Thanks for the info MC......sounds pretty simple, just gotta be careful!....I think I want to go with window tint 1st, the tri's, then the strakes...of course, I am letting all family members know - Christmas is coming up and all!!....("Santa, I swear I've been good! I've kept it under 100! Honest!")
oh and Civictd04....you know how many times I'm gonna be on a 'closed circuit race course" in my baby?...never......that being said, I wish I understood Japanese to get a better idea of how the drivers felt about the cars. Interesting video - I gather you are an S2000 owner!.....
That video has been around for many, many months on the "other" Rx-8 forum. It has been the source of much debate, but basically the determination was that 1)We are not sure of the origin of the vehicle (preproduction?) 2) It is not scientific in the least (based on different drivers at different skill levels).
So anyway, it is certainly not any conclusive evidence by itself, and I would not let it discourage you from buying an rx-8. The cool thing is that it is almost as fast as an S2000, and you can still double-date in it!
Yea, there's been a lot of FUD going around about the RX8. The video has been proven to have "dubious" origins. It's been around for a long time and is old news.
Lots of people want the 8, but for a wealth of reasons, can't swing one. So, they do the next best thing...they spread FUD about it to make their car choice look better.
I didn't mean to say anything bad of the RX-8. I just thought the videos would be of interest. I personally like the RX-8, and the S2000. I'd take an RX-8 over the S2000 just for practicality reasons.
I wasn't trying to make any accusations towards you. Please don't take offense.
When the 8 first came out and all of us "early adopters" bought one, there was a lot of jealousy from those who didn't wait around for it to arrive, so they bought something else. They then came back trying to post a lot of FUD about it.
As mentioned, that video was one that has circulated a while ago. It has been debated ad nauseum for a long time and the source is suspect.
If you're the least bit interested in the RX8, you really owe it to yourself to test drive one. It's everything the trade rags said it is (and more). To be fair and balanced, it isn't as fast as a Cobra. A 350Z is marginally quicker on the track (hard to prove in the real world, though). It's very similar to an Infiniti G35 Coupe.
The fastest one was a Honda S2000. The slower one was a Honda Integra Type R, which we call an RSX in the states. But we don't get the Type R version (only Type S).
Cool...thanks....!!.....I must say, they are all pretty cool cars in the video. We are living at a great time in automotive history - lots of cool looking/driving vehicles..
Question for all: what dash/interior surface cleaner do you all like/use? Had a disagreement with a friend as to what I should/shouldn't be using. Just curious!
I just "dust" mine with a California Duster....available at Costco.
Since the dash is nicely textured, I woudln't want to put any sort of "stuff" on it. I've done this for the last decade in all my cars (just dusting the dash) and have had no problems with cracking or greasy stuff adhering to the dash. I find dust "sticks" to the dash more when you put treatments on it.
I love the black, "piano finish" on the center stack and the door/window controls. I just use a glass cleaner on those surfaces to remove the fingerprints. My favorite is Sprayway "Glass Cleaner". It's cheap and the most effective stuff I've found for cleaning windows (without streaking) and glossy surfaces.
Insurance rates are boing to vary wildly since there are a lot of variables involved like age, driving record, area you live, marital status, company that holds the policy, multi-car discount, homeowners discount, etc.
Best thing to do is to go to the Progressive web site and get an on line quote from them. At least that will give you some idea of the cost of insuring an RX8, with your particular variables taken into account.
For the record, I pay ~$700/year in insurance on my 8.
I finally got to drive an RX-8 yesterday while my S2000 was in for its 15k service.
My impressions of the RX-8 were quite favorable. Under 6,000 rpm, it's at least as quick and quieter than the S2000. Between 6,000 and 9,000 rpm, the S2000 takes over with it's V-tech kick. The RX-8 remains smooth and quiet up to 9,000 rpm, but there isn't any "kick". I was on a fairly straight highway, so I can't comment on "twisty" handling, but the RX-8 seemed nice and tight. Brakes were excellent.
I was impressed with the rear seat room. My head didn't hit the roof as it did in the G35 coupe. As for interior quality, the RX-8 and S2000 are comparable IMO. The S2000 is a bit more spartan, but with clean lines and a little less "busy-ness".
I fall into the category whereby the RX-8 would neither fit my need for a sedan or quite fit my desire for a "fun" car like the S2000 or Boxster. But for someone who has different needs, the RX-8 is quite a nice alternative.
P.S. I did mention to the dealer that I bought my S2000 at a $1,000 discount and he indicated they could do "at least that good". They had approximately 8-10 unsold units on their lot.
