Hey, just recently I drove in my friends rx8 and i loved it! so im thinking about getting a used one, I can probably get a used one for around 12-14k

Im not too sure what kind of miles i should be looking for or what i should be cautious for when buying a used rx8.

So i guess what im asking is what i should look for when buying a used rx8 and how much i should spend on one.

thanks
Marcus


I live in So cal as well, dont know if that helps at all

 

Just look for one in good condition...if its an 04-05 90 percent of those has had the engine replaced.Just find one you like and ask the saler which dealership he/she took it to most of the time and call the dealership and make sure all the recalls have been done on it. If so, your in the clear from a troublesome 8

 

alright cool and iv heard after 100k miles you have to replace the engine? i will be driving alot so should i be concerend about that?

 

90%? lol I must be in the 10% group. Anyways, as with any car, look for service history and of course low mileage. Stay away from early auto's (or any auto for that matter) and make sure any significant TSB's and/or recalls have been addressed. You shouldn't have a problem finding a decent used 8 in that price range though you may have to haggle a bit to get there for something w/ relatively low mileage. You can check out the RX-8's For sale section of this forum to get an idea of asking prices or potential cars but either way, study up on the 8 extensively using this sight (start with the stickies/FAQ in all sections) before jumping into one. Any question you can come up with has already been answered in here so don't be afraid to search. Good luck.

 

There is no magical point at when the engine has to be replaced. The engine now (with better understanding, better dealer diagnosis procedures, and early issues leading to engine failure sorted out) has the potential to last well beyond 100k and be extremely reliable if properly maintained (regular oil changes, proper driving techniques such as redlining it frequently as recommended and avoiding cold stops which can cause flooding). Several early 8's have had multiple engine replacements (some at no fault of the owners) with very little miles due to various reasons but on the other hand many more have never had a problem and still operates successfully on the original engine. Me? I'm in an '05 at 44k miles that I've owned since 1700 miles with absolutely no problems, floods, or even one incident where my car has failed to start. You can find several threads about engine replacements, know issues, high mileage examples and people's experiences with this in this forum. Also, every 8 has a 100k mile/8 year powertrain warranty now so you would be covered on the engine up until that point.

 

Alright cool thanks for all the info guys.

 

yep 90% hhmmm....8 year powertrain??? i thought it was 8 year 100k /engine core .. i guess both of us are wrong

 

I want to get one but why not get a AUTOMATIC RX-8, i got a SRT-4 now and i get tried of shifting. What is the gas MPG on this RX-8's, sorry dont mean to bust your thread.

 

AT = less horsepower, lower redline, only 1 oil cooler.

 

If you live is So Cal you definitely need an AT

 

It will be nothing like your SRT-4. Neither version. But the AT is still an rx-8 IMO. I think there's a couple people here that went from SRT4 to Auto rx-8. Kinda a weird transition but whatever haha. For me, the AT is plenty fast enough, but I've never owned anything fast

 

why's that?

The only manual thing iv driven would be a dirtbike but if it gets better gas mileage i will definitely learn/

 

Stop and go freeway traffic can get old very quickly with a MT. I'm not saying don't get an MT, but I know from experience that a distance of only a few miles wore me out in an MT truck around San Diego.

 

Whats the GAS MPG on this cars?

 

^ 13-17 city/22-24 highway... Me and my 80% drive-it-like-you-stole-it city driving usually see 15 mpg w/ my MT.

 

I haven't gotten below 17 mpg, and I redline enough to keep a few 8's carbon away

But I in no way regret getting the MT, i do stop and go freeway traffic three days a week as well, just nice getting all the stares i do!


If you do decide to get an auto definitely get 06 or newer.


Its a good thing to know how to drive a MT anyways. Not just for fuel economy...which is barely a noticeable difference

 

Dude, put on a shirt.

 

90% of the 04-05 engines have been replaced? 87% of all statistics are made up on the spot.

i have an 04 and the original engine still. if you go with an 04, make sure the recalls have been done (battery, starter, bullets, etc).