Took an '09 for a test drive tonight. Actually did a pretty good job by all accounts, considering it was the second time in my life I drove a stick. Didn't stall it at all (well, okay, once while waiting for the shop door to open), actually what I had trouble with was spinning the damn wheels. The Renesis gets slammed a lot for having no torque, but I gotta say I didn't have any trouble getting more torque than I wanted from it. Hell, I took an uphill switchback at 20mph in 4th gear at one point, because I didn't realize how steep it was until it was too late to downshift. Very impressed all in all.



So. Why shouldn't I buy a new one? Consider that between dealer incentives and USAA membership and trade-in on my old car, I can probably knock $10k off the price before I even start negotiating at all. Is there any reason to buy used that is so compelling that it overrides that kind of a deal?

 

Right now the dealers are looking to move new cars, a lot of them are hanging by threads now that their cash for clunkers hand out ran out.

 

If you're in a position to do it, by all means do it! It's a great car and you can't beat the new car experience with a full warranty. My wife and I are each driving a Mazda we bought new and after our recent experience with used cars, I doubt we'll ever buy used again.

 

Boy do I ever know what you mean. $15000 in repairs in 4 years is regoddamndiculous. Sure wish I had THAT money back right now.

 

doo it you wont regret it

 

The 09's definitely have some good reliability upgrades over the 04-08 series I's. If you can the 09 is the best year to get so far.

 

I have USAA as well and I'm curious how you got incentives from them on a new car?

 

 

Just saw your post, If you already bought it... Sweet congrats! if not, consider buying a used one. It may not have the newest styling update, but I'm not a fan of the new rx 8 rear end anyways. Plus resale value on the RX-8 is terrible for some reason.





So you can probably pick up a low mileage 08 or 07 for around 15 thousand bucks. Which is a way better situation.



For instance I bought mine 3 years ago, it was 1 year old with 10 thousand miles and it was stickered at 23,900.



I had a kelly blue book in my hand and I told them that I would be fair and give them 1 thousand more than they paid for it, which I happened to know was around 13k at the time.



They went for it! and I got my 10,000 mile 05' RX8 in 06 for 15,500 out the door, that was with tax tag and title.



I be you can find yourself a similar deal. Best of luck



H