Going to finally take the leap.
09-19-2013, 01:03 AM
#1
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Going to finally take the leap.
Hey guys! Just thought I'd share my ongoing RX-8 purchase experience...
Since 2004 (2nd year of high school) I have fawned over the RX-8. It's been my wall poster car since then, to this day. As soon as I got my license I started reading up on the car holding out small hope that I would maybe...just maybe be able to get one. Well 2 cars and nearly 10 years later, I think I'm finally ready to take the leap into an RX-8.
Getting one won't be as easy as 1.2.3 for me though. I'll be selling my current car (2008 Subaru legacy 2.5i with over 200k for around 8 grand. There's a particular RX-8 I've been looking at that's got 98k from the original owner. it's an 04, but but the motor mounts have been replaced already (Waiting to hear back about the engine).
Now I EXPECT to need a bit of "buffer Profit" in order to take care of any outstanding maintenance, or to simply help ease me into my new insurance/gas payments ~_~.
What would you guys recommend I try to keep in terms of profit for initial maintenance of an 04?
Oh also....I'm being frequently called an idiot for doing this so close to winter (I live in Canada)....Swapping a Subie for a RWD :/. But I've waited 10 years...and I was actually close to buying one just before Last winter as well......that didn't pan for the same reason. So I shan't leave it to chance. I'm getting a GT model most likely anyway....at least there'll be traction control right? haha....
Kinda scared of winter, but one way or another, this car will finally be mine!
Since 2004 (2nd year of high school) I have fawned over the RX-8. It's been my wall poster car since then, to this day. As soon as I got my license I started reading up on the car holding out small hope that I would maybe...just maybe be able to get one. Well 2 cars and nearly 10 years later, I think I'm finally ready to take the leap into an RX-8.
Getting one won't be as easy as 1.2.3 for me though. I'll be selling my current car (2008 Subaru legacy 2.5i with over 200k for around 8 grand. There's a particular RX-8 I've been looking at that's got 98k from the original owner. it's an 04, but but the motor mounts have been replaced already (Waiting to hear back about the engine).
Now I EXPECT to need a bit of "buffer Profit" in order to take care of any outstanding maintenance, or to simply help ease me into my new insurance/gas payments ~_~.
What would you guys recommend I try to keep in terms of profit for initial maintenance of an 04?
Oh also....I'm being frequently called an idiot for doing this so close to winter (I live in Canada)....Swapping a Subie for a RWD :/. But I've waited 10 years...and I was actually close to buying one just before Last winter as well......that didn't pan for the same reason. So I shan't leave it to chance. I'm getting a GT model most likely anyway....at least there'll be traction control right? haha....
Kinda scared of winter, but one way or another, this car will finally be mine!
09-19-2013, 02:00 AM
#3
As a relatively new owner, I can only give my anecdote in the form of aCar app stats...
Purchase odo: 91,200
Time since purchase: 5 months, 28 days
Distance since purchase: 8,405 (averaging 17,000 miles per year)
Total cost to run (minus loan payments): $3,988.32
Cost breakdown
Gas:
Avg MPG: 17.485
Avg cost/gal: $4.131
Total gallons: 475.39
Total gas cost: $1,921.59
Services: (replaced most of cooling system due to leaks, replaced oil filler pipe, other little fixes (tail lights water, driver sun visor, etc), includes normal maintenance)
Total: $1,738.98
Expenses: (parts cost, insurance, oil, etc)
Total: $1,104.10
A 100k mile car is going to need some work. Mine still needs a leaky oil metering pump fixed (most likely gasket, possibly pump - new pumps are $1,350 at dealer, $850 via Mazda Comp), new shift and hand brake boot, head lights restored, leather wash, minor bumps and dings addressed, and paint chips filled, to name some. I suspect the 4th gear synchro may be going as well, but a better transmission gear oil might fix it (seems heat breakdown related).
The original owner serviced the car at the dealer and hit every maintenance interval except the transmission gear oil, which was 30k overdue (yikes). The car has all recalls addressed.
My car gets driven a lot, and hard, though properly, with the proper preventative maintenance you'd expect for track duty. It's been on two track days since I've owned it and it's going out again in October.
