I think I'm in love -- will it last?

[CUDriver]

Hi everybody.

I'm looking for a new car -- have been driving a super reliable super boring Accord for about 87 years now -- and on a whim I stopped at the Westminster Mazda dealership yesterday (I live and work in Boulder). I drove both the RX-8 and the Miata and loved them both. I have been considering an Lexus IS 250, an Audi 4, and a Saab 9-3, but in terms of performance the Mazdas just blew these cars away. And I love the finishes on the higher trim level RX -- fantastic stereo etc.

But I have some hesitations. First, how practical are these cars in the winter? The dealer, not surprisingly, claims that snow tires make them very driveable even on bad winter days, but I'm skeptical. I grew up in Michigan in the 70s, and light rear wheel drive cars were a disaster in the snow back then (haven't driven one since).

Second, I've never really been a car enthusiast, and I'm a little daunted by the prospect of taking proper care of the RX-8, which I understand needs careful attention in terms of making sure it has enough oil and so forth. I've never been very good at that stuff, which is one reason I've always driven very low maintenance vehicles like the Accord. I guess I could change my habits but I'm trying to be realistic here.

Third, I was planning on leasing before I looked at the Mazdas, but the leasing terms I was offered on the RX were ridiculous -- 44% residual on a 36-month lease plus a high money factor. The Miata has a nice lease program but I really prefer the RX. Am I just looking at the wrong time, or do RXs simply not lease well?

Fourth, the Westminster dealer had very little stock -- the only '08 he had was one commemorative edition car, and he's not planning on ordering any more. What's up with that? Will I have better luck with other Denver-area dealers?

Fifth, they did have seven or so new '07s, but that made me wonder -- why do they still have several new cars that in another five months or so will be two years old in model year terms? I assume I should be able to get a great price on a new '07 at this point, but obviously I'd only want to get one of those if I were confident I was going to keep it for quite awhile, given the depreciation.

Any insights to help out a newbie would be appreciated!

[Stealth01]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CUDriver @ Apr 6 2008, 10:07 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=38661]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

But I have some hesitations. First, how practical are these cars in the winter? The dealer, not surprisingly, claims that snow tires make them very driveable even on bad winter days, but I'm skeptical. I grew up in Michigan in the 70s, and light rear wheel drive cars were a disaster in the snow back then (haven't driven one since).[/b]

I don't own an RX or a Miata, but the RX owners I've known say their cars do NOT go out in the snow. Some even say they're paralyzed in it. Snow tires CAN help any RWD car, but it'll never be as good as a FWD car with snow tires.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CUDriver @ Apr 6 2008, 10:07 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=38661]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Second, I've never really been a car enthusiast, and I'm a little daunted by the prospect of taking proper care of the RX-8, which I understand needs careful attention in terms of making sure it has enough oil and so forth. I've never been very good at that stuff, which is one reason I've always driven very low maintenance vehicles like the Accord. I guess I could change my habits but I'm trying to be realistic here.[/b]

If you can't keep up on that stuff, I'd avoid the RX. Shouldn't be an issue with the MX-5, but as I understand it, the rotary does require some close attention.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CUDriver @ Apr 6 2008, 10:07 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=38661]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Third, I was planning on leasing before I looked at the Mazdas, but the leasing terms I was offered on the RX were ridiculous -- 44% residual on a 36-month lease plus a high money factor. The Miata has a nice lease program but I really prefer the RX. Am I just looking at the wrong time, or do RXs simply not lease well?[/b]

Mazda's incentives on in-demand cars (like the RX-8 and the Speed3) are terrible. Their incentives are only good for cars they want to sell MORE of, like the 6 and the CX-7. That's one reason I'm not in a Speed3 right now -- no incentives.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CUDriver @ Apr 6 2008, 10:07 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=38661]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Fourth, the Westminster dealer had very little stock -- the only '08 he had was one commemorative edition car, and he's not planning on ordering any more. What's up with that? Will I have better luck with other Denver-area dealers?[/b]

Hmmm. Maybe bad time of year, with the 09 models coming out this spring/summer.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CUDriver @ Apr 6 2008, 10:07 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=38661]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Fifth, they did have seven or so new '07s, but that made me wonder -- why do they still have several new cars that in another five months or so will be two years old in model year terms? I assume I should be able to get a great price on a new '07 at this point, but obviously I'd only want to get one of those if I were confident I was going to keep it for quite awhile, given the depreciation.[/b]

That's called a recession. NO ONE is buying cars right now. It's causing some hellacious price wars, though.

