Plastic toaster>RX-8 reliability after all

Something you might consider if you're still planning to do the serious HPDE and road race thing is a lot of tracks/organizations around here don't recognize the stock roll hoops as being sufficient so you may be looking at getting a case built. That might make the car miserable for a daily driver/only car. The car is already a bit cramped for the driver compared to the RX-8 and the seats aren't nearly as comfortable. My back sometimes hurts driving back from MW in the S and not in the RX-8. It's also a lot louder than the 8 as far as engine/wind noise.

Reliability is pretty good, real world MPG mixed is about 22-25 mpg depending on your lead foot. AP2 is a lot nicer to live with on a daily basis, but the short gearing really sucks and they fetch more money. I would say get a low mileage well maintained 03 (best year) to fit in to your budget. Feel free to PM me for some more feedback.

Also make sure you race one for a few events before you decide to buy. It doesn't drive anything like the Miata or RX-8 and some people just don't get along with the way the car reacts.

 

definitely look into your car possibly being a lemon. not sure if you bought it new, used, or if it's still in its warranty range. if you qualify, at least your car will be bought back. i'm not too familiar with texas laws, but i assume that would yield you less money out of your pocket as opposed to selling or trading it in. the resale value on rx8s are horrible. i've seen some 1993 rx7s going for almost the same as some '04s and '05s.

i noticed you said you wanted a back seat because you wanted to start a family. you just have to ask yourself, "back seats or no kids". i'm sure you know what most of us will tell you

 

I daily drive mine, and it is an '03 AP1. Every time I fill up, I reset my trip and measure my average mpg. My worst average has been 24.2, and my best average has been 26.4 with the median average being 25.2 mpg consistently. I do alot of city driving, and I drive it easy most of the time (however, I get into vtec at least twice every time I drive it). It has been very reliable, however my top is indeed starting to tear because I drive it with the top down as often as possible. I hope this helps. I too, came from an RX7 (2nd gen) and the s2k is a vast improvement in reliability. It's as close to worry-free driving as I have gotten with any vehicle I have ever owned (with the exception of worrying about door-dings in the parking lot

 

I have a MY06 that is my DD, and having driven many Ap1's, I'm glad I got the AP2. Don't get me wrong, I could still enjoy the AP1. Of course I know my MY Ap2 is in the softest version to date, but still does well @ HPDE's. I've put about 15k in the first year of owning it, and I average~ 25 MPG, but have gotten as high as 31 on a trip back from Dallas.
Of note, I very rarely have passengers, and no kids. One thing I love is the ability to come out of the office after a crazy day, put the top down, and cruise home in peace.

 

Lemon law wouldn't cover it, for a couple of reasons. First, I bought the car used (you must buy new). Second, none of the problems has recurred multiple times (problem must occur three times within a twelve month period).

Aside from the current transmission issues (which have at no time sidelined the car), most of the warranty work has been minor. In addition, most of the issues woul likely have gone unnoticed by the average consumer. Even the syncro problem only manifested itself during redline upshifts from 1st to 2nd, something 90% of car owners hardly ever do (mine sees a few per day).

 

Until that annoying bastard comes up next to you with a louder stereo and too much thumping... :/

 

no ap1 ftw!!!! your a oem honda option whore tune!!! LOL

no but for real AP1 FTW

 

Without turning this into an AP1 vs. aP2 thread....

If your budget is $20K you can swing either. Grab a below avg. mileage '04 for 16.5K-18K or a slightly higher than avg. '05 for 19-21K.

As much track duty as you do you're probably better off with the AP1. Shouldn't have a hard time finding a decent one for more than 16K for an '03. Frankly $16K is a little high for an AP1, unless the mileage is ridiculously low.

I'm thinking get a really good deal on an AP1, and you have left over cash to tinker with the car or get a cheap daily driver.

If you insist on the S as a Daily driver, swing for an AP2.

 

AP1 FTW

 

For me, this all depends on the roads you travel. I travel 95% highway so not much beating going on here. I've tracked my mpg since day 1 and my average has always been in the 20's. My best to date is 24.8 and my worst is 20.2. I drive it daily, about 60 miles round trip. We have another vehicle for the "family" car. I've owned it for almost a year and I'm can believe I waited so long to get one.

In terms of value, you may be able to lease a new one for cheaper than purchasing a used one; that said, leasing may not be the best option for you if you plan on tracking your car.

I wanted to keep it short as I'm sure you will get a ton of replies promoting the S.

Bottom line? If the S suits you and your lifestyle, you will not be disappointed if you get one that has been taken care of.

EDIT: I was just reading some of the other posts and before I got mine, I read about how people's back hurt or acke. The only time my back hurts is when I have to run a lot of errands and I'm getting in and out a lot (with the top up). With the top down, it is way easier to get into.