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Hey all! New to the forum hoping to gain some knowledge/insight on the RX8. I owned a 1987 RX7 back in the day now looking for an RX8 and really don't know all that much about them. Any insight/advice would be much appreciated!
That is a lot of great info to digest. I read through a lot of it but honestly, not all of it.
I believe I have found a diamond car and want opinions:
2004 RX8 GT 6spd - 43,000 miles - one owner who is now 60 years old and traded the car into the dealership bc its hard for him to get in and out. Vehicle always garaged and looks new! Always serviced at the Mazda dealership with all records. No accidents, zero paint defects. Leather is like new. No Nav. Dealer ran it through the shop and said its a gem. They didn't do a compression check but said they will for me. I have to drive 8 hour round trip for this vehicle.
I would guess around $8500-10k from a dealer.
They'll probably ask about $12-14k I imagine.
I probably overpaid for my '04 GT over 3yrs. ago. Same story, condition, but only 18,500 mis.
If you like it, want it, and can afford it, it's worth whatever you're willing to pay.
BUT, it MUST pass the compression test.
Good luck!
Thanks for your prompt response. The dealer agreed to do the compression test for me prior to me taking the drive there (which is like 4 hours away - ugh).
My bank, USAA, put a value of $8,000 on it which pretty much lines up with NADA and KBB. Those of course do not take into account the condition and maintenance records and such. As it stand now I am looking at purchase price of around $7k.
The horror stories of the rotary engine frightens me a bit but I did read a car that was taken care of and has strong compression will last forever as ling as the maintenance is kept up.
Well, the forever part is a stretch, eventually it will wear out, but in many instances, the engine will run for quite a long time with failing compression.
I knew about rotaries & RX7s, but if I would have researched the Renesis RX8, and saw all the horror stories, I probably wouldn't have bought it.
I'm extremely happy I did buy it.
Chime in about what? BigCajun gave you a good response. Pending a compression check, I'd say it's a decent deal. Make sure you're willing to perform and upkeep the maintenance in order assist with a long (but not forever) and healthy engine lifespan.
From the sounds of it, I would pay 7500-9000 for it, that is if it passes the compression testing.
If you buy it, drive it super hard (red-lining daily), and keep up on your oil maintenance. You'd probably be surprised how far those 2 things get you!
That's funny you said that Zoom bc the PO said although he didn't abuse the car, it is meant to be driven hard which is what he did. It was his weekend nice weather car.
I paid $7200 for a 2005 GT 6 speed MT (1 owner, garaged, NO rust unlike my black 2004) with 31,000 miles, new tires. I did overhaul the ignition system, but it runs smoothly and has no starting issues.
So the dealer is doing the compression test now. The salesman did just email me a couple videos of the car. He also sent me a pic of the drivers side tail light with moisture build up which I read is pretty common.
Thanks for that. I did read all abut the compression and I am very happy with the results in the 8.0 area and satisfied with the high 7. results. It is a scary proposition for the rotary engine though. Especially since there is no warranty offered for this vehicle considering the year. I will keep oil in the vehicle and check it weekly if not daily depending on how much I drive (if I do purchase it).
