Mazda RX-8 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    carliker...fact is, even though it's winter, I don't see much in the way of invoice plus a few hundred on cars like the S2000, G35C, 350Z, RX8 and MINI. that's what makes me leary of these alleged deals for thousands below invoice (or anywhere close to invoice) that someone will post from time to time.

    I am however, seeing some sizeable discounts on:

    --C5 Corvette-due to the C6 being announced. I've seen them as high as $7K off list.
    --'yoda MR-quite a few '03s left, at least around here
    --Audi TT-well, just because sales have fizzled

    Pick any U.S. brand and you can get thousands off, except on the newer Caddys. I even saw an add yesterday for an '03 Thuderbird at $10K off
    MSRP. I remember when dealers were aksing $50K for them. I could pick one up for about $31K, now.

    Lease deals are tough to compare as they may different in the amount of mileage allowances, CAP cost reduction amounts, Differing bank fees, different aquisition and disposition costs.

    The only lease deals I've seen are stripped RX8 automatics. I think it was for $299/mo., but didn't look real closely at the terms. I think it was for 10K miles/year, though. Residuals are running right around 52%-54% after 48 months last I checked around October.

    If you can get the S-Plan, then it most certainly is the way to go. That's the least you're going to pay for one.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • brydgebrydge Member Posts: 6
    I've been lurking on this board for a few months and really appreciate all the great insight and information. I just got my Titanium RX8 (GT, 6-disc, Rotary accent, Fender Strakes) on Saturday and wanted to pass on some information about my deal. I planned to lease for 36 months and first negotiated the cost of the car and then the lease terms. Using information I got on a website called www.fightingchance.com I sent out a blast fax to 24 dealers within a 3.5 hour drive (I live in Atlanta). The invoice info from Fighting Chance is the same you can get anywhere, but they also give you a lot of up to date info about current sales numbers for Mazda, suggested faxes to send and leasing definitions and explanations (which I needed since I'd never leased before). I sent 24 faxes, got responses from 10 dealers and kept the best four and then contacted two of my local dealers to tell them what I had received and asked for their best deal. I found from some dealers, that Mazda is offering a $1500 dealer incentive and got most dealers to pass that on to me once I mentioned it. In the end, I got the car for $27,885, which included labor to exchange the CD player and add the accents and strakes. That's pretty darn close to invoice minus $1500. The best part is that I negotiated two dealers at that amount with the same leasing info (58% residual on a 36-month one-pay lease, 56% residual with a standard 36-month lease) and went with the one that offered me the most for my trade-in and tossed in a couple extras (3-year tire warranty and wear care for the lease). Bottom line is that as great as these cars are (and I love mine) they're not moving off the lots and you'll find dealers that are willing to deal if you do some leg work.
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    How did you do with your trade-in? It's great that you got such a great deal. Did you tell the dealers that you were going to lease the vehicle before negotiating the price or after? Just curious.
  • charvel6charvel6 Member Posts: 5
    If you lease the well equipped rx_8 you spoke of, you would have a msrp of around $34400, invoice of around 31400, and an "S" plan selling price of around 31050. At 12k miles per year, residual of 57%, lease factor of .00200 (which would be a very good factor to get), you would get a 36 mo. lease pmt of around $450. If you can get a dealer to give you a $1500 "dealer cash discount" (brydge spoke of this; I have no knowledge of it) you could get a payment in the area of $415. At this number you are probably getting the best deal possible.
  • brydgebrydge Member Posts: 6
    I did tell them I was going to lease upfront, but told them I didn't want to discuss lease payments or any other lease details until I negotiated the price of the car. To my surprise, I got many very aggressive offers immediately and used took those to my local dealers and found two that were willing to play ball, then went back and forth between those two. I shopped my trade-in (99 Miata) to 5 dealers (4 mazda, 1 carmax) and all but one were within a couple hundred bucks. Obviously, got less than selling it privately, but it was due for tires, brakes, and had been in a minor accident, so it was work it for me not to have to deal with any of that.
    I shopped both a standard lease and a one-pay lease (discount back 36 future payments and pay upfront). I got a higher residual and a better money factor by doing the one-pay, and I had the cash available. I also saved significantly on tax (7% a month on top of the lease payments in my county in GA). I don't have the money factor in front of me but the standard lease was .00236, and I got a litter better than that. Total lease payments equated to roughly $369 if I divide cash out of pocket by 36 months. I saw money factors as low as .00139 (Charlotte, NC) and as high as .00336 (Atlanta). I saw residuals vary from 56% to 58% on standard leases in the Southeast, but most were at 56% or 57% for the standard lease. My one-pay lease ended up being with Mazda Credit, though I know US Bank had some aggressive terms, as well.
    Most importantly, I love this car...the drive, the style, the combination of power, comfort and handling. I'll love it even more with the 6-disc, rotary accents and fender strakes; which get installed this weekend.
  • 41eclipse41eclipse Member Posts: 5
    Hi, I've also been lurking for a while, but now I feel compelled to post. Brydge that is one heck of a deal you got there. I want to know more about this 1500 factory to dealer incentive that you speak of, is it national? I qualify for the S-Plan, actually we got the wifes Mazda 6S with that+rebates. If I could score a deal like yours, I would be real close to getting a RX8. That 1500 would eat the tax for me. Sweet deal IMO. Thanks.
  • ttbuyerttbuyer Member Posts: 45
    What's the best price anyone has paid/seen for a base automatic? In So. Cal? Do dealers ever actually get such cars? I haven't seen one. Most seem to be optioned up auto's and 6 spds.

