[rogerxp]

Now, please go easy on me, I'm feeling a little fragile having made the overly sensible decision to part with my beloved 350Z Roadster for something cheap for, hopefully, the next 6 months whilst I sort out some other finances.

Now, the plan was for a private buyer to collect the 350 tomorrow morning and I'd then buy a lovely grey RX8 tomorrow afternoon locally. That was until Thursday evening at about 10pm when I got an e-mail from the buyer of my car pulling out (a meeting that day put his job at threat so he had to understandably pull out).

So, with my mortgage payments going through the roof on 1st December, time was of the essence and I had to do something drastic.

I'd already secured a pretty damn generous trade-in price of £19k for the 350Z (not bad when I paid £18k for it 6 months ago) at a Mazda dealer. But, their RX8 was a) noteably more expensive than those sold privately and b) not my first colour choice externally and horrendous inside.

Anyway, managed to get £750 off the sticker price, 6 months tax, serviced & prepped, 12 months Mazda warranty & half a tank of fuel. It also has an impecable service history.

I've essentially bought a car which I know I can sell in 6-12 months time and not lose too much (but the colour will reduce my target audience). It's got all the extras included the external silver 'v's and gills, leather (heated, electric), Sat Nav & Sun-Roof (these two being pretty rare individually let alone together). Standard is comes with xenons, parking sensors, BOSE, the list goes on. 42,000 miles on an 04 plate. I virtually own it outright.

First thoughts...

...it's shit.

That's not truely fair but coming from a powerful growly V6 it feels tinny and slow. Not given it the beenz up to 10,000rpm limiter yet (yes, 10,000) as it started to rain as I pulled out of the dealer.

I think it does still look the part though and I quite like the exterior blue (but would NEVER spec it personally). As I said the interior is simply disgusting but as an overall 'investment' it's not a bad choice even if the colour will put off some future buyers.

All comments welcome but be gentle (I feel a long way away from my trusty 335i )...

[Mr.N]

Looks alright that mate, I quite like the blue!
I'll keep an eye out for ya.

[vallance5]

i like the colour and is well speced. what does the rotary engine sound like?

[JLR1969]

Its always exciting getting a new car. Enjoy it.

[creepy coupe]

interesting looking motor rogerxp, I'm interesed on what you think of it in a few miles time.

Keep an eye on the oil level, they're supposed to get through it at a fair rate, how insurance, do they see it as a 1.3ltr?

[Carrera RSR]

I'd be careful parking it up in Manchester in certain streets. Anywhere around 'Anal Treet' and you might end up with too many admirers

[pjs]

You'll soon like it

Mate of mine had one for 2 years and really rated the handling. Managed nearly 23 mpg on a gentle run!

I drove one and thought the driving position was like a modern day triumph spitfire

[SiKkBaSs]

It's a good little motor mate, dunno why you're complaining!

[peterg1965]

Well done Roger...and I quite like the RX8 in that colour combo. Good for you I say and its still a decent motor. If I am still floundering around after a car in a few months I might buy it off you!!

EDIT I like the stubby gearshift too....

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by Mr.N

I'll keep an eye out for ya.

You'll struggle to miss me

Originally Posted by vallance5

what does the rotary engine sound like?

Imagine shaking a half-full box of matches!!! Nah, not sure really, sounds quite tinny compared to the 350Z but I'm assure it really comes alive on full chat.

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Keep an eye on the oil level, they're supposed to get through it at a fair rate, how insurance, do they see it as a 1.3ltr?

Checking the oil is like a religion in these things. The insurance is group16 (for the 231 version) so got a refund of £50

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

I'd be careful parking it up in Manchester in certain streets. Anywhere around 'Anal Treet' and you might end up with too many admirers

Not sure how to reply here to be honest

Originally Posted by pjs

I drove one and thought the driving position was like a modern day triumph spitfire

One thing that struck me first was that the driving position is pretty good. The 350Z wasn't that great. Well it was OK but the steering wheel had no 'reach' adjustment so always felt a bit of a stretch.

