I've just totaled my Saab 9-3 MY03 and I've always been intrigued by the rotary engine so I took an 05 Shinka for a test drive during lunch on Friday and now I've got to have one.

I've done quite a bit of research and I'm pretty sure I want an 06+ due to reliability revisions and I'll be buying something with less than 40k on it. My must haves are : leather seats, manual (more power and more fun), heated seats, sunroof. I'd also love to have blue-tooth, push button start, and HID's but I believe the first was only available on the '09/'10 versions and I don't know if push button start was ever available, but HID's I think were available in all years. I don't really need navigation (Droid phone) but if it comes with all of the other options its not a big deal.

I meant to check the one I test drove but I'll ask here, do the rear seats fold down? I don't carry a lot of stuff in my cars but occasionally I need the extra space.

I've read up on what you need to do to keep your RX running well, but is there anything specifically I can look for when buying one that has relatively low miles?

Thanks in advance!

 

We love pics, any of the totaled? I don't think any year has push to start. No, the rear seats do not fold down.

 

A lot of dealers are selling cars as Shinka's when they are not. They are thinking they can get a premium for the name over a regular GT model. To identify a 05 Shinka, look for Black Cherry paint and Tan/Cream leather seats. The other difference to the Shinka was foam filled frame members and Bilsten shocks.
I have known one and hear of others that have been sold a GT and was told it was a Shinka model.

 

This is one that I'm looking at and its listed as a Shinka but its red? It has the little Shinka sticker but I'm guessing anyone can add one of those on. Attached are the pics of my Saab.

 

any ideas on what to look for in a used RX8?

 

Thats a Copper Red shinka. Dealers are going to price them really high. 19k could get you an 08, maybe even an 09 soon. Make sure when you find a good deal, take it to a mazda dealership and get it checked out.

 

Actually, the '05 Shinka has Tokico shocks (the R3 has Bilstein) - a nit noid to be sure.

Advanced Search "buying tips" has a lot of good info.

I wouldn't be concerned with a latter 2005 build. I actually wouldn't be concerned with prior if you can assure yourself all the required TSB/MSP's were done and it has a good overall service record.

The '06 Copper Red Shinka is a very nice alternative.

No, the rear seats do not fold down, but there is a "ski pass thru."

 

i'm still looking and now that i have the check from the insurance company I'm looking at a black '07 GT, but I've seen plenty of pictures of cars with the Mazdaspeed bodykit and I was wondering if they ever released an actual Mazdaspeed RX-8 or if it was just the accessories? I've also seen what appears to be a lip kit that adds on to the factory bumper and wanted to know if that was an option or where it might be available

 

^ no, there is no Mazdaspeed RX-8, only accessories. There is some speculation that Mazda might release a Mazdaspeed edition in its final production year 2011.

 

That's kinda what I figured and I won't be buying a brand new one so that wouldn't make a difference for me.

If I'm looking at something between 20-40K assuming the previous owner didn't take care of it properly is there a way that it could have been 'ruined' to the point where it will give me lots of issues down the road?

 

"yes" is the answer to your last question. That's why if you can't see good maintenance records you should be cautious.
I would definitely get a compression check on a used one.
Then look for how often the oil was changed.
And depending on miles...........when we plugs and coils changed?
Plugs and coils on these don't go much over 35k, but I will tell you that some never have changed them to upwards of 80k, but I wouldn't. Might also want to have the CAT inspected.

 

Sad to see the Saab pics : ( My wife and I have an 03 Vector and I love that car but I definitely prefer my 8 on the backroads. As others have stated, keep an eye out for maintenance records, possibly get a compression test done. I'm not sure on the series II models but I believe all series I are covered by Mazda for 100,000 miles / 8 years on the engine. Some people have a lot more difficulty than others getting a replacement engine but it's nice to know Mazda is backing it at least somewhat.

There have been a lot of nice 8s going through the FS section here, you might want to give it a look. I know I'm glad I did