    Hi jjgittes

    I have just such a car, no options, base a/t in Lightening Yellow. I leased mine in Norco (but I live in Torrance) the cap cost was $22,800. I paid $1,200.00 out of pocket and $300.00 (including tax) per month for 48 months. Residual is $12,000.00 with 12K miles per year. I got mine at the end of December and they were (so they said) dying to sell some Mazdas to make a bonus. Not sure if that's true, but I am sure that I got a pretty sweet deal.

    I LOVE the car. It gets lots of eyeball; last week some guy in a Carrera4 almost drove off the road craning his neck to check out my car.

    Every other RX8 driver I have seen has honked and waived. I am SO GLAD that I didn't get the SAAB 93 I was looking at.
  • brydgebrydge Member Posts: 6
    I hadn't seen nor heard of the $1500 dealer cash incentive until I sent out the blast fax. The first dealer that responded told me about that it was only applicable to 48-month leases, but no other dealer indicated that there were any restrictions. I saw it from all dealers I spoke with (North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee), but don't know if it's national. I did have a couple dealers who told me that the incentive was meant only for the dealer, but they quickly folded when I told them every other dealership was showing me the $1500. I'm pretty sure I heard one of the salesmen mention it to another customer at the dealership I ended up purchasing from. I was very excited about the deal I got, but RX8's aren't moving off the lots in the southeast.
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    I have no idea what those dealers were thinking about when they told you the incentives were just for them. What idiots. Those two really fit the car dealer sterotype.

    I wonder why the RX-8s aren't moving more in the southeast. Unusual cold and harsh winter perhaps?
  • jjgittesjjgittes Member Posts: 54
    Wow, $22.8 for a base auto. That's pretty darn good. I'm going to have to seriously consider an RX8 for my next purchase later this year. Now, if they can just figure out this plug fowling/short trips problem I've been reading about.
  • blh7068blh7068 Member Posts: 375
    that I have seen/read has indicated it's entirely up to the individual dealer whether they want to pass it on to the customer.
  • jjgittesjjgittes Member Posts: 54
    And its entirely up to the consumer to pass on his/her $ to a dealer. Shop smart. Arm your self with knowledge. Edmunds can save you big $. It has for me.
  • blh7068blh7068 Member Posts: 375
    Besides the point, but yeah what you say is true too.
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    Of course it's up to the dealer. It's up to the dealer on whether they want to sell the car to you at all. That's the whole point. If they want me to buy the car and aren't willing to give me a little of that extra incentive they are making on it (which causes them to lose the sell), then they are just being greedy. If their was such a huge demand, no incentive would exist in the first place.
  • teamgekkoteamgekko Member Posts: 13
    Just wanted to post my experience on my purchase of a RX-8. I would like to thank edmunds and this discussion group on helping me find a realistic price to pay. I bought a Tita Gray RX-8 for $24,200 today, it is the automatic base but you can still shift it via the paddles or stick. Basically here in central arkansas the RX-8 are going for no more than $500 over invoice. Everyone I contacted through edmunds returned my emails with qoutes. Some in North Little Rock likes playing games so I went with Truman Baker out of Searcy. They were very honest and they never tried to get me to buy anything extra (ext warranty,doc fees, etc). Thanks again for all of the help.
  • woodberywoodbery Member Posts: 10
    24,200 + Tax and tag, or any other fees?

