used RX8 buying advice

You forgot teh smiley

P71 wrote: You forgot teh smiley

Doesn't change the fact that it is +/-.5 seconds of the rest of it competition. The R3 is mostly just a interior and suspension package, nothing powerwise. Most magazine tests have rated the RX-8 between 14.5 and 14.8 from what I have seen. I just don't understand the "its soo slow and underpowered mentality". It is simply not true. There is a lack of torque. Look at the new Genesis coupe, very similar numbers.

Comparing a 1st gen RX-7 to a RX-8 is pointless. The RX-8 is a new car and is much more refined. You won't get the same tossable light footed feeling. The RX-8 feels more planted, it is quieter and a better all around everyday car. It is also undoubtably faster.

Doesn't everyone here love the miata which puts out barn storming 16 second 1/4 mile passes. I thought the majority of the people here were more about handling and the feel of the car than straight line numbers. Again this is coming from someone who currently owns 3 first gens and wants a newer GTO or CTS-V.

I didn't complain about the power as the main detraction, rather the fit w/helmet for racing. There's plenty of room for normal driving, but throw in a full-face helmet and things get cramped, at least for both myself and John.

As far as acceleration, C&D and R&T both rate the (new) RX-8 at 14.8@94-95, I really have not seen any lower. The older RX-8 rated a 15.1 in an 04 test I have laying around. It's quick and VERY agile. I have no qualms about the handling, ride, or grip levels. Even the steering is very good (for power steering). It's just not fast and lacks that visceral appeal of the older rotaries.

The problem is that it's newer. It has insulation, and quietness, and plushness (except that giant honking plastic console) so you don't feel the speed. Add in some serious thrust in the form of a turbo or blower kit and I'm sure it's all sorts of wicked awesome. (You can say that about a LOT of cars though).

Basically it's not as good as the current crop (350/370Z, Genesis Coupe, G35/37, WRX/STi) and hasn't depreciated enough to be worth buying second hand for the addition of boost. For the money there are better used sports cars (S2000, FD RX-7) or better 4-door cars (WRX/STi) and new they are not updated enough to make it count.

When the 16X comes I will drive it (and probably change my tune, along with everybody else) but in Renesis form it's just not that special, and I think that's the problem. How could you live with yourself every time you see the drop-dead gorgeousness of an FD RX-7 go by and realize you paid more for the homely RX-8? (Note - I like the RX-8's styling, but let's be honest here, there's very few designs that can compete with the FD...)

Greg Voth wrote: Doesn't change the fact that it is +/-.5 seconds of the rest of it competition. The R3 is mostly just a interior and suspension package, nothing powerwise. Most magazine tests have rated the RX-8 between 14.5 and 14.8 from what I have seen. I just don't understand the "its soo slow and underpowered mentality". It is simply not true. There is a lack of torque. Look at the new Genesis coupe, very similar numbers. Comparing a 1st gen RX-7 to a RX-8 is pointless. The RX-8 is a new car and is much more refined. You won't get the same tossable light footed feeling. The RX-8 feels more planted, it is quieter and a better all around everyday car. It is also undoubtably faster. Doesn't everyone here love the miata which puts out barn storming 16 second 1/4 mile passes. I thought the majority of the people here were more about handling and the feel of the car than straight line numbers. Again this is coming from someone who currently owns 3 first gens and wants a newer GTO or CTS-V.

I think C&D got a 14.4 out of their long term test car after 40k miles...

P71 wrote: . How could you live with yourself every time you sit on the side of the road in your broke-down FD wishing you had the dollars to spend "making it reliable", see the RX-8 go by and realize you could have owned that more reliable, much newer and more practical car for only slighly more money

Fixed it for ya I'd LOVE to have an FD, but it sounds like some decent money has to be spent to improve cooling and boosting and tune (or simply LS1ing) before it's relatively grenade proof.

Nathan

P71 wrote: Basically it's not as good as the current crop (350/370Z, Genesis Coupe, G35/37, WRX/STi) and hasn't depreciated enough to be worth buying second hand for the addition of boost. For the money there are better used sports cars (S2000, FD RX-7) or better 4-door cars (WRX/STi) and new they are not updated enough to make it count. How could you live with yourself every time you see the drop-dead gorgeousness of an FD RX-7 go by and realize you paid more for the homely RX-8? (Note - I *like* the RX-8's styling, but let's be honest here, there's very few designs that can compete with the FD...)

It is everybit as good and in some cases better than the current crop in everything but 1/4 mile times. I have driven every one of those cars aside from the Genisis and would have a hard time deciding which to buy if I was shelling the money out for a new car. Honestly the RX-8 probably would not win and I agree it needs the 16X. The Genisis seems promising but the V6 is only slightly faster ranging from a 14.1 to a 14.5. The 2.0T is slower. It is also not a lightweight.

I have seen used RX-8s for sub 10k which is a good 3-5k cheaper than the rest of the pack (S2k, 350Z, 05+ Mustang). I love the FD but would probably only have one with an LSX. Realistically it is not a grown up car and cannot be depended on for daily transportation so I wouldn't feel bad driving by an FD on a flatbed in an RX8.