If I were you, I'd wait and see what the Mazdaspeed MX-5 is going to be like. SOmething tells me it'll be pretty badass.

[GR-8]

I can help you out on the winter question. You won't be able to go very far. Ligt dry snow you may be fine but if it's wet and slushy you won't make it. And this is lets say about 1-2 inches mebe less. But the thing is for about 9 months out of the year the 8 is a fun car to drive. Practile......for me ya....do you need a large trunk spae? Ever have more than one 6 ft' passanger with you?

Oh and the maintnance part of the 8 isn't as bad as most people make it sound. Keep a quart of oil in the trunk. half way through an oil change dump it in. Warm the car up properly. If your in a hurry need to get going just take it easy for a couple minnutes. Other than that it's just like any other car but better. Did I mention the motorsounds like your driving a car from the Jetson's?

About the rest of your questions Josh (FreezingCX7) should be able to help.

[chunbelievable]

I should probably start out by saying I LOVE MY CAR and I am in heaven when I am driving it.... on non snowy days. I have only had her for a few months and so far so good on the maintenance. I like you have not been very good about that in the past.

I do drive her in the winter however and the right tires mixed with the traction control do wonders for it. But like Greek said, don't go far. What you may have to do is measure two things against one another. Praticality versus sheer joy of owning and driving it. Obviously for many of us here, the latter outweighed the pragmatic investment.

[SpeedRacer]

Reason for low stock of miata's is next years edition is coming soon.... atleast thats my guess... Mazdaspeed Miata FTW 2.3 DISI turbo wheee..

[tsx_guy]

welcome sir!!! and for a more winter friendly mazda a speed3 or 6 might make more sense.... just a thought. good luck with your decision!

[Colombia28]

I can vouch that the MS3 is very good in the snow with a good set of winter tires, as are the 6, and 3 im sure.

I bet the 8 is a ton of fun though!

[Huzer21]

I really, really like my RX-8. Most of the time, it's a great car. Since you're looking at a Miata as well, obviously, interior space is not an issue for you. Maintenance, I've been meticulous with other cars I've owned, so I don't view this car as high maintenance. The main issue is to keep on your oil. Another potential downfall, if you can call it that, is the not so great gas mileage. Doesn't bother me, but just a heads up. You'll get anywhere from 16-22mpg. Winter...if you have any kind of commute, either get a second winter rat, or don't drive this. I would say out of this past winter, there were maybe 5-10 days I couldn't drive the car because of snow. Luckily, I have other ways to get to work. Snow tires will help, but in any of the deep stuff, clearance will be an issue, as you'll be a snowplow.

Overall, I think the RX-8 is great. Relatively rare, so you don't see them everyday. 07's are heavily discounted, so I think they're a great value. Depreciation is an issue, if that worries you. I plan on keeping mine for many years, so I'm not worried about resale. The car makes me happy every day I drive it. Makes commuting much less mundane. And for the times you get to go out and enjoy your car, the RX-8 definitely won't disappoint you. There are compromises when owning this car, but the good outweighs the bad for me.

[turbo99jetta]

i think most of the guys here have hit it on the head.. First off I used to own an 04 Mazda Rx-8.

I am also your local mazda dealer (burt Mazda). Incentives on this car aren't great beacuse there not extremly popular. Granted there an amazing car to drive and own, however, waht real wheel drive sports car does really well in colorado to begin with? nothing.

Miata's will always do ok beacuse there a convertible, and that makes them popular, plus its a true drivers car, there really isn't anything that feels that good for that price.

Now the reason's i dont own one anymore.

First off... the biggest... snow in colorado=bad rx-8. they just don't do well. again real wheel drive, snow-bad... basically..

Becides that, there amazing... i dont recommend one if its your only car, for winter.. why don't you keep your accord, and use that for the winter and then buy the rx?

I should be able to beat any deal your offered so let me know.

I currently have probably 5 rx08's on my lot.

[CUDriver]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. The info on driving in snow is a bit of a downer but not unexpected. I live a ten-minute bus ride from my office so winter weather isn't necessarily a deal breaker. I have been thinking about just keeping the Accord for really snowy days, although that seems pretty extravagant for a car that I'd probably only end up driving 20 days a year. But hey if I was going to be practically minded i wouldn't be looking at RX-8 at all right?

