Another newbie needing RX-8 purchase advice :/ (I read the new purchase stickie)
10-14-2012, 03:13 PM
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Another newbie needing RX-8 purchase advice :/ (I read the new purchase stickie)
Hello all!
This is my first post, maybe my last thread unless I decide to purchase!
Anyways I am looking at a sexified, gorgeous 2004 RX-8 like most on here and have a few questions. I am deciding between the RX-8, 350Z, Mustang, or Jeep (bet you didn't see that coming). That being said, I will take your honest opinions to heart, as I am not looking for confidence boosters on a car I've already decided to purchase....
Ok so the details:
2004 RX-8, GT, MT
Silver w/tan and black leather (maybe stained after I drive this thing on curvy roads).
6 cd changer, sunroof, spoiler, a/c, leather.. **** you know it all.
Here is the kicker: 9,300 miles... yes, that's right. Very low mileage.
Clean title.. corporate owned.
This puppy looks to be in pristine condition.
Here is the post: 2004 Mazda RX-8 [ RX8 ] only 9,300 miles please don't buy this car from under me, as I am currently in Afghanistan and won't be back until Halloween.
Since I am not in town, I am having pdxinspections take a look at the car and do a full mechanical inspection on it.
Here is the link to pdxinspections inspection process.. they are quite reputable here in the Rose City: PDXinspections Complete Onsite Used Auto Inspection Process - PDXinspections Portland Oregon & Vancouver Washington, Used Car Consulting, Mobile Inspections
I have a few questions for you guys that are rotary specific.
I realize with any piston engine, 9,300 miles is practically brand new.
However with the rotary engine, is 9,300 miles in 8 years actually a bad thing? This means that the car has been driven about 100 miles a month. From what I read on this forum, short drives, non redline drives, etc are NOT good for the rotary engine.
This also probably means that the car has been doing alot of sitting.
I am offering below what is advertised, but what are your guys' opinions on a such a low mileage rotary?
I will post the PDXinspections review of the vehicle when they are done inspecting it...
This is my first post, maybe my last thread unless I decide to purchase!
Anyways I am looking at a sexified, gorgeous 2004 RX-8 like most on here and have a few questions. I am deciding between the RX-8, 350Z, Mustang, or Jeep (bet you didn't see that coming). That being said, I will take your honest opinions to heart, as I am not looking for confidence boosters on a car I've already decided to purchase....
Ok so the details:
2004 RX-8, GT, MT
Silver w/tan and black leather (maybe stained after I drive this thing on curvy roads).
6 cd changer, sunroof, spoiler, a/c, leather.. **** you know it all.
Here is the kicker: 9,300 miles... yes, that's right. Very low mileage.
Clean title.. corporate owned.
This puppy looks to be in pristine condition.
Here is the post: 2004 Mazda RX-8 [ RX8 ] only 9,300 miles please don't buy this car from under me, as I am currently in Afghanistan and won't be back until Halloween.
Since I am not in town, I am having pdxinspections take a look at the car and do a full mechanical inspection on it.
Here is the link to pdxinspections inspection process.. they are quite reputable here in the Rose City: PDXinspections Complete Onsite Used Auto Inspection Process - PDXinspections Portland Oregon & Vancouver Washington, Used Car Consulting, Mobile Inspections
I have a few questions for you guys that are rotary specific.
I realize with any piston engine, 9,300 miles is practically brand new.
However with the rotary engine, is 9,300 miles in 8 years actually a bad thing? This means that the car has been driven about 100 miles a month. From what I read on this forum, short drives, non redline drives, etc are NOT good for the rotary engine.
This also probably means that the car has been doing alot of sitting.
I am offering below what is advertised, but what are your guys' opinions on a such a low mileage rotary?
I will post the PDXinspections review of the vehicle when they are done inspecting it...
10-14-2012, 03:20 PM
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Huh.
That is actually a pretty solid inspection, even for a rotary. Make sure you have them read up on rotary engine compression testing and what they need to be looking for. Every 3rd pulse will be a repeating face (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, etc...) and they will need to measure the difference between the peaks for each pair of faces within a given rotor. And then they need to check the RPM and compression scores against the chart to determine what the 250rpm normalized compression readings are.
If the car has really been sitting for that long, then yeah, there are some concerns with carbonization and seal health. However, the inspection that they do will cover every concern. So if something is amiss there, those test results will pick it up. I highly recommend posting the results for all the tests here so we can see if there are any concern points that PDX might not realize are concerns.
Once you get it, you will almost certainly need to get the MSP-16 reflash done on it (or maybe PDX can bring it to a Mazda dealer to get it done).
Check out the first 9 posts of the first link in my sig for more on the rotary. Might want to point PDX to that thread as well for some general education that will help their inspection process.
That is actually a pretty solid inspection, even for a rotary. Make sure you have them read up on rotary engine compression testing and what they need to be looking for. Every 3rd pulse will be a repeating face (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, etc...) and they will need to measure the difference between the peaks for each pair of faces within a given rotor. And then they need to check the RPM and compression scores against the chart to determine what the 250rpm normalized compression readings are.
