t-rexnut

Hello all you RX-8 nu--err enthusiasts:

I'm so excited I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!" I have wanted one for sooooooo long!!!!https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

This is a 2004 6 speed manual silver/grey. Red/Black interior Sunroof (I do not know what package that is ) . Seems to be in immaculate condition in and out. Salesman said it belonged to friend of the manager of the GM dealership and he traded it in for a Caddilac DTS (I think). His loss I think!! Salesman told me the former owner said he never drove it in the rain. I have seen Carfax and no prolems there. It has 24,000 miles on it. Asking price is 16,500 is that good? I have three questions. The dealer left it by the auto sprinkling system for days and the brake rotors are rusty. Is this a concern? The original Japanese "sticky tires are not on anymore, there are now Goodyear are they as good? How do I get the maintenece records for this car from Mazda Dealership?

Thanks in advance

David Drake

rotarykillz

iTrader: (1)

16,500 is high for an 04. I don't even know if it retails for that, miles or not. You could get an 06 with similar miles for that price I think.

I would look up the NADA on it with the features it has and make sure you're not overpaying for it then talk them down under retail for it.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Any dealer can run you the service history when you provide the VIN (dealer service only of course).

All brake rotors develop 'flash rust' when wet. It burns off the first time the brakes are subsequently applied.

Goodyear is typically a good brand. What specific model tho'?

$16,500 is definitely high for an '04 even with low miles these days. You should be able to negotiate a lower price.

terch1

iTrader: (2)

Way toom high for an '04 regardless of the mileage. I'd keep looking. Good luck!

t-rexnut

Huey52:

Salesman pointed out w57 (I think) Said that meant tire was good to 160 MPH side info says something sport(can't remember exactly)

Rotarykillz and terch1:

Thanks for the info on pricing. I will use that for negotiating at the dealership. Do you think a GM dealership would know exactly the worth of this car? Would that be my strategy to convince them that they are losing money holding it for their asking price?

Thanks guys for the quick replies.

Rotaries Forever even in the air? <www.moller.com>

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

I meant Goodyear tire model, e.g. "Eagle F1 or GT" (both of these all season btw).

The 'W' number is the 'service description' and is related to the maximum speed rating. 95W is a common performance tire rating (so no, not '57W').

Anyway, again Goodyear tires are typically very good; was just curious.

And again you should be able to negotiate a far better price, especially from another manufacturer.

Do check the service history by taking the VIN to a Mazda dealer or calling Mazda North America Operations 800-222-5500

VashGS

A little overpriced it's prob worth $13k as all used vehicle prices are in a free fall right now. The problem I see is that your engine prob will give up around 50-80k and need rebuild. Your gonna be looking at 4-8 grand in bills. Just FYI don't want to be a doom & gloomer. Read the threads on the engine issues. I just got an 04 GT with reman for $11.5.

edit add note: Was thinking if you do get it priced down and take it. Get extended warranty and maybe that way you can relax about the engine
loosing compression for a little while at least.

Never L8

iTrader: (5)

You don't have to walk from this car. Just make sure you negotiate a far better deal. I bought my absolutely loaded with every possible factory option 2004 two years ago for $14,000, which still may have been a little high. That was two years ago, though.

Let me ask you, and I mean no offense, but are you on the younger side? It sounds a little to me like they're playing on the fact that you're a young, excited buyer. They especially have you if you were outwardly excited and telling them how much you love the car. It sounds like a nice one and you should be excited. Just don't let them take you...and it sounds like they're taking you.

Another piece of advice...my girl just bought a Mini Cooper JCW edition. The dealer was playing her hard because it was a limited edition. It sounds like they're trying to do that to you, with the exceptionally low miles for a 2004. Additionally, when we negotiated the "Out The Door" price (tax, title, license), they gave us those figures as being $2,000 total. After looking into it, the tax in Illinois was only $750, and with title and license it was a grand total of $970. The dealer was trying to make another $1,030 on the back end. SNEAKY F-CKS! So, just be careful for all of their scams.

In the end, YOU HAVE THE POWER. The car market is still **** and with the unreliability concerns of the RX-8, the gas thirsty nature, and the niche car appeal it has, the RX-8's aren't exactly flying off the lots...at all. Don't settle and don't let them push you around. You other questions were answered adequately by the previous members.

REsuperD

imho 13k would be a *fair* price but not exactly a steal. 16.5 is way high. low miles on an RX-8 isn't necessarily a good thing; the key things are how well cared for it was, how was it driven by the previous owner, etc., which are hard to know w/ a car from a dealer. i pretty much never trust dealers or salesmen, so i'd be careful. used prices for 8's are usually tipped in the buyer's favor, so definitely shop around

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

Yeah... i'd have the dealer do a compression test before you buy it. Just to make sure.

13k for low miles '04 isn't great... not terrible, but I bet you can do better.

Also, if you're able to get the service history, you'll want to check for the TSBs that were done.

ECU reflashed? Starter replaced? (the '04 & '05's have weak starters)

Also get the dealership to check for possible oil in the intake.

And I view used car pricing like this... if you have your heart set on that color, with those options with that mileage, finding another just like it will be tough without some searching and probably a plane ride to pick it up. So there is the price of what its worth... and how much you'll pay extra to have exactly what you want.

Just sayin'