hey guys, it's just killing me everytime i see an rx-8 for sale. i have seen them as low as 19,000 for low milage rx-8's! what's the deal?
i know all cars go down in value, but this is killing me! Mine had a value of 35K new! and it's only one year old... i'm in Oregon, are the values going down all over the usa? or is Oregon just bad???

thanks!

:crying:

With people buying them new for as much as 8k under MSRP for the lasy two model years of course the values aren't great.

hey guys, it's just killing me everytime i see an rx-8 for sale. i have seen them as low as 19,000 for low milage rx-8's! what's the deal?
i know all cars go down in value, but this is killing me! Mine had a value of 35K new! and it's only one year old... i'm in Oregon, are the values going down all over the usa? or is Oregon just bad???

thanks!

:crying:

Mazda has their share of depreciation on all their luxury models. That's why I always buy at year end. With rebates and discounts you can save alot. Mazda's are great cars. As good as any honda I've owned. It's a good car to shop for if you buy used or left overs. I never pay full sticker because I know how fast pricey cars depriciate.

As good as any honda I've owned.

Mazda A/Cs blow, no pun intended.

Four different people I know at church have Hondas that they bought new, 2003 or later, and all of them have buttons and knobs popping off everything like crazy.

Anyways, didn't someone say they fixed the AC problem?

Fix wut AC problem? no one touched my AC ever !

and summer is coming again .... Im gonna get BBQ in my 8 real soon ...

ya I laugh at the clowns on ebay trying to get more than $20g for their used RX8 seeings how a new 05 could be had for low 20's. And when the 05's hit ebay in a year or two it should be interesting.

I read that there is boost unit they put on at the dealer for those who repeatedly complain about AC capacity.

It's apparently a quasi-service bulletin.

They sold us a real turd when it comes to resale value.

It's a really great car--it's just very unfortunate they depreciated so badly. The incentives are great if you're looking to buy--but they're terrible if you have a trade in.

De

There are FAR worse out there.

I was checking out the Hyundai forums - according to estimates, the new Hyundai Azera, with a MSRP of 28k+, will be worth $14,200 after 24 months of service.

I got a great deal on mine, so I'm not too worried. People who bought first most likely will get clobbered the worst, as nearly always the case with a new product.

Fix wut AC problem? no one touched my AC ever !

and summer is coming again .... Im gonna get BBQ in my 8 real soon ...


There's a TSB out for the weak air conditioner. I had it done and now I freeze in the summer.

lets hope 06 is the end of the 8 .. and then 4 years down the road with blow engines and crashed cars the 8 will be somewhat of a rarity

I will tell you that when I had this as one of my top reasons for trading the RX-8 in. I bought my RX-8 for 27,000 brand new in early 2004 and at the time it was a steal considering the 32,000 sticker price.

I considered myself lucky to trade in at 19,000. I'm sorry, I understand that the first two years are huge depreciation for any car, but that's just too much for a car like the RX-8. It is a GREAT car, probably the best I've owned other than what I have now, but it's resale is in the dumps. Our S2K holds value much better.

My theory is that the RX-8 is not the huge seller that Mazda expected it to be. Everytime I pass the dealer I see dozens of them just sitting. Mazda should have expected a 4 door "quasi coupe" with a rotary engine to be a specialty or niche car, and they shouldn't have produced them in the large quanitities that they did. Throw in the fact that the largest investor in Mazda stock is Ford and Ford's current financial woes can't be good for resale in general.

I will miss the RX-8, and I didn't want to trade in as quickly as I did, but the dwindling resale made me want to do it before resale got any worse. Imagine the resale value of an S2K if Honda made them in the same quantities as Mazda did the RX-8.

The Z on the other hand, seems to be doing fairly well. I suppose people will stick with what they know rather than something as quirky as a rotary with suicide doors. Tried and true, the high horsepower RWD 2 seater sports coupe with a traditional piston engine.

shaolin, the resale value of any car, including the 8, fares better in latter years, as a percentage of purchase price, rather than early years.

From a strictly monetary viewpoint, you would have been further ahead keeping the 8 an additional 12 months or so (unless you drive 30,000 miles per year).