    Thanks

    Herbert
  • brydgebrydge Member Posts: 6
    Had her almost 2 weeks know and love this car. No problems with flooding or fowling. Talked to the head service tech and he repeated what I've seen and heard pretty much everywhere else: Don't turn off the car until it's warmed up! He suggested five minutes to be safe.
    Don't know why they are selling down here, but I've only passed one on the road in the last two weeks, and had only seen and handful since I started looking in August. You'd think in a city of 3+ million people a few more people would be driving these around.
  • teamgekkoteamgekko Member Posts: 13
    I paid $24,200 plus tax and tags. No other fees. I did pay cash though if that matters. I actually went in to buy a 6-speed base but found the automatic to be more my style. I prefer the wheels on the automatic alot more than the ones on the 6-speed. I would of liked leather seats but I will probably go aftermarket. I do not like moonroofs so the packages were really never an option. For a base car the RX-8's are pretty well loaded in my opinion. Also just for people who are wondering. I first contacted all 3 dealers in a 50 mile radius for qoutes. All 3 dealers returned emails with the prices somewhere around 2 and half percent over invoice. After trying out the one in N.Little Rock which was not a pleasent experience. I contacted the one in Searcy and he said that he could sale any RX-8 base on his lot for $400 over invoice. He said the ones with packages would go for 2% over invoice. He did say that he could find me one for the same prices if I did not like what they had, except for that green color which he said is hard to come by in Arkansas, not sure why. The only incentives that all 3 dealers mention were the college-grad which I'm not. One dealer though said that they were offering 60 months 0% financing on the RX-8 but I didn't hear that from the others.
  • doodle8doodle8 Member Posts: 3
    I paid sticker for my RX8; I feel like a real chump after seeing some of the recent posts and deals people are making. But I ordered mine early (picked it up in August), so there wasn't any bargaining room (and it wasn't part of the S-plan at that time). I could have got a Mazda6 on the S-plan and 0% financing, I think, but I still chose the 8.

    Dealers here (SE PA) haven't seemed to be moving the RX-8s, even before winter kicked in. I'm surprised. But I did manage to get the free scheduled maintenance deal for four years, which probably offsets savings I might have got had I been able to wait a couple months to get the car.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    It's really difficult to judge different "deals". There are so many variables that go into it than just "this is what I paid for my car". Different dealer fees, trade-in values, interest rates, dealer add-ons, etc all impact the actual final cost of any new car transaction that it's difficult to do an apples-to-apples comparison on any deal.

    The Ford S-Plan became available sometime in October, I believe.

    Don't worry. If you got free maintenance on your RX8, you got a good deal.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    Graphic is right about your deal. There is always someone out there who got the car you did for a lower price. Just like if you go around at work and gloat about how low you paid for gas. There will always be that one co-worker who said he/she got it for a cent cheaper. The best thing to do is look at how your deal accomodates your lifestyle. If you like your car and paying for it isn't a chore, then you did well. What good is a great deal when you can't pay for it anyway? Good luck with your RX-8!
  • vjoe_udovjoe_udo Member Posts: 30
    Is the sprort package worth $1500?
    What does DCS and traction control do for me exactly? I live in Oregon, a lot of rain, but not much snow. Usually 1-2 days per year of snow.

    Why should I pay for this feature?

