Polar opposites!

[Legend83]

My Civic is still going just but is getting a bit long in the tooth, and although reliable and low-cost, bores me to tears.

So I'm considering getting something new (used) but I constantly agonise over what it is I want from my next car - do I want to go back to something fairly sporty, something I look forward to jumping in and always take a 2nd glance at when I get home? Or do I get something uber-comfy that cossets me on my fairly traffic-filled 10 mile commute?

The two leading options are very different cars for very different reasons:

RX8

+ Low purchase cost easier to justify with OH (she is seemingly oblivious to other running costs, probably because they all come out of my money!)
+ Always hankered after one
+ Great to drive
+ Back into something sporty
+ 4 seats so kids can enjoy car too

- Maintenance and fuel costs
- Still have to use the left arm and leg which is tiresome on my commute

Lexus GS

+ Uber-comfy
+ Auto so relaxed and wafty in traffic
+ Hybrid version would be useful in very bad traffic
+ Reliable (fingers crossed) and relatively low cost to maintain

- A bit dull? Image for a 34 year old?
- Higher purchase cost harder to get past the court of wife

What would you do?!

[Nickp82]

If you've always wanted an RX8, get the RX8. End of the day they are very cheap to buy so why not scratch the itch, even if only for six months or a year? it's not like you're going to lose a heap of money doing it.

I have had a few of them and am a big fan, so am biased but lets be honest there's plenty of time remaining in life for you to buy something sensible like a Lexus!

[Legend83]

Very true.

Alternatives to the RX8 to consider?

E46 330i - worried most of these are a bit long in tooth and the market is full of nails
TT - not as good to drive?
CLK - just can't get excited by them

All three above are also pretty common whereas I don't see as many RX8's around.

[Monkeylegend]

Legend83 said:

Very true.


All three above are also pretty common whereas I don't see as many RX8's around.

Probably a very good reason for that, crippling fuel consumption and starting/engine issues being two of them

[Legend83]

Monkeylegend said:

Probably a very good reason for that, crippling fuel consumption and starting/engine issues being two of them

As I posted that I knew someone would pick up on it.

In all seriousness, am well aware of all the potential issues with the RX8 and will be buying with eyes open / engine rebuild / OC seller etc..

[Monkeylegend]

Legend83 said:

Monkeylegend said:

Probably a very good reason for that, crippling fuel consumption and starting/engine issues being two of them

As I posted that I knew someone would pick up on it.

In all seriousness, am well aware of all the potential issues with the RX8 and will be buying with eyes open / engine rebuild / OC seller etc..

You are a braver man than me, or foolish maybe

They look good though and if you avoid the engine rebuild you probably won't lose much money.

I would go for the Lexus though, I love wafting.

[Nickp82]

RX8s are no way near as bad as people like to make out, a compression test is the most important thing before buying and understanding how to maintain them is most important after buying.

[TurboHatchback]

I don't really get the RX-8, ungainly looks, catastrophic fuel economy, limp torque and regular engine rebuilds don't appeal in the slightest no matter how good the handling may be. Of those two I would pick the Lexus.

What I'd actually do is get a barge like the Lexus and a lightweight convertible sports car such as an MX-5 or MR2, best of both worlds and you can alternate your commuting car so you don't get bored of it.

[Legend83]

TurboHatchback said:

I don't really get the RX-8, ungainly looks, catastrophic fuel economy, limp torque and regular engine rebuilds don't appeal in the slightest no matter how good the handling may be. Of those two I would pick the Lexus.

What I'd actually do is get a barge like the Lexus and a lightweight convertible sports car such as an MX-5 or MR2, best of both worlds and you can alternate your commuting car so you don't get bored of it.

Had two MX5s before - trust me if I had the space two have another plus a barge for work I would!

I kind of see the RX8 as a reasonable compromise between the two.