My shaken is coming up and I’m looking to change cars. I have driven all these cars long and hard enough to know well how they handle (RX-8 for the win!), but I never owned either so I can’t comment on reliability (and there goes the RX-8…).
So, my questions are:
* Can an RX-8 be reliable? I’m willing to do a full engine rebuilt, even if it costs more than the car, but I don’t want to be left stranded on the road after that.
* Is it better to get an used 86 of the previous model or wait until the new model production restarts (on hold now, no prevision to restart)?
* How inconvenient is the Roadster RF as someone’s ONLY car (not a second car)?
I’m upgrading from a Suzuki Swift Sport and, so far, the Roadster RF seems like the safe choice. The insurance is also much cheaper than the other cars, but I’m not sure it can be used as one’s only car due to having so little usable space. I only use the car on weekends (commute by train), but I do drive a lot for fun on all my days off.
Budget is about 2\~3.5 million yen, but if on the higher side I would hope to keep the car for 6 years or more. Cruise control is also a must, so that takes the older and lower grades models of all these cars out.
3 comments
Q is better suited to r/cars and specific subreddits. I think you should be doing a bunch of your own research, especially if you’re spending that much money. But I’ll weigh in since I can’t help myself…
RX8s can absolutely be reliable, you just can’t treat them like a corolla. Warm then up properly. Feed them oil. Don’t flood them. There’s a lot of model specific stuff that they need, the same as any other vehicle with an unusual drivetrain.
How inconvenient a roadster is is something only you can answer. You know how much you can stash in one. Will that be enough for you? Some people think a cappuccino is roomy. Some people think a liteace won’t carry enough. At least you don’t have to worry about people just knifing through the soft top to steal your stuff here. Other than that, it’s on you bud.
An 86 is just a roadster with more space for luggage and a permanent hardtop. They’re as reliable as each other.
If cruise control is that important in your use-case you’d probably be a lot happier with a crown athlete or bmw touring tbh. To me that indicates you’re doing more cruisy touring around than heading out to empty touge for a thrash. That class of vehicle is called a touring car for a reason… There’s nothing wrong with that of course. I went straight down the middle for a do-all car and got a GRB STi (the hatch). Can carry heaps, 5 seats, awd, good for cruising, good fun on the touge… Love it.
Miata Is Always The Answer
Just throwing out the GR Copen out there. It’s the true weekend lightweight roadster.