the 6 CD changer standard. As for colors, I think they will issue a white one for 2005. Plus, a limited edition pink one for single whipped guys like jaquino!
This is only speculation, but I heard that they are thinking of making two more freestyle doors to satisfy those that still feel the RX-8 is not accessible enough. Actually, it's more likely that the whole body of the car will raise up off the axles (like those old matchbox cars used to do)! A limosine version has also been considered!
Possible options...cots, pillows and alarm clocks for people who desire to sleep in the back seat (w/o that pesky center console that gets in the way)!
I will have my on order if the deal is done. I will be getting a white one with tan leather. The sales manager (friend of a friend) will order it in October, it will be built in December, and probably will be arriving the beginning of 2004. I believe the first ones will be out in November, but I wouldn't be driving it then anyway.
I will be able to get $500.00 off right from the start, but of course, I'm not done yet. Thanks graphic for showing interest. It's been nice discussing the RX-8 with you. From what I know now, the S2000 will be keeping its S2000 name with higher displacement (2.2), 163 lbs. of torque (up from 153) and improved suspension/shifting to deal with this. Mild style changes in the interior/exterior too!
dtran2149 - I originally wanted the red (deeper and much more metallic) but the blue definitely stands out in a crowd of other colors.
As to improvements - I would like to see larger side mirrors. I would also like to get 50mpg but the low 20s are OK for now. They've hidden the power plug under the sliding console cover but I haven't had to use it yet and so I'm not sure I would ask for its position to be changed.
Graphic - I was totally with you until you threw in the "tongue-in-cheek" comment!
Rorr - Yes, the Scion looks like a port-a-potty on wheels! At least the Porsche GT Carrera makes up for it on that list. This will sound strange to you guys but I would actually marry that vehicle! "Do you take this Porsche GT Carrera for richer (no poorer, would have to be rich to keep it) and in sickness or in health?"
I'll just be driving my sedan until the S2000 arrives. The sedan will be a far, far cry from the RX-8 so I'm bracing for some symptoms of withdrawal.
The buyback is going okay. I'm just waiting now for the dealership to contact me. It was suppose to take up to two weeks from the time they received the check in their office. While I lose the interest if I have to make another payment (which I doubt that I'd have to do), I enjoy driving the RX-8 for as long as I can.
Maybe I'm just missing the mark as far as who actually buys this car. To me, the RX8 seems perfect for a young single man who needs a back seat for friends and this will be his only car or a family man who very rarely would need to cart his 6-15 yr old kids since he has a sedan or minivan that he would normally use for that purpose. I didn't really expect guys to actually want or need to cart around a baby seat. In that respect, the rear half doors are very convenient, make sense, and the backbone doesn't really matter.
My interest in this car is because of the style, performance, AND it has a back seat that is reasonably comfortable. In order for me to convince the other half to get rid of our sedan for this car, it needs to be able to fit the occassional friend on longer drives and the dog. I will NOT have the need to carry babies and my passengers will be in the car longer than 5 minutes. The RX8 seems to meet this need. I was just disappointed in how compromised the back seat is with that "backbone". Sure, the seat is easy to get in and out of, but once u are in there, its like you are sitting deep in a hole with a high hard plastic wall up against you. The back seat would be PERFECT without the backbone intruding on the space. At least than you could move towards the center of the seat and look out the front window, instead of being stuck staring at the front seat or a small porthole window. Can't anyone imagine how livable the seat would be with a nice simple fold down armrest? Do I make more sense now? By all means, I'm not suggesting putting the rear seat above handling or structural integrity. I just wonder if Mazda could have achieved their goal without such a large tunnel.
Once I do get a chance to drive this car, I may forget all about this and you guys can be like, "Hey, I thought this car was too "compromised" for you?"