Purchase odo: 91,200
Time since purchase: 5 months, 28 days
Distance since purchase: 8,405 (averaging 17,000 miles per year)
Total cost to run (minus loan payments): $3,988.32
Cost breakdown
Gas:
Avg MPG: 17.485
Avg cost/gal: $4.131
Total gallons: 475.39
Total gas cost: $1,921.59
Services: (replaced most of cooling system due to leaks, replaced oil filler pipe, other little fixes (tail lights water, driver sun visor, etc), includes normal maintenance)
Total: $1,738.98
Expenses: (parts cost, insurance, oil, etc)
Total: $1,104.10
A 100k mile car is going to need some work. Mine still needs a leaky oil metering pump fixed (most likely gasket, possibly pump - new pumps are $1,350 at dealer, $850 via Mazda Comp), new shift and hand brake boot, head lights restored, leather wash, minor bumps and dings addressed, and paint chips filled, to name some. I suspect the 4th gear synchro may be going as well, but a better transmission gear oil might fix it (seems heat breakdown related).
The original owner serviced the car at the dealer and hit every maintenance interval except the transmission gear oil, which was 30k overdue (yikes). The car has all recalls addressed.
My car gets driven a lot, and hard, though properly, with the proper preventative maintenance you'd expect for track duty. It's been on two track days since I've owned it and it's going out again in October.
Last edited by MadCat360; 09-19-2013 at 02:06 AM.
09-19-2013, 08:05 AM
#5
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Thanks Madcat, pretty insightful stuff. Add to that the cost of good winters and I think I'm in business :P
and @EviLStewie, it's true, Toronto hasn't really had a harsh winter in years......it's usually just 1 or 2 big storms that pass through that masses up the roads for a bit. everything else is usually under 5cm i'd say.
Not to mention I don't drive far to work at all. about 4-5km in a perfectly straight line with 0 hills.
As to the Banana thing....I cannot say :/
and @EviLStewie, it's true, Toronto hasn't really had a harsh winter in years......it's usually just 1 or 2 big storms that pass through that masses up the roads for a bit. everything else is usually under 5cm i'd say.
Not to mention I don't drive far to work at all. about 4-5km in a perfectly straight line with 0 hills.
As to the Banana thing....I cannot say :/
09-19-2013, 09:50 AM
#7
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Oh also....I'm being frequently called an idiot for doing this so close to winter (I live in Canada)....Swapping a Subie for a RWD :/. But I've waited 10 years...and I was actually close to buying one just before Last winter as well......that didn't pan for the same reason. So I shan't leave it to chance. I'm getting a GT model most likely anyway....at least there'll be traction control right? haha....
09-19-2013, 11:35 AM
#8
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Thread Starter
I live in the GTA as well, bought my RX-8 in October 2011 and drove it right through winter. Make sure you budget for winter tires, we get enough snow and low temperatures that they are a must have IMHO on a rear wheel drive car. There's a reason all-season tires are referred to as no-season tires.
*Update*
So the 98k RX-8 I was looking at is gone now.....guess my subie was taking a bit to long to sell. Have somebody coming down to check it out later on today though and a few more lined up after that. I did find another 8 close to the same Milage, (103k). I'm going to inquire further about her maintenance.
Actually you can check it out here
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ522431534
BTW, if an 8 is between 130-170k and compression results are good, is there any particular reason to avoid these even if the price is right? (usually an 04-05)
Last edited by ehjhey; 09-19-2013 at 11:46 AM.
09-19-2013, 03:01 PM
#9
Always compression test. It's 100 bucks that could not be better spent.
If you're not afraid to drive a little, I've been looking at some beautiful rx8's here in Hamilton that might suit your needs. This is a great deal on an 04 with really low km in great shape. Looking for and 06 or 07 myself
http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...AdIdZ512561357
Good luck on your hunt
If you're not afraid to drive a little, I've been looking at some beautiful rx8's here in Hamilton that might suit your needs. This is a great deal on an 04 with really low km in great shape. Looking for and 06 or 07 myself
http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...AdIdZ512561357
Good luck on your hunt
09-19-2013, 05:48 PM
#10
Keep in mind that most 04 and 05 are (or will be) out of the 8 year warranty period. In Canada, the "mileage" warranty is up to 160,000km's.
