Pre-Purchase Inspection
 

I'm looking at RX8s, and some of them are private-party listings. I'm generally looking at 04-05s in the $10-14k range. I know a pre-purchase inspection w/ a compression test is advisable. How much should I expect to pay a Mazda dealer for one? Also, my last car was an Audi and there are a ton of independent Audi mechanics out there that do great work for less than the dealer charges. Does such exist in the Mazda world, and if so how can I locate on in the Kansas City area?

As far as an inspection from Mazda, I'm not sure on the cost. As far as indy mechanics there are quite a few out there but you want someone who really knows rotaries to look at it. Search around, you should be able to find someone not too far away.

My compression test was $115, and the inspection is usually around $100 as well.

If it turns out all of the various recalls mentioned in the FAQ haven't been done, will the dealer do them for free?

They should, and if it falls under the warranty clause.