2007 RX8 GT 6-spd with 83k km, seller asking $8500 CAD.
Dark blue body's in good shape, doesn't appear to have been repainted. Cream coloured interior is pretty worn as current owner is a smoker but I reckon a good detailing could bring it most of the way back.
Problem is: CEL. Owner claims it's because he put in a straight pipe/removed the cat, which I believe because it STINKS when running. Slight rattle in the engine can be heard from the outside but it runs very, very nicely on the test drive. Appears to be squatting a bit in the back, I suspect the rear suspension may need some work.
I'm thinking tell him to put the OEM cat back in and take it to Mazda for compression test, if all checks out I may make an offer. Anyone think I'm crazy?

 

Definitely not crazy, you need that compression test. He removed the cat for a reason, maybe it was clogged due to poor ignition.

 

Compression test a must, and ask him to return the car back to stock. See if he is truly willing to meet your satisfaction to make the sale, or if he is trying to pull a fast one on you.

 

If the CAT was clogged, putting it back on will cause more harm.

You don't need it for a comp test.

Get the compression test
Two sets of 3 numbers and an RPM.

I.e. 7.5, 7.5, 7.6 RPM 250

Travis

 

Yeah thanks I just want to be sure that's the only reason for the CEL though.

 

You can get the codes read at the same time as you do the compression test..

 

Actually the seller works at a transmission shop.. he should have access to a reader right there! Why the heck didn't I ask for that while I was there..

 

2011 Mazda rx8 "FOR SALE"
Under 50,000 miles
Miami Fl.
2011 Mazda RX-8 $9900

No modifications done!!!

 

Nice looking Series 2 RX8 !

I think the original poster is in Canada. Don't know if he can buy and import a US car himself without dealer status. And I think he may prefer a 6-speed.

 

Yes!

Not willing to look into it (unless it's a screaming deal)!

ABSOLUTE DEALBREAKER, yes!

 

Do you have any pictures of the car? I think he's steep on the price. I agree with the above that a serious seller will pay for the compression test. Did the seller offer any maintenance history on the car?

 

I offered to pay for the compression test and CarProof and offered $8k for the car. He told me I don't need mechanical inspection because I drove the car and I know it's awesome. It's no longer listed for sale so I guess he sold it to someone else.. I have moved on. Thanks for all the feedback though!

 

Considering you offered to pay for said inspection, sounds like he had something to hide. Maybe the new owner will be along here shortly..

 

That's a good price if it was a manual.

 

I mean, I've got one for sale if you wanna road trip through the US...

 

UPDATE: he just got back to me accepting my offer, apparently didn't take the ad down but "maybe it expired". Anyway as I said I have moved on.. too much sketchiness here!