Anyway, it's funny that you asked me today about the buyback. Just this afternoon, I got a call from the third party that Mazda is using. I am to wait until Monday afternoon to return the car to the original dealership. So I have one last weekend with the vehicle. How much do you want to bet I'm going to get it up to a 100 MPH and keep it at 7000 RPMS?!!!
and I love it! Titanium grey with Touring Package. The guy wouldn't budge on MSRP but I got about $1000 more than Black book value for my trade - a 1999 Chevy Venture Minivan. My wife wanted to get rid of the van - other car is a '97 Grand Prix.
I bought it because I was looking for something fun to drive that also had some practicality - seats for the kids and room for the golf clubs in the trunk. This is the only one out there that fits the bill.
Ok, so I'm not looking to purchase a new car until sometime mid to late spring. I am starting up a new job so I will have to wait to see what my budget is like, which will decide on what I will go with. I know everyone's insurance is different, but I was wondering about how much everyone is paying for it. I was also wondering about performance. I have read that you need to have high rpm's/downshift in order to get some pick up on the highway. Like I said, if I decide to get this it wont be until sometime in Spring when I'm finally done w/ college. I figure it's never too early to start looking. Thanks!
I recently graduated college also and landed a decent job so I decided to blow all my money and treat myself to an "fully loaded" Rx-8. Chaserct, its a good idea to wait till spring cuz the prices will prob drop and you wont have to worry about winter in the Northeast like myself! I managed to get some crazy insurance deal with my provider that has me paying only $1150 per year! As far as performance goes it is prob a good idea to downshift when wanting great acceleration like you had mentioned. The car is very quick dont get me wrong. However, it is not as fast as I anticipated from the gun. Once your in the higher gears cruising on a highway, thats when you notice the power and control the car has over most others on the road at that time. This makes it all worthwhile!
The best way to find out the acceleration on the highway is to test drive one.
I find that cruising on the highway in 5th keeps the RPMs in the power band and I have no problems passing...matter of fact, the RX8 builds speed quickly on the highway in the higher gears. I've never felt the need to drop it down a gear when passing on the interstate.
Speed builds so smoothly and is so stable that sometimes it's hard to tell you are going as fast as you really are.
Regarding insurance....there are so many variables that it's hard to answer what your particular rate would be. Age, marital status, insurance company, driving record, etc. will enter into what you pay. Best bet is to call your insurance company and ask them what the rate would be for you if you bought an RX8.
Just saw a dealer ad for a new 6 spd rx8 in the San Diego Union Trib for $25.9. On another note, anyone out there purchased/seen an rx8 with an auto tranny? Weren't they supposed to be even cheaper that the 6spd, although with less hp??
I commute 100 miles a day. 80% of it on a highway over the mountains. My RX-8 performs flawlessly. I travel at speeds ranging from 80 to 100 MPH. Most of it in 6th. The only time I downshift to 5th is when I'm slowed due to traffic on an uphill passage, going say 70 MPH. I then downshift to 5th and can then fly past these "slow" folk and get back to 90 in what seems like seconds.
Quick questions for RX-8 owners: How loud is the road noise on RX-8 at highway speeds. I understand the rotary engine is quiet, but was wondering if there was enough sound deadening material used in RX-8 to drown out the tire and wind noise at highway speeds since lightweight was a critical factor. I am interested in RX-8 but haven't test driven one yet so if someone can put it in relative terms like BMW 3 series or Audi A4 (both of which I have driven), it would be very helpful.
rx8_canuk: You stated you were offered 3 years of free service. The letter I received from Mazda (in the US) says option1 is $500 and 48months/50000 miles free service. Maybe the service option differs up there?
Well the dealer went and got the car yesterday. (Red 6-spd, Sport Pkg.) I went after work to look at it to make sure it was perfect. It was! I drove it also, to make sure no other issues needed to be taken care of such as the alignment, etc. They're going to tint the windows on Monday, and I'll pick it up probably Wed or Thur.
As far as insurance, mine is actually cheaper than the '02 SVT Focus that is getting replaced. (lemon law- long story). Maybe it's because it's a four-door (hehe), or that's it's only 1.3L. What they don't know!!!
Well, I'm trying to get too hyper at this point since it will be a few a days until I get the $$ back from Ford.... more to come later!!!.....