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

It's a good little motor mate, dunno why you're complaining!

I know, many people would be perfectly happy with owning an RX8, I just feel a little deflated. I'm sure it will in fact grow on me (but that interior never will) once I drive it properly in the dry. It does seem to handle well.

Originally Posted by peterg1965

Well done Roger...and I quite like the RX8 in that colour combo. Good for you I say and its still a decent motor. If I am still floundering around after a car in a few months I might buy it off you!!

EDIT I like the stubby gearshift too....

Yeah, the gear stick is really good, one of the highlights. The handbrake on the other hand really lets the side down, even when it's off, it still sticks up too high and gets in the way (unless I'm supposed to use it as an armrest). Still seems a little strange having seats behind me.

You'll get there Peter with your new purchase. Just need to decide on the actual car then focus in on a good deal.

[Steve A]

Never driven one but apparently the best handling coupe sub 30k. Must be mental when you give it some.

IMO think the colour is great.

[prt71]

Mate the last time I had a mini financial crisis and needed something to get by for a bit I ended up with a £800 Citroen BX Gti, so it could be worse

Mind you that was 1993....

[peterg1965]

Roger, is yours the 04 plate Rx8 from Stoke on Trent Mazda?

[rogerxp]

Thats the one.

[beemerbird]

First thing that grabbed my attention of the interior pics. is the handbrake lever it's positively phallic in my eyes!

Nice colour though Roger and oh don't worry, you may receive various comments about the fact that when someone else had to downgrade they had a reliant robin or something............knickers is what I say , I understand where you're coming from.

So, you're now a member of the wankel club then.

[Hotcoupe]

Looks OK Roger, and if it gets you out of a financial hole in the short term, why not

Tell me, what is it you do for a living?

[Steve A]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Tell me, what is it you do for a living?

tis quite humorous

[ElegantSpoon]

I hope you didn't pay much for it because they drop in value like a stone! You can pick them up for £6k.

[M3-FAST]

Hey Rog, nice car and nice colour IMO

I almost got one a few years ago but the only thing that put me off it was the oil and fuel consumption - It will 'consume' it quicker than Exxon Valdese!

Keep that oil level checked and I reckon a litre a month if doing average miles will be about right!

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Looks OK Roger, and if it gets you out of a financial hole in the short term, why not

Tell me, what is it you do for a living?

I think most of you know the answer to that my now and as Steve says there is a certain irony!

I may point out that thishas been a self imposed financial barron patch. Things are looking much better on the horizonp, in fact got the green light today on a pretty big case, but still being cautious!

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

I think most of you know the answer to that my now and as Steve says there is a certain irony!

I may point out that thishas been a self imposed financial barron patch. Things are looking much better on the horizonp, in fact got the green light today on a pretty big case, but still being cautious!

Was only kidding Roger, and good luck with the big case

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by beemerbird

First thing that grabbed my attention of the interior pics. is the handbrake lever it's positively phallic in my eyes!

The handbrake is just plain stupid. Whoever cleared that in the design department needs to be shot. It not only looks stupid but gets in the way!

Check us both out 'slumming it' (not too sure that's a fair comparison )

Originally Posted by ElegantSpoon

I hope you didn't pay much for it because they drop in value like a stone! You can pick them up for £6k.

The private cars being sold for £6k have HUGE mileage so wouldnt go anywhere near them. I paid a fraction over £8k for mine which may sound a lot but given I made £1k on the 350 lets say I realistically paid £7k (once the massaging of figures is averaged out). Its low mileage, full service history, 12 tax (not 6 as I previously thought!), high spec, Mazda warranty, etc, it should hold its value pretty well come resale time. That was the plan at least

Originally Posted by M3-FAST

the only thing that put me off it was the oil and fuel consumption - It will 'consume' it quicker than Exxon Valdese!

That was certainly a consideration but as the car is costing me nowt I thought I could handle the runnings costs (Im used to crap mpg).

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Was only kidding Roger, and good luck with the big case

I know you were kidding. I answered using my phone yesterday and couldnt be bother with using the emotions! Here's the you should have got!