I'm looking to purchase a 8 in the next few weeks and have been researching everything here. I check all the local Mazda dealers dealers online for used 8's. My requirements are low miles, manual, GT package, and hope for a clean record. So I call upon the people that have the same passion as I and hope that you will assist me in my endeavor.

Would you recomend I purchsed the 8 through a Mazda dealer? Post any info or 8's you may see forsale here.

Here is a link to a Carfax report. Seems this 8 has been through a bit of service and had some recalls completed.

http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_DisplayHistoryRpt.cfm?partner=CDM_U&vin=JM1FE173240122477

thank you!

Mazda Gallery is offering this 8 as a certified vehicle. Quite a full report on this one.

http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_DisplayHistoryRpt.cfm?partner=CDM_U&vin=JM1FE173840122094

Avoid Gallery!!!! I fully believe their certification program consist them turning the key and if the motor turns on it passes. You've seen some of my post with problems of mine so that should give you a idea of how thorough thier inspection is.

How much are they offering it to you? I'm convinced there is no competent Mazda service department in this state so I'm a bit biased. I bought my 8 at the Gallery on Feb '06 and their service is not the best but if they give you a low enough offer I would definitely consider it.

How come the recall work, ie reflash, and spark plug change, is not showing up on those reports?

I heard there is a dealership in RI right by the boarder of MA that is decent and one further in that one of the reagional guys goes to alot.

Oh just double checked the carfax report for the milage. I say if its over 18k screw 'em lol.. I over payed for mine I believe so if you want that one lowball 'em hardcore and stick to it as much as you can hehe for me atleast :)

One thing with Mazda Gallery is they like to blame all the issues on the rotary engine.

-Hey my visor is broken, can I get that taken care of?

*Umm, we can't really do anything about that, that's the nature of the rotary engine.

-WTF?

One thing with Mazda Gallery is they like to blame all the issues on the rotary engine.

-Hey my visor is broken, can I get that taken care of?

*Umm, we can't really do anything about that, that's the nature of the rotary engine.

-WTF?
Did Lee say that? That soooo sounds like Lee :rolleyes:
On the Saleman side the one I had was a tall lumox think his name was Kent, he comes off as a scary mister rogers type, knows the bare bare basic's of the 8. Btw the motor starts a foot down from the top.. atleast that is what he told me haha.

I wasn't thinking of someone in particular because they're all the same over there. I don't have much confidence with the salesmen either. When I asked a someone if they take care of my car when the engine gets flooded, he said, "No, that's not covered under warranty so we're not responsible for it. You should contact your insurance company though and they should take care of it"

I love my car but Mazda service in this area is mediocre at best from my experience. I get better treatmeant from my Nissan dealer with my Maxima which has over 180k miles. I'm sure there are people who have had a better experience, but this is just the type of stuff some of us has had to deal with.

Oh and Alt I'm sure some of us local boys will be more than willing to help ya out and go with ya if you wanna check the cars out. Well I am atleast if on the weekend ;)

As you've already gleamed Gallery is the best.... ::scarasm ya think?::

Thanks guys. Keep the info coming.

O'hara Mazda in Fairhaven is the closest dealer to me. Basically no one believes I should purchase from a Mazda dealer necessarily? Anyone else travel very far to purchase their 8?

I've also noticed more 2004 models available than 2005 and many with very low mileage. I just find that a bit odd.

Alot of the 04's now coming in are offa lease's. Rodrigo just turned one in with just under 20k I believe. Atleast your smarter than me and found this board BEFORE buying the car lol.. I coulda got a much better deal if I did. But them the brakes I guess. Keep us updated and again help is always here

Yea, I do extensive research before buying a car.

I found one! 2004 RX-8, black, GT w/Nav, 43K miles. Selling price is $17,882. It looks to be in mint condition and well taken care of. I would think a 8 with that many miles must have had all the recalls and "bugs" taken out.

Mazda Gallery isn't THAT bad. I do wish they'd stop sending me reminders for service with them (which I do elsewhere), and offers to buy back the car (they don't have enough money). I mean they do give me a free rental under the warranty no questions asked when I've had recall work done.

Yea, I do extensive research before buying a car.

I found one! 2004 RX-8, black, GT w/Nav, 43K miles. Selling price is $17,882. It looks to be in mint condition and well taken care of. I would think a 8 with that many miles must have had all the recalls and "bugs" taken out.

Suggest you take the car to another dealer (the old "have your mechanic give the car a look over before you buy"), get a compression test done and have them document the results. You can then compare the numbers you get to the factory numbers you'll find elsewhere on this site. If the numbers are good you can buy with confidence and you will have set a baseline to monitor the motor as it accumulates miles. Compression test shouldn't be more than a couple hundred bucks.

I have received the Carfax report. Looks like the vehicle was regularly serviced at Wellesley Mazda with no issues reported. I called Wellesley to see if I could obtain a service report. As expected they told me I needed "proof of ownership" before they could send the info. Now does this really make any sense? So I contacted the dealer of the 8 to see if they will send me the reports. We shall see.

Wow, what a report. 26 pages worth. Was brought in for every oil change, filter, etc. Tires, rotors, pads all replaced. 30K service completed including gear oil, brake fluid, spark plugs, air c element. Recall 3405G completed. Both tail lights replaced due to condensation. Replaced starter and battery per bulletin. Throw out bearing replaced. Recall 4206F completed. Trailing plugs replaced. A couple of minor things done, but in all it looks very good.

17.8k still seems a bit too much to me, especially with 43k miles on it. I know it has the Nav, but this kiton the 8 is way overpriced considering you can get better aftermarket Navs that have more functionality.

The nav is a plus. I wanted to make sure everything was taken care of in terms of recalls, etc. I agree about the price. I can knock them down....don't you worry about that. I think this is the 11th car I've purchased.