Comments
Your RX-8 off-centered complaints though was funny haha!
graphicguy: Again, your simple but profound answers really get to the heart of the matter, bravo!
Another thing to remember: While the husband may be the "King" of the house, the wife is the "Prime Minister" ... Just like in the UK where the King is a mere figurehead, and the Prime Minister is the one that really makes the decisions ... well you get the picture
bwahahahahaha
Maybe everyone is just simply missing my point. Why go through all the trouble of advertising this car as roomy enough for 4 adults and design in the extra doors if it really offers no advantages? Why make it easier to get into a back seat that is actually more restrictive? Obviously no one in here has plans of actually using this easier to access back seat so why did Mazda put so much thought into it? It seems to me they could have made the structure more rigid by not using those half doors and been able to reduce the size of the center tunnel, thus actually making the car more livable and still keep the sporty aspect. Anyway, I'm just throwing out what-if and why scenarios. I'm not trying to slam the car.
One last comment about the door...I think it is a big deal to see a 30k car's door shudder visibly and sound tinny when shut. I mean it sounded as bad as a 2000 Kia Rio and shook as if it was made out of paper. If I spend that much on a car, I want all aspects of the car to sound solid and be of high quality. I'll take yall's word that this car was an anomaly though. Heck, I may go back this Sunday and see if I get lucky twice and the cars are still all unlocked and kill my curiousity.
been trying to break the cycle, with the purchase of a sports car I was hoping to feel more macho ...
but you are right, I will just have to throw in the towel, sell the 350Z, and get me them hod-rod minivans.
EDIT: I hope my post does not get deleted, this has nothing to do with the RX-8, unless there is a minivan version of it that I dont know about
"Obviously no one in here has plans of actually using this easier to access back seat so why did Mazda put so much thought into it?"
What?! The main reason why people bought this sports car is that they needed the practicality of back seats. That's the whole point! That's where the niche market is!
No, I think we need to be much more obnoxious about your comments!
Part of the fun of driving (and parking) is watching the heads turn and answering questions about the car. Some people even want to have their pictures taken standing next to it.
I bought it Aug 23rd and I've had no problems with it at all. I've opted for the $500 + free servicing which makes the entire deal (invoice + $517) even sweeter.
For those who have one - you're amongst an enviable few.
For those who don't have one - you're missing out on a remarkable vehicle.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have heard from others that most will fit, and because of the way the doors open, it is actually easier than a normal "sedan". You just get out, open both doors, and pull the kid out. No problems, no door to walk around 3 or 4 times, easy enough.
I am really surprised that no one has done a normal sedan with freestyle doors. I guess the structure would be hard to do if the back doors were longer. But even if it had a center pillar, it seems like the door opening the other way would be very convenient.
When you look at other sport car/GT coupe options with the 2+2 arrangement, you also have to consider the ease of entry/exit in addition to the back room space. On most cars, I would have to bend over significantly to put/take my child in/out as the child's young. Doing that in a parking garage when you have to watch how close you are to another car is a little painful! Also, even if a child were able to enter on their own, an additional slight inconvenience is moving the front seat forward so they have enough room to get in the back. And I'm not sure power seats are better in this regard because you have to wait (I'm not always at my patience peak on the morning or evening commute!) a spell for them. I found the freestyle doors are easier in this regard.
mngpao - congratulations! I am strongly leaning towards getting blue now as well. I went to Town North Mazda in Dallas/Richardson yesterday, and they had every color on their back lot. The blue definitely catches your eye the most when all the colors are head-to-head!! Do you find you like the color more over time?
gbrozen - my young toddler was actually asleep in his car seat when I went for a test drive. I carted him AND the seat over to the RX-8 and installed it without him waking! It worked out quite fine. And I have one of the big clunky forward facing seats. I would think rear facing seats would work as well, but it may restrict the amount of driver side front passenger room you have. I looked up the company Graco and they have a few models of car seats that look sporty and are more, how shall we say, svelte than the normal child seats. They're called their turbo booster seats and may be used for children over 30 lbs. My son is only 23 lb or so, but in the next 6-12 months, I will definitely be making a trip to Babies R Us (hopefully in an RX-8) to buy this style. Or maybe I'll just order it from Amazon along with some cool import UK dance CD's for playing in the RX-8. . .
