Help in choosing RX8!
 

Hello - newbie here looking for opinions - I have a choice of purchasing the following:

#1. 2007 GT Dark Blue 68,000 KMs mint condition but through 3 owners -looks and runs great everything works and checks out fine. I have test driven. Is available now. $9000 CA

#2. 2004 GT Light Blue 24,000 KMs original owner mint condition stored in heated garage etc. Is out of my geographical area (a few hours away by car) but will be available in the Spring when the owner returns from sunny skies! $9500 CA

(I have not done compression test on either of these two, but that would be the logical next step)
But, if it were you, which one would you choose?

Thank's for your input -George.

Is the '04 manual or auto transmission?
Pass on auto.
I bought my '04 GT 6 spd with 18.5k miles in pristine condition 4 yrs ago.
61k now, DD, it's been great.

They are both 6 speed manual. Great to here your 04 has been good. I am leaning towards the 04 myself. I agree -pass on the auto ones.

$9500 for an 04 is quite high, regardless of mileage and condition. If the 04 can be lowered in price, then decide what works best to your requirements.
Both of your options have their pros and cons.

How much is that in U.S. dollars?

Nevermind, $7030 USD.
Much better.

Get a compression test on the 07 GT.

It would be a good idea on any RX8.

I would do a compression test for sure. But, my delimma is do I go for a 3 year older vehicle with 40,000 less KMS or a 3 year newer with 40,000 KMS more - I am thinking the 04 because it is a one owner car and only 15,000 miles (24,000 KMS). It would be a summer and weekend drive so I won't be racking the miles on it. and I can always do the simple upgrades to the 04 to get it to 07 standards (Battery, starter etc). Decisions, decisions. I gotta tell you though after test driving a few RX8's I am hooked on the experience!

Personally, I think an '07 8 that was owned by 3 people would be a bigger risk than a one owner low mileage '04.
My 2 cents.

I would wonder why 3 different people would sell it?

Possible #3
 

I have an RX8 available for approx $4950. If you want further details this link will get you there. I would like CORRECT the description of the car to GOOD. Paint is nice but not perfect. However the balance of the car is indeed in superior if not excellent condition. 2004 MAZDA RX-8

I've driven this car more than a few times and it's a go kart on steroids, i've always loved the platform. Feel free to reply to info per the ad post or email me at jaime@ojosazul.com

Jim

Dunno. My car has great compression and I'm the 4th owner.

What i would do simply because i like turning a wrench. I would pick up a perfect condition rx8 with a blown motor for 1500 then use the other 6k to get a new reman motor or have a motor built and still have some cash left for other upgrades whether it be rims and tires or exhaust. Buying cheap and having someone reputable build you a motor gives you a guarantee the motor will be good for alot of miles. You can get them crazy cheap here in arizona with blown motors and well under 60k miles. Plus if you do all the labor yourself pulling and installing the new motor you will learn alot about the car you are going to own.

I'd go the low mileage one. More fun to be had before the inevitable rebuild.

How could you go past a pristine one owner vehicle? Yep, I'd definitely get that one.

I would purchase the one with the better compression, paperwork history, and has been used more often (vs the one sitting and only driven occasionally).

Mine was driven around 2200 miles/year for 8 years.
Been almost 43k the last 4 years nearly problem free.
2 batteries, 2 fuel pumps.
Regular maintenance and Wankel spanking.

OK - lots of opinions. The 2004 has been driven around 1300 miles a year for the last 12 years. Heated garage and fair wheather driven only by an older person and he is the original owner. I think I am going to go with it as it is too tempting to pass up. And it is in his garage on a trickle charger until he returns from his winter hideaway down south in April. And that is when I plan on buying it! So, I am confused as to why the light use is a bad thing - is it a problem with seals drying up or something? I know machinery should not be left sitting forever, but starting it up and runnig occasionaly should be fine, while in storage right? I know the RX8 needs to be revved and driven to red line and all, but in this situation is it not worth the risk?

I think it's irrelevant when talking about garage queens like this one.
It's important to rev the high rpm when driving an 8 like a normal DD to help prevent carbon build up.
In this case, someone who treats an 8 that well will likely be on top of any issues that might crop up.

Again, compression test before you decide.

go with whichever car you like more. I would rather have a garage queen with prestine parts all over the car and do some water treatments to the engine to ensure good compression. It's more costly to get a car with a lot more mileage or one that has had a lot of rough miles (tracking).


go with the one that is in better shape and drives better and that you want more.

Indeed, sounds good. When you say water treatments - is that decarbing treatments? I think there are threads already discussing this issue I can investigate, but sorry excuse my ignorance, I am not sure if that is what your refering too?
I think I have decided on the 2004 though! Providing it checks out when I physically see it!

Do we have any local Can8'ers that can help him out?

Yes, compression test them for sure
I'd be inclined towards 07 if its 6speed.
However, $9k is too high, you can easily negotiate the price. Rotary market is very niche and these cars are hard to sell.

I just picked up my 3rd rx8 its an 07 with 60k kms great condition i only paid $6K for it to give you an idea. It's velocity red, comes with MS Rep kit with near perfect fitment, aem intake, yellowtop battery black leather and body is immaculate condition..

Get the compression test, and negotiate the price :-) all the best

I am on the West Coast and most of the 8's I have come across for $5000-$6000 seem to have higher mileage and questionable history. I worry about buying someting too cheap and then putting in a pile $$$ to get it in top condition. I have been looking for awhile now. Anything I have seen in the $8000 + range seem to be in better condition. I guess I can keep an eye out for one to pop up that is an exceptional buy though as they must be out there. My thinking is pay a little more at the front end for a good one and maybe have a litte less to do moving forward. At the moment anything local advertised for sale within a few hundred miles there is around 15-20 to choose from and many are crap and questionable, some way over-priced, and many are auto which I don't want.