FireCode

iTrader: (1)

Maybe this is comparing apples to oranges but maybe not What would you guys rather drive, an 05-06 RX-8 or the IS300? IF I could afford the IS350, it would be game over! I know I'm not really giving much to go on but I'm sure you guys have an opinion!

MoLexus

IS 300 is a better pick in the long run because its really hard to find someone to work on the RX8's rotary motors.

mmarshall

Not only that, but rotary engines get rather poor mileage and tend to use a lot of oil...you have to keep an extra quart or so in the trunk regularly for refills, especially if you go on a long trip and get the engine hot for several hours or so. The apex tip seals in rotary engines have always been weak.....they have never really been perfected. The upside, of course, is that rotary engines are turbine-smooth, quiet, and you can rev the hell out of them without worrying about valve float or other problems....their redlines are more or less comparable to Honda VTEC's. And the RX-8 has steering and handling that will put a smile on your face.....guaranteed.

MSMLexIS

Everyone i have known has had major problems with the RX-6 go for the IS300.

LexFather

I really like both cars. I think the RX is so different and its a fantastic handling car stock. The interior is really nice too, especially compared to the RSX or 350Z..
It is a quirky car but that is a love/hate thing.

Now the IS 300 is the quirkiest Lexus and I loved my limited time with it.

Good luck!

POLL TIME!!

LexFather

Oh, make sure its a MANUAL RX_8, the auto version is slower than molasses

FireCode

iTrader: (1)

hmmmm...you guys have me worried a little. I still like the IS300 though!

mmarshall

Especially the SportCross Hatchback.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

+10! its true.

llamaboiz

IS300 FTW course IF i owned a FD and this was a mazda board i would say get the rx-8

jwong77

I was really tempted by the price of RX-8's too, but yeah like everyone else said, the problems associated with the rotary engine was too much for me to honestly consider it. Test drove one and it was indeed really fun and the engine is really cool sounding.

ba-b4

I would say RX8 IF the engine was reliable but it isn't... so IS300 it is.

FireCode

iTrader: (1)

So the newer model RX-8's (06-07) still have issues? The prices are really good for them but the engine thing is worrying me.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Enthusiast machine=Mazda Rx8. Drive them both and you will see.

Nextourer

to own? IS300.

Weekend track? RX-8.

I'd rather rent an RX-8 (if it's even possible) and enjoy it without having to worry about the poor mileage and the oil usage (which is normal) in the RX-8. Its handling will put a smile on your face for sure.

But to own for several years, the IS is a safer bet.