I just got my RX8 yesterday! What a beauty, I love it. Red / red-black, AT, Grand Touring, Rotary accents, spoiler, wind deflector, cd changer, and fender strakes ( had to have those fender strakes ). I have one question for you veterans. I hear a peculiar "clunking" noise at times. For instance, I might back out of the driveway, put the car in drive and start moving forward then briefly hear this noise. Anyone else have similar experience or thoughts as to what this may be?
Don't worry mkoll - many of us were alarmed at the "clunking" noise as the car first moves. It is reported to be the ABS "calibrating" itself- we all hear it. I asked my mechanic about it and have read several forum threads - they all confirm. - Enjoy your new toy!
Glad you finally got to "drive" an 8. True, they aren't going to be everything to everybody. What's perfect for me isn't going to be perfect anyone else. I find the room and back seat work very well, in my case.
There isn't the V-tec "kick" as in your S2000. It just pulls strong from about 3,000 RPM to the 9K redline, although I do feel a power bump at 4,500 RPM, 6,500 RPM and again at 7,500 RPM. Not as pronounced as the s2000, though.
Regarding the clunking, that is indeed the ABS self check and calibration sound...entirely normal.
Now there's a red RX-8 at my office! I'm going to get tempted every day now....(there is a blue one at the next building, but I don't have to walk by it every day).
Nice. I took a good look last Friday after a friend called me about it from his cell phone as he was leaving (he knows I've been thinking about it for a while). Leather, moonroof, and I think a 6-CD changer.
Taking the wife to test drive the 8 this Friday. I've almost got her convinced it can be a "family" car in a pinch - just need to prove it can hold a rear-facing car seat.
I am considering buying the spare tire kit for my RX-8. But, I am worried that the tire will take up too much space in the trunk. Has anyone else purchased the spare tire kit? Can you tell me if there is enough room in thee trunk or do you regret getting the kit????? Thanks.
I saw someone with it in their RX-8. IMO I would not get it, it takes up quite a bit of space in the trunk. a relatively large suitcase/duffle bag is definitely out of question with a spare tire in there.
WSM - Doesn't your wife have her own car? Why do you need to do any convincing at all? Anyway, one shouldn't have to do much convincing to get the RX-8. It's a wise, practical choice if you are looking for a sporty coupe. I'd divorce her if she can't understand that.
Kramer18 - With the roadside maintenance that comes with the car, you can get the temporary assistance which is necessary to get you to the service station. Like Big_h said, the actual tire takes up too much space and really isn't worth it.
I got the spare tire just because it was in the car on the lot and everything else was what I wanted. I've thought about taking it out because it just takes too much space. It blocks off the whole back area of the trunk.
As carliker points out, you have roadside assistance with the RX8. That, coupled to the fact I can't recall anytime in the last 1.5 decades of driving ever having a flat tire, would make me think twice about the spare.
If you buy a car like this, do you really buy it for trunk space? If so, you've bought the wrong car. I purchased the spare tire with the car (mainly because it came with the one I wanted) and am glad...because the first time you do get a flat it'd be nice to change it yourself than to wait an hour or more for roadside service.
Have you all heard about the lawsuit against AAA? A woman was raped and murdered while waiting on her said roadside service....long story short, if you care about trunk space, buy an Accord/Camry.
Actually, I use my trunk a lot and find it's room very useful. Two week's groceries and my glof bag co-habitate back there. That's one of the (many) reasons I chose the RX8 over the 350Z.
So I just got an email from Mazda about test driving the RX8. They are offering a $25 "super certificate." But nowhere do they explain just what the heck this certificate is. I can't find it in the fine print or anything. Does anybody know what this is?? I don't want to go through the trouble only to find out its $25 off the purchase price of the car or some garbage like that.
'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
The RX-8 does not have run flats. The main reason why the spare tire shouldn't be bought is that it's a weight issue (not just a space issue). Bringing up that AAA isolated incident is ridiculous since the woman would have probably called AAA anyway to put the spare tire on the car. I think rx8_is_great is just trying to rationalize the spare tire purchase...which is fine...but site better reasons for it.
I got the $25 super certificate as well. The email about it was a little hard to navigate. The certificate is given to you for just taking a test drive. It can be used at The Sharper Image, Gap and several chain restaurants. I want to test drive the RX-8, but I don't know if I would bother going through all the trouble of getting a dealer to sign and verify this certificate and all for 25 bucks.
$25 is $25. If you have a Mazda dealer near your home/work, I'd jump all over it. Of course, I always send in rebate certificates, too...regardless of the amount it's for. Every month it seems I've got 5 or so rebate checks I deposit in my checking account. anywhere from $50-$100 I didn't have before is the way I look at it.
