Limmerz

Any thoughts/opinions?

My 2.3 CL is on its last legs and I'm forced to get a new car. I'm planning on buying in the next week or so.

I've gone back and forth on so many cars in the past year, thinking that I had plenty of time to decide....only to find myself in a situation in which I am forced to get one SOON.

I'm looking in the $30k price range and this is how I decided on the RX-8.

1. Need a backseat
2. Need to be able to lug around golf clubs
3. Want something that handles well
4. Want RWD
5. Want a slick shifter
6. Like the purr of the Rotary
7. Like high revving engine. 9k redline.
8. Like how unique the RX-8 is
9. Like the interior.

The other cars I've considered and dismissed are:

1. EVO - Can't get past the cheap interior
2. STi - Love it. But can't picture myself driving clients and driving to client meetings in it.
3. 350Z - Need a backseat and the ability to carry golf clubs
4. S2000 - Same as above
5. G35C - May not be a good reason, but a few buddies of mine already have it and a few co-workers as well. Just didn't want to have the same car as them.
6. TSX - FWD killed it for me
7. R32 - Love the car....but don't want to be driving around a "golf."



Any feedback? Love reading your thoughts.

Thanks.

Nd4Spd

My friend bought a rx-8 the same time I bought my TSX. I've had no problems, he's been in the shop twice. Don't get me wrong, I think the RX-8 is a sweet car but from your list I would definitely go for a G35 or a 350Z. My buddy can only fit 1 set of clubs in his trunk, I imagine the trunk size is the same on the 350Z...

bkknight369

you can fit 2 golf clubs in the 350z

there is even a little diagram showing how to do it

besides...you dont really need a backseat

oneilc

Isn't the rx8 kinda :ghey:?

I wish they would come out with the new rx7 already.

Crazy Bimmer

read up on the rx8 before buying. Its a fun car but also drinks oil and gas like no other.

virtualbong

The RX8 style already feels outdated to me and how long has it been out???????

6MTpromises

^ i agree....the ass end of it is uuuuuugly

RSA_Secure

You dont have a good reason. Go with G35C.

cusdaddy

As others have said, I've once fit 2 sets of golf clubs in the Z. You have to take the clubs out of the bags but it's pretty easy and not an issue.

I'd definitely go with the G35c over the RX8 if you need 4 seats

krazydesi252

get the new G35 before u get the RX8

Minch00

If you're worried about your friends, etc, just get a color they don't have

cekelly83

I had an RX8 for 9 months and just unloaded it for a 04' BMW 3series.

RX8 Pros:
Handles like a dream
Great shifting tranny
Looks (inside and out)
Room for 4 adults

Cons
Gas - Never did better than 16 mpg or 180 miles on a tank.
Oil - Sucks it down
Build Quality - I guess it is not fair to compare it to my BMW, but the RX8 just felt flimsey and cheap. Lots of shakes and rattles
Problems - Engine light that was always on and off, new tranny at 27k, 3 sets of pads in 30k, bad speakers, taillights and ECU.

I loved driving the car hard and fast, but aside from that, I did not enjoy the car. Ya, its fun to have a car you can rip 5% of your total driving time, but the other 95% of the time, the car was kind annoying, ie communting, daily driving.

DownUnder

I'd get a GTO! I think you can get them now under $30K, you can't go wrong with LS2 400HP. And I'd bet that it's get better MPG then an RX8.

zeroday

zeroday

Gto.

bigman

I dont know why all you guys hate the RX-8 So much. My little brother has one and while my TL was in the shop getting new trannies or new rotors for most of its life, His RX-8 has been problem free for well over a year now. With an intake and straight pipe he pulled on an s2k at highway speeds with me in the car. When i say pull i mean he was ahead by a little, but it was still impressive. The car handles like a go-kart. Looks wise, when i borrowed the car, i lost count on how many heads i turned. Girls love the car and guys are always asking questions about it. Granted it doesnt have much power, it revs high and pulls at high rpms like a little beast. The RX8 is like an S2k with back seats and a top. If you want a high revving, no torque car, that behaves similar to thes2k, then this is it. Personaly i'd go with a GTO or G35. The dealer by my house is selling a leftover GTO for $23.9. And they have a few LS2 Gto's for under 30.

dchondasport

Hope you're not looking for straight-ahead speed. I owned an RX-8 at VIR last summer in my 1992 Integra GSR (I/H/E and no other mods). 1/4 mile run.