    THANKS!!
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    The DCS/traction control is the feature that corrects the vehicle should it start slipping and not gripping the road properly. Some drivers get irritated by it when it kicks in prematurely not allowing the driver to have the flexibility or the fun. However, that is only in some cars. The Mazda RX-8's DCS was done really well. It keeps the driver safe and secure when necessary while still maintaining a loose feeling that doesn't interupt the excitement of the driving experience. You aren't just paying $1500 for this. The other options you get along with this make the $1500 a little expensive but worth it I believe.
  • cheezeboycheezeboy Member Posts: 218
    vjoe...get it...buy it..use it...it rocks......way better car with it than without. limits you in no way, really...maybe gguy can give his 2 cents too.. I am quite happy with it on my car!!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    This is a "no-brainer" option in my opinion.

    You get:

    --HID self leveling headlights (once you have them, you'll wonder how you lived without them)
    --fog lights
    --DSC with traction control
    --upgraded 18" wheels and tires
    --bigger brakes that are outstanding
    --"sport" suspension (one of the best in the biz)

    To me, it's a screaming bargain.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    There is a thread in the RX-8 forum called blantant opinion or something. I don't have any idea why it's mixed with RX-8 threads. I thought it had something to do with the RX-8, but it didn't. The people were talking about how great Hyundais and Kias were so I left my opinion and almost got crucified. They are very very sensitive in that thread but I thought it would be interesting to see what you thought of the posts. Hope your RX-8 is doing well!
  • car3car3 Member Posts: 27
    is Mazda going to offer an AWD RX-8 like Nissan is going to offer an AWD version of the G35? Does anybody know about that?

    Formally Car Guy 58 but due to problems with new format I'm now Car 3.

    I have seen about like 10 RX-8's around. Not too many around in NJ.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    carliker....I don't spend as much time over at the other RX8 "forum" as I used to. It got to be there were too many "trolls" and people "shilling" stuff.

    Hyudais and Kias, eh? While those are OK cars, they are very much in a different ballpark than either the RX8 or your S2000. My son has an Elantra, which has served him well (so far, with only about 20K miles on it). He's been lusting for a Tiburon. But, trying to explain to him that, for all intents and purposes, it's only an Elantra in two door coupe form, is an exercise in futility.

    RX8 is doing great since the weather has taken a turn for the better around here. I finally have taken it out of the garage and driven it this past week. Don't know if the rest did it good or not, but I ran through a tank of gas and checked the mileage. In about 75% city and 25% highway, I got 19 MPG on COSTCO gas. I'm pleased with that. I think everything has "broken in" and it's running really good.

    Have you taken your car out recently?

    car3....I can say with a reasonable amount of certainty that the RX8 won't ever be AWD in the foreseeable future. That would wipe away everything the RX8 stands for....a light, fast and tossable sports car. Adding the weight of AWD would blunt that driving experience dramatically.

    The G35X sedan is AWD, but I doubt very seriously they'd do that to the Coupe for the very same reasons, as it's already a fairly hefty sport coupe.

    I've seen more an more RX8s on the road this week. Two silver and one yellow one just this week. We always "wave" when passing each other. I went to my dealer to inquire about strakes (almost $500 installed....I can live without them at that price). The sales manager said they are down to 3 in-stock and that sales have picked up dramatically again after a "soft" January. I'm sure the weather has a lot to do with that.

    I'm going to give mine a "bath" today with the sun shining and temps approaching 50.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyadjnyadj Member Posts: 13
    I went into a dealer yesterday here in NY (Long Island) to discuss leasing figures. I thought I would pass along my info with this board to help any others in my situation, or in the hopes others will share info with me. Since just about all manufacturers are no longer leasing in NY state, the dealer quoted a lease through Hahn[sic] bank. The MSRP was exactly $32820 for a velocity red 6MT with GT package, appearance package, spoiler and spare. I was told that the residual would be $18700, which should really be $18707.40 or 57%, and that the money factor was .00220. It was a 36 month lease and the salesman said that the payment was $425 a month with tax rolled into payment and all I needed was to give the delaer $1500 cash (I specifically asked would they need anything else for dmv fees, acq. fees etc., and he said no!). Finally he told me that the cap cost, or selling price would be, $31114. I looked right at the invoice and same was $30014, which included a $100 ad fee. I went home and did my computations and realzied that if all the figures were correct, that either the actual selling price was lower than quoated, same for money factor, or I would have actually had to come up with more money for acq fee, dmv fees etc. I went to this thread last night and saw the previous note that Mazda was offering $1500 incentive so I called the dealer today and i asked them and he told me, "yes, there is a $1500 lease cash only incentive for all RX8s. Since this dealer has about 40 cars on their lot and none of them have moved at all, I felt I could do better and the salesmen even said I just gave you a quick quote because you were looking, there's some room. I'll say, this particular car has been there since November at least, like many of the others.
  • nyadjnyadj Member Posts: 13
    The salesman told me that their first quote to me did have the $1500 lease cash figured in and when I re-evaluated the deal, it was extremely close. I assumed that out of my $1500 outlay of cash, that the dealer applied $800 to an acq. fee, about $120 for dmv/title fess, first payment and tax on top of the $500 that would be considered part of my down payment or cap cost reduction. NY state does tax the leasee on any money applied to a cap cost reduction payment.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    "Sounds" like a decent deal, but with leases it's always tough to tell. I would negotiate the cost of the car FIRST. Then you can see what the fees and cap cost add to the cost of the car.

