Is this the rock bottom for RX-8s?
07-26-2018, 09:08 AM
#1
Is this the rock bottom for RX-8s?
I'm sure the question has not only cross my mind, but others on the forum/community as well. This applies for those who have been around for long enough to see when the RX-8's resale value was above the $10,000 mark, the past decade I'd say.
Granted this forum contains a wealth of information collection over the past 15 years, the glory days seem long gone, senior members (which pioneered aftermarket expansion) are disappearing by the day, values have plummeted below $5000 for mint S1's, and worst of all... Credible aftermarket support is diminishing. Just take a look at the vendors and group buys section.
Personally, I scraped the bottom of the barrel to buy my RX-8 (which was a dream car) during college. Fast forward a decade when I actually have the funds to do anything with the car, I have outgrown the car, especially since we have two daily drivers and we're having a child. It has taken me two damn years to swap my suspension to KW V3's, so that alone tells a story of how much time I have for the RX-8. Nowadays, I look into practical 5 door "sporty" cars such as Audi S5 Sportbacks and BMW 440i Gran Coupes as my next purchase. I assume it's similar for those leaving the RX-8 community.
It seems like the RX-8 has reach rock bottom, where it's an environment for teen bros thirsty for vapes and stance. It's no longer feasible for companies to offer high figure price point and quality products for the RX-8, which makes me even more thankful for remaining supporters such as BHR and Racing beat. The ease of power increase for other cars certainly doesn't help the RX-8's relevance.
These are constant thoughts when I come across my RX-8, and it's a damn shame. I'm curious what the senior members have to say about the RX-8 community nowadays.
Granted this forum contains a wealth of information collection over the past 15 years, the glory days seem long gone, senior members (which pioneered aftermarket expansion) are disappearing by the day, values have plummeted below $5000 for mint S1's, and worst of all... Credible aftermarket support is diminishing. Just take a look at the vendors and group buys section.
Personally, I scraped the bottom of the barrel to buy my RX-8 (which was a dream car) during college. Fast forward a decade when I actually have the funds to do anything with the car, I have outgrown the car, especially since we have two daily drivers and we're having a child. It has taken me two damn years to swap my suspension to KW V3's, so that alone tells a story of how much time I have for the RX-8. Nowadays, I look into practical 5 door "sporty" cars such as Audi S5 Sportbacks and BMW 440i Gran Coupes as my next purchase. I assume it's similar for those leaving the RX-8 community.
It seems like the RX-8 has reach rock bottom, where it's an environment for teen bros thirsty for vapes and stance. It's no longer feasible for companies to offer high figure price point and quality products for the RX-8, which makes me even more thankful for remaining supporters such as BHR and Racing beat. The ease of power increase for other cars certainly doesn't help the RX-8's relevance.
These are constant thoughts when I come across my RX-8, and it's a damn shame. I'm curious what the senior members have to say about the RX-8 community nowadays.
07-26-2018, 09:17 AM
#2
I'm also a forum member and former owner of a boosted Toyota Paseo.
There is still a ways to go until bottom, trust me
Life is going to get in the way if you let it, find a way to enjoy the car and you won't need to worry about resale value or what some kids are into.
There is still a ways to go until bottom, trust me
Life is going to get in the way if you let it, find a way to enjoy the car and you won't need to worry about resale value or what some kids are into.
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07-26-2018, 09:32 AM
#3
That is true. I'm not worried about resale value; I know my low mileage mint RX-8 is worth nothing and I accepted that. However, it is becoming less relevant especially knowing that aftermarket support is diminishing. The only reason I kept the car is because I wish it to remain as a hobby to enjoy.
07-26-2018, 10:49 AM
#4
As said teens buy and ultimately ruin the cars they buy, the nice 8's will become more rare. If the 8 truly is the last rotary powered car EVER, it's value will go up eventually. It's only been a few years since production ended and normally it takes a decade or 2 before it starts to climb. Now is THE time to buy one IMO as they can't go much lower. Hold onto it. Keep the miles low. One day they'll be collector cars.
07-26-2018, 12:07 PM
#5
Registered
I think they will fall a bit further still, but not much. Eventually they will get cheap enough to entice the cheap people from 240SX's and E36's into destroying RX-8's. About 12-24 months after that, they may appreciate a little, like the 240's and E36's did.
I aim to get one more RX-8, either a Shinka S1 or an R3 S2 as my daily driver. At that time, my current GT will become a track car, possibly with an engine swap of some sort. I just don't want to bastardize my only RX-8 into a track car; if I get a second one to keep near stock and tidy, I'd be more inclined to strip this one down.
I aim to get one more RX-8, either a Shinka S1 or an R3 S2 as my daily driver. At that time, my current GT will become a track car, possibly with an engine swap of some sort. I just don't want to bastardize my only RX-8 into a track car; if I get a second one to keep near stock and tidy, I'd be more inclined to strip this one down.
