lansere

So I traded my Audi A4 in for the Mazda some time ago. More about that on Finalgear's forum.

Ownership Verified: frankiess's Mazda RX-8

This is a bit of a rant about the car dealers and sellers of this car.

So the 2004-2005 cars basically fall into three categories in Finland:
1. Engine busted and 7k€.
2. Engine still functional, epic mileage, 10k€
3. Engine replaced, epic mileage, 15k€+.

Since my job requires me to drive in the city a lot, I'm somewhat trying to get rid of the RX-8 and replace it with a higher MPG car. So I've been talking to a few owners and dealers about a swap or sell. Now don't get me wrong here. I love my Mazda. It's huge fun compared to that VAG bit of junk. But I have no garage and the winter and salt around here will turn the poor Mazda into rust. So eventually it'll have to go. Even though it's in excellent condition with a new engine and all the cool new parts, and I've had huge fun doing some essential mods.


The thing is - I try to do a straight swap with dealers, they'll compare my high-mileage car to the other high mileage cars on sale. I actually spoke with a dealer bloke who compared my car to a 6k€ car on the market.

"The mileage is the same, innit?"

"Well.. would you mind clicking the button where it says more info? That car has a busted engine!"

"Oh."

Three other cars were the same. And three times he compared my car to them. Don't get me wrong here, I'm used to having my cars called junkers. But this one is seriously in immaculate condition. Have a sense of realism here, eh? Mileage isn't bloody everything, when the condition of the cars is completely different. FFS.


I've also tried selling straight to a private buyer. People generally know nothing of wankels and as such are a bit scared of even considering an RX-8. So sales calls generally become a shouting match of who knows more about wankels, and then a promise that they'll call later. *sigh* I'm not trying to prove the size of my e-***** here, I'm just trying to make a point that my car is in good condition and it's a good buy.


I joined the RX8club-forums to get a bit of insight on a noise from my suspension, since this has proven to be a wealth of knowledge in my 6 months of ownership.

But perhaps you'd be able to share some tips on car selling? I seem to be clueless.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

If you want to sell it fast, you will have to sell cheap, very cheap.

The only way you will get a reasonably higher amount of money is waiting for the right buyer to come looking. They will be few and far between.

You could get a compression test on the engine to prove that it is, or is not, failing.

lansere

I don't like the facts, but you make a lot of sense, sir.

That compression test is a good idea though. I do have receipts and all of the new engine, but a compression test certificate couldn't hurt.

Although, I'd very much like to drag the selling process out for as long as possible and enjoy the car while I can.

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

If the car is really in good condition, you might want to hold out and try to sell it for more privately than trading it in. But understand, just because you like your "cool new parts", not everyone will, and that will effect the price they are willing to pay.

I normally trade mine in, I don't want the next owner calling me complaining about the piece of **** they just bought. Like my last car, whoever owns it now is probably cursing me out with vengeance. I hot wired it so it would start to trade it in. And I even used a fused... But I also hid it way up into the dash, never to be seen again.

lansere

So you are the infamous "GDPO" they keep talking about.

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

Wait GDPO? I'm confused

lansere

God Damn Previous Owner.

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

Oh Ok