If an engine is at high mileage and/or 8 years or older, I would keep searching. Even if it has great compression, it's something for piece of mind. Otherwise, ensure that you have at least $5k set aside for an engine replacement.
And yes, snow tires are a must. Read through the stickies in the new owners forum. They detail enough info for a new owner to understand the RENESIS's do's and do not's.
If an engine is at high mileage and/or 8 years or older, I would keep searching. Even if it has great compression, it's something for piece of mind. Otherwise, ensure that you have at least $5k set aside for an engine replacement.
And yes, snow tires are a must. Read through the stickies in the new owners forum. They detail enough info for a new owner to understand the RENESIS's do's and do not's.
09-19-2013, 10:48 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
Keep in mind that most 04 and 05 are (or will be) out of the 8 year warranty period. In Canada, the "mileage" warranty is up to 160,000km's.
If an engine is at high mileage and/or 8 years or older, I would keep searching. Even if it has great compression, it's something for piece of mind. Otherwise, ensure that you have at least $5k set aside for an engine replacement.
And yes, snow tires are a must. Read through the stickies in the new owners forum. They detail enough info for a new owner to understand the RENESIS's do's and do not's.
If an engine is at high mileage and/or 8 years or older, I would keep searching. Even if it has great compression, it's something for piece of mind. Otherwise, ensure that you have at least $5k set aside for an engine replacement.
And yes, snow tires are a must. Read through the stickies in the new owners forum. They detail enough info for a new owner to understand the RENESIS's do's and do not's.
The basic warranty for Mazda vehicles covers all parts found to be factory defective for 36 Months or 80,000 km (60,000 km for the B-Series), whichever comes first. Additional warranties cover Powertrain components for a period of 5 years or 100,000 km whichever comes first. The 2004-2011 RX-8 rotary short engine (engine core only) is covered for an additional period ending at 96 months or 160,000km.
So is this 3 years PLUS an additional 8 years for the RX-8? totaling 11 years of Engine core coverage for one that's under 160k?
If so that's actually pretty great and really good news for me.
If not, then I'll be a sad panda as 04's would already be out of coverage....I'd need to gun for an 05-06
again, bare with me....really tiring day at work @_@
*Edit*
Okay some lurking on the Canadian forums leads me to believe that the 2 warranties are separate, meaning I guess that most 04's will be out now....unless they've already had a replacement :L
Last edited by ehjhey; 09-19-2013 at 11:04 PM.
09-19-2013, 11:17 PM
#12
Your searching has served you well. Keep it up!
The 3 year 80,000km warranty was a drive-train, interior/exterior type. Simple.
The 8 year 160,000km ENGINE CORE warranty is for the engine.
There is also an 8 year, 120,000km warranty for the catalytic converter.
Not bad of a deal, if you ask me! But yes, search for newer, should you wish for peace of mind
The 3 year 80,000km warranty was a drive-train, interior/exterior type. Simple.
The 8 year 160,000km ENGINE CORE warranty is for the engine.
There is also an 8 year, 120,000km warranty for the catalytic converter.
Not bad of a deal, if you ask me! But yes, search for newer, should you wish for peace of mind
09-23-2013, 12:37 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Alrighty, It's almost crunch time. Took a little longer than I thought to line up a buyer for my legacy, but if all goes through it should be gone as soon as tomorrow.
Granted, there may be a small period I'm without a vehicle, but this wont be a huge issue since I can carpool to work which is about 5-6 minutes away from my house anyway.
As far as 8's go, I've been scouring for 2005+ under 160k that fit my entire budget and there are a few potentials. However, I'm eyeing an 04 that already has a warranty engine in it as well as a few other Mazdaspeed mods.
2004 Mazda RX-8 GT **MAZDASPEED MODS** - City of Toronto Cars For Sale - Kijiji City of Toronto Canada.
What do you guys think?
