231Kid

I looked on the car fax and it said the engine was checked. Could I call the dealership it was done at and get the the readings of the tests that they ran on it? plus they are asking 800 over book, the car I guess is booked at 10,100. what whould you guys offer for it? I know thats hard to say beacuse I dont know what condition the engine is in.

231Kid

Also i dont know if I could get the recipts because It's being sold at a dealership... I wont know till I call them tomarrow.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Exactly. Without knowing the condition of the most critical part, the car could be worth $5,000 less than that, or $1,000 more.

And no, they didn't "check the engine" unless their definition is "pop the hood and look".

Go see my new owner's thread that keeps getting linked and excerpts posted. It tells you all about the compression test and explains why Carmax can't possibly have the numbers you need. It's in the 5th post I think.

231Kid

Ok I'll go re-read the post, the more I read it the more I will know about these cars. But could I call the dealership "the check" was at and see if they actually did anything to it? Would it be a good idea?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

If they tell you anything that is actually details, they can either produce the documentation or they are lying. Mazda is the only rotary producer, and other than a few independant rotary shops and a handful of individuals scattered around the world, Mazda dealers have the only Rotary Compression Testers around. So either they took it to a Mazda dealer to get a compression test and can show you the documentation with the 6 rotor face numbers and the test RPM, or they are trying to pretend that they actually checked the engine.


I wouldn't even be surprised if they aren't really aware that a rotary is a different engine design than a piston.

231Kid

The check was done at a mazda shop in virgina tho, so they coulda actually done something right, right? An sadly yea I've ran into the occasional salesmen that dosnt know anything about the 8... at all, it's sad when your 17 and know more than the "expert". The last car I looked at when I asked if a compression test has been done on the car, he said no but he could get one done at his shop, when I procced to ask if they had the proper tools to test rotory compression he looked stunned they made such an engine, and then garented that the 105,000 mile rx8 had PERFECT compression.... He was one of thoes old US1 mom and pop car sales places to..

231Kid

Also, being a 8 year old car, arnt loans hard to come by? I know probaly none of you work for a loan company but do you think my parents could get a loan on it? We just tried getting a loan on one the other day but it had over 100k on it ( I think god was look after us being the engine coulda been on it's way out) and the loan company was asking too high of a interst rate. Do you think with this car being it having half the milage we could get a good loan on this?

sjschutz

No offense, but from reading through your posts I think you should continue to do research on RX-8s before committing to a purchase. In the meantime, keep searching for better deals; you don't have to pounce on the first one you find because you think it is the best. I was going to get a 350Z, but waited and found an RX-8 and have never looked back.

If you're looking at a 2004 model, there are a few things to be aware of...

The warranty (if not out already) will be out soon - think about an extended warranty through the dealer if offered. Make sure is has had the MSP-16 flash (the earlier in its life, the better off the engine will be). See when the coils/wires/plugs have last been changed - may have to buy those and get it done if it has been over 30K miles. Does it have the original starter? The '04 models have weaker 1kW starters that often fail in weather extremes (hot/cold). Blah blah blah. Read up!

Also, don't get an AT. Get the 6-speed, especially if going for an '04. The 2004 ATs are 4 port engines (this is where many of the engine failures come from). You'll also get more power straight from the factory, not to mention knowing how to drive standard is a good skill to have.

Atilla

iTrader: (1)

I've tried to stay outta this thread as much as possible but this statement irked me...do you think we all flip burgers for a living?? -ugh

btw, i've worked at loan companies and it's about as hard as getting a stripper to take her clothes off at work...go and have a very detailed conversation with your parents about finance and credit - sometimes you have to compromise and sometimes you don't. Know what you're working with before hitting the negotiation table.

kevinande

Finance companies do not really like to finance vehicles with over 100k unless they specialize in sub prime loans. Most of your major banks and finance companies will do it, but it comes at a price in the form of higher interest. One way to combat this is to put down a fairly large sum for a down payment. This way the company sees that you are assuming just as much risk as they are. With $$$ interest can be negotiable in some instances unless your credit is complete junk.

Make sure you get that compression test, or proof that one was performed recently. That could potentially save you a lot of grief in the future.

Good Luck

231Kid

Atilla I'm sorry I didnt mean to have it come across like that, I know that most people that have 8's arnt little punks that street race and most are well off, being such a expensive car to keep up, I just thought that the chances of someone that worked for a loan company looking over the thread were slim to none. An after reading your guys comments I've decided from now on any 8 I look at will have a compression test done so I know the state of the engine. An hopefully I've talked my mom into getting a 6 speed, not only will it be fun to drive, she wont be able to drive it

kevinande

If you are thin skinned, this is not the forum for you, just read don't post. You will be apologizing after every post you make. I enjoy reading the forum and have found a lot of good information. I read here for about a year before I even registered. However as you have already discovered some of these folks can be ******. Instead of answering a question they prefer to make sly comments and rude remarks when it could have been just as well served if they had not posted at all. Don't let it get to you. Searching this forum will yield you some really good information, but I do understand that everyone may not have time to search for everything they may need/want to know.

There are a few folks who laid out some good information and basic stuff to look at before your purchase. Everyone finances are not the same. The 8 is a fun car and I have thoroughly enjoyed mine. Some thing you may not be aware of. It is not the most fuel efficient car. I personally don't care. I have bought $110 worth of fuel just to joyride in a single day. You need to burn premium. Although it may cost you about $3 to $4 more to fuel your tank, it's worth it not to skimp on the fuel (read the fuel thread). The 8 drinks it up pretty fast as well. I can get about 22 MPG out of mine when traveling, but that's not why I bought it. When I used it the way it was meant to be used....about 13 MPG lol.

If your finances are tight, you may want to consider something else such as a 350Z or a Honda S2000. While these vehicles are not issue free, they are much more forgiving in the maintenance department, and are cheaper to operate and maintain. While doing your research, check prices of common parts and just get a better idea of what you have to look forward to. In the end, get what you like.

231Kid

OHH I have been told many times I have no feelings, thin skined is not something that descirbes me, I just dont feel like looking like the *****, therfore I apoligized. As of cost of maintaining the beast, I already planned on any dime I get from my part time job is going to the car. For Finances, my parents wanna pay off a loan they have with their credit union so they can afford a better car.. yippe more spoiling.. jk, but we decided were gonna look into a 05-07 model now, and a possible getting a 6 spd , plus I've already saved up money to afford to do all the fluid changes and replace coils, wires, and plugs, I've done some research... I do need more tho... and also I've read that the 350z is the most expensive car to insure.. so if finances are tight, I would stay away.

Roidz

This thread made me laugh. Do some more research, talk with the parents about loans, or the bank and then find the 8 for you.

231Kid

Well thanks for all the help so far, I feel I've learned a few things from the last couple posts.