TaylorMcLean

I test drove an red mica today. 04 with 72500 on the odometer. Grand touring package. Freaking loved the car. The car is going for $9200

A little about me. I am stationed in Washington state as a jet mechanic in the Air Force. I own a 04 mazdaspeed miata with 55000 miles and an fm intake and and a couple other goodies. I have been wanting a bigger car and I always thought the rx8 was the big brother to the little miata. It handles so well, I almost prefer the ride of the rx8 compared to the miata. And I must say it's addicting taking the 8 to redline.

I am not here to ask any questions as much as I am here reading and reading (almost like a bet time story every night) the newbie section. And the maintainer that follows the 8 is something I can deal with. What the miata has shown me is that it's smiles per miles. And I can see myself getting tons of those with the 8. I'm mechanically inclined, so all the work will be done by me. I'm still looking through the newbie section and constantly finding new things about the car but most importantly more info on how to drive and maintain a rotary engine. Honestly it fascinates me. I love the fact it needs constant attention. With my miata, it's boring just filling it up and driving it, where's the fun in that

Tomorrow I will be looking at that rx8 and talking numbers. If any one has any suggestions about what I should look for ( even though I'll be reading the forum all day and night) that'd be great. Looking forward to some day being a an 8 owner.

AliasTRS

It kind of depends on what you want to do with the 8. I.E. If you want to go turbo checheck out major horsepower upgrades, if you love day we have a whole section devoted to it. The information we have is more valuable than you could imagine. Welcome to the club!

P.s. Google is your friend! Use it to search the sight!

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Welcome.
If you've been reading up you probably know the #1 thing to do before buying an 8 is to get a rotary specific compression test. Don't buy it without one.
Check KBB for comparable values. For that price with 72k it should be in excellent shape.
If you're looking for things that may help you negotiate, check to be sure it has a cat, $1400 right there. Other common problems; check that the sun visors work, look for tail light condensation, if it has pop up navigation hood be sure it works ( mostly obsolete but should work).
Check everything, stereo, power seats & mirrors, sunroof, lights, remote fuctions properly, inspect the tires, anything you can think of to get the price down.
You also might want to get the OBD scanned for possible codes pending.

Imho, it's a great car. I love mine, also '04 GT.
Ride & handling, quiet cabin, sound of the rotary at high RPM are what I like most.
Good luck!
*Edit* check for a spare tire & mounting bracket, those are optional equipment.

TaylorMcLean

The dealership is already putting 4 new tires on, an oil change, air filter and new tail lights with seals. There's a mazda dealership across the street, so I will see if they did a compression test. I was reading about that last night so I wrote down what the compression of each of the of the rotor should be. As for the ergonomics, the seats all work, the sun roof works, but I don't think the trunk release works. I will ask about the cat though, considering I've read a lot about them in the newbie section.

Thanks for the quick replies!

gwilliams6

I second what BigCajun says. Don't let your heart overrule your head ! No matter how good it sounds or runs, get that compression test before you buy, or you may be spending $3000-5000 more for a remanufactured or rebuilt engine, as this car is past the 8 yr /100,000 mile engine warranty from Mazda. Especially important to do your homework with a 2004 model with 72000+ miles. You don;t know how it was driven and maintained. Get a carfax also (though carfax doesn't always list a full accurate history of the car if work was done outside of a reporting mechanic). You should be able to get that price down for any 2004 RX8.

If the car all checks out and the compression test is good, then consider it with a lower price.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Welcome. Make sure you do your homework. I had to sell my 8 a year ago, and I currently daily a 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata (FM Big Enchilada, sitting at 202whp). The differences between the two cars are rather remarkable once you go beyond the surface. The MSM is quicker on acceleration and definitely is lighter on it's feet at lower speeds. The 8 has a much higher top end (due to gearing and aero), it is far more refined, more comfortable, handles highway speeds far better, etc... Mods are far more expensive, you can't get power out of an 8 as easily or as cheaply as the MSM, maintenance is higher for the 8.

So depending on what your driving needs are like with weekend only, daily, how much daily, traffic, highway vs surface, etc... the 8 may or may not be a better fit for you.

TaylorMcLean

It would be a daily driver (30 miles mostly freeway) and whatever I do on the weekends. My wife owns an accord to haul my daughter and I on family outgoings. I'm not looking for crazy horsepower or launches. Just looking for a car that cruises and the weekend back roads. I liked the way the 8 felt when I drove it. But before the stealership and I start talking numbers, I'm going to ask for a compression test and the results from it.

kevinande

I'll just add that KBB says that car should sell for about $8100.

TaylorMcLean

So, I've been reading the newbie section all day and all last night. Honestly reading about it makes me excited. I've been looking at stuff for the 8 (not saying I am going to get one soon) but the more I look the cooler this car becomes to me! These are unique and intriguing cars!

TaylorMcLean

So the stealership was going to charge 11,000 for the 8 and told them they are out their *** for that price. So I'm going to do more research, spend time on the forums, and save up a bigger down payment. Thanks everyone for the help though.