I thought I was just going to lurk in this forum but I can't help myself; I have to respond to this thread.
So I have the RX-8 as my daily driver for the past 2.5 years and so far I haven't had problems with it and its been a joy to drive and own.
http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,59706.0.htmlThe RX-8 is meant to be driven hard; If driven timidly (as maybe with the automatic) its possible for the engine to have carbon buildup. The saying goes a redline a day keeps the carbon away. And what redline... ~ 10,000 rpm.
The RX-8 is forgiving in terms of handling and the clutch is neither heavy nor light and the short-throw shifter feels perfect. As I believe Snowy said in a long-ago thread, the centre of gravity is really low it feels like its right next to the shifter. The ride is neither firm or harsh and because of this reason its not bad as a daily driver.
The rotary engine sounds as TG puts it like a jet engine. Such a sweet purr sound to rev it. Of note I've always done the 10 sec hold at 3k rpm before shutting off the RX-8 engine; and never had any problems starting the car (minus the instance below instance).
I've flooded the engine once and it was really stupid of me because it was Monday morning almost -40 degrees outside and I forgot to plug-in/warm up the previous night. (An expensive $2k lesson learned)
After 2.5 years of owning a GT model, only complain is the car seats, not as supportive or comfy as it looks. The sports seats in my old E30 were better.
Would buy a replacment model if more HP is available, and better seats.
I think that means only 1.5 years because you don't drive the RX-8 in the winter
After 2.5 years of owning a GT model, only complain is the car seats, not as supportive or comfy as it looks. The sports seats in my old E30 were better.
Really? I found the seats to be very comfortable. I did a 3000KM road trip in one over 4 days which included a 14 hour day on day 4. I was more then comfortable. I find my WRX seats worse. I hear a lot of guys with the far more supportive RX-8 R3 seats complain they are uncomfortable on a long distance trip.
The bottom of seat cushion is OK, but the upper half of the seat back is rather uncomfortable, as in my upper back and shoulder is very tiresome at times after a long drive. Only feel this way in the 8, the seats in the CX-7, with less padding, is way more tolerable in the seat back.
The Recarros in the R3 is rather cheap, almost knock-off like.
Strange because I feel the opposite; found the upper back of the seat comfy and the lower part of the seat a little uncomfortable.
Always liked the RX-7 and RX-8. Too bad they couldn't find a way to fit the Speed 3's engine under this hood.
Is the RX-8 a better handling car than the new generation speed 3? Cause I know used to be the RX-8 was slower in a straight line but supposedly faster in a corner. With the new speed 3 though the handling has improved a lot to the tune of a 72 mph slalom result on insideline vs the roadandtrack testing of the 09 RX-8 R3 doing 70 mph (of course could be different test). Anyhow certainly either the RX-8 needs a diet to make the most out of it's rotory or maybe a new rotory with more power Always a good thing.
I don't think you could removed much more weight on the RX-8 short of removing the rear passenger compartment. The speed3 (with turbo) engine is too large to fit in the small engine bay of the RX-8. Probably could turbo-charge the RX-8 to get more power at the expense of a higher fuel cost. In regards to the newer RX-8 (2009+) having a poorer performance than the older RX-8 (2004-2008) it could be because of the shift-points changed on the updated RX-8 to give it a "better" fuel economy.
As Careener says the RX-8 is still a looks fresh since its introduction.
Damn.
Loved it when I looked at the pics on my phone. Love it even more on my computer.
Best looking car out of Japan in close to 20 years.
Where do I sign up???
(from the Scion Dimension thread)
Hey wait... the more I look at the Scion Dimension, its front looks almost like the RX-8!!! Copycat!
(RX-8 is better looking than the Scion especially the rear
)
Anyways the RX-8 is awesome
coupe sedan extended-cab
sports daily driver car.
Everyday I feel excited after a long day's work because of what awaits me for the drive home.