Can't believe it, but I'm back after 3 years...
 

Hello all,

Back in 2007 I posted on here every now and then as I was looking for a car. Sadly, I could not buy an RX-8 due to it's impracticality in the winter time (I live in Connecticut) and that it just wouldn't be feasible as a DD. I ended up buying an 05 WRX and have loved the 3 years I've owned it. I'll be graduating school in 5 weeks (thank god) and it looks like I'll be employed right after graduation :)

My WRX is paid off and I feel that it's time to finally get another car to add to the stable. For some damn reason, I CANNOT stop coming back to the RX-8. There are so many cars that I love out there but for some reason the RX-8 has always just had this draw that I can't deny. I found an 06 Shinka in Copper Red about an hour and a half away from me and I'm going to go test drive it tomorrow.

http://tinyurl.com/Shinka-RX-8

So, I have a couple questions. I did some searching on the forum related to what constitutes as high mileage and what is the proper asking price, but I guess I just want to hear it directly from you guys to get more of a peace of mind. Obviously I'll need to ask for records and what not, but is 68,xxx miles too high on an RX-8? I'd be using my WRX as a DD whenever I do decide to buy a new car so I doubt I'd be putting too many miles on whatever my 2nd car ends up being. Coincidentally enough, the first RX-8 I ever drove 3 years ago was a Shinka, so it'll be nice getting back into one tomorrow. Any thoughts and opinions? I can't believe it's already been this long, but it's good to be back :)

EDIT: For anyone too lazy to click on the link, it's an 06 Shinka, 6-speed, 68,201 miles, dealers asking $14,995.

dont like the color........,maybe something different?

15000 for an 06 with 70000 miles sounds a lot to me. You can definitely find a better deal. Look at the for sale section in this forum. With this kind of money I am SURE you can find a car with around 40000 miles.

I'm not interested in other people's opinion about the color, I like the color, that's what matters.

To the next poster, that's what I was thinking. I just don't want to have to travel really far for one. I did some traveling for my WRX and I can honestly say, I don't want to have to do that again. It just makes it so much more difficult to test drive and haggle the price down. I should also note that I'm trying to stay away from 04 models. I'd prefer 06 and up due to later models having all the updates and "hopefully" less problems.

tza, what would also constitute as a good deal for an 06 with 68,xxx miles but in good condition? $12k? $13k? I'll update the thread tomorrow after I drive it and get the info I need. Also, anything really specific I should ask the dealer?

EDIT: Sorry, I should have mentioned what I'm looking for when buying an RX-8. I love the Shinka package, but for non-Shinka 8's, I'm looking for a grand touring model with the appearance package and 6-speed.

+1 -- that's more than what I paid for an 04 with 8,000 miles two years ago.

First of all congrats for your graduation and best luck with whatever you do!
As far as the car, I would suggest you to wait and do some more search. You've been waiting for 3 years so a bit more won't hurt:) In my personal point of view, this car is overpriced but I guess the dealer has to make some profit. I would not pay more than 12000 for this car. I personally would not consider buying an rx8 with more than 40000 miles on it.

As far as the 04-05 models if the previous owner has done the right maintenance (oil changes every 3000 miles, plugs, wires, and coils at around 30,000) and all the TSBs and recalls (upgraded starter and battery, and MSP16=PCM flash that increases the oil level) you don't have to be afraid. Many people have bought 04 and 05 models (I am one of them) and have had no problems so far.

I went to the NE forums about 2 hours ago, someone an hour away from me is selling an 04 RX-8 GT in black, 6-speed, selling with summer and winter tires, ipod hookup, 45,5xx miles, ecu replaced under warranty, says everything else is fine, asking $10,000 or best offer. I pm'd him asking about it and if he has time tomorrow to take a test drive... And you are right about waiting for a better deal. I have waited 3 years as it is, so yeah, what is a little more time? Either way, if I were to look at the 06, there's no way I'd buy it for that price. Thank you for the good wishes too, I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this day! :)

As I told you, if you look on 04 and 05 models see if the recalls are done. Further, ask for the maintenance records.

I picked up my manual for 13.7K with 33K miles... and this price included some minor mods.. your completely overpaying my friend.

Take your time to find the perfect 8 for you. Dont rush things as things happen when their supposed to, and trust me, you will know when you find the 8 thats perfect for you. Goodluck

I should really clarify that I would never pay that much for that car. I know I can get that price down, the question is, if it is in perfect working order, I can get all the maintenance records, what would be a solid asking price?

Are you referring to the price for the 06 Shinka one, or the 04? The Shinka I agree it is overpriced. The 04 though, if all the TSBs and recalls are done and is in good condition, 10000 or best offer sounds like a good price.

dealers will always try and rape you... Personally Shinka or not I could care less, its the price that matters, Shinka's are really no different than a regular old manual other than the paint, interior and Bilstein shocks...

Id say $13,000, but thats just me, and if you really want it. But also realize that my 05' had 33K miles and i paid $13,700. Thats $700 more for a a one year less car and less than half the miles basically. And i can promise you my car is in better condition because it was being sold by a private owner that was on these forums who knew about the car and knew how to drive it and properly take care of the engine etc, hell to even prove it the car still had on the original factory Potenza's with 33K miles. Those tires have a 140 tread rating!!! He babied it, but also knew about redlining the car etc.

Personally if you're looking for a good 8, look no farther than on these forums. These owners (most) have taken good care of their cars and know how to drive them. God knows who had that Shinka before you and you could be walking into a trap. Be careful and take time to look around...

WTBRotary if you read all the posts you will find out that he is not interested anymore on the 06 Shinka. He is looking now an 04 with 45xxx miles at $10000 or best offer, listed on the NE forum. So I believe he is on the right track!

Lol didnt know he wasnt interested, Man im tired... Well as for the 04 as long as all the TSB's and recalls are done you should be fine... but take all of my advice with you

I most definitely will, thank you for the info guys :)

You are welcome