From what I read about the suit against AAA, the woman was killed because she didn't wait for AAA. The AAA driver responded to her call, and she wanted to be towed to a location 60 miles away. The driver was too busy to be away that long and told her that she would have to wait 3 to 4 hours before he could take her. He left her in a busy parking lot surrounded by restaurants, a gas station, and a fire station. Instead of waiting, she decided to hitch a ride with someone, and that someone attacked her.
I heard about this from The TRUE Stella Awards. The story is currently being used as the sample issue, but the sample issue changes periodically.
Carliker--only reason I even brought that rediculous story up was to just bring to light that worrying about trunk space in the RX8 is crazy. Didn't know the whole story behind it and if Tom is right, then the lady was pretty stupid ...
Not rationalizing why I bought the spare tire...just think people shouldn't worry about the size of the trunk in a sports car. (even though it's larger than a lot of sports cars) I do agree with the weight issue. Every little bit of weight you can cut is great!
I think the trunk space is something to be concerned about with this sports car specifically though. The whole point of this car is sporty fun mixed with practicality. The lack of trunk space due to a spare tire cuts into that. If a sole sports car just doesn't have any trunk space because of design, then I agree with you. However, the RX-8 needs the extra space there to fit the needs of most people driving it.
It was one of those options they didnt expect much demand so they didnt order very many. They ran out and its taking a bit longer than expected to re-stock the ports.
Hey, I own a Mazda Rx-8 which came equiped with the amber turn signals. However, online, I have found pictures of Rx-8 owners with the Clear/white Turn signals which to me look alot better. I contacted Mazda and they said that they do not make this turn signal. Does anyone know where these people are getting this clear/white turning signal from?
I am a strong believer in the spare tire kit because it also includes a rim. I had a 9-5 Saab and ran over a piece of metal on a highway. Not only was tire ruined, but rim was destroyed. Murphy's law is as follows: your cell phone won't work (signal or battery), road side assistance (when it finally comes) won't have your tire on the truck or more likely the correct rim. It only takes one "dead in the water experience" to make you a believer.
For more space and less weight, I would definitely be willing to take the chance not having the spare tire kit. Heck, most people are taking a chance anyway hoping there wouldn't be an awful winter where driving rear wheel drive cars would be impossible. You take these sort of chances when you get a sports car.
Here in the northeast the car is slow...The northeast has always been a seasonal sports car market and it happens every year.....but at our mazda store in Florida they are selling everyone they can get at full MSRP. I have a bigger allocation then they do and I actually shipped them some cars last week.....I will discount instock RX-8's, alot, until the spring when the market will be strong. The mazdaspeed's and Miata's are the same way....firesale prices during the fall/winter and much higher prices during the spring and summer.
I have been following the RX-8 for the past few months. Had never heard of it until I saw a picture on Edmunds. I love the car and have been trying to talk myself into buying one. I tend to think too rationally sometimes, so I really appreciate all of you owners out there giving your input. What is the maintenance schedule on the RX-8? What is the average cost. I live about an hour away from the nearest Mazda dealer, so that is a concern I have. A little background on myself - Camry driver for the past 12 years. Teenage daughter soon to inherit current camry. Still have an 11 year old son to drive around. Looking for something different. Thanks again for any responses.
Comments
oh and Civictd04....you know how many times I'm gonna be on a 'closed circuit race course" in my baby?...never......that being said, I wish I understood Japanese to get a better idea of how the drivers felt about the cars. Interesting video - I gather you are an S2000 owner!.....
So anyway, it is certainly not any conclusive evidence by itself, and I would not let it discourage you from buying an rx-8. The cool thing is that it is almost as fast as an S2000, and you can still double-date in it!
Let the jealous Hondaphiles strike all they want!
Lots of people want the 8, but for a wealth of reasons, can't swing one. So, they do the next best thing...they spread FUD about it to make their car choice look better.
Anyway, take the video with a grain of salt.
When the 8 first came out and all of us "early adopters" bought one, there was a lot of jealousy from those who didn't wait around for it to arrive, so they bought something else. They then came back trying to post a lot of FUD about it.
As mentioned, that video was one that has circulated a while ago. It has been debated ad nauseum for a long time and the source is suspect.
If you're the least bit interested in the RX8, you really owe it to yourself to test drive one. It's everything the trade rags said it is (and more). To be fair and balanced, it isn't as fast as a Cobra. A 350Z is marginally quicker on the track (hard to prove in the real world, though). It's very similar to an Infiniti G35 Coupe.
It is really unique and quite the sports car.
seriously though, what was the other Honda car?
