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Truthfully, I don't know how anyone would accidentally make the mistake of trying to shut the front doors (since they won't shut) without closing the back doors first. It's clearly obvious that they won't shut. I suppose someone could intentionally try to shut the front doors and then try to shut the back doors on them, but it wouldn't be accidental that they tried to do so. All that said, why they would want to try it is a mystery since it's very obvious that's not the way they are supposed to work....even for a 12 year old.
The interior, being mainly black will show some scuff marks, but they are easily cleaned. I use a plain old water dampened cloth and the scuffs come right off.
Seriously, spell it out: if they damage it, they're responsible for getting it repaired it to like-new condition. I wonder how much something like that would cost? Probably at least a couple hundred dollars if they slammed them hard enough to require a little metal-work (probably some new plastic trim too) and a repaint.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!!
However, if you just downshift and floor it, these annoying drivers usually give up somewhere around 95 MPH .
The only solution I've found that works is to pass them at a great enough speed differential on my second attempt. They usually don't notice me until I'm already passing them and then they can't build up enough steam to keep up with me until I'm already several car lengths ahead. Most will not even try. Most who do give up after several seconds. A few will stomp on their gas pedals until they've passed me. I figure they've got issues and ignore them and go about my business as usual.
Loaded up the whole family - wife, two kids and small dog along with enough luggage for a four day trip. I'll admit it wasn't the most comfortable trip, but the car is practical enough to be used for a trip like this. The kids are small so they had no problem in the back seat. The dog is only 15 pounds so he was fine too.
I got about 22-23 mpg on the highway. Car performed great. Maybe a bit sluggish loaded up like it was but I still had enough juice to pass all those annoying minivans!
I did experience the low oil light coming on intermittently at high speeds. I could get the light to turn off by making an abrupt lane change. Oil level was fine when I checked.
I'll have my dealer change out the oil pan on my first sevice visit next week.
and to top it off, I was talking to my brother-in-law and he just informed that my sister's red convertible Sebring is 'just as sporty as an RX8'. I said, "Oh...really?....ok...but when was the last time you guys took a 25mph curve at 60?"...his response was, "well, why would you want to do that?"..
I can't win.......cursed I am.......
I'm on the highway, headed to the mall for some early Christmas shopping (early for me, anyway).
After my typical "blast through the gears" on the "on ramp", I notice the STS gaining on me as I settle to about 5 MPH over the 65 MPH speed limit. The STS decides to get right on my bumper while I'm in the slow lane. I speed up to 75, he's still on my bumper. Go to 80...he's still there.
I move to the middle lane...he moves with me.
Finally I pull into the fast lane, drop it to 4th, hit about 103 and he quickly became a small and getting smaller spot in my rear view mirror. He closes in a little bit, but I kept going until he backed off. I drop back into 6th, settle back down to 70 MPH and continue my cruise to the mall.
disclaimer....kids, don't try this at home.
graphic - Obviously, the guy in the Cadillac STS knew he couldn't beat you. Did you get a chance to see the age of that person? I have no idea what the demographics are on those kind of Cadillacs these days. Next time, I would just brake to the slowest speed possible until the guy gets the point and stops his wishful thinking by tailgating you.
BMW BORING? NEIN - Let's get one thing straight: BMW will never make a minivan "because they are just plain boring," says BMW AG Chairman Helmut Panke. "Our customers can always rely on one particular thing: We do not build and we never will build boring cars," Automotive News Europe quoted Panke as saying. "We will focus on premium - only on premium." But while speaking at a dinner with British journalists in London last month, Panke admitted that although there will be no minivan, BMW is looking at what he calls a "space concept."
Yes, C&D dropped the 350Z from the "10 Best" list and replaced it with the RX8.
Why wouldn't BMW get into the minivan business? After all, they're in the SUV business now. It's a lucrative market populated mainly by "mommies". Can Porsche be far behind?