TWICE.

jz-97-c7

i like rx8's they aren't that bad to me...but i'd rather have the g35c

GIBSON6594

why not considering 3-series, A4, C-class?

bigman

I can see that happening, but they are not 1/4 cars. They shine on the highway and around the track. Auto X 8's are very good performers for having such little power.

Crazy Bimmer

Legacy Gt!!!

95gt

he is looking for a 30k car. Equipped those are all 40k cars

CL Platano

Dont waste your money on an RX-8...I'd buy RSX-S before I buy an RX-8

jandj2204

a girl friend of mine has an RX8 and it has been in the shop 3 times since she got it 5months ago brand new.

GIBSON6594

Thats true

but you can get a decently equipped one for 35K

The STI, S2000, and G35C are all over 30K brand new and were considered

Doom878

Aren't G35C with all the goodies going for around $35k?

I'd say GTO but I don't know if you'd like the interior since your opinion might vary from mine. Either way nice step up from the 2.3 CL.

Limmerz

Thanks for all your replies.....it always helps to get an objective opinion.

I realize that there isn't much love for the RX-8 on this forum.....and I know there is a lot of love for the G35C.....maybe I'm :ghey:, but I just don't love the G35C.....I don't know what's wrong with me.

I test drove the LGT and I love the way it drives....but not so sure that I want to go the sedan route just yet. I think I need a few more years driving a coupe (or a quasi-coupe).

I really like the RSX Type-S, but I just can't get over how small it looks.....I need something that "looks" a little bigger.


I dunno....you guys made me think twice!

YuppieCL

i'd think twice about getting an rx8... gas mileage is horrid for such a small car and similar to another members' experience, i know a guy who has had some of the problems listed.

if thats your price range, i say go g35... lots of people have em for a reason...

1killercls

can you say ZERO TORQUE?

O-Town_TypeS

I know you need a back seat but...the s2k will also fit 2 golf bags in the trunk.

O-Town_TypeS

That's what 6k RPM launches are for :wink:

Doom878

I agree. The G35C is beautiful but everyone and their mom have one so you kind of get sick of them. That's why I like GTO's. Nobody has one.

bigman

This is my lil brothers car.

Limmerz

Bigman,

Your lil bro's 8 looks pretty hot.


In whatever my next car will be, it's important to me that I can fit four people....even though it may be tight, I just want that option in case the need arises.

I was dead set on getting the s2k, but I think I need the back seat option. Esp. when my folks visit.....how do I pick them up at the airport? And BTW, I love low torque, high-reving cars........call me weird, but I prefer them over an even spread powerband.

And again, I agree that the G is a sweet ass ride......maybe I'll go for another test drive to see if it wins me over. Not enough time to decide.....my biggest fear is that I will just settle on a car that I don't really love.

That's like an arranged marriage if you ask me......

bkknight369

rent a car when your parents visit, and get a 350z

cob3683

Too many people have G35's now. I would go with the GTO.

Doom878

Speaking of GTO's in the new Motor Trend they have Holdens displayed that could replace old Chevy's like the El Dorado, Cutlass, etc. They had a 4 door that was just

bigman

When the hell did Chevy have an El Dorado or a Cutlass? Maybe you meant El Camino, becuase the Holden has a vehicle similar to it. And GM as a whole had the El Dorado and Cutlass as Cadillac cars and Oldsmobile cars.

Doom878

Should've said GM not Chevy. And yeah El Camino. Posting while half asleep not working.

synth19

why not a used M3?