Despite my vehement counsel to the contrary, my brother purchased a 2010 RX-8 touring for 26K + TTL. In a previous thread, I described the RX-8 as a car that combines the performance of an economy car, the utility of sports car and the fuel economy of an SUV. Well, I take (most of ) it back.

While the RX-8 does get truly abysmal MPG (high teens), it is a very nice driving car. I loved the interior, it offered fantastic ergonomics, great seats, high quality materials and perfectly placed pedals for heel-toe. Though, I wouldn't describe it as a true 4 seater, there's certainly enough room for a child's car seat and it has a decent sized trunk.

I just loved the engine, it had more then decent power, sounded great and revved forever. Acceleration was on a par with the S2000, so I wouldn't describe it as slow, but it wasn't possessed of LS1 like torque either, but I like zingy engines.

The steering is precise and the handling is superb, combining high limits and neutral corning with no obvious vices. Though I wasn't at a track, the brakes felt very strong, even if the pedal was a bit soft for my tastes. My only real complaint was the clutch was very abrupt and non-linear, but after 15 minutes or so, I stopped noticing.

Now that I have been blessed with a howling, poop factory (Luke!, see below), a car that I can transport him in AND track is very appealing.

 

good to hear this.... I definitely remember that post. I was at the kitchen table and almost spit my milk out when I read it originally

 

I seriously looked at an RX8 some time before buying an S. Obviously the S won, but I do hold the RX8 in high regard. With a better engine (turbo 4 making around 300HP), it would be an amazing car.

 

If the RX-8 wasn't blessed with unique styling and mileage an F150 could laugh at I would perhaps own one. They are truly great to drive. From the driver's seat it's easy to fall in love with them.

 

People can bash the RX-8 on a lot of things but handling and braking are truly superb. I've loved the ones I drove, even if I was asking for a bit more power/torque.

 

I love rotaries. It kind of feels and sounds like a blender winding up but in a cool way. In the right color, the RX8 is a cool looking car too.

 

Sold my 04 RX-8 for an S2000. The 8 is a superior car in handling due to the longer wheelbase. Having the two parked side by side you'd be amazed it's only inches longer yet seats four, has a decent trunk and weighs in just a bit more. I loved it but have convertible in my DNA and was gun shy after losing one engine. I only put 6K a year on it so mileage wasn't too big of a factor.

 

How did you lose the engine?

 

Horrible, HORRIBLE gas mileage.

Can you fit a carseat in the backseat of those?

 

If I had to choose a sporty ride BELOW $30k, the RX-8 or the MX-5 would be my choice.
RX-8 in R3 trim looks very good, and they're definitely a fun car to drive.

Dan