Alright here's the deal.

I've been creeping this forum for quite some time now, so I've read the beginner's guide, purchasing guide, etc.

I just learned a bit of manual transmission last night from a friend... quite fun!

I need a new car, I'm 19, live in Nebraska.

There's this car from Texas that looks good, but I want suggestions from the experts first. I looked over the CARFAX and it has failed a couple emission tests, but passed soon after.

CAR
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...hicle-glossary

CARFAX
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...27097&zipCode=

Also, like I said, I've been reading and almost got scared off from these horror stories, but I think I'm knowledgeable enough to take care of a rotary.

Also! I've been looking at 1999-2004 Mustangs... V8 of course (I think insurance will kill me here), 1997-2002 BMW 3XX Ci, and this bad boy right here. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

I hate car shopping, but I want to spend less then 10k if possible. Insurance... I'm still under my parent's so it shouldn't be too bad. I'm traveling mostly highway so no worries on gas, as much!

So... any suggestions would be extremely helpful!

Reason I'm asking here is everyone seems friendly, I hope!

Currently driving my parent's 2000 Lexus ES300... I want my own car to take care of, to worry about, etc. We recently had to replace the transmission on that car too, ugh. My little brother just turned 16 so he's probably going to be getting that car soon and leaving me car-less.

 

I personally would not buy a car off eBay. You should test drive a car before you buy it. Taking it to have the compression checked is always a good idea too.

 

I wouldn't buy a car from ebay either. You should test drive it and get a compression check. I would also say to stay away from an 04.
I was in your shoes a few months ago and although the best deals were on 04s, I was able to find an 05 with low miles at a fair price. The engine warranty on the 04 will run out in 2012. The one you're looking at has almost 100k miles anyway so the warranty will run out in <3000 miles. I would try to find something with fewer miles put on it.
The fewer miles done before the MSP16 flash, the better for longterm reliability. I would call Mazda North America and find out when that flash was done.

After finding one that you like, drive it and look at everything closely.

I was also trying to decide between a 3-series coupe and an Rx8. I'm glad I chose the 8. It looks better, it handles better, it is about as fast as a 330ci and it is more unique imo.

Good Luck.

 

Alright, I'll stick to finding a car near Nebraska. There was a really nice '06 RX8 in Lincoln for $12000... I don't want to pay more than $10000 for my first rotary though.

Thanks for the advice, I'll make sure to do compression tests. How much do they cost? I have to research a little more about compression tests.

Ya, ever since I saw the 8, it's always been a car that I want. There's quite a bit of 3 series around town. I wanted a Mustang, but everyone and their dog has one. Only good thing about those is parts would be extremely cheap!

Man, I'm still a little afraid of engine failures and everything that might go wrong with this car. But like others say, most people that are on the internet are to complain about things wrong with it. Not much praise for good things, from what I've seen.

 

You've probably read this, but just in case... https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

I agree with Terch and Malibu, don't get a car that you can't test drive. Or, if you find an 8 on the net, find someone local on the 8club and see if they'd be willing to have a look at it for you. No harm in asking

As for the compression test- you'll need to get a specific for the rotary (dealerships most likely...). Dealer will do for free if you're interested in purchasing it. If it's a private seller, tell them you'll split the cost.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Soldier! I think I'll have to lean towards a 05-07 now! Hopefully a decent price range. Good advice though, I'll keep that in mind when buying my 8!

 

When you get the car take care of it and it'll take care of you. Good luck in your search.

 

^ +1

 

Oh ya, I plan on it! I was browsing through the FS section and came across Snowflake's '05 RX8... It looks extremely nice, but it's been on sale for almost a year and a half... what's giving?

 

either he already sold it and hasn't deleted the thread, or else he hasn't been trying to get rid of it. Send a PM!