The biggest depreciation hit is always the first 2 years.

The biggest depreciation hit is always the first 2 years.

Very true, but 30-35% after 12 months and 12K miles is just ridiculous.

Do us a favor Mazda and stop making so many of these things!!!

I understand that. I traded in with 34000 on the clock after two years and it was only because we know the owner of the dealership that I got 19,000 for the car. Typically they would have only given 15,000. I'm sorry but that's unacceptable. I'm sure that in the coming years, the cars will hold their values better than they have in the past two, but remember resale wasn't the sole reason why I traded in. I needed a larger car for business, and I needed a luxury one at that. I was accustomed to getting 13-17 mpg so I just went ahead with the SUV.

So shoot me. I just know that our S2K is holding value much much better. Like I said, I attribute that to overproduction and overly optimistic sales expectations.

drive a car long enough and resale value is moot. That's my approach with the 8. 2008 may bring back the Camaro, and just in time :) .

No, I'm NOT saying "shoot you." I would never dare be such an ass as to tell someone whether they should or should not trade a car in, or when.

I think 15k would have been a real low ball offer, had they made it. A 2004 (bought in 2003, I presume?) RX-8 with 34k miles has a higher trade in value than that.

In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, a 2004 GT with 34000 miles has a trade in value of $20,075, and a private party sale price of $23,255.

http://autos.yahoo.com/kbb/report.html?ee=E1E&dr=-RW&tr=6ST&mi=34000&eq=-AC&eq=-CC&eq=-PL&eq=-PS&eq=-PW&eq=-RA&eq=-TW&eq=-AB&eq=-AW&eq=CH&eq=LR&eq=MR&eq=NS&eq=-SB&eq=SI&eq=P3&eq=-DB&cn=4&tp=0&mc=MA&mk=Mazda&mo=RX-8&st=NV&tc=R8&tn=Coupe+4D&yr=2004&zip=89044&submit=Continue

I bought my 05' 6pd Grand Touring used with 6,800 miles on it, for $24,000 + Tax, title, tags USD. I made out like a Bandit. :rollingla

A car is not an investment...

If you want an investment, buy a mutual fund...

Every car that I've own has depreciated from $25,000 to $2000 after 10 year of ownership...

But, I keep every car that I've owned for at least 10 years....

I'm only putting about 7000 miles a year on my 8. It isn't going anywhere for a long time.

It's gonna lose alot of value the first year. I bought mine for $27,000 and 10 months later it's down to $20,000. Thats $1000 a month and typical for the first year. People who trade in the same year that they buy get the worst deal. I reccomend keeping the car at least for two years before trading in for another car.

And $24,000 isn't really making out like a bandit. For almost 7000 miles on a GT '05, the dealer made out like a bandit. They made $4,000 to $5,000 off you not to mention how much of a hit the previous owner took on his trade in, probably $7,000. That's potentially $12,000 profit from one vehicle, and one happy dealership.

A car is not an investment...

If you want an investment, buy a mutual fund...

Every car that I've own has depreciated from $25,000 to $2000 after 10 year of ownership...

But, I keep every car that I've owned for at least 10 years....

Good point, But just looking at the quality of the rx8, its hard to imagine it being sold for 2K 20 yrs from now or not. I beleive there will be a point when the depreciation stabalizes and appreciation will take over in about 10 yrs.

I bought my 05' 6pd Grand Touring used with 5,356 miles on it, for $23,699 + Tax, title, tags USD. Now that was a steal.

Still not really a steal for used '05 GT. The dealer down the street from me is selling same car NEW for $24,000. All NEW Rx-8 '05 are offering $8,000 off sticker in my area. Remember it is '06 and they are clearing all the '05's out. You probably could've got a new car for the same price if you looked around some more.

If you want an investment, buy some bonds.
If you want a car, buy something you enjoy.

Dont even think of a car as an investment, youre going to lose any way you look at it.
You especialy lose if your intent is just to trade it in a couple years later. Why even bother? Just pay it off, keep it around until it no longer runs, and buy a new one.

