Mazda RX-8

iBLaCKOuTzZ

Hi all,

I'm a new enough drivers. Only on my provisional license about 6 months now. (21 y/o)
I've been driving the fathers 1.4 Golf since getting the license.
He's been eyeing up a new car for the past few weeks though. He's shown particular interest in a Mazda RX-8. 1.7L petrol engine (Also considering the 1.3L engine)
I'm just wondering myself, will any insurance company take me as a named driver on the policy? I've heard they're classed as a super car, so it may be very difficult. Or at least, that's what I've been told by a friend.
I've no problem paying it, as it'll save me buying my own car for the time being.
He's rang Axa about it (His current insurance company), and they said they'll get back to him during the week, so waiting to see what they have to say.
Any help would be appreciated!

bazz26

RX-8 only every came with one engine but had two different versions with different power outputs - 192bhp and 231bhp. They are taxed as a 1.8 litre but classed as a performance car by insurance companies.

Very unlikely any insurance company will take on someone with only a learner permit and NCB, as a named driver on the policy. Any that would I'd imagine will want crazy money to do so.

650Ginge

bazz26 wrote: »

RX-8 only every came with one engine but had two different versions with different power outputs - 192bhp and 231bhp. They are taxed as a 1.8 litre but classed as a performance car by insurance companies.

Very unlikely any insurance company will take on someone with only a learner permit and NCB, as a named driver on the policy. Any that would I'd imagine will want crazy money to do so.

Engine is 1.3 taxed as 1.7 actually.

Some imports are taxed as 1.3, seems to be possible to have any rx8 changed to 1.3 by sending paperwork to Shannon and changed.

They are after all 1.3. So they should be taxed as 1.3.

Days 298

iBLaCKOuTzZ wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm a new enough drivers. Only on my provisional license about 6 months now. (21 y/o)
I've been driving the fathers 1.4 Golf since getting the license.
He's been eyeing up a new car for the past few weeks though. He's shown particular interest in a Mazda RX-8. 1.7L petrol engine (Also considering the 1.3L engine)
I'm just wondering myself, will any insurance company take me as a named driver on the policy? I've heard they're classed as a super car, so it may be very difficult. Or at least, that's what I've been told by a friend.
I've no problem paying it, as it'll save me buying my own car for the time being.
He's rang Axa about it (His current insurance company), and they said they'll get back to him during the week, so waiting to see what they have to say.
Any help would be appreciated!

Write a black check.... Dont expect value for money.

bazz26

650Ginge wrote: »

Engine is 1.3 taxed as 1.7 actually.

Some imports are taxed as 1.3, seems to be possible to have any rx8 changed to 1.3 by sending paperwork to Shannon and changed.

They are after all 1.3. So they should be taxed as 1.3.

Never seen the point really in getting them taxed as 1.3 over 1.7, the difference is not that big and it makes sfa difference to the cost of insuring one.

Alanstrainor

bazz26 wrote: »

Never seen the point really in getting them taxed as 1.3 over 1.7, the difference is not that big and it makes sfa difference to the cost of insuring one.

It's principal though, put the money into something else for the car.

OP, I would say your chances are very slim, and an RX8 is a lot more challenging to drive hard compared to a 1.4 golf.

Just wait and see what Axa say is really all you can do.

Atlantic Dawn

Pass the test and go for it then, the price you will pay if you can find someone to insure you will be criminal. If your driving 6 months you should be able to pass the test, if not last thing you want to be buying is an RX-8.

dantastic

I'll just throw it out there. I'm a happy RX-8 owner.

I'm 30+ with oodles of driving experience and I had a hard time getting insurance.
When I was looking for insurance some girl said it's a 'group 6' car. Don't know what that means exactly or what other cars would be in that group but there are serious restrictions anyway.

Good luck tho - it's a fab car!

Moneymaker

<Unhelpful post removed>

biko

Let's try to keep this forum a helpful one ok? Particularly to new members.

imurdaddy

iBLaCKOuTzZ wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm a new enough drivers. Only on my provisional license about 6 months now. (21 y/o)
I've been driving the fathers 1.4 Golf since getting the license.
He's been eyeing up a new car for the past few weeks though. He's shown particular interest in a Mazda RX-8. 1.7L petrol engine (Also considering the 1.3L engine)
I'm just wondering myself, will any insurance company take me as a named driver on the policy? I've heard they're classed as a super car, so it may be very difficult. Or at least, that's what I've been told by a friend.
I've no problem paying it, as it'll save me buying my own car for the time being.
He's rang Axa about it (His current insurance company), and they said they'll get back to him during the week, so waiting to see what they have to say.
Any help would be appreciated!

