Would you DD an RX-8?

Cmike2780 · 03-21-2012, 11:01 AM

I had an RX-8 before the Z as a Daily Driver. I would get anywhere from 16-18mpg of mostly highway driving. You also needed to check and top off the oil every 3-4 fill-ups. It was really fun to drive though. Really well balanced and light around the corners. Low torque and relatively low hp took some of the excitement out. You really had to flog the engine to it's 9k rpm redline to make it go fast. If there was ever a car the needed forced induction, it's the RX-8. Some engines were warrantied for 100k miles, but I've read a ton of horror stories of rotary engines crapping out, usually the apex seals.

For a DD, I would look into a Mini Cooper, GTI, STi or Mazda3. If you want to spend a bit more, I kind of like the Fiat 500 or CR-Z.

Zaggeron · 03-21-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

For a DD, I would look into a Mini Cooper, GTI, STi or Mazda3. If you want to spend a bit more, I kind of like the Fiat 500 or CR-Z.

I've got a Mazda 3 as a daily driver -- quite a fun little car. A friend has the new GTI and likes it quite a lot.

You might also think about the Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ if you want something a little sportier. Still premium gas I think, but it should get pretty good highway mileage. RWD, but that not a problem unless your area gets a bunch of snow in winter -- even then a set of good snow tires will do wonders. I'll be trading my Mazda in for the BRZ when my order gets in.

edit: oops. scratch the Scion or Subaru, I didn't notice you wanted to spend 10k or less ...

babbagandu · 03-21-2012, 12:20 PM

On the way to pickup lunch today I saw an IS300. I completely forgot about those cars! They are close to 10k or even under it. The interior is pretty nice and as far as I know the engine and transmission is solid on that car.

Thoughts?

03-21-2012, 11:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 30	I had an RX-8 before the Z as a Daily Driver. I would get anywhere from 16-18mpg of mostly highway driving. You also needed to check and top off the oil every 3-4 fill-ups. It was really fun to drive though. Really well balanced and light around the corners. Low torque and relatively low hp took some of the excitement out. You really had to flog the engine to it's 9k rpm redline to make it go fast. If there was ever a car the needed forced induction, it's the RX-8. Some engines were warrantied for 100k miles, but I've read a ton of horror stories of rotary engines crapping out, usually the apex seals. For a DD, I would look into a Mini Cooper, GTI, STi or Mazda3. If you want to spend a bit more, I kind of like the Fiat 500 or CR-Z. __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

03-21-2012, 12:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
babbagandu Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: US Posts: 349 Drives: 09 Nismo Rep Power: 15	On the way to pickup lunch today I saw an IS300. I completely forgot about those cars! They are close to 10k or even under it. The interior is pretty nice and as far as I know the engine and transmission is solid on that car. Thoughts?