RIF

Hello. I am a new member to the forum, but I have been lurking for months.

I am close to purchasing my first RX-8, but have been wary due to reading (and re-reading) some of the items listed in the 'New Potential Owner's' guide.

There is an 06 Shinka w/75K for sale at my local dealership here in AZ. There are some issues with the interior: Missing the rear console cover (to the trunk) , the seats are in fair condition, and the body has some issues that require attention.

They are asking for 12K. This seems like a VERY high price for the vehicle.

However, the engine is under warranty until September of this year.

If the engine is strong, but I 'want' an re-manufactured engine put in, will they honor it? I was told my the local Mazda dealership that they just 'send them out and get a re-manufactured one so long as it is under warranty.' Is this accurate?


After test driving about 10 RX-8s, I have fallen in love with the car and would love to have one as my 'fun' weekend ride. I am just concerned that my ignorance with this vehicle will have me picking a lemon.

Williard

iTrader: (18)

RIF

First and foremost welcome to the forum.

Before you purchase ANY RX8 from anyone, a compression test should be done to see where the motor is health wise.

You should get 3 numbers per rotor and an RPM at the minimum.
An Example:

RPM 250
Rotor 1
kg/cm2/ 7.6, 7.4, 7.9
Rotor 2
kg/cm2/ 8.1, 7.8, 7.7

They may also appear in KPA, BAR or PSI format.

Unless the motor fails Mazda's tests you will not get a Reman engine.
12K for an 06 anything thats not pretty close to perfect is way to high. This includes our beloved RX8.
Do some research, the NADA Clean retail value with 75000 miles and No NAV is $10,600USD.

With any purchase you need to take into account the money that will be required to take care of it. With this car, Make sure everything is right BEFORE you buy it. If you've read through the new member forum with the new and potential owners thread created by our own RIWWP. Then you know it's not the cheapest of vehicles.

If you have any more questions or concerns dont hesitate to PM myself or any other Moderator.

RIF

Williard,

Both you and RIWWP have been extremely helpful.

Here are the 2 vehicles I am looking to purchase. I am heading to CA tomorrow to get a compression done on the 05. (The damage on the 05 was not structural in nature) If it comes out strong (crosses fingers), I will purchase it. If it doesn't, then I will turn my attention to the 06 to see if I can get a better deal. The dealership wants to tack on a 2K refurbishment fee. I saw the vehicle when it first hit the lot. They may have done some cleaning and an overall check of the engine, but a compression test was not performed. I am getting quoted a $250 price for a compression test at the dealership in CA.

05:
2005 Mazda RX-8 , $6,999 - Cars.com

06:
2006 Mazda RX-8 , $10,999 - Cars.com

Khurram

++1 with Williard

If I am not mistaken the 2005 is salvaged tittle, If I was you I would steer clear from Salvage vehicles. Because God forbid it gets stolen or is involved in a collision you will get nothing but peanuts from insurance company this is based on my past experience.

2006 seems overpriced to me.

I would also advise you to find a local owner selling their car that way you get the better history of the car as well as what they have done to it. Also it allows you the margin of negotiate.

Just my 2 cents.

Gravey

iTrader: (3)

Welcome!

"The dealership wants to tack on a 2K refurbishment fee."

That... is... wtf... Shouldn't the dealer incur all costs of making the car up to par?

Mysterion

Extra charges like that are common on "older" or high-mileage vehicles. The price they quote is for the car as-is without dealer clean-up and safety/emissions testing. That allows the potential customer to obtain a car cheaper and do the needed work himself to save a bit of money. Alternatively, they will figur.e out a refurbishment cost and quote that as an extra in the event the customer can't or doesn't want to perform the work himself.

RIF

I agree. If the car needed work prior to selling they should have made their offer on the trade-in lower. I would pay KBB for the vehicle, but this seems like price gouging to me.
Plus, I can assure you that the ZakTek and other nonsense does NOT cost as much as they are quoting me.