I'm seriously considering a 2007 Mazda RX-8 about 2 hours from me, but I noticed one of the drive side tire flare has some strange holes; I'm wondering if this is a shoddy repair or if some part is missing. Any advice is recommended, take a look at the following car, picture 4 of 14 and let me know what you think (focus near rear tire):
2007 Mazda Rx-8 Sport For Sale In DELRAY BEACH FL - DELRAY AUTO MALL

 

Look carefully - That flare is actually missing. You're seeing the outline of where it used to be, and maybe some residual 3m tape from where it was mounted? (the three spots)

Edit - Could also be holes from deck screws for all I know... You need a better/closer picture of the area in question.

 

Your missing the side, just get a replacement, or ask the dealership to put it or else you won't buy the car...

 

First off, its an automatic. Dont buy an automatic. Second, its overpriced. The area you are concerned about is just a missing side flare, you can just buy another one, paint, and reinstall.

 

I do agree with the automatic part. It's a horrid thing to do a a beautiful rotary engine.

Coming from Minnesota here, I'd like to hear your opinion on what a 50k~ 2007 should be going for? I can't even find an 05 in my area for sub 12k.

 

I guess it would depend if you were buying from a dealer or not. A second hand well maintained 07 with 50K would go for about 8-10K here in PA. Dealer price would prob be close to 12K. Just remember the engine warranty applies to all cars for 8yrs/100K miles, you do not need a warranty from a dealer for this, hence my belief in buying a good used car.

Just a fyi, I purchased my '05 from a dealer in 2010, paid $12,995 with 50K miles. Engine was dead within the first year. Always have a compression test done, whether you buy from a dealer or private sale. It is as essential as a test drive. Do not buy a rotary car without it.

 

Why does everyone hate on the autos? My wife refuses to let me get a manual. Is it really that much more maintenance? I do wish she'd like manual, but she refuses to learn and vetoes it.

 

We hate on autos especially in the RX8 community because the auto cars have less power. Almost 30 HP less. And you say you wife has some deciding power in your purchase? Please tell me this isnt going to be the only car shared between the two of you. If so, walk away and look at something else. If not, I dont see why it would matter if you got a manual. I have lived with my girlfriend for 3 years, she doesnt know how to drive manual and it has never been an issue.

 

The old "Real men don't eat quiche" syndrome, coupled with lack of confidence in their own manhood.

I suspect most of the auto haters have never heard of Jim Hall.

Ken

 

I don't favor automatic transmissions in most applications. And yes, I have heard of Jim Hall. His Chaparell 2G (with the moving rear wing) had an auto. The problem with most auto's are they suck power from the drivetrain. Very few have been designed well.
That said, when I was buying my Jeep, I was looking for an auto model.

 

Shoot, I'd sell you my 07 6-speed GT w/ 50k on it for that price. $14,900 is pretty high.

 

Doesnt the auto also limit the redline? Im pretty sure it does, hence the 30 less HP.

 

yes it lits redline. the hp is because the 04+05 autos have a 4 port engine. 06+ autos have the same engine as the m/t but lower redline and autos dont have a cf drive shaft

 

Thats priced way to high. RX8's seem to not last as long as RX7's, so I would definitely get the price lower on an rx8 that has 60,000 miles so you have left over money should it need a rebuild in the future. Then again, maybe rx8's are not lasting due to improper maintenance because they have a somewhat different target audience. A lot of rx8 owners do not even know how a rotary engine works. They just want to drive it like a normal car. This would definitely make me want to get one either cheap or one with low milage.