    Personal opinion, but there always seems to be added costs to a lease, even after you've negotiated an "out the door" price. Even at lease end, there can be disposition fees which add to the cost of the car.

    For comparison's sake, if you purchase, the price should look something like this....

    --cost of the car +
    --taxes +
    --title transfer and license fees (should be no more than $50-$75)+
    --interest

    That should give you the bottom line cost of the car.

    For a lease, it ends up being...

    --cost of the car +
    --taxes on your monthly payment+
    --title transfer & license fees +
    --interest on the delta between purchase price and residual price +
    --acquisition and disposition fees +
    --any additional bank fees

    The variables are the killers...like residuals, acquistion, disposition and bank fees. To me, those are another source of profit for either the dealer and/or the bank that you don't have when you purchase out right.

    That's why I'm always a bit leary when someone says I leased my car based on a $xx,xxx price. Few ever figure in the differences in residuals and the different fees involved. It's still money out of your pocket over the course of the lease
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyadjnyadj Member Posts: 13
    I briefly discussed figures with this salesperson just to get a starting point to come home and use my $2 calculator and see if I could afford to lease one of these. Whenever I am interested in leasing a car, I always tell the closer (by the time the salespeople are through listening to me, the turnover guy comes in) to write down every penny I need to come up with in cash plus tell what it's for. Later on, if I think they are packing my payments somewhere I look to renegotiate before I come in with my ID cards and close on the deal. But I wasn't at that point the other day, I thought I would ask around on this board and see what other people were hearing with regard to prices and terms etc. It pissies off the dealers, but I like to ask them to fax me a copy of the Regulation M lease contract with all the particulars already on it before I come in to sign. I can see why they get upset but I only tell them that I they can't do that, I demand to sit alone in their waiting room with the contract and look it over for a while before I sign anything with them. One way or the other, when I leave after neg. the deal and go and get my ins cards etc. and give the dealer time to work up the papers, I make sure the final contract reads what we agreed upon before I sign. You're right, many people don't ask all the details up front, they see that payment and $3500 down etc. but forget to ask about fees, taxes and other things. If they pull that with me once I come in to close the deal, anything not disclosed in our final negotiations, and I simply get up ane leave, (only happened once, a while ago too)......I didn't even get into price on the car yet, as I said I considering several cars and just wanted a starting point. I'm pretty certain I can get the car at invoice plus the $1500 lease cash.......the downpayment is up to me etc.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    Pesonally, I don't see any problems with asking for the "TERMS OF THE LEASE" in advance of a deal. It's a legal document that I want to read, and in certain situations, have reviewed by a legal professional (if after I review it there are certain clauses I don't understand or agree with).

    Of course, the car biz is mostly one of "sign the deal now" and "the terms are all standard".

    What I'm seeing here in OH is a $299/mo. lease for 48 mos....12K mi/mo with 10% down plus customary fees. That's usually for a base model.