But the back seat is a superb thing to have. Now, when the wife and I go out with married friends, we can all take one car. Plus I can take my girls out for drives. And since I carpool with 2 other guys, they can still ride with me on those days when I take the rx-8 instead of my beater.
The Rx-8 is not a replacement for an ordinary Sedan...if that was the case, then why sell the Mazda6? The Rx-8 is for people like me who pine for a sports car, but can't justify it if it is only driven when I am by myself. Only occasionally do I ever drive by myself or with only one other person.
It's a great concept, and hopefully is a modest hit for Mazda. If the stigma from the horspower thing doesn't hit too hard...(I say modest hit, because I don't want to pay anywhere close to MSRP when I buy it in a year or two!!)
For example, I think it would be interesting if, like the Miata, they have several editions from which to choose (limited, special, etc.).
Back on topic...I use the back seat to haul friends all the time in my RX8. It's a sports car that I can live with daily. Easy in, easy out. If you want something even easier, may I suggest a nice Avalon with the gold lettering package. I have seen pictures of people who have put a car seat in the back. Being past "toddlers at home" stage, I couldn't even begin to guess the brands/sizes of those car seats, though.
Boy, I just don't know about rattling doors in the RX8. They feel very solid on mine. It always amazes me how the doors close with a very noticeable and solid "thunk" when I close them. Matter of fact, the whole car is so solid. That console that runs down the entire legnth of the middle of the car actually houses a structural "backbone" which is part of the reason the car is so solid feeling.
All that said, if napping in the back seat is a priority for your next vehicle, don't shop for an RX8. Look at a Camry, LeSabre, Accord, Crown Vic, Impala. Those should satisfy the prerequisite.
'05 RX8s? Who knows. There's quite a bit of discussion that Mazda will reflash the current ECUs to return the 9HP. Whether that's true or not, I doubt Mazda will tip its hand. European models have little lights under the side mirrors....maybe that will become standard on the U.S. spec '05s. Maybe they'll offer the 6-disk CD changers at no charge.
Mazda has stated that they want to put the rotary in more than one model. Pure speculation, but there's talk about a single rotar that would fit in the Miata. I think the next Protege is slated for a piston engine, though. Also, talk of a new Millenium being marketed. Will they use a 3 rotor RENESIS for that? Again, all speculation at this point.
Short of some very minor color variations or feature content, I wouldn't think Mazda will do much to the '05 RX8s.
This is only speculation, but I heard that they are thinking of making two more freestyle doors to satisfy those that still feel the RX-8 is not accessible enough. Actually, it's more likely that the whole body of the car will raise up off the axles (like those old matchbox cars used to do)! A limosine version has also been considered!
Possible options...cots, pillows and alarm clocks for people who desire to sleep in the back seat (w/o that pesky center console that gets in the way)!
BTW....when do you get your S2200?
I will be able to get $500.00 off right from the start, but of course, I'm not done yet. Thanks graphic for showing interest. It's been nice discussing the RX-8 with you. From what I know now, the S2000 will be keeping its S2000 name with higher displacement (2.2), 163 lbs. of torque (up from 153) and improved suspension/shifting to deal with this. Mild style changes in the interior/exterior too!
As to improvements - I would like to see larger side mirrors. I would also like to get 50mpg but the low 20s are OK for now. They've hidden the power plug under the sliding console cover but I haven't had to use it yet and so I'm not sure I would ask for its position to be changed.
was there any doubt? ;-)
carliker: Excellent suggestion, pink is a great color. I hope they do it like some Cadillacs out there.
Its a sport car with practicality thrown in for good measure.
Its for people who bake their cake, and like to eat it too.
I thought Honda (with the Element) and Toyota (with the Scion) would have learned something from Pontiac given the Aztec.
