I am 16 and really interested in learning about rotary engines to expand my knowledge of engines in general because for college I would like to study engineering. First of all this would be the first car in my name not my actual first car. I am signed up to take the BRAKES driving course later this month, to further learn proper driving techniques and maneuvers incase I need to know them, I understand this is not a "choice car" for a young driver like myself. I currently have some experience working on engines, I have restored a Moped, Go-kart, and a Dirt bike, Currently my dad and I are restoring a 1976 Fiat 125. My daily driver is my dads 2008 Chevrolet Equinox its a great car I'm just not allowed to work on it or upgrade it. I would like this 2004 RX-8 six-speed (I know manual from our fiat) a manual would help me focus on the road rather than my phone or other device. I would like actual owners opinions on the car to know if its a great choice for what I plan to do.
Thanks

Here is the car I plan to put 2k down and pay off over a 60 month period

2004 Mazda RX-8 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Boulevard Auto Exchange

 

If you haven't read the https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/ go do that first.

That price is a bit too high if the engine is good, it is WAY too high if the engine is bad.
If you get that one, the first thing you need to do is reinstall the stock intake. That intake is renown for power loss, CELs, and other MAF related problems. The stock intake will be an upgrade in driveability and power. Also, reinstall the stock tower strut bar, no idea why it's missing.

We don't recommend an 8 for young owners, especially as a first car, regardless of how responsible you are about ownership, driving, and maintenance. First cars are destroyed through simple lack of experience if nothing else.

 

Is it worth negotiating with a used dealership on the price, and do you know what the accessory package is on this car, lastly what condition would your rate the car, I plan to used the kelley blue book on negotiation an accurate fair price

 

I would tend to disagree with RIWWP on the issue of your first car. The handling and power of this car is quite perfect for a first car, just make sure to keep up on maintenance. My R3 was my first car with respect to really caring for it and being the one who drives it the most (I have driven parents vehicles but never really did maintenance). There are definitely things I have messed up a little bit on my car but on the other hand other enthusiasts that I converse with tell me I have the nicest Rx8 around. That puts a big smile on my face (Although I spend most of my money on this car).

It might be a bad idea to plan on building the engine yourself (I am taking an assumption based on your post). From my understanding tolerances with seals and internals need to be extremely precise. Many professionals mess up rebuilding an engine, so naturally chances are higher for anyone else.

More research is always better, but don't be too worried about having an Rx8 for your first car. Manual is better because automatics had a higher engine failure rate. RIWWP is definitely correct; you can probably find a much better deal.

 

Frankly, you sound like you are trying to tell us what we want to hear, and it makes your posts feel a bit artificial Just an observation.

That car has the Grand Touring package, and the OEM Appearance Package.

the condition seems good from the photos, but without a compression test, I have no idea what the mechanical condition is, and THAT is the important piece.

KBB prices aren't actually accurate for the RX-8, since KBB is unaware of how significantly the condition of the engine will affect the price. A car is worth more than KBB if it has a new engine, and WAY less, all the way to 'nothing' if the engine is failing.

And especially since you don't know RX-8s, that is not something you will be able to tell just by hopping in and driving it. Time and time and time again, new owners buy a car that feels fantastic to them, only to find out the engine is actually failing, and once they get a new one put in, they are floored by the difference. Same with failing ignition feeling fine, but new ignition transforms the car. You need that compression test FIRST. We can't stress that enough.

I wasn't referring to maintenance. **** happens. That's what I'm referring to. People lose their first car, and it doesn't matter how bizzare the circumstances or the value or quality of the car or any specific attribute of the car. It doesn't matter the maintenance or the upkeep. **** happens. I lost my first car when a Toyota 4-Runner LANDED ON THE HOOD. Yes, vertical downward damage. From the air. I was not at fault, however with more experience I would have been able to avoid being hit. That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Even the best and brightest and most responsible kids in the world still simply lack the real world experience to be able to avoid danger 100% of the time. And while yes, this isn't a 100% rule, it is so fundamentally true that it is the basis for higher insurance for kids, and it is a very rare exception when someone avoids destroying their first car.

Buying something cheaper and much more disposable for that to happen to is a better idea. Not an 8.

 

Agreed, I wrote my first car off as did a mate of mine. Others I know didn't but as RIWWP says "**** happens" and with first cars it's probably much higher simply from a learning point of view.

 

Not sure what you mean by artificial, and how do I perform a compression test is their a tool I need for that? Also i don't plan on rebuilding the engine just basic maintaince on it. The reason for the RX-8 is because its something different you don't see every day.

 

It's all detailed in the thread I linked in the first reply. I'm serious about you needing to read it.

 

ok will do

 

As RIWWP said about the compression test... Literally a must as im experiencing as i type this. I Have an 8, and it drives AMAZING, FAST, everything is fine, except a tad slow start.. And a bit rough idle. Guess what, did a compression test, and engine is literally a couple months from complete failure. Get that asap.

 

I'm 10,000% sure that as a kid that's allowed to pick his first car you're looking for something super cool that you can compare to other people's cars and let the girls realize "wow, he's a much cooler than other guys because his car is so cool #icanteven!"

I do not think this car is for you, it is easily the best handling car in it's price range, and would be "easy" to learn on, but it's incredibly difficult and fiddly compared to pretty much anything. If your parents are anything like mine they probably won't do any research much beyond "4 door, 1.3L, high crash test rating, great handling, wow this is the perfect car." It has very high failure rates for critical components compared to pretty much anything, and repairs get expensive fast.

Maintenance is a pain, and really not an undertaking for someone that's more concerned about what that dream last night meant. Something that is more forgiving with maintenance and reliability will go a very long way in preparing you for something as unique as the rx8. I personally don't even understand why the hell they let kids drive at your age this country, it's not safe and literally none of them drive well.

You will also run into the problem of showing off (don't even try to argue, you will), since it's a high powered sports car. This will lead you to either destroying the vehicle or killing yourself and others.

IMHO, don't even consider the 8 as a first car, you will destroy it and it will be horrifyingly expensive to maintain and keep running (expect 15mpg if you drive like a dying old lady). Make a deal with your parents or something so that if you keep a cheap beater Honda running for a year they'll buy you a nicer car, once you have another year of driving experience you'll be more prepared to make a decision on the kind of car that you want (low torque, high power rotaries are not for the faint of heart, or children, some even prefer Isuzu v6's).

Source: I'm 19 and I started out on a shitty Hyundai and forced myself to be a good driver in order to not kill myself (Fwd on terrible tires and 3 star crash test rating with dysfunctional airbags FTW).

 

From what everyone is saying about the R8 for myself, its not looking so good, thoughts on a toyota supra or honda prelude?

 

Prelude is a good one. Supra is not.

 

^^ on what folks are saying here, the RX8 is NOt a good choice for your first car, and this one in particular is priced WAY too high. A compression test BEFORE any RX purchase is a must.

any 04 RX8, especially with high mileage can be troublesome and expense to get back in top shape (engine, etc) no matter how nice the body looks and it seems to drive. A Toyota Prelude in good shape will cost you less to run and upkeep than a Supra which is prone to have been abused by its owner and has more expensive parts.

 

Thanks I will let you know what I end up buying.
Edit: I Just looked around autotrader and cargurus, and their are no preludes or even a supra in my areas that are manual. What car do you guys suggest that is similar to the rx8. Thanks

 

You could get an Mx-5, they're pretty cool.

 

Tried it, a convertible is a no-go with me because of insurance reasons I am now looking at a 2001 v8 mustang

 

How exactly is a 2L, sub 150hp, i4 convertible worse on insurance than a 4.6L, 250hp+, v8 muscle car?