CARS ARE NOT INVESTMENTS

(unless you buy double-digit produced cars, or classics)

The question is NOT whether a car is an investment—no car is. (I'm assuming we're not talking collectible classics.) The issue is how will 8's retain their value relative to other new cars. I think most of us sense they won't hold their value well. Fortunately many of us don't care because we love the car and plan on keeping it a long time.

I think it's silly to be basing a car purchase on what you can turn around and sell it for 3 years down the road.
If you're looking for a short-term vehicle, leasing is for you.

Only idiots turn around a car every few years.

One of the most foolish things anyone can do is sell a car they bought new in the first 2 years.

The first 2 years is when the greatest (by far) depreciation takes place.

The car as depreciated A LOT more than I expected it would. I have to agree with Shaolin's reasonings. If I had realized how bad it was actually going to depreciate, I may not be in it now. Just gotta be honest.

I bought the car because I fell in love with the way it handled, (and it was red), and did not like having the same car as everyone else. Low re-sale values may keep more people from buying one, and that's fine. It's still the car I bought for enjoyment, no matter what everyone else feels it's worth.

i got a used '05 GT for 23k out the door with 13,000 highway miles on it. now that's a steal!!! i keed...but i think it was a fairly solid deal 2 months ago when I bought it. anyway, depreciation sucks, it's true, but to be quite blunt about, what difference does it make? if you all love the car so much, drive the hell out of it until it dies, which shouldn't be until at least 8 years down the line, if you take care of it. what's the obsession with money and cutting your losses and getting a replacement that doesn't quite fit the bill? call me old fashioned and un-american for not having the pervasive attitude in america of keeping up with the jones' and perpetually wanting the best and newest...but I plan on keep this car for the next ten years. it's my first car, but it will be my first car for a very long time. and if it's in decent shape when i get something new, i'd probably like to keep it provided it's not terribly cost prohibitive. clearly there are those who get/lease new cars every 3 years, and I appreciate that, but am I the only one who isn't already looking forward to purchasing something specific in the next few years?

I bought the 8 for the long haul(10years) depreciation will not affect me unless I become disatisfied and want to trade it early. Most jap cars last 10 years with minimal problems. finding a car you won't tire of and holding 10 years is the most economical thing you can do as an owner. That will be hard with all the new stuff comming out. Glad I have a car as unique as the 8.

No, I'm NOT saying "shoot you." I would never dare be such an ass as to tell someone whether they should or should not trade a car in, or when.

I think 15k would have been a real low ball offer, had they made it. A 2004 (bought in 2003, I presume?) RX-8 with 34k miles has a higher trade in value than that.

In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, a 2004 GT with 34000 miles has a trade in value of $20,075, and a private party sale price of $23,255.

http://autos.yahoo.com/kbb/report.html?ee=E1E&dr=-RW&tr=6ST&mi=34000&eq=-AC&eq=-CC&eq=-PL&eq=-PS&eq=-PW&eq=-RA&eq=-TW&eq=-AB&eq=-AW&eq=CH&eq=LR&eq=MR&eq=NS&eq=-SB&eq=SI&eq=P3&eq=-DB&cn=4&tp=0&mc=MA&mk=Mazda&mo=RX-8&st=NV&tc=R8&tn=Coupe+4D&yr=2004&zip=89044&submit=Continue

These posts made me think because everything I had seen had shown the S2Ks depreciating just as badly.
I know several people who have purchased used S2Ks because they are so cheap now. Dealerships around here have had the same cars sitting on the lot for a year or more.

Just for fun, I did the KBB value on the S2K using the same information as Rotorocket:
http://autos.yahoo.com/kbb/report.html?ee=4GE&dr=-RW&tr=6ST&mi=33000&eq=-AB&eq=-AC&eq=-AW&eq=-CC&eq=-LR&eq=-PL&eq=-PS&eq=-PW&eq=-RA&eq=-CD&eq=-DB&cn=4&tp=1&mc=HO&mk=Honda&mo=S2000&st=NV&tc=S2&tn=Convertible+2D&yr=2004&zip=89044&submit=Continue

So, private party KBB on the same year, same condition and same zip code is...
$23,540.

The RX-8 was $23,255.

