Local Mazda dealership has a 2008 RX-8 Grand Touring for 18.7K. Checked out the car and it looks in very good condition - some internal trim pieces seem a bit loose (cigarette lighter cover, rear seat compartment), but has all original panels, paint looks in good condition, etc. Warranty is good until 7/2011 which is a plus.

1 owner, 16K miles for 18.7K seems like a good price but some things have me a bit concerned:

- Dealer stated Carfax report is wrong regarding mileage - Carfax states about 25K miles which was recorded at an auction, but the in-car mileage shows about 16K miles.

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=JM1FE173480214552&partner=GTS_0

- Carfax states was in dealer inventory since August 2009 - seems a very long time to not be sold, though they stated it "recently was cut in price"

Any suggestions on how to verify the car isn't shady - it is from a Mazda dealership but their used car group.

The CarFax mileage would be something to try to verify. I don't see anything there regarding maintenance, so again, it would be something to try to document. You might ask for paperwork to back up the mileage question, and any maintenance. They bought the car at auction, so the chance of getting help here is almost nil.

don't trust it... i wouldn't.

what benefit does carfax have in lying to you? its a used car buying tool...

think it isn't simple for a dealership to change mileage?

think again! its rather simple for them...