    If you're interested in the car, as others here will tell you, I'm shamelessly one of the biggest proponents of the RX8. It's the best car I've ever purchased and one of the best cars I've ever driven.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyadjnyadj Member Posts: 13
    aware that you have one, I take it that you enjoy it very much. I am looking at a Velocity red 6MT, it has the GT package, appearance package, spoiler and spare tire. I like the black and red leather interior. I have been driving a company car for 6 years, several as a matter of fact and they were/are all 4 door sedans. I'm supposed to get a minivan it a few weeks when I have to turn in the one I have now. That's it, I told my wife we haven't had a real car payment for me in 6 years because of the company car but a minivan. Forget it, I don't car about buying/leasing a car for just pleasure, I'm finally going to do it and go and get a car. With the sedans, at least if we had to go to a wedding or some nice event, we could at least use the company car and look normal, but now I'm getting an white van with a company logo on the side, no way man. We have a minivan for our own family and what are my wife and I to do if we want to go out by ourselves without the kiddies? Drive another minivan around!!!!! What do you like to most/least about your RX8? 6MT or Auto?
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    I've got a "winning blue", 6MT, GT with NAV.

    It was one of the first ones to hit our shores in July.

    The good....

    --it's fast
    --it's comfortable
    --it's one of the best steering, shifting, braking cars I've ever owned (including a couple of highly regarded BMWs). It's capabilities are extremely high
    --it's got a high level of build quality, fit & finish
    --it's got a great BOSE stereo
    --it gets "looks" wherever you drive/park it
    --materials are all of high quality
    --it won't "punish" you when driven to its high levels of capabilities
    --ergonomics are great
    --the sounds it makes as you wind it out in each gear are automotive "heaven"
    --young people, old people and little children will love to talk to you about your car
    --every major automotive publication that has done a comparison of the RX8 to a Cobra, Infiniti G35 or a 350Z admit that the RX8 is the better car.

    the downside....

    --it's not an economy car, so don't plan on getting good MPG...it's a performance car and fuel is burned accordingly
    --You have to keep an eye on your oil level as it's normal for the RENESIS to use a bit of oil
    --don't shut it down until the engine is warmed up
    --every "boy racer" with a Civic, Celica, etc will want to challenge you

    That's it.

    It's a bit different than a piston engined car. Not worse, just different. As long as you understand that, you'll be fine.

    I can't comment on the automatic version, but the resident automatic expert...cheezeboy....will be along shortly with his opinion.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyadjnyadj Member Posts: 13
    I really appreciate the 411 on the RX8. Yeah, I'm seeing that stalling issue really prevalent throughout these boards. I'm up in the air about either a 350Z or the RX8. Now please everyone understand I haven't even driven either of them yet, but once I know when my lovely company minivan will be in, (at that point I will no longer have the measely $100 a month persoanl use charge for the company car), I'm looking to do the road testing then. Looking forward to using that extra $100 toward a new car transaction.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    The vast, vast majority of RX8 owners have never flooded their cars. So, don't consider it a rampant issue.

    For comparison's sake, the 350Z and the G35 were both on my shopping list. I test drove both of them extensively. I have to agree with what all the trade rags (as well as Edmunds) have said, that the RX8 is the better car. While the Nissan/Infiniti offerings are fine cars in their own right, they too have some problems. Brakes and suspension issues being chief among them.

    Truth is, you need to drive all of your choices as there aren't any bad ones in what you're looking at.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • wilkichwilkich Member Posts: 52
    Went to the dealer in Oakland, CA and they said that they were not offering RX8 test drives on the 6 speed because of a "recall." Sound familiar? Went down the street and drove the Z again. Still very impressed with the low end pull at 1000 rpms.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    Do yourself a favor. There aren't any recalls on the RX8...there's nothing familiar at all about their behavior. Find yourself a new dealer.

    With the deals going on now, and your desire for low end torque, you might want to take a look at the Cobra, too.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyadjnyadj Member Posts: 13
    What are the "deals going on" for the Cobra right now? I certainly understand the torque comment about the Cobra!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    My sister works for Ford. She was telling me a few weeks ago that there was a $3K rebate on leftover '03 Cobras. I think they expanded that to the entire Mustang model line-up, including '04s.

    You can probably get an '03 Cobra for invoice or less and then subtract the $3K rebate.

    There are still some of them floating around the Southern OH area as I've seen them advertised in the newspaper.