If the car has really been sitting for that long, then yeah, there are some concerns with carbonization and seal health. However, the inspection that they do will cover every concern. So if something is amiss there, those test results will pick it up. I highly recommend posting the results for all the tests here so we can see if there are any concern points that PDX might not realize are concerns.
Once you get it, you will almost certainly need to get the MSP-16 reflash done on it (or maybe PDX can bring it to a Mazda dealer to get it done).
Check out the first 9 posts of the first link in my sig for more on the rotary. Might want to point PDX to that thread as well for some general education that will help their inspection process.
10-14-2012, 03:22 PM
#3
Huh ... looks good to me
Makes sure they get a compression test done.
However even at 9300 miles I wouldn't pay 13k usd for it.
10k tops.
IMO only having 9300 miles on it is a good thing.
I would immediately change the coils.
Maybe a seafoam or two if you think that the engine might have some carbon build up
Makes sure they get a compression test done.
However even at 9300 miles I wouldn't pay 13k usd for it.
10k tops.
IMO only having 9300 miles on it is a good thing.
I would immediately change the coils.
Maybe a seafoam or two if you think that the engine might have some carbon build up
10-14-2012, 03:39 PM
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After lurking the forum, i'd say RIWWP has some sort of computer hooked into his genitals... gives a little shock when a new post is put up.
Great advice RIWWP... Josh at pdx should get back to me sometime today and I can forward him the info you provided before he does his inspection.
Do you guys have any ammo for me for negotiating price?
I emailed the guy and he was totally cooperative about the inspection, but said that he thought 13,9 was a fair price due to the uniqueness of the low miles. I kinnnnndaa (ok i did) said I'd pay 12k tops... because KBB put it at 11,8. I will see what else I can do.
The inspection is $180... and I honestly can't afford to get every vehicle I look at inspected, which should be understandable, so if the guy is real stingy on price, I'll just have to let it go
Great advice RIWWP... Josh at pdx should get back to me sometime today and I can forward him the info you provided before he does his inspection.
Do you guys have any ammo for me for negotiating price?
I emailed the guy and he was totally cooperative about the inspection, but said that he thought 13,9 was a fair price due to the uniqueness of the low miles. I kinnnnndaa (ok i did) said I'd pay 12k tops... because KBB put it at 11,8. I will see what else I can do.
The inspection is $180... and I honestly can't afford to get every vehicle I look at inspected, which should be understandable, so if the guy is real stingy on price, I'll just have to let it go
10-14-2012, 04:13 PM
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@ Tinfoil hat. Hasn't been April Fools for a while 
No, no genitals involved.
I keep an eye on new posts here: RX8 Live!Sounds like a good plan wechsler. I have a hard time commenting on price though. Too many variables between markets, currencies, etc.. before you even start trying to determine the value of a nearly new 8 year old car....
10-14-2012, 11:35 PM
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congrats on the find, seems like it'll be a pretty nice car. Hope the PDX Guys have some good news for you regarding the compression test.
9300 miles may be a mixed bag with a Rotary, but I can't see why a Seafoaming, MSP16 Update, and some new Ignition bits wouldn't fix that right up.
Considering it's such low mileage, it's worth a guess that the owner babied it and had it regularly serviced at a dealership(at least I'd hope that's the case.). Maybe try and see if he has service records available to see how well the car has been taken care of?
Just a thought, I know you're in Afghanistan so that's probably on the backburner.
In any case, good luck with your purchase and stay safe the remainder of your deployment
9300 miles may be a mixed bag with a Rotary, but I can't see why a Seafoaming, MSP16 Update, and some new Ignition bits wouldn't fix that right up.
Considering it's such low mileage, it's worth a guess that the owner babied it and had it regularly serviced at a dealership(at least I'd hope that's the case.). Maybe try and see if he has service records available to see how well the car has been taken care of?
Just a thought, I know you're in Afghanistan so that's probably on the backburner.
In any case, good luck with your purchase and stay safe the remainder of your deployment
10-15-2012, 02:59 AM
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Ok cool thanks guys.
I'm a little confused after searching the forum about the MSP16 Flash.... I understand it's "not" a recall, so how much does this flash cost at the dealership? Or will the mazda dealership do it for free? I see there is a TB out for it, but is there a certain time frame that needs to be done in?
I'm waiting for the seller to email me back... then I will email Josh at pdxinspections to go over and do the inspection. Great guy, does **** same day if you get ahold of him early enough.
After that I'll post the results and let you guys mull over them.
Thanks for all the advice. I am 50/50 on this car right now. Seeing how I am going to put some money into it right away, I am going to base my decision on final price. As much as I love rotaries (had an 88 rx7), I am not 100 percent committed to the love/hate relationship unless the price and inspection is right.
I'll post later with the results if I go ahead with the inspection. Thanks again!
I'm a little confused after searching the forum about the MSP16 Flash.... I understand it's "not" a recall, so how much does this flash cost at the dealership? Or will the mazda dealership do it for free? I see there is a TB out for it, but is there a certain time frame that needs to be done in?
