Getting (hopefully) a 2004 RX8
 

Sup, new soon to be RX8 owner, as long as the car checks out good. I've been approved to finance a 2004 RX8, 46k miles, 6 speed manual, at 12,4. Looks great, but I just need to test out the car.

If I do get it, what services do people recommend getting done ASAP? It seems start up problems are quite common amongst the car. I've read a good amount of the FAQs.

Also, anything in particular I should look at while test driving it? Thanks in advance!

Attached is photo of it.

Try to get the service history with it, if you cant then goto a Mazda dealer with the vin and see what they have to tell you. See if they can tell you what recalls have been done on the car. Also you should probably get a compression check done on it before you buy it, just to make sure the engine is doing alright. If everything checks out you might consider buying new plugs coils and wires for it, since you don't know when they were last changed if you can afford it get the BHR ingition.

Yea I've put money aside to pretty much replace all plugs, coils, even the starter. I asked the guy to call Mazda to see if it got pulled in for the clutch recall.

If I ask for a compression check will it be free before I buy it?

Honestly, if I were in the market for a second 8, I would avoid '04's and '05's. I believe all of the engine rebuilds have been pre-'06. Also, you only have a year left on the engine core warranty, so be prepared for a few thou out-of-pocket to rebuild the engine if it dies after 2012.

my 06 shinka that i bought a year ago had the engine replaced before i bought it @ 30k miles...

My wife (04 LY GT) would tell ya to get it because of the color :rock:

just make sure ALL recalls have been done and get the compression test done for sure.

Well, you've got the first '06 with a reman that I've heard of. Is it early production for '06? He still has only a year, year and a half of engine core coverage with an '04. Something to consider if he's on a budget.

If he's married and his wife likes the color, you can throw all reason straight out the window, lol.

Thing is I can't afford an 05+ model right now. So I'm gonna test drive it a few times, make sure it starts properly. Gonna get a compression check (Again, is it free from dealer if its request before buy?)

I'm being very cautious about this buy because of all the nightmares I've heard.

I've worked in auto industry, so I can do a lot of this maintenance myself (sparks, wires, etc). But is it too risky getting an 04? It's been driven up until now and there are no notes in the carfax about engine replacements or anything.

Is it a Mazda dealer?

If so, they know all about the 8yr/100k engine core warranty. I would demand a compression test before signing, if it's a Mazda dealer.

What does at 12,4 mean? If you mean your approved for a 12.4% apr loan or the car cost is $12.4K, I would either shop around some more for a different car or for different financing.

Not a mazda dealer. Just a small local used car dealer.

12,4 means $12,400 is the cost of the car. I have a 6.99 APR.

If anybody but a Mazda dealer does the compression check, I'd be suspect. Also concerned that they don't mix up leading and trailing plugs.

You need to know that used 8's can be fussy cars, and I guarantee that you will have out-of-pocket maintenance and repair expenses since you're out-of-warranty. Be sure you are prepared financially for that, as well as the loan itself.

For an 04, $12,400 seems a little high to me even with the low miles. I would shop around and look for a private party sale. You should be able to find an 06 for that price. If not, get them to throw in a 100k mile warranty for free or maybe an even $13k w/warranty.

I really hope you aren't in PA, and considering this car:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

Here's the carfax report:

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CDM_U

I don't know if you noticed, but this car was reported to have been in an accident that it hit a guard rail, and popped its airbags. The picture you posted is IDENTICAL to the pictures in the cars.com ad.

I hope you realize that this car isn't worth $12k.
Its probably not even worth $8k.

You shouldn't consider this car for the price they are asking.
No way.

BC.

Yeah same car. I'm going to look at it today (not buy, just drive). Why don't you think it's worth 8k? According to KBB, it's worth 14,5.

The dealer did just send me a message saying "its airbag didn't deploy"...even though it's on the carfax. Which is very suspicious.

Also they do offer their own 1 year/unlimited mileage warranty.

He says its not worth $8k because of the accident. He is sort of right. Cars are never the same after accidents. Nothing is selling for KBB these days. Our cars with poor mileage and high fuel cost drive the demand down even further.

Not sure how far of a drive Arlington VA is for you, but here is an 07 with 43K miles for $11,500 private party sale http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2422358613.html

If your interested, talk to the owner, make sure he has the title in hand or payoff paper work from the bank. Get the VIN, do a carfax and service records check at the dealer before ever driving out there. If everything checks out, your bank should be able to approve you and cut the check with no issues.

^ I do agree. I looked at the car and decided to not get that specific one. I'm going to keep shopping around. Thanks for clearing my head.

Yea its tough, I know you want one right now but when you rush into things it almost always ends up bad. Some people took months to find the right car, and I bet they were happy with it.

Yea, not a good selection of RX8s around my area.

Hey guys, I too am looking for a rx8.. I just sold my s13 two days ago. It was kitted with rims, lowered and had an awesome daytona blue paint job with white wheels. I love the blue color on the rx8's. I have come across while reading, all the problems of the 04 and 05 but heard it was mostly auto's. I am also looking at 350z's. I think I'm going to stay with looking at 06's but my price range is about 11,500

Good for you.

BC.