I couldn't think of anywhere better to ask than here: if I am looking for a used rx8, with a max budget of 15k, what should I look for/watch out for?

I was thinking maybe a 2004 (because of the two tone interior and the fact that since it is the oldest it will probably be the cheapest) I know about all of the problems with the earlier models, but I think if i make sure its in good condition and I take care of it after buying it (5w30 conventional every 2nd fillup, etc) that I'll be alright, but I wanted you guys' opinions.

I appreciate any help, thanks in advance.

Also, what modifications would you suggest? (that aren't overly expensive)

with a max budget of 15 you can probably find a low mile 05/06. Two tone leather comes on any year if the original buyer wanted it.

04/05 are ok if you can make sure they've had all the TSB and recalls done. 06+ will at least make sure that the car wasn't killed before those things were done. So there are trade offs.

Are you looking for MT or AT? If AT I say go with an 06+ so you get the 6 port/6speed, not that the 4speeds are bad but you'll get a bit more out of the 6speed.

the most popular mods that people seem to do first and are cheapish would be lowering springs (120 to 250 dollars), Some kinda of air filter upgrade, moving up you could get adjustible sway bars (~$300 for a set) and maybe a rear strut bar (~$150-$200).

MT for sure, I wouldnt buy an automatic RX-8, that would be a waste in my opinion.

Do they really have two tone on all year models? I thought it was just '04! Do they make a color other than red?

Either way, by getting an older model i save money that I can use for upgrades.

MT for sure, I wouldnt buy an automatic RX-8, that would be a waste in my opinion.

Do they really have two tone on all year models? I thought it was just '04! Do they make a color other than red?

Either way, by getting an older model i save money that I can use for upgrades.


I forget about the Shinka but color combos inside were either all black, red/black or tan/black (forget the real tan color name)

The Shinkas were made in 2006, correct? What is the difference between a Skinka and a normal RX-8 from the same year? Is it just suspension or what?

By the way, sorry for asking so many questions, I have a lot of them lol.

If you are located in the states (update location) then 15K is more than enough for an 04 or 05. If I were you I would go for an 05 or 06 as the 04's had some issues. If you are looking to spend 15K total I would do something like this.

50/06 rx8 11,000
Cobb AP 700
RP01 + Good tires 2,500
AFE STS 300
Autocross/Solo or HPDE with instruction 500
Total 15,000

That is EXACTLY the type of comment I was hoping for. I live in Texas, by the way. Only thing is labor costs, unless you think someone with little to no rotary experience is capable of doing all this. (which I strongly doubt)

I'm also glad to hear i could afford an '05 or '06. Too bad they didnt make the yellow in those years...the yellow RX-8 is sick.

One more thing.

50/06 rx8 11,000
Cobb AP 700-------------------------------------------->???
RP01 + Good tires 2,500------------------------------>???
AFE STS 300--------------------------------------------->???
Autocross/Solo or HPDE with instruction 500----->???
Total 15,000

Im 100% sure I will feel stupid after you tell me, but help with abbreviations please?

05 and maybe even 06 should be well within 15k. I bought my 05 for 13.5k and it was/is immaculate with low miles. All records and all maint. was done. I recommend running a Carfax or Vincheck before buying and also call Mazda with the VIN to make sure all recalls and service bulletins have been done and were done in a timely manner.

Thats very good to hear. I guess I thought they were more expensive than they actually are!

The Shinkas were made in 2006, correct? What is the difference between a Skinka and a normal RX-8 from the same year? Is it just suspension or what?

By the way, sorry for asking so many questions, I have a lot of them lol.

i think they had shinkas starting in 04 but I could be wrong. Shinka's had hood dampers, different shocks installed, plus a different interior. There could be more but I can't remember. They had special exteriror colors also. Give you some more pricing I got my 06 in July of this year with 19k miles, has everything but the nav system. I paid 14,5k. Everything was in very good condition except for a single scratch on the passenger side rear door.

also I just notice in your first post, you don't nessesarily have to add oil every second fill, they just suggest you check it and fill if really needed.

Shinkas are 05 and 06 only.

So do you think the Shinka is really worth the extra money?

That is EXACTLY the type of comment I was hoping for. I live in Texas, by the way. Only thing is labor costs, unless you think someone with little to no rotary experience is capable of doing all this. (which I strongly doubt)

I'm also glad to hear i could afford an '05 or '06. Too bad they didnt make the yellow in those years...the yellow RX-8 is sick.

One more thing.

