Looking at an '05 with 20k miles that had the engine replaced and all the things that went along with it like plugs, cats and ECM flash and an '06 with 15k miles that didn't need the engine replaced, but got the updated cats and plugs and programming. Price is about a 1000 apart, but the '05 is leather and Nav which I really prefer to the '06. Both are pretty clean as I can tell, but they are both carmax cars so I can't drive until I buy and transfer, but I get 5 days to return it if I don't like. I'm new to Rotary completely, but have been wanting an RX-8 for a while and now is the time. I'm not new to engines and maintenance at all. I do all my own, top to bottom, front to back on anything I've ever owned. Grew up in the garage with my dad so I"m pretty good at it. I have a Mazdaspeed6 currently that keeps me plenty busy if you know anything about those cars. I guess my question is should I run away from those cars or not. Should I look for a newer model or are those cars ok since they've had the work done? Is the '05 better since it had the motor replaced or worse because the replacement motors are questionable? I've done a little reading on the issue, but I'm a bit short on time to do a ton of digging. Any advice you can throw at me quickly is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joel

 

I've never heard of not being able to test drive a car from carmax. I know numerous people that have test driven a car there.

 

Guess you missed the whole part about a transfer? The cars are out of state from me. I have to pay the transfer fee to get them here and never get that money back even if I don't buy it. Not looking for advice on Carmax, I know how they work. Looking for help on the RX-8's I specifically like.

 

Given what you said, I'd go for the 06, but that's just one opinion. I wouldn't ever buy a car this way, but I'm not you, so good luck if you decide to do so.


If you have time, read up a little?

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.ph...&highlight=FAQ