Personally I'm not a fan of the front bumper cover but that can always be changed back to stock. (I asked if he still had stock parts)
Granted, there may be a small period I'm without a vehicle, but this wont be a huge issue since I can carpool to work which is about 5-6 minutes away from my house anyway.
As far as 8's go, I've been scouring for 2005+ under 160k that fit my entire budget and there are a few potentials. However, I'm eyeing an 04 that already has a warranty engine in it as well as a few other Mazdaspeed mods.
2004 Mazda RX-8 GT **MAZDASPEED MODS** - City of Toronto Cars For Sale - Kijiji City of Toronto Canada.
What do you guys think?
Personally I'm not a fan of the front bumper cover but that can always be changed back to stock. (I asked if he still had stock parts)
09-23-2013, 11:55 PM
#14
I would definitely recommend to get a compression test on the 8 you just posted. Maybe try to talk him down a bit on the price.
Doesn't seem unfair. I'm not to familiar with the economy and prices of Canada either so..
As long as the guy has the receipts for the things he said he's dude such as coils and plugs and the compression checks out should be a pretty good buy.
Doesn't seem unfair. I'm not to familiar with the economy and prices of Canada either so..
As long as the guy has the receipts for the things he said he's dude such as coils and plugs and the compression checks out should be a pretty good buy.
09-24-2013, 08:08 AM
#15
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Thanks for the reply. He's already agree'd to have a compression test ready by the time I go to see it this sat.
So quick question...While I do know how, and have driven stick, I haven't done so since I got my license in 06 <_<. I was going to ask one of my buddies to give me a quick refresher before I make myself look like an idiot test driving an 8.
Would I be better off asking a friend with a standard mazda 3 for a refresher?
other choices include a 90 Miata, a BR-Z and Genesis coupe.
I was thinking the Mazda's might be a closer experience to an 8, but I could be wrong :/
So quick question...While I do know how, and have driven stick, I haven't done so since I got my license in 06 <_<. I was going to ask one of my buddies to give me a quick refresher before I make myself look like an idiot test driving an 8.
Would I be better off asking a friend with a standard mazda 3 for a refresher?
other choices include a 90 Miata, a BR-Z and Genesis coupe.
I was thinking the Mazda's might be a closer experience to an 8, but I could be wrong :/
09-30-2013, 02:47 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
So a bit of an unfortunate update.
The buyer for my current ride was a no show the day of the transaction. said he "changed his mind" 30 minutes prior, after saying "can you take the ad down because I'll definitely be buying this"
*sigh*
As far as I'm aware, the 8 I was looking at is still available, but I'm guessing it probably won't last too much longer.
it'd be a shame to lose out on especially since he's offered to bring th eprice down to 7300 because the tires are going.
ah well....worst case scenario I may end up just getting something more stock if it's not available by the time I manage to sell my car...
Wish me luck :L
The buyer for my current ride was a no show the day of the transaction. said he "changed his mind" 30 minutes prior, after saying "can you take the ad down because I'll definitely be buying this"
*sigh*
As far as I'm aware, the 8 I was looking at is still available, but I'm guessing it probably won't last too much longer.
it'd be a shame to lose out on especially since he's offered to bring th eprice down to 7300 because the tires are going.ah well....worst case scenario I may end up just getting something more stock if it's not available by the time I manage to sell my car...
Wish me luck :L
10-02-2013, 04:04 PM
#18
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Thread Starter
Can I get a quick opinion on this rx-8?
2005 Mazda RX-8 Reduced Priced to Sell - Mississauga / Peel Region Cars For Sale - Kijiji Mississauga / Peel Region Canada.
I like the fact that the engine only has 15k on it. Only iffy about no interior shots :/ Would this still need a compression test?
2005 Mazda RX-8 Reduced Priced to Sell - Mississauga / Peel Region Cars For Sale - Kijiji Mississauga / Peel Region Canada.
I like the fact that the engine only has 15k on it. Only iffy about no interior shots :/ Would this still need a compression test?
