Had my test drive of an RX8 and ST220 today. Heres how it went...

Sime

Sime

Sime

Soldato
Joined
8 Nov 2006
Posts
2,866
Basically test drove the higher bhp model of the RX8 today and ive got to say was not impressed at all...Im hoping it was just a dodgey car and that some of you can counter-act what ive got to say. Ok first off I just want to say the exterior and interior of the car was very nice and whilst looking around I was pretty happy.

I then asked for a test drive in which the dealer guy was happy to do so. We set off and it was there I found the first problem...The clutch was incredibly stiff. Like after 10mins of driving my thigh was getting really achey and painful. I ride the clutch a lot (maybe bad driving but meh) so I like to have it in at most times (parked at traffic lights, coasting etc) so my foot is on the clutch a lot of the time...Is it this stiff in all of the cars becuase if it is its something that would put me off buying the car all together.

Next there was the worrying problem that when I was testing the brakes (getting upto 30 then applying a sharp press) the steering would fight me and I could feel the steering wheel pulling all over (i was going in a straight line). There was a time when I was approacing a round about, applied the brakes and the front end felt like it stepped out by a lot (had to do a lot of steering correction)

Also the power delivery. I know its not the torquest of cars but seriously. My Astra felt faster. What sort of revs do I suppose to put in before I felt some sort of speed? Obviously with the dealer in the car with me I didnt massivly rag it but I did give it abit of welly. It was like the engine was having a bloody good shout (and it was very nice) but I just felt like I wasnt getting anywhere fast...Which was the point...

After leaving I was massivly disapointed and am hoping that this car was a dudd. You shouldnt leave a garage, get back in your Vauxhall Astra and think "Ahhh much better"

Also had someone drive me about in an ST220 (dodgeyest setup I have ever done in my like) rang up the company "errmm, yep, meet us here in 30 mins"..."oookkkkkk". Arrived and there was just this random dude (not the guy on the phone) stood in an empty back alley parking area. He took us out and litterally RAGGED THE **** OUT OF IT. I went with a mate and we were both just like :eek:. He did 80mph in 30mph winedy residential street going up hill. When we got out the he said "First time ive drove this car was today, HAHA". I dont think ive ever feared for my like as much as today. Got to say the cosmetics of the ST were pretty bad (scratches all over, alloys were shagged) but the engine and performance of the thing was EXTREMELY impressive...(although it was drove by a mad man) Ill deffonatly be looking at a better example of one of these in the future (and get a test drive :p)

Anyways just thought Id share my day and see what everyone else has to say about it :)
 
Last edited:
I know sod all about cars really, but i was under the impression that these rotary engine jobs shine when revved harder. so that might be why it seemed a bit slow. im probably wrong though. sorry my comment aint much use lol :D
 
You need to thrash the RX8 to get a move on, however from what you describe with the brakes and clutch it sounds like it wasn't a well car.
 
Sounds like someone else had already 'thrashed' the RX8 before you got to it. I would go test drive another before drawing a conclusion as it is a rather nice car to drive!
 
The power delivery of the RX8 is very linier and therefore to the uninitiated will take some time to get use to. I would be surprised if your Astra is quicker and really, stop riding the clutch!
 
The RX-8 was shagged it would seem. Definately should brake in a straight line, my mum's MX-5 can be stopped from 90 with no hands on the wheel in a straight line! As for the revs thing, its a feature of the engine like Vtec
 
RX8 sounds like its clutch was stuffed. I remember my fathers old RX8's clutch was far from hard work, and definitely easy to use.
 
Sounds like you picked out two dogs to go have a look at.

From the initial impressions, sounds like you won't like the RX-8 power delivery. Should be plenty of decent ST220's around at good prices to actually have a test drive with.
 
phil675 said:
What exactly is 'riding the clutch'?
Click to expand...



Driving with one foot resting lightly on the clutch pedal. It means the clutch tends to slip slightly all the time, and wears out pretty quickly. It also lessens control and is generally a Bad Thing.


M
 
Some people find it a more comfortable position to rest their foot, at least so I've heard. Ill advised definitely.
 
[TW]Fox;13639539 said:
In what way is a passenger ride a test drive?
Click to expand...

I've had that before.
I said nothing while the salesman drove me around, talking about the car, for about 30 mins. We get back to the showroom and the guy asks "so, what do you think?", to which I reply "I think we're both sitting in the wrong seats, don't you? Now if you think I'm going to buy a car without driving it myself I suggest you either get out or this test drive is over". He did.





As it happens, I didn't buy the car anyway though lol.
 
Hxc said:
Why would you ever ride the clutch? You are certainly not taught that way!
Click to expand...

Some people prefer to have less control over their vehicle, have longer braking distances and be forced to replace clutch/brake components more often than someone who can actually drive properly.
;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom