Alright so I've dropped off my S2 RX8 to the body shop that has repaired it a few different times and I was still having issues with the trunk filling with water in rainy conditions and the LR tail light filling up like a fish bowl, making 3 LED's go out.
I believe he will be able to fix it with no major issues but worst case if he can not what would be the next closest thing to an RX8 in terms of a fun 2nd car?
Prerequisites would be under $22k, under 80k, something I could take on a 700+ mile trip to see mom if needed, and something that would be as powerful and entertaining as the RX8 is.
I know this is premature but I'm trying to prepare for the worst.
Trunk filling with water sounds like a bad trunk seal or taillight seal. Since the taillight is filling with water, i would suggest a new unit if you are keeping the car.
Taillight seal is a common issue if I recall correctly
Mazda replaced the light twice and resealed it 3 times but this has only been an issue after the accident (was making a u-turn at a light when a kenworth hit me who was at a dead stop and he was around 25-30) and no one wants to keep replacing a $700 tail light.
I think the best C6 Vette you can buy for 22k is the winner for what if you need a replacement. C5 Z06 is also a good answer.
A non wrecked RX-8?
You seem to like it, why change?
To fix water in the tail light, take it out and drill a couple drain holes along the bottom. I had that problem on my RX8 till I put in some drain holes. Now it doesn't even show moisture in it. Common issue and common fix.
As for water in the trunk. Don't have that issue so not much help. Trunk seal? Rear window seal? Filler neck seal? That's the only possibilities other than something bent.
I am thinking brand new Miata if you don't have to carry people around.
Otherwise, maybe a Mustang, though oddly enough the RX-8 has MORE room for back seat passengers.
In reply to Brett_Murphy:
I do have the protege for people hauling and dd services, but working on Ford's every day for the past 5+ years I can't/don't want one lol.
In reply to Hungary Bill:
There in lies the problem, in the first 30 days I was hit by a Camry and she did about $12k damage to the front got the car back and 3 weeks after that got hit by the kenworth causeing about $3k of damage...
Stick with the magic triangles- $22k buys a nice FD RX-7. 
wlkelley3 wrote:
To fix water in the tail light, take it out and drill a couple drain holes along the bottom. I had that problem on my RX8 till I put in some drain holes. Now it doesn't even show moisture in it. Common issue and common fix.
I have done this before on other vehicles with success. just a few tiny holes in the lowest part of the lens gets the job done
