m4rk rs

toonman...thats what i said!check it when warm after its been turned off for a few minutes!i had this debate on another forum,as apparently with my engine it should never be checked cold....i checked it warm and when left over night and got exactly the same reading so now i check it whenever

mark

Toonman1

From the link:

MarkWRX

Toonman,

The cars (RX8s) currently doing the rounds at dealers are 16 or so pre-production demo cars that were brought over here for the press launch in July. They are being offered for test drives for pre-orderers, or other punters showing an interest.

There are absolutely no customer cars due here until late October earliest, and that is for 900 or so of the 1400+ pre-orderers. I know this for a fact as I am one of them, and have regular contact with senior officials within Mazda.

I would guess your mate was incorrectly informed by the dealer, they dont seem very well informed at the moment.

I may be biased, but Im not sure why you have been put off by reviews of the RX-8 as they are almost unanimously good. Try reading some of these for starters:


http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?domain...y.php?id=39166

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/roadtest/si...model=25149&c=

http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/...adkeyword=rx-8

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=86

Toonman1

For the final time; he was shown the car in the compound and told if he wanted it, he could have it in a few days. He was not misinformed by the dealer, nor did he misunderstand. Maybe it was an import (as I've already said). Whatever the vehicle was, he wasn't interested (again, as I've already said); he didn't rate the car.

He drove it and didn't like it. I read a couple of tests and didn't fancy it either. Not a problem for me or him, but it seems to be a problem for some of you. Accept the fact that people expect and desire different things in their cars. Accept the fact that not everyone likes the RX8...

Cheers

ILoveCups

Hi everyone,

I'd just thought that i'd give my 2p's worth on the subject of the RX-8. As i work in Florida for half of the year, i was looking into buying a fun and affordable 'roadster.' The RX-8 and 350Z have been on sale in the US for what seems like ages now (July for RX-8, May or so for 350Z) and i have driven these two cars plus a number of competitors such as the S2000 etc before commiting.

The 350Z was trash IMHO, although admittedly it would feel like that coming from my MY03 MINI Cooper S Works that i have over here but still, for $40,000 the interior and engine quality were more befitting of a renault (the angine allegedly comes from Renault, Espace V6).

Anyway, the 350Z was a big disappointment and i agree entirely with Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear, who reviewed the car for what's its worth. The car looks very nice, i'll give it that, but it could do with the Infiniti badge instead of a Nissan one ;p.

The RX-8 was a revelation compared to the 350Z and i am seriously considering buying this car or spending 3X more on a Carerra 4S sport but as you may well understand, i don't want to spend TOO much money on a car i will hardly see all year (besides, i am saving for a Carerra Turbo for the 04 model year). The interior of the RX-8 is much plusher than the 350Z and immediately the driver feels more comfortable. It has great visibility whereas the 350Z is possibly the worst car i have ever driven in this respect. The engine of the RX-8 is a real gem. Although it doesn't have the kick of a turbo or kompressor-powered car, this unit really motors after 6K for a 1.3L!! It may also be slower than a 350 in a straight line, but i am sure that it's tendency to understeer is far less than in the 350Z which sucks when pushed unless the 'track' kit for the US market has been fitted.

So, to summarise a long and waffly post , give the RX-8 a go because you will not be disappointed and for all those sceptics out there, just wait until these cars start hitting the road and produce a big following like the MX-5 but for all the right reasons Remeber, Mazda is capable of making some very good cars and the engine in the RX-8 is the quirkiest thing about it and i wouldn't change it for the world. Give one a try when they hit a showroom near you.

Henry

Toonman1

Hi Henry

Now you have the advantage over me, having driven both the RX8 and the 350Z. However, I note you're not keen on the Nissan's handling in US spec. Neither were the UK motoring press. In European spec, it's a different car!

Spetember's issue of Car magazine loved the Z. They said:

.

Before anyone starts, they liked the RX8 too.

Cheers

MarkWRX

Toonman,

Chill out, Im sure what you say is true and it was an import. I was just posting the facts regarding UK cars so people dont get the wrong idea that cars are avaialble now, OK?

You and your mate didnt like it and thats fine with me, I dont know why you think I have a problem with that, but I can assure you I dont. Cars are a personal choice and each to their own. At least we can agree we both like Impreza's

Back on thread, I was faced with the same choice looking for a new car up to £25k, I chose the RX8, but if I was looking for a 2 seater it would be:

S2000
350Z

or for four seaters I would consider:

Focus RS
Alfa 147/156
Golf R32
Evo VII/VIII

Toonman1

That's good Mark.

Cheers

JASON H

Got a test drive in a r32 on wednesday and a 147 gta sunday.
I am wondering how the alfa will fair on depreciation,
I suspect the r32 will do quite well as the cut off date is middle of october for orders ?

Now were back on topic anybody test drove either cars ?
Cheers for the comments so far,
Jason