|
I currently lease an RX8, so I'll throw in here.
#1) I am WAY overextended, so I won't be keeping it when the lease is up even though I really like it.
Pros:
-Legitimately seats 4. Been on multiple trips with all 4 seats taken, and no complaints. People usually emerge suprised. The interior is classy and simple. The instrumentation is perfect (except for the fake oil pressure gauge- its just a gimmick. That sucks)
-The handling is fantastic. Simply fantastic.
-It has 95% Japanese parts. It was built in Hiroshima. A lot of the engine is hand built, I believe.
-The engine sound is like a drug. Transmission shifts very nicely.
-The pillarless suicide-door style opening has let me put some suprisingly big stuff in there.
-The ride is quite compliant.
-Used cars can be had for not too far from your budget.
Cons:
-You will never again see 20MPG. Never. The engine sometimes sells gasoline to other cars overnight, I swear.
-If you like 'modding' your car, this isn't a good choice, at least for now. Unless you have a lot of money. And patience.
As for the 'engine flooding issue', it does exist. The colder your climate, the more careful you have to be. Its quite simple though- if you start the car, don't shut it down until the engine gets warm. I have never flooded, and most attentive drivers have not either.
As for options, I got a stripped car, which seriously helped the car turn in better lap times compared to loaded rx8s. I heard the sunroof adds 100lbs, way up high. The only option to get is the sport package (xenons and stability control). The stability control on this car is very lenient, and can actually help you as you learn a track. Then, when you want, it can be shut down entirely.
|