I'm considering purchasing an 2005 GT (MT). It has over 60k miles. Is it foolish of me to buy this car expecting to have a reliable daily driver for the next 3+ years? I expect to drive 5k-8K miles a year with intelligent maintenence without beating it up too badly.
Also, any tips/guides for a pre-purchase inspection? Anything in particular I should be sure to check out?

 

Unless it has a heck of a price advantage I think I would lean toward a newer model. It really depends on the build date. Somewhere in the '05 model year Mazda made some of the changes to the oil injection that is suppose to eliminate the seals going bad. How much do you know about the previous owner and what kind of miles were put on the car? Highway mostly? If you still like the deal, I'd take it to Mazda and let them check it out for you.

 

The engine is warrantied for 8years/100k so in a "worst case scenario" situation you are covered for the next 4 years and 40k miles.

From all of the research I did prior to buying my '08, I think the RX-8 (any year) is a reliable daily driver. But keep in mind that it does require more TLC than a typical car. Checking the oil every other fill-up, red-lining often to prevent carbon buildup (oh the humanity!!!), warming the car up to prevent flooding on early models (though this has been addressed by TSBs), etc.

But when you really think about it, is that really too much to ask from a sports car owner? Treat the RX right, and it will return the favor in smiles-per-miles.

The one thing every RX-8 owner needs to be 100% "OK" with is poor fuel mileage and the fact that it is a car built to handle not drag race. Again, it is a true sports car, and as an owner you have to accept the trade-offs.

 

Do you plan on riding your bike alot, b/c I would like to know how you will only drive 5-8k miles a year. Average is atleast 15 thousand miles a year. But if you can make it work probs to you.

 

Make sure the car has had all of the updates.

My last RX lasted for well over 200,000. I am hoping to do the same with this one.

 

I have 82K on my '04 I purchased new. No major issues except the cat at about 25K. Should be fine.

 

I do about 5k - 7k miles. Mostly city driving. Plus, having a small city like Joplin helps a lot

 

I drive approx 7.5k miles per year. I put hardly any miles on the weekend because we drive the wife's vehicle. The additional miles I put on are for going on drives or what ever.

Daily commute: 26
Days commuting: 5
Weeks commuting: 52

26 x 5 x 52 = 6,760

 

Try to look into something with less miles, but if you are planning to only drive 5-8k miles then starting at 60k isn't so bad. I personally wouldn't buy one with 60k miles because I drive too much. I'll hit 100k before mine is paid for and I bought it with 29k...

 

Are you purchasing from a Mazda dealership? If so then have the compression checked on the motor. If not then take it to a Mazda dealership to have it checked Make sure all the recalls have been performed as well.

 

You may want to shop around a little bit . 2005 with 60 seems like a bit to much.

 

You could probably get an 06 with 20-30k miles for near the same price, I'm sure.

 

private party? dealer? clean title?
look around here, there's quite a few 8's for sale

60k is quite a bit so your bumper to bumper warranty is gone but engine has 40k left on that warranty.
If you do buy it, expect to spend a few hundred bucks ASAP on a few maintenance items:
- new spark plugs
- new spark plug wires
- new ignition coils
- flush out all fluids; radiator, transmission, differential, oil