Hey guys,

I am about to buy my first RX-8.
The specific one I am looking at is a 2004 Red GT with Sunroof at a dealer in North York, Ontario. (not a Mazda dealer)

It is in good condition (I took it for a drive and it does well) and has no outside damage as I can see except a few small paint chips (which the dealer said he will fix). It has 51000km on it.

According to the CARFAX, I would be the fourth owner, but otherwise it looks good.

The sticker price is $19998 + $399 Admin + $499 PDE charge + 14% tax = $23821.44

I was hoping to pay a lot less than that. When I was negotiating (earlier this afternoon) he said he would give a $500 discount and new tires (not sure why he said this as the others are fine). Big whoop. He said "What are you willing to pay?" I said that in my head I had the figure $20000 with taxes and everything done. He clearly denied that.

Do you guys think I am being unreasonable? I walked out after a little while but I might go back.

I just want to get the best price as this is my first RX8 and I'm strapped!

Also, what is the typical resale price of a 2004 RX8 GT if you guys know?

Thanks for any insight guys!!

 

A few things i'm wondering.

1) Is the car a manual?
2) What are your intentions for the car....race, drift, show, daily driver?
3) Is it equiped with navigation?
4) Has the car been modified at all?
5) ..........?


I bought my 04 red gt with 18000 miles and nav. 1.5 years ago for 23000.00. The navigation seems to add alot to the price as far as I know. This past summer I tried selling mine for 19500, but I got no takers. The Mazda dealership said they would give me 15000.00 on a trade in.

The reason I'm wondering what your intentions are for the car, is because if your planning on racing, or drift or even just making a fast rx8, then some things like nav, leather, spoiler, and the rotary appearance package aren't really needed and if anything just adding to the price of you car.

This was my case and thats why I tried selling it. There are alot of other rx8's that are cheaper but most aren't FULLY LOADED.

One thing about the car is you can't switch out the CD player. I know of one place that has switched it ou for a indash cd/dvd player, however it was custom work and I think he lost control of his AC.

In mine I've got the nav and have now gotten it to wear it can play DVD off a ps2 in my glovebox....The screen actually looks pretty sick.... So If your looking for show thats something you can think about....that and the nav is pretty handi.

I hate seeing someone pay more for one with more miles 1 year later. I also did travel 250 miles to get it. I was sure I was gonna buy it before I even test drove it. The dealership was a cash value dealership so there's no comission. the salesman makes the same for any type of car. This allows for them to keep their prices down a bit lower than other. I'd search around some. I found this car on autotrader. I'd try there and maybe car soup and others like that.

 

Good Questions:

1.) Manual
2.) Daily Driver (just a fun car to drive)
3.) No Navi (sunroof though)
4.) Stock

Thanks guys.

 

Mark, I think it's a good deal as is.

But...I wouldn't buy anything without a rigorous test drive and copies of all maintenance. If that seller doesn’t have it, take the serial number to a dealer. If the dealer has nothing on record, walk away.

The 8 may be the most reliable car you ever owned, if it was maintained properly.

 

Wonder what tires you'd get.

 

I'd be concerned that the car has had 3 owners. A 4 year-old car with 3 owners? Unless it was a few dealers in a row moving the car around within a short period, I'd be concerned.

You should have a look at the vehicle information package that they are supposed to supply (prior to selling it, not when you get the car). This would give you a better idea of the car's history as well as any liens registered to it. Ask to see it.

The price is nothing special. The local Mazda dealer in Ottawa had a nice '04 GT black for a few weeks at $19,000 w/68k. Look around and you will find a few with better prices. A quick look at the trader shows quite a few '05s for between $18-20,000, even one at $16,000 (but it's an auto).


Cheers and good luck,

Andre

 

An '05 manual with 36k, $17,995. In your area too.

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/detai...1&adid=6508768

 

Seems to be a decent deal but the thing that concerns me as well is 4 owners in 3-4 years. I suggest you look around some more.

 

Alright guys thanks for all the info so far...

Actually the tire question was a good one. They are not the stock Potenzas but Dunlops for some reason.

Also, I did look at the Carfax and that's how I found out I would be the 4th owner. Otherwise it looks okay.

How much would you guys expect to get if you sold this car??
Also, how much would you guys expect to get if you sold a 2005 GS with 35000km??

The reason I ask is because I am looking at both these cars and whether I get one or the other I will have to sell before next winter because the baby is coming. Kinda my last fun car

Both cars are relatively the same asking price.

Thanks again for the help guys!!

(sorry one last question (I really appreciate your help )...What would you guys expect to be able to deal down a car to? How much is too much to push for?)

 

Who knows what the market will dictate in a year... Maybe 17G for the '05 GS?


