2004 over 60k miles a gamble to buy?
 

i've been shopping around for rx8s for a couple weeks now and I'm not wanting to spend over 10k

most likely, this means i'll be buying a 2004 model since I dont really want to buy a 2005 that isn't in the greatest condition, but maybe i'll find a good deal...

so my main question is, other than a compression test, what can I do to make sure I don't buy an 8 for 10,000 and then in a couple months when the 100,000 mile warranty runs out end up spending another 3k or 5k or whatever it is to replace the engine

Most people I've talked to said they don't know if their 8 is still under warranty (what all would disclude it from warranty other than improper use like wrong oil?) and is there a way i can find out if it's still under warranty with the VIN?

would it be a better idea to buy an 04 with a rebuilt engine since the replaced engines should have less problems i would assume? is it relatively safe to assume if it's made it to 90k the owner has taken proper care of it and the engine should last quite a while if I take care of it as well?

I know this is a lot of questions, but this is going to be my first nice car (well 10k is a very nice car to me) and it would kill me to buy one and have to spend another 5k in the next year just to keep it running

thanks so much for any responce

and i'm sorry if there are already many threads on this, i've read for the last 2 hours on threads trying to find the answers to my questions and these are the questions I still have


EDIT: there is an 05 I am looking at that has 76k miles on it. He wants $9500. has leather/BOSE/moon roof/power everything. Seems like a very good deal ot me. Could I take that car to a mazda dealer and have them check everything (and if the engine was bad, shouldn't it still be covered under the 8 year warranty?)

You want to know when the car was first sold, thats when the warranty starts. This way you will know when it expires. It could be expired or have months to over a year left on the 8yr or 100K miles warranty that covers the "engine core". Also you need the history of the car or you will not have proof of service done. Yes get Vin to check it out.

I don't think so. Engines have lost compression even when an owner follows the manual and all the scheduled maintenance (waves). The compression test is your best and only real clue.

The replacement engines seem to be hit or miss too. I've read around as well, and it seems some people are still going just fine after many tens of thousands of miles, and others have failed after a few thousand.

The best way to ensure you're still under warranty is to know if all the maintenance records were kept by the owner (ie oil changes, spark plug, etc). Other than that, it really depends on your local mazda dealer. Call them and ask if they'll do anything to help you out, if receipts are required.

Have a look at some of these
FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx-8-faq-please-read-before-posting-959/
New and Potential Owner’s, Start Here https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
New Owner FAQ’s https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ

Also, make sure you read the “stickies” in each sub-forum

Call your local Mazda dealer with the VIN number. Tell them you are thinking about buying the car and wondered if the could tell you the service /warranty history on the car.
Start there. Then if all that sounds good. Get a compression test. If she feels like a good deal in your mind. Buy it. Or come back and ask more questions when you find out about a car your looking into.

Read the stickies and follow the procedures. Take care of it, and it should take care of you for a long time to come. Good luck.

I would look at a rebuilt engine as a positive thing but like others said, it is hit or miss. Also, one thing you didn't ask that you might consider thinking about is the drastic difference between an automatic and manual rx8 (in terms of power, 0-60 and 1/4). Since you didn't ask I'm guessing either it's not so important or you already have it figured out, just thought I'd mention to keep it in mind. Service records are important but I logged onto Mazda USA's website and put my VIN in and there's no records in there, however I do have the recent receipts for the replacement engine in my car I bought a couple weeks ago. So I'm pretty sure some dealers will put a new engine in without receipts but you might have to look harder.