I'm looking at used RX8's. I know I should stay away from 2004 models so which year would bring the best "bang for buck"? I saw some listings for 05,06 for around $14,000. There is no way I can shell out the money for a new 09 RX8 and purchasing used will save me around $15000. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The newer and less miles the better for ur particular budget. Dont get AT and make sure you get the trim level you want.

prob 2006 with low miles

How many miles would be the max to look for when purchasing a used rx8? I would say maybe 35,000 and under, but i'm not too sure. I know hondas do not break until at least 100,000 but what about the rotary on the rx8?

yep a low mileage '06 would be the best choice

How many miles would be the max to look for when purchasing a used rx8? I would say maybe 35,000 and under, but i'm not too sure. I know hondas do not break until at least 100,000 but what about the rotary on the rx8?

We've got users over 100k, and a few under that working on 150-200...

04 is the best year.....I got one up for grabs.:ylsuper:

woot for the 04's thats what i have and no major problems

04's worry me.

Air conditioner: The A/C may not cool enough or may fluctuate, requiring replacement of the A/C amplifier. (2004)

Cold-starting problems: Engine cranks but doesn't start when cold or after running a very short time, as when moving location a short distance, due to flooding. There was a recall to recalibrate the PCM, plus revised leading spark plugs may need to be installed and the catalytic converter may have to be replaced if damaged. (2004)
Dashboard lights: The low oil level warning may come on, but the level may check out OK on some early production vehicles, requiring replacement of the oil pan and level sensor. (2004)

Engine stalling: The engine may stall and set a variety of trouble codes and is fixed by reprogramming the PCM.
None: The dipstick may have a milky substance on it, which is normal after cold soak, but there is a dipstick tube sleeve available to prevent this. (2004-05
Seat: The driver's seat may lose its memory function, requiring replacement of the control unit under the seat. (2004-05)

We've got users over 100k, and a few under that working on 150-200...

Have those users had any major problems so far?

06 low miles.

best deal i think.

2006 Mazda RX8
27,000 miles
$12,900

looks too good to be true?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/946707238.html

2005 Mazda RX8
30,000 miles
$12,500

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/952093759.html

By buying a RX8 3 or 4 years older, I would be saving at least $15,000 :)

04's worry me.

Air conditioner: The A/C may not cool enough or may fluctuate, requiring replacement of the A/C amplifier. (2004)

Cold-starting problems: Engine cranks but doesn't start when cold or after running a very short time, as when moving location a short distance, due to flooding. There was a recall to recalibrate the PCM, plus revised leading spark plugs may need to be installed and the catalytic converter may have to be replaced if damaged. (2004)
Dashboard lights: The low oil level warning may come on, but the level may check out OK on some early production vehicles, requiring replacement of the oil pan and level sensor. (2004)

Engine stalling: The engine may stall and set a variety of trouble codes and is fixed by reprogramming the PCM.
None: The dipstick may have a milky substance on it, which is normal after cold soak, but there is a dipstick tube sleeve available to prevent this. (2004-05
Seat: The driver's seat may lose its memory function, requiring replacement of the control unit under the seat. (2004-05)

These issues have been addressed with TSBs and or recalls.

2006 Mazda RX8
27,000 miles
$12,900

looks too good to be true?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/946707238.html

THAT is a special edition rx-8 like mine, for that price IT IS RIDICULOUSLY amazing.


27000 miles and a WWP .

it has some ugly rims true. but it has an appearance package and eye bros from the looks of it.


that car looks good. but i'd check the carfax.


BUT 13000 for that car is AMAZING.

there are only 2000 shinka edition rx-8's.

my guess is those are salvaged... but check with Carfax just to be sure. IMHO that's way way way too low...

There isn't really any difference between 04s and 05s, as long as all the recalls have been performed.

I would classify them into 3 different buckets as far as updates go:
2004-05
2006-08
2009+

Don't the various (and fairly well-known I'd assume) problems with 2004 models give you some bargaining leverage? I bought a 2004 RX-8 a couple months ago so it's obvious where I stand. So far I really can't say my 04 RX-8 is worse than any newer model (the updated 09 model wasn't worth paying such a premium for at over double the 04 price, even after driving one. The difference just wasn't worth $15,000), just make sure it has had all TSBs done to it.

I bought my late model 05 (manufactured 10/05) with 25K miles on it for 15.5$

Wish I could have gotten an 06 but didnt have the extra 4 grand or so.

ummmmmm 04 is obviously the best since it's the only year you can get the car in the ridiculously awesome Lightning yellow. haha seriously my car get's so much attention due to it's color alone it's ridiculous. One of the few and I mean very FEW cars in the world that I would get in a yellow color, it makes "almost" every other yellow car on the road look horrible.

lol, me pimping the LY, i really do love the color

......pimping the LY
Best color ever sprayed on the RX8. :)

Yep, 04 no problems.

All RX8's have the same problems, only the new 09 may fixed the engine wear issue.

mid-05s and up.

Low mileage and proper maintenance are much more important than a specific year. Mazda can tell you if and when the recalls or TSBs on any given car were done.

Shinka's are no big deal unless you happen to really love the color and interior. Some Shinka's had colors that weren't available otherwise. No real performance upgrades, but there is a foam-filled cross member and suspension tuned for ride comfort if you want that.

there are only 1500 shinka edition made in 06 which means there are only 1499

left because i totalled my first one.

the suede is only in the 06.

Yep, 04 no problems.

All RX8's have the same problems, only the new 09 may fixed the engine wear issue.

'06's came with the nuisance problems fixed. Upgraded (less frangible) sun visor and heater knobs, translucent washer reservoir, etc. Also the stronger starter and the bigger battery...although by now many (most?) older ones would be on replacement batteries.

Newer used models also have more time left on the warranty. But all that shows up in the trade between age/mileage and price.

Ken

06 Shinka should cost you around 20k from a dealer, less private party. If you see something that is too good to be true it usually is.

i got my 04 last christmas at 33000 miles ....and its still in awesome condition ...i dont think anything is wrong with it (besides the oil pan which i learned that its just a false alarm for the 04 model)..and maintenance is the only thing u need to be good at .....so i dont think 04 is AS BAD as ppl are mentioning

oh btw , LY rocks !! if u are at sj/cupertino area ...dont get LY coz i think there's me and another guy around that has it :D ...2 are more that enought for one area ...LOL jk jk

Hell yeah 04's are the best just because that's the only year for lightning yellow!!!! there is nothign wrong with 04's at all.....like a few have said many ppl here have well over 100k and a couple over 150k....EXPO will stop in i'm sure and comment he had his rebuild voluntarily becuse losing some compression and that was alot of track time i believe.....and you could search around the site and see....

Is taking the car to a mazda dealer the only way to check if its had all its recalls and TSB's done?

Is taking the car to a mazda dealer the only way to check if its had all its recalls and TSB's done?
You can also call Mazda Customer Support (1-800-222-5500) and give them the VIN.

Beat the dead horse