I'm waiting for the seller to email me back... then I will email Josh at pdxinspections to go over and do the inspection. Great guy, does **** same day if you get ahold of him early enough.
After that I'll post the results and let you guys mull over them.
Thanks for all the advice. I am 50/50 on this car right now. Seeing how I am going to put some money into it right away, I am going to base my decision on final price. As much as I love rotaries (had an 88 rx7), I am not 100 percent committed to the love/hate relationship unless the price and inspection is right.
I'll post later with the results if I go ahead with the inspection. Thanks again!
10-15-2012, 05:14 AM
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MSP-16 dealer letter:
Conflicting info there, so I would recommend calling a potential dealer that you might bring it to, and ask them about it. They can also check to see if it was already done, just in case it was. I believe that even if they decline warranty, it would be the same charge as a "electronic diagnosis fee", whatever they have that priced at. Reflashing takes 2 minutes.
TO: Mazda Dealership Service Managers
DATE: March 2008
SUBJECT: Mazda Service Program - MSP16
2004-2008 RX-8 Engine Lack of Power
Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Mazda Service Program (MSP) on 2004-
2008 RX-8 vehicles built from April 10, 2003 through November 9, 2007.
Certain 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles may experience a lack of engine power and/or low/rough
engine idle speed in high ambient temperatures.
Please perform MSP16 on all applicable vehicles in dealer inventory and when owners bring
their vehicles in for regularly scheduled maintenance or other service work. Please explain to
the customer that the powertrain control module is reprogrammed free of charge.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remind your Service Consultants to run a Warranty Vehicle Inquiry
using eMDCS for every vehicle that comes through your drive. This report will indicate if the
vehicle is applicable to MSP16 as well as any other open Service Campaign or Recall.
A Mazda Service Program (MSP) is similar to a Special Service Program (SSP) and is designed
to improve customer satisfaction and reduce customer inconvenience. Like a Recall or SSP,
eMDCS will display MSP16 when performing an eMDCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry on an
applicable vehicle. The eMDCS system will also display “OPEN” if the repair has not been
performed, or “CLOSED” if it has been performed. By clicking on the blue MSP16, eMDCS will
hyperlink to Service Bulletin 01-013/08 which provides repair and warranty claim information.
Additionally, you can find this Bulletin on the MS3 Website and on Mstore under Bulletins,
Forms & E-Documents. We have also enclosed copies of this Bulletin for your convenience.
Warranty Claims for MSP16 will be accepted during the Emission Warranty term of the vehicle.
Afterwards a DCSM authorization is required.
For technical assistance, call the Technical Assistance Hotline at (888) 832-8477. For warranty
questions, contact the Corporate Dealer Assistance Group at (877) 727-6626, Option 2. Your
support in carrying out this program is greatly appreciated.
DATE: March 2008
SUBJECT: Mazda Service Program - MSP16
2004-2008 RX-8 Engine Lack of Power
Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Mazda Service Program (MSP) on 2004-
2008 RX-8 vehicles built from April 10, 2003 through November 9, 2007.
Certain 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles may experience a lack of engine power and/or low/rough
engine idle speed in high ambient temperatures.
Please perform MSP16 on all applicable vehicles in dealer inventory and when owners bring
their vehicles in for regularly scheduled maintenance or other service work. Please explain to
the customer that the powertrain control module is reprogrammed free of charge.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remind your Service Consultants to run a Warranty Vehicle Inquiry
using eMDCS for every vehicle that comes through your drive. This report will indicate if the
vehicle is applicable to MSP16 as well as any other open Service Campaign or Recall.
A Mazda Service Program (MSP) is similar to a Special Service Program (SSP) and is designed
to improve customer satisfaction and reduce customer inconvenience. Like a Recall or SSP,
eMDCS will display MSP16 when performing an eMDCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry on an
applicable vehicle. The eMDCS system will also display “OPEN” if the repair has not been
performed, or “CLOSED” if it has been performed. By clicking on the blue MSP16, eMDCS will
hyperlink to Service Bulletin 01-013/08 which provides repair and warranty claim information.
Additionally, you can find this Bulletin on the MS3 Website and on Mstore under Bulletins,
Forms & E-Documents. We have also enclosed copies of this Bulletin for your convenience.
Warranty Claims for MSP16 will be accepted during the Emission Warranty term of the vehicle.
Afterwards a DCSM authorization is required.
For technical assistance, call the Technical Assistance Hotline at (888) 832-8477. For warranty
questions, contact the Corporate Dealer Assistance Group at (877) 727-6626, Option 2. Your
support in carrying out this program is greatly appreciated.
10-15-2012, 04:23 PM
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Hey guys thanks for all the advice.. after much deliberation I have come to the conclusion that I'm not financially ready for all that the RX8 can bring to the table. Mustang it is. Thanks for all the replies and advice!
10-15-2012, 08:39 PM
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Good luck out there. When it comes time for you to trade the torque for a steering wheel, there will still be RX-8s around. Making a decision financially to pass is usually for the right reason.
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