You should be able to deal down a car by at least $1000 especially from dealers. If a dealer is not putting it a few G's over what he's willing to settle for, he's not a very good dealer. This doesn't mean he would accept a lower offer, depends on a his sales tactics and how he thinks the car would sell.

 

Late model cars sold at some indie shop would cause me to wonder.... Generally these cars have some history that their own brand dealership would rather avoid and sell to an indie shop.

 

Alright that is good to know Slick (thanks!)

Just to be sure, anyone have any other insight on a fair price for either a Red 2004 RX-8 GT Manual w/51000km as listed above or a Grey 2005 GS manual w/25000km?

And how to negotiate with dealers? (I usually buy new cars and I can check the invoice price for that)

thanks again

Just posted right after you delhi... From the vibes I am getting from you guys, it might better I stay away from the Red one. I am currently looking at another 2004 Red GT w/83000km on it right now located at a Mazda dealership in my area. Going to check it out tomorrow but unfourtunately someone has already put a deposit on it and they are just waiting to be approved for financing...I sure hope they aren't.

Just in case I fall in love with it tomorrow...a fair price for a 2004 Red GT Manual w/83000km might be??

Thanks guys.

 

Don't even think about the GS if you are going to drive in the snow ... you'll regret not having traction control. Besides, on the GS you don't get goodies like the Xenon lights, leather heated seats, etc.

As for dealing with the salesmen ... remember that you are boss and don't get attached to a car. Be prepared to walk away even if "there's another guy that's interested in the car and is going to put in an offer soon". They will pressure you into a deal because every car in the lot is money that is sitting outside and NOT in the bank. Don't feel bad about looking like jerk (he's not your friend) and TELLING him that you found a better deal down the street and that if he can't meet your price that you'll walk and keep looking.

It's really no different than buying new, just that you need a reference as to what is a good deal.

I think Delhi hit the nail on the head with his comment on indies. In general, these dealerships get their vehicles from dealer auctions, after the lease is up from dealerships.

As for the 2004 Red 6spd GT --> it's fairly high in mileage so I'd pay 16-17K (maybe 18 if it had Nav).

Did you think about buying from a private seller ... you can probably get a better deal that way.

Be patient .. the right deal will come to you. I went back and forth with the dealership for a month before I got mine.

 

- Don't redline in a 50km zone.

- When bargaining make a list of your request and don't back down. To get the sale they will give you all of that and more. Try for free oil changes too...

- I have a MS VR RX and that is the BEST color choice!!

 

Why not? you can do it in first no?

 

Yes but not a good idea... I did it in 2nd and got a ticket... In boonville too... Didn't think a copper would have been there...

 

I usually just redline on the onramp to the highway...which is more fun cuz it's on a turn :-P

 

Hey guys I am going to look at one now and I think this is it! What offer should I make initially??

2004 GT Red Manual
83000km
Toronto-area Mazda dealer..

Thanks guys!!

 

2004?...don't walk away....RUN!

 

Ask for free oil changes for a few years... Good savings there...

 

how many years/kms are left on the warranty?

 

Wholesale price is b/t $15,070 - $16,870. Feel free to add like $2k on top? But no more.

 

Hey guys...well the Red one didn't turn out to fancy me (aka the price she was willing to deal down to) (thanks for that info btw delhi...she was nowhere even near $20000)

Next...I returned to another dealer that I liked the car at. It was a 2005 RX8 Manual GS grey with only 25000km on it. The list price was $19998 and after some dealing got it down to $23387 including everything (taxes + dealer fees)...then down to $22914 including everything.

I walked out in the end because I want to make sure this is a good deal with you guys (as you guys are my source for everything RX8 )

I don't really think this is a good deal but you guys tell me..

thanks again!

 

I would suggest not getting GS. The traction control on the GT makes a difference. I'm not a bad driver.... ok, now that I've said that, the traction control has saved my life twice. Forget winter, take the bus.... but for days when it's pouring buckets of water, the GT with traction control is worth every penny. (That's my opinion).

All season tires are a good choice. For that car's stock wheels, may I suggest asking them to put on "Bridgestone Potenza 960 AS Pole position" - the best all season tire anyone in our club (BC) has experienced so far on stock wheels. They are also cheaper then the stock tires that are on your car now. Look up Tire Rack, select our car, and select all seasons. These tires have as good of traction on wet roads as the stock tires on dry. Fantastic!!

Actually... those tires are perfect for those wheels.

Remember, if you wait until the end of the year, they WILL be scrambling to sell off old stock. They MUST sell to make way for the 08s. Best time to buy a used RX8, or a 07 RX8 for near the same price. Wait it out, you'll be surprised. (Also with winter coming in, it will be THAT MUCH HARDER for them to sell the RX8, haha) (Just complain about it's gas mileage and it's poor traction on snow)

Hope you get a VR 2007 RX8 GT (With extra stock Mazda body Kit)!