    If one of my main criteria for a car was low-end torque, the Mustang V8 models would be at the very top of my shopping list. They'll "out torque" any 350Z/G35.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    I've been away awhile. Yes, I've finally had the chance to take the car out recently. It still only has 150 something miles on it and has the original tank of gas the dealership put in it. The gas tank is still half full. However, the weather is more inviting and a hint of spring is coming. I'm getting excited as I'm sure you are and every sports car owner is. Best time of the year is almost here...well, at least in Indiana!

    I haven't seen many RX-8s around. I've just seen a red one parked, a silver and a titanium gray on the road. The blue and green are more rare I take it. I'm really surprised that the car is holding onto its exclusivity so well after being out for eight months.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    Oh my....the same original tankful of gas? You need Springtime in the worse way. Temps have been good around here the last couple of weeks.

    I'm going to the Cincinnati International Auto Show tonight to get a gander at those new Mustangs. I saw them last year in Detroit, but they were on a stage where you couldn't look inside.

    I'm anxious to see the C6 "vette" that's supposed to be there, too. I want to see the 300C, also. The Scion will be there. Want to see those as that could be my next "2nd car" to replace the current Civic.

    Not much else will be of interest...plenty of SUV "crossovers" (yawn) and trucks (bigger YAWN), I'm sure.

    Last year, at the Detroit Auto Show, I spied the RX8 for the first time. Aside from the test drive, which sealed the deal, I knew it would rocket up to the top of my shopping list when it was released.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tn_davetn_dave Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a new Velocity Red "8" at Mazda Knoxville Sat. and got what I think is a great deal. It has most options (GT, Appearance, Nav, etc.) and stickered at $34,570 and they took my first offer of $31,900. I had to haggle on the trade a little (02 Miata SE Blazing Yellow 8700 miles) but overall the deal was very decent. This is the second car (also the Miata) I've gotten there, and they are always very friendly and easier than most places to deal with. I would definitely recommend them if in the area.

    LOVE the car. I really researched everything about the car and visited all the forums, and I can tell you words alone cannot convey the actual driving experience. Smooth, fast enough to get a ticket without even trying, handles great, and very comfortable for a sports car. I've had dozens of cars including a 98 'Vette, BMW's, Trans Am's, you name it and it's been in my garage, but this one in a word is WOW! On the concerns about adequate HP/torque - don't worry, just drive it and your concerns will vanish. I was originally thinking of adding some performance stuff (intake, exhaust, etc.) but I'm having second thoughts since I've driven it stock.
  • flatsoflatso Member Posts: 24
    Graphic guy is wrong there are two recalls on the RX-8 at the moment and the dealers were informed not to sell the cars till they were fixed. The recall notices to owners are suppose to be sent out by Feb 27. Airbag and transmission damper recall. See this link for more information.

    http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/index.html
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    If I am indeed wrong about the recall, I'll admit it.

    I have yet to see any such notice of recall on my RX8.

    tn_dave....you are now experiencing what us owners have been raving about. Don't be a stranger and post your impressions as you drive the car more.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • sweetc230sweetc230 Member Posts: 33
    I test drove the RX8 yesterday for the first time and fell in love with it. I was convinced, due to some of the reviews, that the low torque would be a problem; boy, was I wrong! The car had PLENTY of zip, but I do have a few questions/concerns. Since I am new to the rotary engine, the dealer stated that I should check the oil every other fill-up??!! This sounds a little crazy to me. Doesn't the car let you know if the oil level is low (sensor, light, etc.)? If this is correct, do you guys keep a quart in the trunk just in case??

    Secondly, how is this flooding occurring? I have not heard of someone flooding a car since my family had a big ol' station wagon back in the '80s!!

    Finally, I am thinking of offering 4% over invoice for a yellow 6MT with the Grand Touring package; does this sound in line with the deals that others have been getting?
  • carlikercarliker Member Posts: 285
    Graphic would probably be the one to answer the oil and flooding questions. Don't let any of these issues concern you. Yes, having a rotary vehicle is different and has to be maintained in its own way, but that's the whole point of having a unique vehicle that not everyone is driving around town.

