Hey Guys,

I'm new here, and looking into getting an RX-8 within the next week or so. I've read through the threads on new/soon owners and the $100 upgrades. I've also browsed through a few of the threads on common issues, and feel fairly confident that I'd be able to manage any repairs both from a financial and mechanical perspective.

The car I am looking into is a 2007 RX-8 GT A/T. It has 29,000 KM (18,000 MI) on it, and is going for $21,000 (with everything in a GT package except the moon roof I think). I've only test-driven it once (hopefully taking it out again tomorrow evening), and it seemed fairly smooth, however I did hear a slight rattle when reaching around 5-6k RPM. It was low on fuel, and they may be using regular (which I've read will cause noises) at the dealership, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Any feedback on it (from a quick glance at the site) and recommendations on what to do before I commit (e.g. compression test, mechanical inspection at a third party mechanic, another test-drive, etc) would be great. I will be renewing the warranty (start with a fresh 3 year bumper-to-bumper, 5 year transmission, and 8 year engine for $500) as well.

Or, if anyone from Calgary, AB is interested in taking a quick glance IRL to help me out, I'd greatly appreciate that too :P

2007 RX-8 GT (http://listings.boostmotorgroup.com/Details.aspx?InventoryID=716415&DealershipID=440&PageSize=20&ParentCompanyID=0&DealerGroupID=0&MediaID=36&onSpecial=0&Wholesale=0&Demo=0&lang=en&isLogo=1&origin=0&CustomLogo=0&VehicleType=&VideoYN=0&IsSpecial=0&IsMembership=0&IsDemo=0&IsWholesale=0&IsCertified=0&NotDemo=0&IsNew=0&VehicleTypeID=0&RowNumber=1#ZoomPlayer)

Thanks in advance!
Spenser Jones

You could take a look at this one http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2009-Mazda-RX-8-R3-Coupe-W0QQAdIdZ236660134

I looked at it a couple days ago and it seemed like a good deal. The only issue I had with it was that there's no history for the first 6000km because it was repo'ed from the original owner. The person that's selling it now is the 8's second owner and he's only driven it for around 2000km since April I think he said it was.

All in all, less kilometers, costs less, newer model, and he says he uses premium.

So you're the other person that was interested in it. I talked to him last night and took a look at the car. Definitely sounds like a good deal, but almost seems too good. I was originally hoping for standard, but I fell in love with the white body and the A/T+paddles of the other one. Was going to actually use this one as a bargaining chip if I did go for the 07. There is quite a bit of hail damage on the 09, and a few scratches on the body too, but nothing major. Its a bit of a tossup for me at the moment, as I could probably negotiate on the 07 for a few $k, but not too much on the 09, as its already a great deal, and I don't have much experience with M/T, so I'm not sure I'd want to risk learning on an RX-8

I don't know about how the money works with you guys in Canada, but for reference...

I got my 07 Sport M/T in February 08 with 8,000 miles for $21,000...

Don't worry about learning on an RX-8. It's really easy to get used to and a pretty easy car to teach on.

dont buy the A/T. And if you want i can come and take a look to the car with you if you want . Im free tomorrow from 3 pm give me a call or text me at 403 975 8518

dont buy the A/T. And if you want i can come and take a look to the car with you if you want . Im free tomorrow from 3 pm give me a call or text me at 403 975 8518

Why would you recommend staying away from the A/T? Just because its not M/T? I went into the process wanting M/T for the fact that it is more enjoyable, and better on mileage/speed, however I'm also a fan of being able to hold a girls hand while driving in stop-and-go traffic, at which point A/T+Paddles would be great.

I won't be off work until at least 3 or 4, but I was planning on going by the dealership to test drive a few cars (other than the RX8) around 6. I'll definitely send you a text, as I'd love some feedback from a current owner.

Thanks for the feedback though guys. Definitely got me rethinking things now, which is good, as I was considering dropping some coin on it on friday morning :O
Spenser Jones

An update for anyone interested:
I test drove the Hyundai Genesis and Honda Accord Coupe last night. A buddy got the genesis, and loves it, and I was considering it until the sales manager at Hyundai Gallery ripped apart the RX-8 with false information (e.g. engines frequently dying, no matter how well you maintain it). So I walked out of there without saying anything else. As for the Accord Coupe, I've got a 95 accord sedan right now, and have always loved the look of the 2010 coupes, but it is slow as molasses. My 95 accord accelerates almost as fast as the 2010, and the buttons in the 2010 look like they're sized for the 60+ group.

Went back to testdrive the RX-8 again after George took a look with me, and took it out for a quick 5m spin. Still loving it, however I've found that in 3rd and 4th gear, when I hit around 6k RPM, the engine rattles. I'm starting to think that its not the engine that rattles, but the plastic screens in the front bumper. After watching a few more videos of MIAC, I have a feeling that is what my issue is. It is still under warranty, so I'll talk to my salesman and see if I can get the restrictor installed before I even buy it. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I'll be away all weekend, but I'm waiting for some information from my insurance agency and bank, after which I will likely have an RX-8 in my possession :)

Looks like I'm getting her. Put $500 down on her tonight, and worked out a decent deal with Cliff at Kramer Mazda (Calgary, AB). Car is $20,888, and they're tossing in an iPod adapter/harness. I'm also getting the protection package ($999) and safety package ($698), and an additional four years on the warranty ($2535). I might push for a bit more of a discount, but they already dropped the price $1k from stock, and they're also repairing a few dents/rust spots for me.

What do you guys think of the cost on that? Should I push for more freebies?