Jaquino....just prepering you for those days of marital bliss!!!!
I love women, don't get me wrong. They have many useful purposes.
I just don't want them to pick out my cars for me or messing with my home theater....those are "guy" things.
Before anyone gets upset, this is said "tongue-in-cheek".
What will you be driving until the S200o comes in? How's the buyback going?
Rorr - Yes, the Scion looks like a port-a-potty on wheels! At least the Porsche GT Carrera makes up for it on that list. This will sound strange to you guys but I would actually marry that vehicle! "Do you take this Porsche GT Carrera for richer (no poorer, would have to be rich to keep it) and in sickness or in health?"
ANSWER: "YES, I DO!"
The buyback is going okay. I'm just waiting now for the dealership to contact me. It was suppose to take up to two weeks from the time they received the check in their office. While I lose the interest if I have to make another payment (which I doubt that I'd have to do), I enjoy driving the RX-8 for as long as I can.
I actually like the idea behind the Prius and xB
the xB just screams 'the hell with you' attitude, a very quirky, Only-from-Japan design, JDM y0!
and Prius has that hybrid engine fitted in a midsize hatch body, again a quirky car filled with innovations, just like the RX-8
but of course the RX-8 is the prettiest of the group, save for maybe the Carrera GT :-)
My interest in this car is because of the style, performance, AND it has a back seat that is reasonably comfortable. In order for me to convince the other half to get rid of our sedan for this car, it needs to be able to fit the occassional friend on longer drives and the dog. I will NOT have the need to carry babies and my passengers will be in the car longer than 5 minutes. The RX8 seems to meet this need. I was just disappointed in how compromised the back seat is with that "backbone". Sure, the seat is easy to get in and out of, but once u are in there, its like you are sitting deep in a hole with a high hard plastic wall up against you. The back seat would be PERFECT without the backbone intruding on the space. At least than you could move towards the center of the seat and look out the front window, instead of being stuck staring at the front seat or a small porthole window. Can't anyone imagine how livable the seat would be with a nice simple fold down armrest? Do I make more sense now? By all means, I'm not suggesting putting the rear seat above handling or structural integrity. I just wonder if Mazda could have achieved their goal without such a large tunnel.
Once I do get a chance to drive this car, I may forget all about this and you guys can be like, "Hey, I thought this car was too "compromised" for you?"
"for better or for worse, in sickness and in health...till drivers license suspension or death do we part".
Anyway, it's funny that you asked me today about the buyback. Just this afternoon, I got a call from the third party that Mazda is using. I am to wait until Monday afternoon to return the car to the original dealership. So I have one last weekend with the vehicle. How much do you want to bet I'm going to get it up to a 100 MPH and keep it at 7000 RPMS?!!!
Good luck!
I bought it because I was looking for something fun to drive that also had some practicality - seats for the kids and room for the golf clubs in the trunk. This is the only one out there that fits the bill.
I find that cruising on the highway in 5th keeps the RPMs in the power band and I have no problems passing...matter of fact, the RX8 builds speed quickly on the highway in the higher gears. I've never felt the need to drop it down a gear when passing on the interstate.
Speed builds so smoothly and is so stable that sometimes it's hard to tell you are going as fast as you really are.
Regarding insurance....there are so many variables that it's hard to answer what your particular rate would be. Age, marital status, insurance company, driving record, etc. will enter into what you pay. Best bet is to call your insurance company and ask them what the rate would be for you if you bought an RX8.
As far as insurance, mine is actually cheaper than the '02 SVT Focus that is getting replaced. (lemon law- long story). Maybe it's because it's a four-door (hehe), or that's it's only 1.3L. What they don't know!!!
Well, I'm trying to get too hyper at this point since it will be a few a days until I get the $$ back from Ford.... more to come later!!!.....
The rotary is quiet and the road noise is low for a sports car if you're comparing it to a Z or Mustang GT.
Comparing it to a Camry and it's going to seem loud.
I don't find it objectionable at all.
I don't play my stereo much because I enjoy listening to the car do its magic.