    As for the 4% above invoice price for the Yellow 6MT, I don't see why that wouldn't be possible. Keep in mind that better weather is coming around so more people are in the market. Nonetheless, I still think that is a reasonable offer. However, let the dealer make the first move. Go directly to the sales manager (not just some off-the-lot sales guy) and ask them how much do they need to make on the car. I've had so much better luck dealing with the managers than random salespeople. Usually, they are more concern with getting the numbers up rather than the commission going into their pocket. Call or go to the dealership to schedule a time to talk with the sales manager or general manager of the dealership. Don't let them hand you off to someone else. When dealing with the sales manager, he can make the decision himself and you don't get that, "I'll be right back" schtick from the off-the-lot salesguy when you give an offer. Through my experience, the sales manager/GM is also a lot more honest throughout the deal. This all may be obvious to you and I don't want to sound patronizing, but it amazes me how many people just take whatever the dealer is initially willing to give them (including the salesperson). Once you learn how much the sales manager/GM wants for the car, you can learn what the holdback amount is (which almost every car has, but isn't posted anywhere). You can go to www.consumerreports.org//carprices/new6 and find the 1-800 number that you can call to learn everything about this vehicle (including the holdback amount). This amount is in addition to any rebates/incentives. Chances are the sales manager might say we need to make $1500.00 on this vehicle for example. He figures you'll add that to the sticker invoice to come up with the buying price. If you know what the holdback is, you can add that $1500.00 to that cost.

    Base price for a 6MT RX-8 = $27,200
    (Dealer's necessary profit) = $1500.00
    Holdback (example: $1000)

    Your offer should be around $27,700, lot less than 4% above invoice you're willing to pay. Go for it!

    That Consumer Reports information is only $12.00 and they'll fax it to you within a few hours. Pretty damn cheap and easy when you could possibly be saving hundreds. I did this and it at least put me in a position to save a few hundred more dollars on my new car. Good luck!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,142
    carliker is right about how to figure what to offer. We're coming out of winter doldrums right now, so if you're going to make a deal for any sports car, now's the time. Once you get into Spring and Summer, sports car sales will pick-up as will the asking prices. I've only used CR once for a car purchase, but that was a long time ago. I don't know if the info helped me or not because there wasn't any internet info like there is today. For $12 it sure can't hurt.

    I've had my RX8 for 7 months. I've driven it in all types of temps...started it and stoppped it within seconds. I've never flooded mine.

    I've read that some have, however. From my understanding, they start it stone cold and turn it off stone cold. Since the engine is still running rich while the engine's control module (ECU) is revving higher RPMS until the car warms up, shutting it down during this warm-up leaves unburnt fuel in the chambers. There are two ways to keep this from happening. One, never shut down the engine cold. Mine warms up quickly (less than a mile of driving) in even the coldest temps. 2nd, Mazda has a TSB that calls for replacing the leading plugs with "hot" plugs. Those that have had this procedure done have never reported any more issues.

    The RX8 does indeed have an "oil level" sensor. I've never known any of these types of devices to be particularly accurate in any car, however. As a rule of thumb, I check the oil in all of my cars every 2nd or 3rd fill-up. That's just a good practice, regardless of the car you drive and only takes about 10 seconds. By design, the RX8 will "burn" a little oil. That said, I've never had to put oil in mine between oil changes (every 5K miles). It will use about a 1/2 qt between changes, but not enough to cause me to add any between changes.

    The RENESIS is a different (and robust) power plant as you've found out during your test drive. Not better or worse than it's piston counterparts...just different. I've known of plenty of older rotaries to go well beyond 200K miles with no major work done to them. Just check the oil and wind it out.

    Good luck no matter which direction you go. Let us know what you decide.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • sweetc230sweetc230 Member Posts: 33
    Thanks fellas! I appreciate the help. It is good to hear that I don't have to worry too much about the flooding or oil issues. If I go through with this I just hope I get one like yours (graphicguy) that doesn't take long to warm up b/c I don't want to have to think about how long or how far I am driving. . .I just want to get in and go!!

    Couple of other questions for ya: (1) Would you buy a yellow car?? I love the way the RX8 looks in yellow, but this goes against all of my normal tendencies. I have only bought black, white or silver cars in my past 6 vehicles purchases. What are your thoughts, resale, etc.? (2) Do you guys know if there are going to be any changes with the '05 model?

    Thanks again for your help!
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