Finally going to bite the bullet on a new (to me) car.. I either want a Impreza WRX or a RX-8 - can't really decide between the two though. Checked out a 2004 RX-8 today and it looks like quite a deal for only $7000

99,000 miles
Leather
Roof
Power seat
Heated seats

Some problems I noticed:
Blower for HVAC works but has something stuck in it making horrible noises..
Passenger side headlight fogged up (Taillights and other headlight looked great)
Driver side visor missing ???
Whistling sound at idle (Not sure if this is actually a problem.. idled around 1100RPM)

I've never owned a rotary powered car before but I've done a lot of lurking around the forums for what to look for.. I know to get it compression checked so I'm trying to work out taking it to the dealer to have it done. Anything else I should have checked while its at the dealer?

https://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7566/img4664g.jpg

https://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6271/img4665v.jpg

https://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3690/img4666p.jpg

https://img703.imageshack.us/img703/4968/img4667hq.jpg

https://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3382/img4669zs.jpg

https://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8048/img4670y.jpg

https://img855.imageshack.us/img855/8576/img4673q.jpg

Sorry if I missed something and thank you for any help!

 

mehhhh get the subaru.

 

Find me a good-priced one thats relatively stock with low miles. Thats no easy task

 

Hell, let me know if you find 2

 

I've been noticing new threads about newbies buying 04's. There might be a lot of 04's on sale...lol. Anyway, if you really wanted that 8, make sure you get a compression test on it. Good luck whichever you choose.

 

If you can't decide between a WRX and an RX-8... Just go test drive both. I'm sure you'll then know which one you like better.

 

In my opinion, I think that it greatly depends on what type of person you are.

-do you like working on cars?
-commute long distances?
-transport much more than a shoe box at any given time?
-have spare income for a car that gets 18-19 MPG on a good day?

I was at a toss up between these 2 cars when i bought my 8. Biggest reason for the 8 was that it wasn't 16k for a decent mileage 04-06. A lot of people think i am crazy or stupid for buying the 8 for the simple fact they are lazy, and when they see me check my oil level, tell me they feel this way. I don't mind checking my oil every so often in the least bit. Nor do i mind redlining the car

I guess like was said above, drive them and see what you like. Remember though, if you want something that is fast off the line other than compared to most 4 bangers out there, then the 8 is probably not your car lol. Also if you think that since its a "4 door" you will save on insurance, check your bases because here in CO it doesn't do a whole lot.