Yep, certainly seems like the S2000 is the way to go for resale value.


Now, all of that being said, to be totally honest, I'm still disapointed in the depreciation on all the cars in this class. But, it's a bit of a fact of life with any "niche" sporty vehicle. I mostly accept it.
I was kind of spoiled with my previous car I guess, so it all works out. I had a 99 Civic SiR, bought new for $23,300 Canadian (plus taxes.) Sold it 4 years later with 84,000km on it for $17,000 Canadian. Oh well.. can't win them all...

These posts made me think because everything I had seen had shown the S2Ks depreciating just as badly.
I know several people who have purchased used S2Ks because they are so cheap now. Dealerships around here have had the same cars sitting on the lot for a year or more.

Just for fun, I did the KBB value on the S2K using the same information as Rotorocket:
http://autos.yahoo.com/kbb/report.html?ee=4GE&dr=-RW&tr=6ST&mi=33000&eq=-AB&eq=-AC&eq=-AW&eq=-CC&eq=-LR&eq=-PL&eq=-PS&eq=-PW&eq=-RA&eq=-CD&eq=-DB&cn=4&tp=1&mc=HO&mk=Honda&mo=S2000&st=NV&tc=S2&tn=Convertible+2D&yr=2004&zip=89044&submit=Continue

So, private party KBB on the same year, same condition and same zip code is...
$23,540.

The RX-8 was $23,255.

Yep, certainly seems like the S2000 is the way to go for resale value.



I think the present economy is hitting the luxury and sportscar market resale the hardest right now. Now is not the time to sell but a good time to buy. it's a buyer market.

I think the present economy is hitting the luxury and sportscar market resale the hardest right now. Now is not the time to sell but a good time to buy. it's a buyer market.

I think that you are correct as that very much has to be a factor.
It seems like everything outside of the "compact car" kind of market is really taking a hit.

I don't think it's a "The Mazda/Honda/Nissan etc blah blah sucks and doesn't hold it's value," kind of issue. It's just vehicles that aren't as effecient and may be a touch frivilous of extravagent just aren't holding up.

The first year(2004) 8's will get hit the most imo. Usually first year cars are thought to have most of the recalls, problems and over supplied.

Well if people look at how much some 93-95 RX-7s are going for 13 years later I think holding on to the 8 would be a very good decision especially if you take really good care of your car. When the 8 is not so readily available as it is now it will rise in value.

I think most sporty cars lose big time in retained value - the RX-8 is no different. Mainstream cars are simply not great investments - period.

Just checked out my 2001 SLK320 - $44000 plus 5000 taxes etc - now KBB (Private Sale at 40000 miles) - just $23000. seen them saling on eBat for less than $20000.

Just enjoy the car - and suck it up.

Personally my 2004 Rx-8 will probably see the year 2015 or more - and I'll still be enjoying it then.

Well, if part of the reason people think it depreciated so much is that there are too many of them, good news for those who are buying 06's. There will not be a huge number of them due to a very short production year for the US market that started in February. The 07's are expected in late October early November.

I do know that my RX-8 is going to go down in value, that's a no brainer. I'm ok with that. The reason why I started this question, is I just was suprised to see them going for so cheap, AND I was wondering if that low price was Nation Wide.
Thanks!
:rock:

I do know that my RX-8 is going to go down in value, that's a no brainer. I'm ok with that. The reason why I started this question, is I just was suprised to see them going for so cheap, AND I was wondering if that low price was Nation Wide.
Thanks!
:rock:

Not just nation-wide, but across other nations. Resale value seems to be low here in Canada as well. But, as was indicated, this isn't an RX-8 thing, it's seems to be a sports car thing.

