b4yp

OK, so I've done a bunch of research and lurked the forums for a bit. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on an RX-8. Going to post some thoughts on the one that I found and would appreciate any opinions.

It's a 2005 RX-8 Shinka, MT, ~63k miles. They (dealer) will sell it to me for $13.4k Exterior and interior were very well taken care of. Super clean CarFax. Every maintenance was performed at the dealer and is on the CarFax as well. Also includes set of 4 wheels with snow tires mounted.

Never driven a rotary car before so wasn't sure what to listen for or look for. Overall, sounds really nice. Shifts well, really comfy. Sounds like a jet engine in the higher RPMs which is awesome! Handles like it's on rails. Sound system sounds good. A/C works well. Only thing that I noticed was a rough idle every now and then, which the dealer said was related to the motor mounts and would replace them prior to purchase of the car.

So, it seems like it was lovingly taken care of. It has about average mileage for a car that age. I think it's a go, but wanted to know if there's any reason that I shouldn't buy it?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts that you all might have!

b4yp

Never mind. It was sold before I could move on it. Currently looking at another one (2005) with about 20k less miles.

They claim that it's a Shinka as well, but it's white with black leather seats. From what I understand, there were no white Shinkas in 2005, only that black cherry color. Is this correct?

REsuperD

this is correct

what's w/ all these sellers mistakenly/fraudulently claiming shinkas, i've been seeing a lot lately

b4yp

OK, great, thanks for the follow-up! No idea why the mistake, though in my searches, I've seen more then a fair share of Shinkas that probably weren't.

Only thought is that people are either uninformed or looking to turn a bit of extra profit from those who don't know any better.

b4yp

Pulled the trigger on this car. 2005, 6MT, 39,500 miles, awesome shape. Pretty sure it has every option except a tape deck. White. $14k. Checked NADA, Blue Book, etc and that sounded like a fair price. I should have it on Monday.

Really looking forward to getting it. I'll post some pics when I do. This is my first rotary vehicle. Everyone seems really helpful here so I look forward to joining the community and contributing what I can as well!

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

That is correct. In 05 the Shinka models came in black cherry and had a cream/tan leather seats. I met another person recently that was sold a 05 as a Shinka and wasn't. There isn't much difference between a Shinka and a GT which is how they can get away with this.

b4yp

I think that was the case here. Fortunately I'd actually driven and then researched a genuine Shinka ahead of time and was able to call them on that.

Here was what I was told : "Ok I talked with my buyer. When we purchased the vehicle, our buyer [who] bought it knew it was not a Shinka... When it was placed on our site it was an inaccurate description of the car."

I'm not entirely positive I believe that but whatever. I think I got a fair deal and the car is in great shape for the year. If I didn't know ahead of time, I would never have guessed it was a 2005 by looking at it.

I agree that could be the case, though. Apart from the colors, this one has a spoiler and ground effects. Interior, the only thing that was noticeably different was that the Shinka had a tape deck and the "Bose" logo on the door speakers. This one did not. Driving-wise, the Shinka had a different road feel. But then again, when I drove the GT, it was making a semi-loud noise that the dealer attributed to "worn tires".. that might have been the case as the low tire pressure light was on and I did a tread depth measurement (rough) with my finger and I was like.. "oh great.. I have to replace the tires if I get the car.. that won't be cheap." I was able to talk the dealer into tossing in all new tires with the deal, however. Not sure what they put on yet but they drove it and said that it was LOTS quieter. Even if they're the cheapest tires ever, it'll still be good enough until I get around to buying better ones.

We'll see. Going back to check it out on Monday. Not signing any papers or taking delivery until it's all fixed and working properly.