Lazarus1H

2004 Mazda RX8

I want to know if it's worth it to buy and fix this RX8. I currently have a Honda CRV, but I'm looking to sell it for around 9k and use the proceeds to buy the car I've always wanted.

What's the best case scenario, and what's the worst case scenario when buying a project car like this?

P.S. I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this post, I glanced over the threads quickly and this seemed like the best choice.

sblethen

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't offer anymore than $800 for it. then I would part it out. take your 9K and buy a nice RX8! Also did you notice it is an Auto?

Lazarus1H

I actually want an auto. Stick is the worst here in the city, especially when you need to park in parking garages downtown often as I do. It sucks, but it is what it is.

kjb

Engine, body work, paint, sun roof...the repairs wouldn't be cheap. You're really looking at a parts car. With the cost of work to be done, there is little value left in the car. It's kinda sad that someone could **** up a car that badly in 57,000 miles. That car belonged to someone who should have bought a Yugo.

I'm no expert, but I wouldn't be surprised if it took $8-$10k to get it all fixed...if that's all there is to fix.

bse50

I live in a clogged city and don't feel the need for an auto...
Unless you're a lazy fat bastard you won't even notice you're shifting after a while.

Btw you're looking at at least 5\5.5k to repair it and make it driveable. Paint matching the rear bumper and the rest of the non mechanical work also adds up.

comebackqid

iTrader: (13)

don't buy that car, you will just be pocketing his troubles and losing a hefty lump of cash keep looking around here on the forums and buy a car worth your time search for sale threads you are bound to find something good.

kjb

I just re-read the ad and noticed "there is no compression in one of the cylinders". Cylinders...too funny

I think someone was way over their head in their "rebuild project" and gave up.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

that car is being owned by a moron that has zero clue of what he is doing, but hey he is a big boy now and can take that "project" ... instead of fixing it properly he bought some junk engine of unknown condition cuz he have no idea how these engine "cylinder" thing works.

depends on how it actually look like in person I would not pay them more than 1K for the whole car. like the others have said this is just more like a "parts car" than anything else.

Hmm ... I drive a stick in New York City, which has FAR Worst traffic than almost anywhere else in the country. I think. and I'm ok with it. Don't use that as an excuse.

pistonhater

At least the seller is honest, stating things as they are.

Clues

Maybe he was doing an engine swap? Hence the cylinders.

brilliantblackrx8

I'll take the interior, that's about it, it's a parts car plain and simple.

jamesf

iTrader: (1)

only thing i found fishy about that was that he said that the engine is past warranty. He only has 57,000 miles on it. The warranty is up to 100,000.

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

it's likely past the 8 year mark since it's an 04.

OP, with the condition of the car, i'd pass on it. It's a 4 port auto that needs an engine and body work. You likely wouldn't even get the 4k back if you parted it out.

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

Pass.

jamesf

iTrader: (1)

oops, forgot about that part .


Anyways, yeah I'd pass on it too.

j9fd3s

i put this in my spreadsheet, for repair costs; an engine is $2600ish for the part, $1000 in labor, sunroof glass is like $550 just for the part, and the paint damage is $1500?

so i repairs are AT LEAST $5600, when you add things like engine mounts, coils, etc etc its going to be more like $7000.

trade in value is $8600, running. private party is $10600.

so i figure its worth no more than $2000.

mike

Lazarus1H

Thanks for the help guys! I'll just stick around and lurk on the forums like you've suggested.

I forwarded the listing to my mechanic, that way if he buys it he'll have parts for me if I need them in the future =)

monchie

Buying it for parting parts...good idea.