First off, I LOVE my S2000. It has been a great 3 years. However, I am two months away from being a father so I think I need something more practical that has back seats.

For those of you who don't know me well, I took the leap nine months ago and quit corporate America and started my own company. I enjoy this greatly but as an result, I cannot afford two cars with my wife's 4-Runner also.

I was thinking about getting something boring like and Accord or RSX but the RX-8 has that 9k engine which is fune with back seats. It handles well.

Granted, it is not as fast or fun as the S2k, but it seems like a pretty good compromise.

I am going to run to the local Mazda Dealer and see if I can get a good deal on one this morning.

I know the retail price of the 6 speed manual is $26,100. However, I do not know if they are asking above invoice. I did pay above invoice for my S2000 in early '01 when I got one of the first 2001 models in '01. I will never pay about MSRP again if I can help it.

If I do get the RX-8. I am going to sell my old Integra beater and have the RX-8 as my daily driver.

Anyways, I will let you guys know what I end up doing.

Dean

 

Good luck with the ZOOM ZOOM
Not Quickstar i hope

 

Two financial things that might be worth considering...

1. Your S2000, like it or not, is going to rape you when you trade-in. Might be the best looking, most well-kept, stockest, sweetest...you name it...S2000 on the block. ...You'll see $17K if you see a dime...and probably not a penny more.

2. Be careful when considering the RX-8 insomuch as reports from owners indicate it is an absolute fuel hog. If you have plans to make your RX-8 your daily driver...and its being quoted as getting 11-13mpg [real road driving] ...that's just horrible. And with gas prices unlikely to settle, but rather continue to eek up...your wallet will be making pitstops to the pumps much more often than you'd care.

Understand that neither of these points are concrete facts. You *could* get more for your S...and you *could* drive in a way to move the mpg up towards 18-19mpg I suppose. But still, your decision...being for practicality...would need to include these possibilities as well.

Perhaps sporty and some extra seats should have you looking into a WRX or such???

 

I hope you get a great deal. The last time I drove by a Mazda dealer in Columbia, it looked like there were 10-15 cars on the lot. I can swing by there on my way home from class tonight if you would like to know what is out there now.

I don't think they are selling very well around here, so I would assume there is some bargaining room for cars on the lot.

G.

 

Consider an Infiniti G35 Coupe before an RX-8!

 

g35? he wants a sporty car, not a pig!

as for the mpg, you'll get around 17-20mpg. there are people on this board complaining about 20-23mpg, but we all know its just their shift at 9k from every light driving

 

i test drove an rx8 you'll be lucky if you get 17mpg, also the interior looks way too much like my grandmother taurus. You should look at at g35, tsx, accord v6 coupe, or just about anything else


GL

 

For the record:

I got 22.5 for my 01 S2000 with 32k miles. I got the Red RX-8 with the full package, Leather seats (red/black), 6 CD Bose 8 speaker system, heated seats, etc, etc.

As I have said, I personally like the S2000 more than the RX-8 and that remains true.

However, if you have to get a different car, there is much worse than the RX-8 and for the record, I averaged around 16mph in my S2K so I am not worried about the full hog since it holds 17 gallons. At least I can go far.

I have greatly enjoyed my 3 + years with my S2000. The only thing I complain about is that the plastic window scratched a little. It is a great car and I recommend them over any other roadster.

You guys have to understand that I am now saving over 235 a month (yes I leased) and have a car that both my wife and son can ride in.

I would like to think all the fellow S2000ers. You guys have been one of the most knowledagble group of car owners imaginable.

I also want to think Raul as he has done a fantastic job as the local president.

I wish I could stay a lifetime member but life changes and you sometimes have to make decisions that you don't want to.

Farewall my friends!

Dean

 

Dude, I wouldn't buy any car that has a spare tire as an option. I drove the RX8 a couple of weeks ago to jerk the salesguy around cuz it was the end of the month. That thing sucks. It's overpriced for what it is. And it's not very good at what it's supposed to be. Also to consider, rotaries have had reliability problems in the past. The record on the RX8 is so far unproven. I'd consider something else. These are just my opinions after driving the RX8. If you still want it, go for it.

Seriously, the spare tire is an option and with it in the trunk, there is NO trunk space. It makes the S2000's trunk look like an Excursion.

 

For the same cash, just buy an EVO. Four doors and a turbo. Bulletproof block, Recaros stock, some of the best brakes in the business, etc. Used EVOs are starting to pop up now. Just make sure you don't get an ex-race queen.