Hey everyone! I'm new to this forum and decided this to be my first post!
I'm going to go look at a used 2004 RX-8 with 62,000 miles on it and 6 speed manual transmission this Friday. What should I look for before I make the decision to purchase it? Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

The details of what to look for are in this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

The first post is a table of contents with links, so you can skip all the other important information if you want.

 

For the love of god get a compression test done on it. I thought my car was in great condition until after owning for 8 months did I indeed find out the engine is dieing. Even if you can't get a compression test done right away a simple test is to drive the car about for 20/30mins and then turn it off and start it up again with the engine being hot. If it seems to take longer or struggles it's probably lost compression.

A good engine should start up instantly regardless it's hot or cold from what I've been able to work out from here.

 

Please, please ,please get a proper rotary engine compression test before buying any RX8, especially an 04 with that mileage. Don't let your excitement get the best of you, Use your head or else your "dream" car could be an expensive headache with a failing engine. (No matter how it drives and feels to you now) It happens too much and we hear the sad tales of the new owners who thought they were getting a sweet deal, but instead it all turned sour and very expensive, fast.

 

I'm on my second 8. My advice to you would be to spend as much money as you can and get a car with as little miles as possible. No guarantee but getting a pressure test done prior to owning the car could prove difficult. If you have the opportunity obviously go for it.

Personally I would not touch an 04 with 65k on the clock unless I knew the history personally and/or was competent to carry out basic - moderate repairs/servicing

 

Read the thread mentioned above.
Better safe than sorry. Read..Read and read. Its not an ordinary car for the ordinary low price. You need to be well aware of what you are stepping into.

Get the Compression Test.
Find out repairs/recall history
CarFAX if applicable
Take a extended test drive, dont be scared of hiting the red line in 2nd, 3rd gear
if it hesitates you have a problem..
Start the car hot, if it takes longer, steer clear

for the rest read the thread. Don't rush though you'll find another 8 at another great price. take your time

All the best

 

Thank you for your input! I just got through test driving the car and it had no problem starting after the engine was heated up. The car did have a few dings, only one noticeable dent in the right rear fender (I'm not worried about it), the one thing that was holding me back from buying it was that when turning on the a/c it would only blow out hot air? He said if I did purchase it he would have it fixed. He is currently asking for $8000 with a 3 month drivetrain warranty. Do you guys think its a good buy? Or should I save myself the trouble

 

I did hit the red line a few times :D Saw a vehicle history (not carfax) but vehicle has had 2 previous owners and recorded accidents. Did have a small dent in right rear fender.

 

Where are you purchasing from? the A/c probably just needs to be recharged. I would not purchase without a compression test! SERIOUSLY! DO NOT DO IT! They cost about $125 and are peace of mind! Go to a mazda dealer and have it done BEFORE BUYING! Post the numbers here and we can tell you if they are good or not. I wouldnt buy any rotary car without one. Ever. End of story.

 

Its from a guy with a very small dealership. WOW that's much cheaper than what I'd have to pay for one. I called the Mazda dealer here and they charge $240 for a compression test. And I don't think getting a compression test done before I buy is possible.

 

If you can't get it a comp test, don't buy the car. Unless you like footing you own engine replacement bills. If the guy wants to sell it, he'll agree. If he doesn't, he might know some things you don't

 

+1. I HIGHLY agree. They wouldnt disagree to a compression test that you would be paying for if they didnt have anything to hide. If they refuse, then RUN AWAY!

My local dealer here in pa charges typically 1 HR worth of labor for a compression test. Making it about $100.

 

No compression test... Or papers with results, NO DEAL, in my opinion.

 

2004 RX-8 with 62,000 miles??? Where is this guy's "small dealership? Fantasyland?? The dealer that I got mine from has a 2004 with clean CarFax/ CarProof , 79,000 *KM* and next to no dents/scratches for $5500. with safety and e-test included PLUS the A/C works ! For how seriously this guy is trying to hose you, he ought to do the compression test, fix the A/C, fix the body work and then kiss your butt if you buy it! As for warranty, most reputable dealers should be able to provide a used vehicle warranty if you are willing to add a bit to your price. A 3 month warranty, even if free, isn't a whole lot as a bargaining chip as there is no guarantee that any and all issues with the car will surface in that short a span of time.


I would strongly suggest that, unless he is the only dealer withing 500 miles, you should keep looking for a better car (no accidents) at a better price (being the end of the season in most of N. America, there are probably lots out there) from a dealer with his feet fully grounded in reality.

Read this thread before you start looking:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

Good luck finding one .

 

I bought my car from a mazda dealership. They did my compression test for free. Albeit after I bought the car and subsequently had to hound them for like two weeks to get it done, but they had promised to do it and I made them honor it. It was huge peace of mind. My engine is also still within warranty though...

 

We are all curious, what were your compression numbers, and what year and how many miles on the engine ?