Just got my 2005 GT AT a couple weeks ago for 24200. Brand new with 60 miles on it. Chicago area.

one of the reasons for the poor resale value is the discounts dealers have to offer on new models just to push them out the door. Even then , the average 8 spends 162 days on the lot (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060306/AUTO01/603060373/1121/AUTO) with the popularity of the car on the slide (30% lower volume every year), it's hard to keep the resale up, i wouldn't be surprised if real values are actually below kbb...

edit: and it's not the whole sporty / sports segment either, lexus is and cayman are some of the hottest cars right now. it appears to be the mazda marketing dept, mazda has the most cars on the "COLD" end of the scale of any manufacturer.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20060306&Category=AUTO01&ArtNo=603060373&Ref=H9&Profile=1121&MaxW=1000&Q=100&title=1

Not just nation-wide, but across other nations. Resale value seems to be low here in Canada as well. But, as was indicated, this isn't an RX-8 thing, it's seems to be a sports car thing.

i dont think its a sports car thing at all... look at the old twin turbo supras, those hold value like nobodys business. it might be a mazda thing though. my g35 6mt isnt really a sports car, but its holding value extremely well.. only lost about 3k in depreciation since i bought it. As does the bmw 3 series. my mom's Mazda millenia on the other hand.. is only worth about 2 thousand bucks and change now :(, and its had a lot of problems over the years. we are getting a TSX to replace it, hopefully it will fair better.

The more incentives they put on our cars thee faster they depreciate. I think the 8 will come around in a few years but on the short term I feel they will not. I paid $23K for mine out the door in Nov. 05 with 14K miles on it and trade is $20K at our local dealer. Not to bad but still loosing money. On one had when I buy my Fords on the X-plan I never have lost money. BUt I still like my "8" alot and paln on keeping it.....Unless the NEW Challanger shows up in the near future!!!

It does depend on the car. Look at resale values for the G35 coupe and mini cooper S compared to the 8. A car that holds it's value well should be around 40-50% after 5 years. 04 RX8s are around that now or soon will be.

It does depend on the car. Look at resale values for the G35 coupe and mini cooper S compared to the 8. A car that holds it's value well should be around 40-50% after 5 years. 04 RX8s are around that now or soon will be.

50% after 5 years would be exceptional resale value.

i dont think its a sports car thing at all... look at the old twin turbo supras, those hold value like nobodys business. it might be a mazda thing though. my g35 6mt isnt really a sports car, but its holding value extremely well.. only lost about 3k in depreciation since i bought it. As does the bmw 3 series. my mom's Mazda millenia on the other hand.. is only worth about 2 thousand bucks and change now :(, and its had a lot of problems over the years. we are getting a TSX to replace it, hopefully it will fair better.

Nope, a car being sporty has little to do with it. The Evo, STI, G35C, 350Z, and Mini have some of the highest retained value according to KBB.

http://money.cnn.com/2004/08/23/pf/autos/kbb_resale_value/index.htm

50% after 5 years would be exceptional resale value.

Maybe it's 4 years then, I remember reading a Consumer reports article on best resell value models and the mini was at the top. They mentioned 50% but perhaps it was 4 years. It wasn't less than that.

Maybe it's 4 years then, I remember reading a Consumer reports article on best resell value models and the mini was at the top. They mentioned 50% but perhaps it was 4 years. It wasn't less than that.

If you look at the link I just posted, 5 year retained value is estimated to be 53% for the Mini, you weren't wrong.

i got my used 04 6sp gt for $20,400. i loved that someone else paid most of the depreciation for me. having said that:

CLAM DOWN PEOPLE AND ENJOY YOUR CARS!

if you wanted to invest in a car, you should have gotten an old classic car, fixed it up and sold it for a profit, but obviously there was something about the rx8 that you wanted so freakin' enjoy it. if you really want a return on your "investment," park it for 30 years or so, keep it in good condition and sell it at a profit to an enthusist around 2036 or so. i'm sure they'll pay top dollar for a well kept 8 with under 50k miles on it.

the resale value of a 13 year old rx7 gt is still around $10k, and people are still managing to get $15-$20k for them depending on the condition. they're not going to make the 8 forever.

if you're letting something like this come between you and the enjoyment of your car, then you probably shouldn't have bought one in the first place.

There's a TSB out for the weak air conditioner. I had it done and now I freeze in the summer.

REALLY !? WHERE !?

LET ME FIND IT ....

*Edited* Well, mine is a 05 and the A/C really sucks .... grrrrr .....

Im going to try some mods posted a while ago next month .... too busy this month.

Thanks, tho