2004 Mazda
 

Hey everyone..I found a 2004 Mazda RX-8 Automatic with 76k miles..the dealership is having problems selling it,apparently the car turns off after 20 minutes?..I've been doing my research and apparently it needs a good complete tune up...but I have also read about the rotary engine and its issues...The carfax seems "OK"..just the usual(Oil change,brakes, fluids etc)..but I found AC control and heating replacement with "drive belts adjusted"..I worked a good deal with the dealership, but I would like to know your opinion if is the engine that needs replacement, or the belt, or a tune up or all of the above...and how much will it cost me?..and if I need to look somewhere else?


Thanks!!!!

Have you read the new owners thread?
If you haven't, find it and read it. It will answer all of your questions.

BC.

Have they done a compression test on the engine? Find that out first, and let us know the outcome...

What are you considering a good deal for the car, what is the price the dealership is asking for it?

As Monchie said get a compression test done and find out how healthy the motor is. You will get 4 numbers per rotor, 3 of them are the compression readings and the 4th is the rpm is was spinning at. Post that information here and do not take "it passed" as the rsults of the compression test from the dealer.

I wouldn't even bother with this car though, it is a 4 speed automatic with the lower power engine. If you get a 2006+ rx8 then you at least have the higher power engine and also a 6 speed transmission.

Wow thank you!!!..

Well, the dealership is asking $6985 for the car..but I was able to make them understand that since the car needs good maintenance I can bring a mechanic, get an estimate and bring the car price down depending the amount it will take to fix it!...and no apparently the dealership will not invest any money to repair the car and did not confirmed any of those test I would like to know what is the average price for the compression test if applicable.

Personally I would not pay a dime over 2k for the car. Assume it needs an engine period. If they wont sell it for that, go find another vehicle. No matter what you car you chose get the compression test done. A non running vehicle is pretty pointless, unless your buying it as a project.

Average price for a compression test is $100-150.

Thanks!

And yes you are right...the cost to repair the car maybe will go over two thousand if the engine is in bad condition..I have options on my advantage...I just found an 2008 RX-8 sport and that should be worth to take a look.!!!

Thanks to all of you guys...so finally getting an RX-8...I found a 2004 RX-8 AT I noticed you guys recommended a Compression test...any other test that I may request to the dealer before buying it?

Compression test and test drive the car and see how it runs. Anyway, do you know that if your planning to get an 04, the 8yr/100k mile Mazda warranty is over? It's all on you now whatever happens to it, specially the whole cost on replacing the engine.

Pre-Purchase inspection and a compression test are the two most important tests you can do before you buy a car.

BC.