As for the RX-8 replacing the 350Z, it's no surprise. Every magazine I've seen which has reviewed both vehicles has picked the RX-8. The value, the fun and quality is all there. Whether you read C&D and R&T or Consumer Reports, they all pick the RX-8 as the better buy. Nissan just cut too many "quality" corners in order to bring up the performance. Also, the 350Z isn't that good of a buy when you take the really cheap interior and jarring ride into consideration for a vehicle that reaches $35K decently equipped.
carliker....I thought it was pretty funny when Porsche decided to make an SUV....so, I suppose, a Porsche minivan doesn't seem so "out of reach".
and about the Cayenne. Down here in South FL, I see a lot of these things. I must say, they are darn speedy. I prefer to let them pass me and not get into the way of the soccer mom/dad with a lead foot who is late for their kids game!.....
and GGuy....didn't you say once that you wouldn't let your teenage son drive your RX8? I hope you don't let him read your posts here at Edmunds!! He will think his pop is a crazy-man driver...oh...wait.....too late!!...LOL!!....(I am disappointed in you - only 103?!? - come on! I know you can go faster!!..heehee)
And C&D traditionally (by design) considers only new or substantially redesigned vehicles. The 350Z is last year's model.
Much as I love the RX-8, and think its cooler than the Z, the Z didn't have a chance of being on the 10-Best ... really
About cajones....I would have taken the RX8 all the way to the speed limiter if I had to. STS kept riding my bumper. Of course, you could say I was less than rational being willing to hit nearly 150 MPH to "distance" myself from him. Fact is, he couldn't (wouldn't) gain on me once I decided to drop a gear or two.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
But what's important is that the RX-8 won, right? <grin> And it had to beat out the 350Z to do it.
- Mazda3 sedan Best New Economy Car
- Mazda3 Sport (hatch) Best New Sports Coupe or Sedan < $35,000
- Mazda6 ('04 model in Canada) Best New Family Vehicle
- RX-8 Best New Sports/Performance Vehicle
The overall car of the year will be announced later but the odds have got to be for a Mazda. From what I've seen, odds on favourite is the Mazda3.
Mazda Canadian sales are going to take off.
This competition is most definitely not a scam of any sort - it's Canada's most prestigious competition because all the vehicles were tested on the same days at the same place.
The RX-8 category included:
Sports/Performance
Chevrolet SSR
Dodge Viper SRT-10
Mazda RX-8
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Nissan 350Z Roadster
Subaru Impreza WRX Sti
Volvo S60R
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Looking at the 2004 but would like to know what tweaks (any little issues, additional colors, etc.) may happen with the 2005 model.
My current car is an Acura and they intro new car around Sept - any educated guesses when Mazda will intro (or release on about) the 2005 RX-8?
P.S. Had an RX-7 from 1984-92 and loved it.
so I'd assume 2005 cycle will begin somewhere around that time as well.
improvements from 04 to 05? Nothing I've heard, yet.
It's clearly a "boulevarder".
G35...oh, how true that is.....
C&D also called the RX8 "magical" (their term, not mine).
claytondennis - No such thing as a "performance minivan". I know that the Honda salesperson probably told you that it was to get you to buy it. Better hurry up and get that RX-8! There is absolutely no reason why minivans need to exist --- SUVs look better, are faster, have off road capability and can carry the same cargo. Plus, most don't even ride like a truck these days and gas mileage is improving. Perhaps I'll agree with you concerning "performance minivan" when either Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Infiniti decides to make one.
Anyway, has the gas mileage improved for the RX-8 over time for those who have it for a few months now?
I was expecting that the engine would have to be revved really high to get any power like in most 4 cylinder sporty cars I have driven. It wasn't like that at all, the car pulled strongly thoughout the rev range (and there were 4 people in the car!). The brakes felt really good and the pedal was very responsive. The steering was sharp and direct. I would prefer maybe a little more communication, but comparitvely it had better feel than any new car I have been in. Handling of course was beautiful, you can really feel how balanced the car is on the first bend you enter. It felt very solid as well and the build quality is superb.
imo Mazda did a bang up job. I think this is the most attractive 30k sports car on the market right now. If I could afford one I would be tempted...
Also, while others here <cough>GGuy<cough> may drive at top speed, I prefer to take curves at above the posted speed - I made a new personal record tonight. I took a local, posted 25MPH Off-ramp/Cloverleaf exit at 62mph.....I love this car.......
"Since when can't an SUV carry 4x8 sheets?"
My wife's 4runner certainly qualifies as an SUV but the only way I could carry a 4x8 sheet is after 2 passes with a table saw; one rip cut and one cross cut. I think you have to get up to Expedition/Sequoia/Suburban territory before you get 4x8 capability.....
Only problem - don't like how those ridges sound against the underside of my car. Hope no lasting damage - will have underbody washed more often.