I've read about the rotary in rx-7's and they arent' reliable AT ALL. They need engine rebuilds around ever 50k miles due to apex seals. Not sure about rx-8's, but hopefully they don't have that problem anymore.
Anyways, I just recently got myself a '09 WRX brand new for a really cheap price. According to google msrp of WRX is $25k - $25.5k (sedan vs hatch) vs. rx-8 msrp of $26.5k. With AWD and turbo, can't go wrong with one