I need help from the rx8 community
 

I am currently ready to buy a car. There are two cars I am interested in right now, the Rx-8 or a G35.

I have to say that a coupe G35 is far more expensive than the Rx-8. This meaning that I could barely afford a G35. I can afford it, but I will be broke most of the time since I only work part time and I am a full time college student.

I can pay more than half of a used rx-8 at the time of buying one. But I have been doing research and number of rx8 owners that have problems with their car are outstanding. It almost seems that more than half of them have problems with them, most of them with the engine. This including a lot of them having to get their engine replaced at low mileage.

My question:

I am currently interested on buying a 2004 Rx-8 with 47,108 miles at the price of $12,888.
-Should I take this risk?
-what should I look for or ask for at the time of seeing the car?
-will the new warranty (100,000 mile/8yr) apply to this car as well ?

any help and advice that you guys can throw at me would be appreciated. I would love to own an Rx8, but I'm scared of putting so much money into buying one and then end up taking the bus to school due to engine problems.

p.s from the amount of threads I have been reading from this forum, it seem like a great rx8 community!

All TSBs/recalls done.
Maintenance records.
Get a compression test.
Try to get an 05-up model.
The new 100,000/8year warranty applys to all 04s-up, so yes

My car has never given me any problems. It depends on the previous owner and how it was maintained, updated flashes, redlines it daily, premix, etc.

You don't seem like being in a good position financially for a sports car of any sort just on gas prices alone. You should get yourself a civic and get the zoom-zoom after you land a full-time job. my .02.

I was in the same position. And honestly have no regrets. I'm sure this has been covered lots of times before but as far as reliablity its just about mainting your car. Don't neglect to check oil,redline it regularly, and keep service updates up to par and you'll be ok.

And ya, the warranty applies.

But I have been doing research and number of rx8 owners that have problems with their car are outstanding. It almost seems that more than half of them have problems with them, most of them with the engine. This including a lot of them having to get their engine replaced at low mileage.


Your research is seriously defective.


S

The one and only problem I had with my 8 was with the transmission, the previous owner wasnt "shifting correctly" (those were mazdas words, not mine) and some how cracked the outer housing of the transmission. I actually drove around for almost 3k miles until i started to hear a whine comming from my tranny. They fixed it under warranty lucky for me. Now I'm turbo with close to 50k miles on my second motor lol.

Hey Paradigm9 i see you are from Fairfield Ca, thats where I'm from =]

But thanks to everyone! This has helped, I guess I don't really have to worry much except for the gas, has updates and recalls worked, and making sure the car has all the maintenances done.

I will go check out the car and keep you guys inform! hopefully by next week I WILL buy the Rx-8 if nothing bad comes up.

well said

Pistons are for noobs. j/k.

but i dont like the g35 personally its like the Z's twin.. and the Z is retarded.

Wow, there are a few of us out there that were in the same position. I went to see the 350z, the G35 and then saw the 2006 Shinka RX8... Besides looks and color, the RX8 handles better than both previously mentioned and feels nicer driving it. Drove the 350z and didn't feel any amazed, the car did not feel as nice as the RX8 did. Then of course, I had to go FI (turbo) because the more you have the more you want... It's been a year since I turbo'ed my car and I only had 1 problem and not the car or performance parts' fault, contaminated fuel, but it's being taken care of getting ready to go pick up my beauty & beast. :)