Hi Op,

I was in your postion 10yrs ago, I had a RX8 insured as a named driver at 23 it cost about €2000 but was worth every penny! The only thing is I had 2yrs driving experience, im sure if your willing to pay enough youl get named.

Make sure you get one with the recalls sorted, battery starter etc, and the latest flash for starting, service history is important too. They are a cracking car and at high revs sound great. I had my one for 5yrs and never had any real issues bar the above, they like fuel but im sure you know that! You will also have people say the drink engine oil but its not the case! They use it all right but not as much as is made out, if I recall correctly its injected to protect the rotar tips.

As for posts like above asking what plant your on! It says more about them than you!

Best of luck and if you get sorted stick up some pics

MetzgerMeister

bazz26 wrote: »

RX-8 only every came with one engine but had two different versions with different power outputs - 192bhp and 231bhp.

Actually they are 2 different engines with the 231 version having 2 extra ports. This is why you can't just buy a 192 and remap it to 231.

OP - When I was 22 I got an RX8. At that stage I had 4 years NCB and a clean licence. I found it very hard to get insurance but when I eventually did, the cheapest was €2500 which I went with.

That was in the days when the RX8's value wasn't anywhere near as badly hit as it is now. I paid €23,500 for a 2004 model so that'll show ya how mad I was much they have come down in value. The fact that you can pick one up for a Mars bar and a bottle of coke will mean your insurance might not be as bad but the risk is still there.

Also, thank you for posting this thread. I was recently saying in another thread how I missed these kind of threads in this forum

EDIT: RX8 a supercar??? Not a chance! Sports car, yes indeed

Larbre34

But don't buy that mars bar and coke, you will need all your spare change for cans of Castrol GTX

And wont people admit the RX-8 is a bit of a bone shaker?

I can understand the OPs parent wanting to stretch his legs a bit after life with a 1.4 Golf but how about something in between like nice sports saloon, might be a bit healthier on OPs insurance too

dantastic

I recon the RX-8 is very comfy. The engine has this beautiful whistle sound as well.

The only valid measure is smiles per gallon

Nonoperational

Just check the compression before you hand over any money.

MetzgerMeister

It's no more of a bone-shaker than a BMW with M-sport suspension!

By the way, if the guy in my town who has the red 2004 Sligo reg'd RX8 is reading this, gimmewave

NyOmnishambles

Larbre34 wrote: »

But don't buy that mars bar and coke, you will need all your spare change for cans of Castrol GTX

They do use oil but nowhere near as much as is made out

And wont people admit the RX-8 is a bit of a bone shaker?

Like any car I imagine it depends on the suspension set up and wheel size

The one I had on standard suspension and alloys was a very comfy car, no issue in that epartment at all

I can understand the OPs parent wanting to stretch his legs a bit after life with a 1.4 Golf but how about something in between like nice sports saloon, might be a bit healthier on OPs insurance too

Definitely healthier for the OP's pockets but if I was in the parents shoes I wouldn't be taking that into consideration :pac:

iBLaCKOuTzZ

Very helpful info guys! Really appreciated.
Axa got back to the old man today. Said they couldn't take me, as it's a class...something...I forgot! It made no sense to me or him .. but I'm aloud be insured up-to & including a class 19. Again, no clue what that meant. Must be their way of ranking a cars.
Can't say I'm overly surprised. They're a very powerful car.
He was saying after, he'd be happy enough to move to someone else if it didn't effect his NCB, or anything. Anyone got some info on that? I'm thinking Aviva might entertain the idea at least. I'm expecting to pay €2k+ (min) to put myself as a named driver regardless.
Just to clear it up, this isn't the parents wanting to stretch my legs. This is the inner kid in him wanting something fun! He's always been mad after something fast, but the mother wouldn't let him (They shared the car up until last year, now she's on a company car) - Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. Very nice looking cars, and seem to have the performance to match!
I'm not going to stop him regardless. If I can't get insured, it's no problem. I'll pick-up a cheap run around for a year and get the full license asap - On that note, I'm booked in for the test in a months time. I'll have to get back onto Axa then and see if I can't twist their arm assuming a policy change isn't possible without losing the NCB (and of course, I pass the test)
The oil isn't a problem for me. I check the oil every second or third petrol stop, so I'll be bring that habit over.
A bone shaker wouldn't actually put me off it at all. I know the Golf is like a cloud, but it's only a matter of getting used to the new car really.
I'll be sure to pass on all the other helpful info to him, so he gets himself a decent one regardless of my insurance.
Thanks again!