Well, I've got a chunk of cash saved up and I'm ready to buy a car. I've wanted a rotary for a long time, not specifically an rx-8, but they're newer and I cant exactly put the trust I can into an rx-7 vs a low milage rx-8, so I started browsing for rx-8s. After a couple hours I came up with one that had a surprising 29000mi, it's an 05, 6 speed... and its a Shinka. At first I had no clue what a Shinka was, I'd never seen the color before (its black cherry) and I noticed the wheels looked chrome, but I didn't think anything of it. Now I'm reading around the internet looking at info and reviews on rx-8s and I see an article on Shinka's, my head nearly exploded when I saw only 1357 were produced. I'm seriously contemplating if it's legit, if its a fake its well hidden though... I'm going to try to get ahold of the owner asap... Anyway down to details, he wants $9000 for it (say whaaaat...), new brakes, new spark plugs, had regular maintenance, garage kept, small ding driver side back door (cant see it probably door ding), and bluetooth module added on the stereo, bout it.
I'll trust you guy's words... like what do you think because my minds a bit blown and if it weren't almost midnight I'd be on this guys doorstep with 9 grand in my hand lol. I've checked it all over for scams, nothing fishy, I can even see it's from the state it says. I've done a google image search and only found another ad. I'm going to get a carfax if I get an answer back from the guy.

 

It is a Shinka with the cherry color and those seats. But wait, you need to get a rotary specific engine compression test on the car before negotiating any price ! The health of that engine will let you know if the car is worth it. Used RX8s, even Shinka, and the even more limited 2008 40th Anniversary edition RX8, all still have to pass muster with a good engine to be worth $9000.

DO NOT LET YOUR HEART OVERRULE YOU GOOD SENSE HERE. STOP, TAKE A BREATH AND GET THAT ROTARY ENGINE COMPRESSION TEST RESULTS AND CHECK THE CAR'S FULL MAINTENANCE RECORDS BEFORE HANDING OVER YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY !

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.

 

Ooo, pretty clean Shinka. If the compression test passes you may have a winner.

 

Shinkas are sweeet! Get a compression check first though..

I've also heard you can get the specific production number of each Shinka!

 

Good god. That's one sexy ride! Those beige seats look amazing!

 

Nice catch
I thought Shinka seats always included alcantara leather. These look like regular leather but obviously in Shinka colour. Curious what production # that is.

 

Alcantara leather came in the 06-(07?) "shinka" models. Either of them are gorgeous, imo.

 

Not beige. "Parchment" is the name of the color.

 

Oh haha my bad. I had no idea.

 

Great post.

 

Always loved the Shinka's interior.