Question for all: what dash/interior surface cleaner do you all like/use? Had a disagreement with a friend as to what I should/shouldn't be using. Just curious!
Since the dash is nicely textured, I woudln't want to put any sort of "stuff" on it. I've done this for the last decade in all my cars (just dusting the dash) and have had no problems with cracking or greasy stuff adhering to the dash. I find dust "sticks" to the dash more when you put treatments on it.
I love the black, "piano finish" on the center stack and the door/window controls. I just use a glass cleaner on those surfaces to remove the fingerprints. My favorite is Sprayway "Glass Cleaner". It's cheap and the most effective stuff I've found for cleaning windows (without streaking) and glossy surfaces.
Best thing to do is to go to the Progressive web site and get an on line quote from them. At least that will give you some idea of the cost of insuring an RX8, with your particular variables taken into account.
For the record, I pay ~$700/year in insurance on my 8.
GGuy - thanks for your suggestions on interior cleaners - Not familiar with "California Duster" but I will investigate it!!...sounds like a good idea!
My impressions of the RX-8 were quite favorable. Under 6,000 rpm, it's at least as quick and quieter than the S2000. Between 6,000 and 9,000 rpm, the S2000 takes over with it's V-tech kick. The RX-8 remains smooth and quiet up to 9,000 rpm, but there isn't any "kick". I was on a fairly straight highway, so I can't comment on "twisty" handling, but the RX-8 seemed nice and tight. Brakes were excellent.
I was impressed with the rear seat room. My head didn't hit the roof as it did in the G35 coupe. As for interior quality, the RX-8 and S2000 are comparable IMO. The S2000 is a bit more spartan, but with clean lines and a little less "busy-ness".
I fall into the category whereby the RX-8 would neither fit my need for a sedan or quite fit my desire for a "fun" car like the S2000 or Boxster. But for someone who has different needs, the RX-8 is quite a nice alternative.
P.S. I did mention to the dealer that I bought my S2000 at a $1,000 discount and he indicated they could do "at least that good". They had approximately 8-10 unsold units on their lot.
There isn't the V-tec "kick" as in your S2000. It just pulls strong from about 3,000 RPM to the 9K redline, although I do feel a power bump at 4,500 RPM, 6,500 RPM and again at 7,500 RPM. Not as pronounced as the s2000, though.
Regarding the clunking, that is indeed the ABS self check and calibration sound...entirely normal.
Nice. I took a good look last Friday after a friend called me about it from his cell phone as he was leaving (he knows I've been thinking about it for a while). Leather, moonroof, and I think a 6-CD changer.
Color of choice: Nordic Green.
I am considering buying the spare tire kit for my RX-8. But, I am worried that the tire will take up too much space in the trunk. Has anyone else purchased the spare tire kit? Can you tell me if there is enough room in thee trunk or do you regret getting the kit????? Thanks.
Kramer18 - With the roadside maintenance that comes with the car, you can get the temporary assistance which is necessary to get you to the service station. Like Big_h said, the actual tire takes up too much space and really isn't worth it.
As carliker points out, you have roadside assistance with the RX8. That, coupled to the fact I can't recall anytime in the last 1.5 decades of driving ever having a flat tire, would make me think twice about the spare.
Have you all heard about the lawsuit against AAA? A woman was raped and murdered while waiting on her said roadside service....long story short, if you care about trunk space, buy an Accord/Camry.
'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
No thanks on the Accord, BTW.
'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
Plus, you get to test drive a damn fine car.
'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 heard about this from The TRUE Stella Awards. The story is currently being used as the sample issue, but the sample issue changes periodically.
Tom
Not rationalizing why I bought the spare tire...just think people shouldn't worry about the size of the trunk in a sports car. (even though it's larger than a lot of sports cars) I do agree with the weight issue. Every little bit of weight you can cut is great!
there are some importers that import these from other markets, I don't have the names of the importers, maybe do a search on the web?
there were already Mazdaspeed parts available for sale, but this is the first announced 'Mazdaspeed-equipped' RX-8 right off the showroom floor.
This was just announced at Tokyo Motor Show couple days ago.
I will still have one of my two older cars to beat around (RX-7 or Protege, depending on which one I'm trading in)
In general....(don't have the manual in front of me)
-5K miles oil change (severe service schedule)
-change airfilter, plugs, etc at normal (read, piston car) intervals.
Maintenance costs should be about the same as it is on Mazda's lowest model (Protege).
In short, don't worry about maintenance costs.
If you've driven an RX8, you'll understand all the accolades it is receiving. It's unlike any other car on the market (in a good way)!