Hey guys I'm super new to the forum and fairly new to RX-8s. I have recently decided I want to buy one and I think I have found a good deal.

I'm going Monday to look at it but here is all the information I have.

2004, RX-8, Black, Automatic, Engine has 132k miles

It has a few issues. The Exhaust needs to be hooked up, There is some sort of issue with the oil pump and line, and it needs a new battery.

After asking the seller a few questions they said the motor turns over just fine, the engine is not carbon locked and supposedly ran fine. It hasn't been driven in a while and it's pretty dirty as it has been sitting outside.

The seller only wants $500 for it. I think that's a total steal, but I wanted to check with everyone here before I make a move. Is it worth it?

 

Automatic 2004 is kind of a waste of time. It's the lowest power, least fun (especially if base model), most problematic trim. Carbon lock isn't a thing, what you really need is a compression test to know if it's worth 500 or -5500. Read up on rx8help.com for quick primer on things to look for.

 

Unless you're mechanically inclined and have a budget of several thousand dollars to rebuild/ replace the engine or fix any other problems you may encounter, I'd pass.
There should be some running 8s out there that will be equal to or less than you're likely to spend on this one.
It's best to buy one that has passed or can pass a rotary specific compression test.
Cosmetic issues are cheaper to fix than mechanical ones.
This one sounds like a money pit.
If it was in good running condition the owner could get more for it.
Sounds like he just wants to cut his losses and unload it
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

 

Kudos for coming to the forum for advice. It may save you heartache.

I concur 100 w/ Loki and BC..., but to add. We are here to help, but do not spoon feed, so do yourself a favor if you want an 8, this one or any other, and actually read the RX8help.com and other "potential new owner" helps on the forum as suggested. Just search...

These cars have inherant potentially critical issues you'll want to minimally know about or avoid.

As H/b said automatics are not only least fun, they're lesser powered, lesser tunable, have less resale value ,etc. So, if you really want an 8, and can't drive a manual I'd recommend...learn.

Take *nothing* a seller says at face value. Verify *everything* yourself...beginning with arming yourself with knowledge and get a compression test, etc.

IMV a better question: I'm looking to purchase an 8. What should I look for...avoid?

All the best.

 

I stopped at "....automatic". Half of the joy of driving an RX8 is its excellent slick shifting manual.

 

It depends on the person. Some people would be totally fine with the auto. Would recommend 2006-2008 model years though so you get the 6 speed auto and the 6 port engine. It's a lot of fun.

 

Did you end up getting it? I have a 2007 Mazda RX-8 Sport 6-Speed Automatic with 82,000 miles I'm looking to sell.