what is the difference between the 04, 05, and 06 models of the rx8? if i'm going to get a 2nd hand for around 20k which year should i get?

 

i know, probably the '06 is the better buy, any buying tips on wat to look for when looking at an used rx8? thx in advance

 

there is really no difference between an 04 or 05 except for the key. the 06, depends what package you get. mainly the same until you get up to the grand touring package, 06 has keyless start.

other than that, there's nothing really big except for color.

 

'06 has different leather, all smooth without the ridges.

 

you guys left out the most important changes.

- windshield wiper fluid container is clear
- less grease applied to the back of the defrost button

 

The 05 has a different Flash proceedure than the 04.

mysql101, my 05 was an early build (in 04) and has the black fluid container.

 

my build date is 04 (August seems right but could be wrong) also but has the clear

 

Most of the 04's have a build date in the 03's. For example, my 2004 has a build date of August 2003.

 

06s have the heat problem fixed with the trunk and the cup holders. Also the 06s dont have any problems with oil in their intake.

 

04-05 Auto's are different from 06+ Auto's in power.

 

The price.

 

Other little things I noticed when I moved from my old 2003 build to my new 2006 build :

- The gearstick **** is made from better quality material.
- The little slider/**** things on the vents now have chrome in them
- The oil temperature light on the dash is in a slightly different position, and has also changed slightly

 

the 04 AT is a 4 speed vs the 6speed AT in 06

 

what kind of things should i be wary of when i look for a 2nd handed rx8?

 

 

be wary of what year it is (04-05) and see if they had the recalls done on them. If I remember correctly, i read the 04's produce a tad more power than all the newer ones. I could be wrong and just had a dream.

Oh yeah, other than that, get a CarFax report.

-Cody

 

let me rephrase that, what kind of things should i pay special attention when looking at a second hand rx8?

 

2006 is the first year to have the card keyless system as well as the greatest color in the whole-enitre-wide-world!

 

I don't know what area you live in, but if you can find a used 04 in great condition with low mileage (below 30k), go for that instead of buying an 05 or 06. You'll save money and there won't be any difference between yours and an 05 or 06 except for the minor interior bullshit everyone already mentioned.

You don't really have to look out for anything special in the RX-8 that you wouldn't have to look out for in another car. Paint damage...curbing on the rims...and all the other crap you look for when you buy used. If you can, test drive a brand new one and then compare how the used ones ride. A used 8 that has been properly maintained and hasn't been too badly raped shouldn't drive or feel that different from a brand new one except you will feel the car vibrating more often when its idling...which is normal.

Find out if the car has been serviced regularly and how often they got oil changes. Latest flash and all that ****. Check the amount of tread on the tires, cause a set of shoes for this car are not too cheap. Also, check how much brake pad is left cause that's an easy way to tell if you're looking at a car that has been driven hard or not. A manual car should not need new brakes for a long time unless the owner frequently drove the **** out of the car at high speeds. But keep in mind people drive sports cars like sports cars so don't get too carried away with your inspections.