330I/ci or rx8

[willmagrath]

Been looking to replace my fabia vrs with something rear wheel drive, quick and under £3000. The 330 looks like best bet, but most are over 100k milers and a bit dated (albeit brilliant). But recently started looking at low mileage rx8's (30-50k). Yes, there's a big risk in buying the rx8, but it'll be a lot newer if a car.

What do people think, take the safe route and buy a 330, or go mad and get an rx8? Any experience of them out there? cheers

[TREMAiNE]

I love my RX8...

You can guess what my vote is for.

[edition]

I'd vote 330, lovely smooth reliable engine. Get one that's been looked after and you should be good.

[silent k]

I had the same choice back in March and went for the RX8. The BMW is probably technically better, but it's just a bit obvious for me. I like the fact the RX8 is a bit different. I'm not necessarily after the best car - I want something interesting to drive and have something technically different to the mainstream. So far it's been completely reliable and I absolutely love the way it drives.

[iloveboost]

Think the engine rebuild on an RX-8 is £2K. It's a lot of money to gamble on it not going wrong in your hands and of course it will cost more to fuel than the 330. Personally I'd take an S2000, Boxster or Z4 instead of an RX-8. The RX-8 is 'cheap' for a reason, but you may be lucky and have no problems.
I think you could potentially use two stroke oil in the tank to give the engine some extra lubrication? Sound mad but I think it could work.

[86DA]

Slightly over budget, 2003 facelift Mercedes Cl500 can be had for £4000.

Bulletproof engine & box, quickish rear wheel drive.

[anonymous-user]

Daily driver then 330ci. Something for fun? then RX8 (it's a better drive).

[Baz Tench]

Having owned two 330cis, and never having driven a RX8, I would say RX8.

330's are a great all rounder, but isolate you a bit too much.

[bga]

86DA said:

Slightly over budget, 2003 facelift Mercedes Cl500 can be had for £4000.

Bulletproof engine & box, quickish rear wheel drive.

As lovely as the CL500 is, there is always the ABC timebomb to consider.

[ThreeP]

Having owned both cars I would say the E46 is maybe a little easier to live with but the RX8 is more fun. Both make a decent noise too if that matters, which can be further improved with a better exhaust.

Test drive both and see if that helps. Both are great cars really, get quite rubbish mpg around town but the 330 is better on a run if that matters. If you decide on an RX8 try to find one that has had an engine rebuild done on it. Picked one up recently with 10'000 miles since rebuild for £1700.

Another alternative would be a Nissan 200SX. Slightly older still but fantastic car, with great potential to tune it further. And they seem to be appreciating too.

[86DA]

Fair comment, not for everyone.

[jayemm89]

This question has been asked before. I think it is probably because of price that they get compared as traditionally I wouldn't see one as fair comparison for the other (although they both are RWD, 231ps coupes). I had an e46 330Ci Clubsport that I loved dearly, took it from 117K to 163K and it gave me very, very little trouble.

I have never driven the mazda, or any mazda for that matter, but I suspect it will provide a very different experience to the BMW. I reckon the one you prefer will be clearer. The mazda will probably always have the rotary spectre looming - I wouldn't have one as my only transport, but if I was looking for cheap thrills it'd definitely be on my list

[willmagrath]

St John Smythe said:

Daily driver then 330ci. Something for fun? then RX8 (it's a better drive).

yep, it;; be a daily i'm afraid

[willmagrath]

jayemm89 said:

This question has been asked before. I think it is probably because of price that they get compared as traditionally I wouldn't see one as fair comparison for the other (although they both are RWD, 231ps coupes). I had an e46 330Ci Clubsport that I loved dearly, took it from 117K to 163K and it gave me very, very little trouble.

I have never driven the mazda, or any mazda for that matter, but I suspect it will provide a very different experience to the BMW. I reckon the one you prefer will be clearer. The mazda will probably always have the rotary spectre looming - I wouldn't have one as my only transport, but if I was looking for cheap thrills it'd definitely be on my list

Good to hear your e46 experience has been good! But yeah the car will be used as a daily to commute and visit the girlfriend 50 miles away every so often. So maybe the bmw will be better for that.

And thanks for the replies everyone!

[LasseV]

willmagrath said:

Good to hear your e46 experience has been good! But yeah the car will be used as a daily to commute and visit the girlfriend 50 miles away every so often. So maybe the bmw will be better for that.

And thanks for the replies everyone!

Take that sports car. You can buy that 300-series repmobile later when you are married etc.

[R1 Indy]

CLK55 AMG?

Just sold mine for just over £3K so almost in budget.

[ZX10R NIN]

willmagrath said:

jayemm89 said:

This question has been asked before. I think it is probably because of price that they get compared as traditionally I wouldn't see one as fair comparison for the other (although they both are RWD, 231ps coupes). I had an e46 330Ci Clubsport that I loved dearly, took it from 117K to 163K and it gave me very, very little trouble.

I have never driven the mazda, or any mazda for that matter, but I suspect it will provide a very different experience to the BMW. I reckon the one you prefer will be clearer. The mazda will probably always have the rotary spectre looming - I wouldn't have one as my only transport, but if I was looking for cheap thrills it'd definitely be on my list

Good to hear your e46 experience has been good! But yeah the car will be used as a daily to commute and visit the girlfriend 50 miles away every so often. So maybe the bmw will be better for that.

And thanks for the replies everyone!

Or these they are great everyday cars & fun when you want them to be not 3 series handling but close but imo these are better cars to live with on a day to day basis:

http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servle...http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servle...

Great car good reliability bullet proof, RX8's are great car but a little thirsty on the petrol front but if looked after they are fantastic.

[corozin]

I have a 330ci and my neighbour has a RX8. They are different cars in almost every way once you get past the fact that both are RWD.

I would suggest you have a try in both and a preference fo0r you personally will quickly emerge. They really are that different.