Hello everyone. I'm looking forward to learning a lot here and hopefully, someday, contributing a lot as well. I bought a Harley a couple of years ago and joined a forum like this. It has taught me a lot and saved me lots of money but has also cost me lots in modifications I never thought I'd make on my own. Except for costing me lots of money, I hope everything else happens the same way here.

I'm from Eastern, NC and later this week, I will be picking up an 05 Mazda RX-8. It's white and has lots of options. It was listed on autotrader as a "touring" but the VIN comes up as base-shinka. I'm sure I'll forget something but I know it has 18" rims, a sunroof, bose stereo system, and power everything except for the seats. It has the shiftable automatic because the car is actually for my daughter. But, she doesn't turn 16 until the end of the year, so it is my project/toy until then. Except for 1 recent door ding and some minor scratches on the console trim, the car looks and drives like it just came off the lot. It has 43k miles on it and the owner has barely put 1000 of those miles in it in the past year according to the VIN check I ran. Her story is that she has 2 kids now, with 1 being an infant and she takes them everywhere she goes and it's a pain with this car. So, she drives a PT Cruiser instead (that's gotta hurt). Anyway, in my judgement, she is being honest.

So, for my questions:

What exactly is "Shinka"? Is it a trim level, or some option group or is that truly a specific model of the RX8?

What's the real scoop on the articles I've seen on the internet about potential engine problems and running 5w-20 vs. 5w-30 oil?

Are there any things I need to look out for or do to be on the safe side once I get this car? I intend to take it in (not to a dealer) and have the fluids checked, oil changed, tires checked out (they are aftermarket Kumo tires with 15k on them), and state inspection done. Should I request 5w-30 oil or stay with factory specified oil?

Here's a picture assuming this works the same way it does on the other forums I am a member of.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/07fxdc/rx-8.jpg

Very clean 8, I'm sure it'll make you and your daughter happy. As a new rx8 owner myself, the only real advice I can give is to check the oil regularly, it will burn. In your shoes, I'd take it to a Mazda dealer to get all that stuff checked before buying (and split the cost with the seller), that way they'll can let you know if there's any outstanding recalls or unperformed work on it.

Dosent seem like a shinka to me. someone can correct me of course if I am wrong but: Shinka was a special edition they came in only 2 colors, not sure of the exact names but one was a cherry purple and the other a burnt orange. They have a custom white leather interior, everything you mentioned as well only the seats would be heated and electric as well. It should also be badged as a shinka. Sounds more like your getting a Touring model IMO. The Shinka also has a special frame, something about an insulation in the framing to make it quieter etc...

Just stay on top of any questions or concerns you may have about your car here on the forum and you should be good to go. Everything else is just what you prefer, I have one of the higher mileage 8's on the boards, original engine w/ 127K on it. I run royal purple oil,oh, and always put premium in it too!

So, I believe there actually was a white Shinka made after all.. Sorry, is it badged as a shinka? And..... Did you get it?! :)

They did make a white shinka, but not in 05. So that means either it's A) not a shinka, B) not an 05, or C) they had it painted. The only one that makes sense is A). No powered seats, definitely touring.

Qustions...
Whats a Shinka? (http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Shinka) Sorry been dying to do that for a while hahahaha.

Oil... I've run 5w20 since I bought mine in 04. I started using full synthetic somewhere between 05 and 06 (that question always comes up so I thought i'd prime the pump hahaha). No problems and still on the original engine at 58k. I'm actually pretty slack on the check often thing, but it is good advice so do it. Keep a bottle handy just in case. I don't daily drive mine anymore, but when I did I drove it hard often (acceleration ramps/lanes are a really good way to rev it hard and stay out of trouble hahaha). Maybe I got one of the good ones *wood knocking*.

Stuff to look out for. I'm 2nding RxMadness' 'take it to Mazda and make sure all the recalls/TSB's are done' suggestion. I know from experience that they don't always put on those stickers (I've had all the recall's/reflashes done... only 1 sticker).

Those tires are probably nearing the end of their life. I only got about 25K out of my Kumho Ecstas before I had to replace them.

Ahoskie... my family is from there. Newsome Grove road ftw! hahaha.