50/06 rx8 11,000
Cobb AP 700-------------------------------------------->Cobb Access Port http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/?id=3812
RP01 + Good tires 2,500------------------------------>Rims and Tires http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=3798806535BS&wheelMake=Enkei+Racing&wheelModel=RPF1&wheelFinish=Bright+Silver+Paint&showRear=yes&selectedRear=3798956545BS&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=RX-8+6-speed&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=Enkei+Racing&filterNew=All&sort=Price
AFE STS 300--------------------------------------------->Short Throw Shifter http://www.axialflow.com/products.htm
Autocross/Solo or HPDE with instruction 500----->Local SCCA school should be available (HPDE=High Performance Driving Experience)
Total 15,000

Im 100% sure I will feel stupid after you tell me, but help with abbreviations please?

Added Details

added details

you are a saint

So do you think the Shinka is really worth the extra money?

The only reason why I want a Shinka is because of the Copper Red paint job.

If you want a white interior with a cool paint color then it's worth the extra money. They also come with a small suspension upgrade - Polyurethane filled cross members and better shocks. I can care less about the suspension but it's the paint that I want. :)

They have Black Cherry (05) and Copper Red (06) as the two special colors.

They have a WHITE interior??? That's badass.

Could maybe even get an 07, got mine around 15K with 28000 miles, not sure if it is any better than previous years, only newer.

Also, one with around 30000 will need a new set of plugs and some maintenance work. Be prepared to drop $80 on the plugs. I didn't do enough research and found this out after I bought it. However, after replacing the plugs the car became much quicker. Amazing what a fresh set of plugs will do.

You might be able to find an 06 for $15k - I'd go for that and avoid the 04/05s

They have a WHITE interior??? That's badass.

White interior was not exclusive to the Shinka models. (See the "sand interior" thread.) My '07 has it.

You might be able to find an 06 for $15k - I'd go for that and avoid the 04/05s


But i was hoping to be able to mod it a little bit.

White interior was not exclusive to the Shinka models. (See the "sand interior" thread.) My '07 has it.

Ahhh Mazda. Gotta love them, I'm a sucker for two tone interior.

I hope the OP doesn't mind, but I have a question and I didn't want to start a new thread...

Anyway, with all the talk about the two-tone red and black leather interior, is there a place to buy that separately and install it yourself? I tried Mazda's website but I couldn't find anything. I plan on getting an 8 in a few months but I want one with that interior. The problem is that there aren't a lot of 8's close to where I live and the ones that are close by, don't have the the two-tone R&B.

Also, out of curiosity, do the 09's and '10's have the two-tone R&B? I've seen them on the 04-08 models, but I've yet to see it on the new models.

Thanks.

By the way, to the OP - check out www.rotaryfx.com for some cosmetic mods and other parts and accessories. The front and rear rotary accents (fit over the rotary symbols under the bumpers) are popular as well as clear side markers (lots of different options for that).

Here's a couple of pix for reference - mine had the RX-8 brake light mask and license plate frame when I got it, as well as the accents. I just added clear markers last week but don't have any pix yet.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/07fxdc/mazda_rear_day.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/07fxdc/mazda_front.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/07fxdc/mazda_rear_night.jpg

Thanks for the reference! I love the rotary accents. RX8 brake light is cool too. I think it would be kinda cool to have a rotary symbol with rx8 in the middle replace the mazda logo on the front. (just my opinion, its probably expensive to do)

Have you seen a shinka interior? The off white color doesn't look that great. I walked on a shinka because the interior was such a turnoff. I just bought an 05 GT with exterior accents and wing for $15K out here in CA. It had 30K on it and was from a dealer so I bet you could get an 06 for around that price from a private party.

hey just wondering what a regular dropping hight for an 8? i saw some dropzone springs that lower the 8 1.8" front and back going for $99 is that something reasonable?

hey just wondering what a regular dropping hight for an 8? i saw some dropzone springs that lower the 8 1.8" front and back going for $99 is that something reasonable?


LOL, I have to fall into mine and crawl up out of it as it is. How low does the thing need to be?

hey just wondering what a regular dropping hight for an 8? i saw some dropzone springs that lower the 8 1.8" front and back going for $99 is that something reasonable?

I'd say the average that most people do is 1 to 1.4 front and .5 to .8 in the rear

Found a clean red '04 MT with the two tone red & black interior, 48K, sunroof, aero pkg. and an asking price of $11,900 while cruising local lots today. PM me if interested.