The 3-Speed looks like an intriguing choice -- haven't driven it, but looks like a lot of performance at a bargain price, and not nearly as big a problem in terms of all weather use. I'm definitely going to give it a serious look.

[Army RX8]

I love my 8. I drive it in the snow most of the time. If you have the Limited Slip Diff its not that bad. you just have to becareful driving and shifting. This year ive driven my 8 almost everyday but CS is a bit diff from Denver.

The oil is something you have to watch. I check mine weekly and she does fine. I keep a qt of oil in the trunk just in case. I usually have to put a lil in every 2 weeks. Comes out to about a QT a month roughly. Aside from regular maintenance (oil change, air filter etc) there isnt too much to worry bout. The spark plugs are rated to last 70,000 miles at a time.

All Season tires make a diff, ive got Nitto NT555 performance tires on mine and i can feel the diff in the snow. You'll love the 8 everytime you drive it. Your not gonna wanna give it up. If you start gettin into the car your gonna wanna put parts into it so, and doing custom paint stuff, your better off buying. If your not sure what im talking about check out my pictures. I did my own paint work

The 8 holds its value well. Mine is an 04 with almost 50k miles on it. Shes still worth 20 grand. If westminster didnt have anything that thrilled you shop around. I know Bob Penkhus is gettin some 8's in this summer for the new car lot. The 40th is a let down and personally dont think its worth what theyre askin.

As for gas mileage the 8 isnt the greatest. Gas gets expensive when the only thing you can really put in it is premium. If you drive like I do tho gas mileage goes out the window. Im always ripping gears and moving quick. The 8 isnt a very practical car but then again she's a sports car.

[RedRoadster]

'95 Miata here, can't speak to the snow worthiness of the '07s and '08s, but yes, snow tires are a godsend, and the limited slip would be good, which is optional by package.

[S4poor]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CUDriver @ Apr 6 2008, 10:07 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=38661]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Hi everybody.

I'm looking for a new car -- have been driving a super reliable super boring Accord for about 87 years now -- and on a whim I stopped at the Westminster Mazda dealership yesterday (I live and work in Boulder). I drove both the RX-8 and the Miata and loved them both. I have been considering an Lexus IS 250, an Audi 4, and a Saab 9-3, but in terms of performance the Mazdas just blew these cars away. And I love the finishes on the higher trim level RX -- fantastic stereo etc.

But I have some hesitations. First, how practical are these cars in the winter? The dealer, not surprisingly, claims that snow tires make them very driveable even on bad winter days, but I'm skeptical. I grew up in Michigan in the 70s, and light rear wheel drive cars were a disaster in the snow back then (haven't driven one since).

Second, I've never really been a car enthusiast, and I'm a little daunted by the prospect of taking proper care of the RX-8, which I understand needs careful attention in terms of making sure it has enough oil and so forth. I've never been very good at that stuff, which is one reason I've always driven very low maintenance vehicles like the Accord. I guess I could change my habits but I'm trying to be realistic here.

Third, I was planning on leasing before I looked at the Mazdas, but the leasing terms I was offered on the RX were ridiculous -- 44% residual on a 36-month lease plus a high money factor. The Miata has a nice lease program but I really prefer the RX. Am I just looking at the wrong time, or do RXs simply not lease well?

Fourth, the Westminster dealer had very little stock -- the only '08 he had was one commemorative edition car, and he's not planning on ordering any more. What's up with that? Will I have better luck with other Denver-area dealers?

Fifth, they did have seven or so new '07s, but that made me wonder -- why do they still have several new cars that in another five months or so will be two years old in model year terms? I assume I should be able to get a great price on a new '07 at this point, but obviously I'd only want to get one of those if I were confident I was going to keep it for quite awhile, given the depreciation.

Any insights to help out a newbie would be appreciated![/b]

Speed6 for sale. You can get a great deal on it, AWD fun!

http://coloradomazdaclub.com/forums/index....amp;#entry38729

[CUDriver]

Is the Limited Slip Diff something that's included in the Grand Touring trim line or is it an aftermarket thing?

Damn I like this car.

[turbo99jetta]

the LSD (limited slip diff) is including on all rx-8's except for the sport package. (and auto's)