Hey there -- this is a car that I seriously considered. I'll watch this thread for comments, but ultimately, I decided against it for reasons of reliability, poor fuel economy, and poor power. I know this car is very fast on the track, and everyone raves about its handling. Have you been in one recently? For me, it felt surprisingly dated.
1 - 7 of 35 Posts
You just nailed it. Your reference to power is how I meant that it was lacking (and why I love turbo power!). If Mazda made a modern-day RX7, I'd be all over it. I have blitz-passed RX-8s in the local mountains.In that case, the RX is faster, handles better, and I prefer the driving position and seats. Rear-wheel drive is the best-wheel drive.
The FiST is hugely more practical, with much lower running costs (I hate paying for 18" tires) and much more cargo area. It's a toss-up which is a better daily driver as the RX is more comfortable, but is crazy thirsty and has pitiful torque.
One thing that always bugged me about the RX8 was that driving it up into the mountains was always disappointing. As soon as you started to gain any altitude, the engine lost a lot of power. It felt like it was down by 40-50hp. I don't expect the FiST will have that problem
My car isn't a DD, yet I picked it for the much lower running costs as a track day and weekend warrior car. Also, my car already accelerates faster than a stock RX8. When I'm done, it will be a lot faster.
The driving position in the RX8 is tops, it shifts great, but the engine ends the party early. Sometimes I still think about how one as a dedicated race car might be. As a weekend car, sure -- but all of my friends that have tried one as a DD have given up and sold them. I don't know anyone with one now.
At Big Willow, an RX8 on track tires is much faster than the FiST! It does it with incredible preservation of momentum and superb handling, not power. I hope to modify mine to make it a lot faster, but we're talking about several seconds in stock form. I suppose I like the "wrong wheel drive" challenge. This car has single-handedly changed my view on what FWD cars can do.
It sounds like you have your answer! I'd love to see your RX-8. Maybe you can bring it to one of our track days.
Seriously, it's great to have choices like this! I wish I had your patience and discipline when it comes to cars. I spend/waste money on cars, but it's a passion I don't have to justify to ANYBODY.
I like the practical angle. Of course, how practical is a car that just waits for the occasional weekend and track day? That's my deal, maybe not his. I'd be surprised if it is not daily driven. I already had my T-REG TDI as a commuter but would not have bought it if I knew about the FiST before it. So it goes...
@fly2low: I like the business angle -- you're a Ford investor (so maybe calm down on the extreme haggling!).
Also, that's a fine muscle car you have there! I don't think you have much to complain about -- you apparently know how to get your way often enough. If you really want a FiST you'll get one. Also, just promise to lose the weight -- a win/win.
They're quite different, right? Running costs could be quite high on a Cayman, but you already know that. If the badge makes you feel better, there's no price on that (plus it's already evident that stuff matters to your wife). Don't discount that for long term harmony!
My counterpoint: Having owned a number of expensive Euro-cars, I rather enjoy flying under the radar again. I feel the same way about my VW T-REG TDI but wouldn't if it were instead, the mechanically identical, Porsche Cayenne Diesel (I literally park next to one every day!).
Total investment cost will be lower on a FiST, no two ways about it. If it helps you feel better that you lose less (by percentage) on an inevitable sale, in some indeterminate time in the future, that's another thing.
Hey! About time! I've purchased two cars in the time you've taken here.Life took an unexpected turn. It turned out that i really like FiST. Pulled a trigger and it's parked at home now. Thought wouldn't get a black, ended up with a black. Thought would go with a base car, went with a loaded car. Thought would go with dealer A or B or C, ended up with my neighborhood (same zip code!) dealer.
As a note, a side story, two weeks ago many dealers had plenty FiST. This week, it is rarer than a sober guy at an Ohio State tailgate party (Go Bucks!).
As another side story, one dealer let me go home with only $400 price difference, not even trying to counter my offer. Today they repeatedly called saying they were cutting the price. Too late, buddy.
Anyway, I am happy. I am a FiST owner now.
Too dark to take pictures tonight
Seriously, welcome! We all appreciate how thorough your decision process was. Bring your car to Willow Springs (HTM) with us on Saturday!
1 - 7 of 35 Posts
