I'm a newbie to these cars but I've deff been wanting one for a long time. I've done extensive research on them and I know about their problems and how important it is to maintain them. To get to the point, I found an '04 RX-8 Grand Touring 6spd, clean, leather interior, Bose System, new tires, all in like new conditions with 59k for $13,995. I took it to the local Mazda dealer to get it looked at and when they pulled up the Vin # they found it had been brought in twice for engine flooding, a new CAT put in in '07 and that was pretty much it but also when I started the car I felt the ignition system a bit weak. I'm worried the car can run into some engine failure and/or some more engine flooding. Some advice would be nice I'm crazy about this car and willing to maintain it but does this car sound like it can be a problem down the road? Some Advice Please!

Private seller or dealer?

Loacation?

CAT was probably replaced as a result of flooding and dumping unburnt fuel into it. This is a result of not letting it warm-up properly and moving it, then shutting it down before warm.
So........that ones not a big deal IMHO.

Weak start.............well, the 04's had a weak starter and you could verify this by the part number on the starter, there are many threads that call out the two starter numbers(old vs new), I'll try and find it.

If you are really serious about this car, ask the dealer how much for a compression check?

At 59k can you tell if the coils and plugs have been replaced? If not, then you might want to consider it.

In my opinion, at that price you are paying too much for the car.

speaking solely on the price.. i just bought the same car.. miles and year.. etc etc. for 12k.. and i feel i paid a little more than i should have.. but its an amazing car.. i love it.

Thanks for the Response! Its a dealership but not the Mazda dealer. Down In Tampa Fl. I asked about the compression test and at Mazda they're charging me between $130 and $150 for it. I'm going to look at the coils and plugs on Monday when I go look at it again. If the guy doesn't take the price down a G or two down I'm going to have to find an "8" elsewhere.