10-02-2013, 04:17 PM
#19
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I'd say purchase it so I can buy the exhaust from you :-). Make sure he has receipts for the non cosmetic areas. Ask where the engine was replaced, and for the work order receipts and all that fun jazz. If he doesn't have anything confirming the engine rebuild I would have it compression tested. It may even be someone on this site, which would definitely help. Have you spoken with him yet?
Hope to have you in the club, especially being a fellow Torontonian like myself.
Hope to have you in the club, especially being a fellow Torontonian like myself.
10-02-2013, 04:27 PM
#20
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Thread Starter
I'd say purchase it so I can buy the exhaust from you :-). Make sure he has receipts for the non cosmetic areas. Ask where the engine was replaced, and for the work order receipts and all that fun jazz. If he doesn't have anything confirming the engine rebuild I would have it compression tested. It may even be someone on this site, which would definitely help. Have you spoken with him yet?
Hope to have you in the club, especially being a fellow Torontonian like myself.
Hope to have you in the club, especially being a fellow Torontonian like myself.
Trust me, I've been dying to join the club. Taking a lot more determination than I thought though :P
10-02-2013, 04:31 PM
#21
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Where in Toronto are you located? Don't give up, when you love the car you love it. I look forward to spending 75 dollars to get 300km per tank lol. I put 94 in it though, you can put 91, and there is quite a few threads that have some debates over putting lower grades in but I personally just stick with the 94 from Petro Can or Shell.
10-02-2013, 04:45 PM
#22
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Technically I'm in vaughan (right next to wonderland). 300km doesn't even sound that bad to me since my current 08 legacy is getting about 350 for around same amount :/
Not to mention that I sip gas weekly. Just under 10 kilo's round trip to work.
luckily a Shell JUST opened up beside me. It's a sign!
Not to mention that I sip gas weekly. Just under 10 kilo's round trip to work.
luckily a Shell JUST opened up beside me. It's a sign!
Last edited by ehjhey; 10-02-2013 at 04:49 PM.
10-02-2013, 04:55 PM
#23
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Nice, I'm actually just at the bottom of the 400. So go get an 8 ( after doing all necessary research ) and I can help/give some help and advice if need be during one of the Toronto meets.
10-03-2013, 07:45 AM
#24
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Can I get a quick opinion on this rx-8?
2005 Mazda RX-8 Reduced Priced to Sell - Mississauga / Peel Region Cars For Sale - Kijiji Mississauga / Peel Region Canada.
I like the fact that the engine only has 15k on it. Only iffy about no interior shots :/ Would this still need a compression test?
2005 Mazda RX-8 Reduced Priced to Sell - Mississauga / Peel Region Cars For Sale - Kijiji Mississauga / Peel Region Canada.
I like the fact that the engine only has 15k on it. Only iffy about no interior shots :/ Would this still need a compression test?
I don't know what your budget is, but I'd recommend getting a newer car if at all possible that still has some of the 8 year/160000km warranty on it.
10-03-2013, 04:02 PM
#25
Life After 8K RPM....
Hey well You already got all the important info..I am also new to Rotary scene and reside in Toronto.
Dont Let any one scare ya, this car handles great, make sure you get snow tires not all season, snow tires all 4 and it will give you no troubles. Other than that, just know parts are hard to find in Canada, order light bulbs and other parts like air filters, and so on a head of time. Prices are sky rocekting in Toronto, Air filter for $ 70 from Toronto Mazda lol. find a good rotary mechanic, we have friday meet ups at Kennedy and 401 by Chapters and Starbucks in the parking lot come by for local help. Most importantly, read read read all the stickies and you will be fine for the most part ;-)
Dont Let any one scare ya, this car handles great, make sure you get snow tires not all season, snow tires all 4 and it will give you no troubles. Other than that, just know parts are hard to find in Canada, order light bulbs and other parts like air filters, and so on a head of time. Prices are sky rocekting in Toronto, Air filter for $ 70 from Toronto Mazda lol. find a good rotary mechanic, we have friday meet ups at Kennedy and 401 by Chapters and Starbucks in the parking lot come by for local help. Most importantly, read read read all the stickies and you will be fine for the most part ;-)