So I've been looking at different cars for a while now. I even posted about looking at a Shinka RX-8, but didn't drive it when they offered because it was beat up, had a dead battery, and I knew there was no way I would buy it. I was staying in NC for the night and saw there was a dealer with a 2010 R3 down the road. OMG this car is amazing I didn't want the test drive to end. I've looked at and driven an S2000, Miata, and three FR-S', none of them compare to the sensation of driving the RX-8. I wasn't really ready to buy that day. I did talk them down to 17,500, not sure if that is a good price for a 2010 with 32k or not.

3/4 wheels had a couple chips and when I touched a few large flakes of paint came off. Is this a common thing?

I wasn't a big fan of the Recaro seats, but I see it isn't a big deal to swap seats and there are plenty of people who want them.

 

Yes, 17.5 for a '10 R3 with 32k is an acceptable price. The paint is rather thin.

I recommend going for a non-R3 if you don't like the seats. The R3 is something special, and missing those seats will mean a HUGE price cut if you ever re-sell, not to mention plenty of ire from people here. Please don't hack up an R3...