Rx8

[Kestrel]

OK, I'm getting serious about purchasing a new car, and it's down to a few models. I won't bore you with another "which car should I get, a Yaris or Ferrari Modena?" thread, but I would like the "RX8 boyz-n-girls" opinions on the 40th Anniversary RX8:

• Are the two suspension upgrades (sport-tuned suspension w/bilsteins and the urethane foam filled suspension cross members) worth the extra cash?

I'm guessing that most of you autocrossers bought a Touring Model RX8 to get the DSC and traction control. I don't care about the extra "bling" (40th Anniversary Rotary Engine emblem, special floor mats ) but maybe the suspension items are worth it?

[tailchaser]

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.

[black roadster]

They predict gas to hit $4/gal by summer. Got stock in Exxon?

[Kestrel]

Ok, so what class is the Yaris in?

[tailchaser]

They predict gas to hit $4/gal by summer. Got stock in Exxon?

Cool. Yes. Keep it in the right forum.

[Miatamoto]

If you are looking for an autocross car I'd probably skip 40AE. It's got heavy leather, power, heated seats and the urethane foam is probably just there for better NVH.

I chose to get a base model for autocross. I love not having to worry about turning off DSC and knocking out foglights with cones.

If you're looking to buy new you might want to consider the redesigned model because I think it has a revised rear suspension geometry and slightly shorter gearing.

[Kestrel]

Thanks Miatamoto.

I think that's a record for this forum. One specific question, and we finally had a relevant response after only 5 replies. Admittedly, one of those irrelevant responses was mine ...

[tailchaser]

I'm very pleased with my '07, and, like Moto don't see any real reason for the anniversary edition. And... like he said, it's encumbered with the "heavy" package.

I like the stability control - it did well during my trip to NC last week in the snow. The HIDs that come with it are spectacular as well.

[altiain]

Either a Sport model or a Sport with the DSC/foglights/HID package (I think they're calling it the Performance Package these days?) will be fine for autocross. I've got an '04 Sport which at the time was a "Base" plus the HID/DSC/fog package. I like the DSC and HIDs on a daily driver, makes it a great car at night or in inclement weather. I'd skip the 40th Anniversary Edition unless you just like paying extra or need the badges.

That said, be sure to keep the fuel efficiency in mind if you're buying one of these as a daily driver. I average about 17 mpg in mine, and Jon averages about 14 mpg. These cars do not get good gas mileage. Anyone who tells you different is either lying or bad at math.

You might also want to check the prices on 245/30-18 V710s if you're thinking about buying this car as an autocross car. 18" R compounds aren't cheap.

I love mine, but it has had its share of issues. Most of the bugs seem to have been ironed out by now and those who own later models seem to have much fewer problems, but my '04 has had the following replaced so far: starter, coils, plugs, battery, both headlights, both tailights, slave cylinder, driver's side mirror assembly, and I droped it off this morning to have a bad 2nd gear synchro looked at. Ironically, Jon's '04 has twice the miles of mine (70k vs 35k) and he's had no issues at all with his.

[Kestrel]

Thanks a ton fellas for the insight! I've always known that the gas mileage on these things is not great, and this car will be a daily driver. I've never really been a fan of the wankel engine (personal bias), and reliability issues are definitely a turn off. But I think the RX8 looks great, it certainly has "zoom-zoom". And unfortunately there aren't a lot of sporty 2+2 or 4 seater options for around $30k.

[CosmosMpower]

I'd suggest buying a leftover 07 or a clean low mileage used 06/07 for around low to mid 20's (provided you don't need leather etc). I had an 05 sport which was just the base plus HID/DSC/Fogs and had some small problems. Most the "reliability" issues are just small nagging things like cheap interior pieces breaking or foggy taillights etc. I never had any drivetrain related issues for the short time I had mine but it did go to the dealer quite a few times for small stuff.

Overall if you need to haul 4 in a pinch, want something relatively quiet and comfortable but still handle like a sports car you can't beat it for the price.

[driftdevil]

If you get the RX8 I've got a set of Works wheels that will fit. Ask Thomas about them he'll give ya the low down on them.