robd1337

I've narrowed my search down to three options, all in southern CA:

#1 - 2005 GT, 166k miles. Private seller. Original engine, all maintenance records, recent compression test, replaced spark plugs, bwd ignition coils, aluminum radiator. $7.6k.
Seems like my best option since the owner addressed its engine, starter, and cooling issues. I'm only hesitant about that really high mileage, but it could be a solid buy if the compression test scores are good (and negotiating the price).

#2 - 2005 T, 130k miles. Dealer. 5 previous owners, compression test available. $4.6k.
Sketches me out from having 5 previous owners, its history says it's been through a few repo's and sales and I'm trying to check if its engine had been replaced/rebuilt. Could be good if the engine and transmission are still healthy, but I'd have to budget time and money for a rebuild if something goes wrong.

#3 - 2005, 125k miles. Still obtaining details. $5.6k
Seems pretty clean, but the seller also posted rx8 rotors and a crankshaft in another post. He may have rebuilt the engine and didn't mention it in his sale listing.

Thoughts and opinions on buying a high mileage RX-8? I could post sale links if it helps. Thanks guys!

Wankelstein

7.6k seems like a lot for 166k miles, but I would buy from an owner before a dealer (especially with 5 owners). Good luck and keep us posted!

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

$7,600 for an 05 with that mileage is nuts, I don't care how well maintained it was. The others are shitty deals as well, you can do way better. Stay away from high mileage cars, even if it had a reman installed, the car still has a ton of wear and tear on it. Unless they have proof that basically everything has been replaced on it like my 04' with 143,000 on it.

Spec8

I am looking for a cheep car to.
At theses prices you are buying a motor, and then you are getting the car to go with it.
I plan on compression test many cars before i buy one.

Steve Dallas

Rubber lasts about 10 years in the average car. That means an 04 or 05 will need all new bushings in the suspension, all new belts and hoses, and all the other rubber bits pretty soon. Plastic has a similar lifespan when exposed to heat. So, be thinking about the radiator, coolant bottle, etc.

Something to keep in mind.

robd1337

I agree, 166k is really high even for any car. I'll pay closer attention to private party sales over dealers as I continue searching.

You're right, 166k seems pretty outrageous. It seems more logical to pay more for an 8 with fewer miles if it'll allow me to keep track of its maintenance more effectively. As for the rest of these deals, I'll keep looking.

Thanks, I'll definitely keep that in mind, especially since I plan on mostly DIY reconditioning. Definitely adding extra $ to my rx8 budget for these kinds of repairs.


I appreciate the input guys, thanks! I'm still waiting on more info for these specific sales, but the consensus seems to be find one with less mileage. I'll be patient and keep looking!

Roytary

Damn !! Those prices are way too high for the mileage. We use Km's units down here but if i'm calculating right 166k miles equals about 260k kms!! 7k$ !?!? really !?!?
Unless you get a lot of add-ons and a fresh rebuilt engine with a reliable proof of it, it's way to expensive.
An 05 RX8 here @ 7k you get a 100k less miles, mint one, If you can't find any resonable 8's for sale in your area i strongly suggest you look for a mint ''bodywise'' one and a weak motor for cheap then put your money in a motor rebuilt if you have access to a knowledgeable rotary shop or mechanic near you, or look for sellers outside your area.
For 7k i'll sell you the 8 i bought as a project with a mint body and paint and ill rebuilt the engine, i'll deliver it to you myself from quebec for that price. ridiculous !! lol

Jumanji

That's a lot of cash for a lot of miles. You'd be paying about 45 bucks per the mile. Be patient and wait for the right one to come up