First car, 2004 RX8. Gonna visit this weekend
 

Yeah I've been doing my homework on the 8, but there's this 8 I found that really caught my eye. http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/2657288900.html

It has 50,000 mileage on it, and it's an 04 model.

Now since a lot of 04 models had problems and what not, I'm not really sure on this purchase.

It has 50,000 mileage on it, and I'm not sure if this guy is a good RX8 owner or not, but from how he posted, it looks like he took good care of the car, also he claims he put a new battery on it.

I know that the warranty is about to go out on it too, and I know I'm going to spend more then what I buy for this car, I'm kinda down to put 1.5k plus more on this for any repairs.

But I just wanted to ask you guys here if it's smart of me to do this purchase or not. And of course I'll do a compression test on it, but I want to know before I spend money on a compression if it's worth to do it for this car.

Thanks

compression test and service history records.

Yeah I'll get the carfax on it, and I'll of course do a compression test before the purchase.

I was wondering, how long would that car last, I mean I'll take care of it, but how much more miles could I get on it, around 100k+?

And how much do you guys usually spend on your gas, since I know the 8 takes only 18 mpg rarely. And since you have to use 89 octane+ it adds on more.

are you sure you've researched?
The engine isn't a time bomb. Who knows how long it will last.
Gas prices vary. Depends on your driving habits. But, if gas prices are a concern... Look for another car

Yeah I've researched, and people go through 3 - 4 engines with this car.
How much does an engine cost for an 8?

where are you getting your info??
not EVERYONE goes through engines. There is even a thread of someone who made over 200k miles on his original engine. And it's STILL going!

More research. THEN think about purchasing.

Well I knew that, I just wanted to know the price of an engine.

$11,500 for a used 2004 with 50k miles from a private seller is extremely high.
It's probably worth around $9k-10k max.

Just because he knows how to read a brochure about the Rx-8 doesn't mean it was maintained properly so don't let the "50hp more than the automatic" seem like a knowledgeable piece of information.

Personally, I would get a compression test done, offer to pay half and if he declines, don't buy it. If he agrees, he could always keep the ratings and show to another costumer who would be interested so it's not like he's wasting his money and if he doesn't want to show you, than he's obviously trying to hide something.

Try looking around more,
Don't have your heart set on one 8 and be prepared to have extra money in your bank account for expenses that might come up in the future because this is not a civic, it has to be maintained or else it'll cost you more in the long run.

Oh, just to let you know,
the Rx-8 doesn't 50 more horsepower because it revs higher,
It's mostly because an automatic Rx-8 from 2004-2005 were only 4port engines rather than the 6port manual. There's only a 20-25 horsepower loss from the 6port autos but you should search for a manual because it's a sports car and thus should not have anything other.

Also,
I wanted to point in the craigslist ad,

He posted, "The car has only 50,000 miles! Everything is in working order. Brand new battery, recent smog, good tires. The previous owner changed the oil, tranny, coolant, and rear end fluids a few months ago. The car comes with a combination stereo and navigation system. I have the original radio as well if you want to make it stock."

Judging by the paragraph provided, he hasn't owned the car very long, and if he's only stating that the previous owner changed the oil "a few months ago" than it's obvious he hasn't been up to par with his oil changes.

That sentence alone would make me steer away from the purchase.