07-26-2018, 01:03 PM
#6
I agree with those who feel the car will continue to depreciate in value for another few years. But I do believe the 8 will then start to become a desirable collectible. And no, not just collectible in the way that any 20+ year old car is somewhat collectible; but because, in addition to that, the 8 was and is a car truly loved by folks who really know and appreciate great cars. That's what will separate it from well-preserved Fieros, Triumph TR7s and MGBs; the fact that, unlike those sports cars, the RX-8 was universally praised and loved - from day one - by knowing sports car aficianados.
It will be in demand, and there won't be many to go around.
It will be in demand, and there won't be many to go around.
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07-26-2018, 02:11 PM
#7
Registered
I picked my S1 up for $1500 CDN. They guy thought it was dead. Running ones seem to be about 3.5-7k CDN. I think they will become a pretty popular chassis again at that price. Probably mainly for engine swaps though. Way better deal than some bagged 240 and most Rx7s as both FCs And FDs seem to be way overvalued in comparison. I went with the 8 for price, interior quality and they are far easier to find parts for being less than 2 decades old.
07-26-2018, 02:40 PM
#8
Don't know if this is helpful, but perhaps what's called for is a change of how one thinks about this car. Maybe it's time to start thinking of the 8 not as a modern car, but rather as an excellent classic car that one can still get parts and service for rather easily. I mean, when you think about the lengths classic car nuts go to to keep their pride and joy vehicles on the road, we have it kinda easy, no?
07-26-2018, 03:02 PM
#9
Smoking turbo yay
As said teens buy and ultimately ruin the cars they buy, the nice 8's will become more rare. If the 8 truly is the last rotary powered car EVER, it's value will go up eventually. It's only been a few years since production ended and normally it takes a decade or 2 before it starts to climb. Now is THE time to buy one IMO as they can't go much lower. Hold onto it. Keep the miles low. One day they'll be collector cars.
Sorry, no can do. I buy the car to enjoy it, not to let it rot in a garage.
And if a car is valuable, mileage doesn't play that much of a role, especially in a car that will have its engine replaced in its lifetime anyway.
There are much better ways to make money...
Personally, I like to keep the car close to stock. Not too serious about performance, since I don't have the skills anyway.
BTW, most of the 8s in my area aren't really riced. Some of them come a bit close, but nothing like your typical riced Honda Civic. This is not Purely, LOL.
Last edited by UnknownJinX; 07-26-2018 at 03:11 PM.
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Gr8White (07-26-2018)
07-26-2018, 05:06 PM
#11
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
It's definitely an enthusiast's car.
The corporate vendor support will eventually go away, but as long as there're people willing to spend money, someone will fill the void.
A young person who's willing to learn could make decent side money flipping 8s.
If I was younger, I'd do it.
The corporate vendor support will eventually go away, but as long as there're people willing to spend money, someone will fill the void.
A young person who's willing to learn could make decent side money flipping 8s.
If I was younger, I'd do it.
07-26-2018, 06:54 PM
#12
Smoking turbo yay
It's definitely an enthusiast's car.
The corporate vendor support will eventually go away, but as long as there're people willing to spend money, someone will fill the void.
A young person who's willing to learn could make decent side money flipping 8s.
If I was younger, I'd do it.
The corporate vendor support will eventually go away, but as long as there're people willing to spend money, someone will fill the void.
A young person who's willing to learn could make decent side money flipping 8s.
If I was younger, I'd do it.
Right now, though, flipping 8s won't be very profitable. Maybe it will be in the future.
07-27-2018, 07:42 AM
#14
Water Foul
Just had to bum me out on a Friday morning, didn't you? Sigh.
I'm in this weird place, where I still love my 8, but can't decide what to do with it. Right now, assuming it passes a compression test, it is worth the most it probably ever will be again, which makes part of me want to sell it, should the right enthusiast come along. It doesn't seem smart to let it depreciate down to nothing, and a lightly used M2 sure looks attractive to that part of me. Other parts of me want to keep it until the bitter end; make it my enthusiast car for the next decade or more.
Mine is a 2011 GT with a mint body and interior with 42K miles on the original engine. (A lot of those miles are track miles.) Since buying an old Miata 2 years ago, the 8 has not seen much track time at all and has done a little bit of daily driver duty on the odd nice Friday or weekend. It mostly sits in the garage on a battery tender these days.
I dunno.
I'm in this weird place, where I still love my 8, but can't decide what to do with it. Right now, assuming it passes a compression test, it is worth the most it probably ever will be again, which makes part of me want to sell it, should the right enthusiast come along. It doesn't seem smart to let it depreciate down to nothing, and a lightly used M2 sure looks attractive to that part of me. Other parts of me want to keep it until the bitter end; make it my enthusiast car for the next decade or more.
Mine is a 2011 GT with a mint body and interior with 42K miles on the original engine. (A lot of those miles are track miles.) Since buying an old Miata 2 years ago, the 8 has not seen much track time at all and has done a little bit of daily driver duty on the odd nice Friday or weekend. It mostly sits in the garage on a battery tender these days.
I dunno.
07-27-2018, 08:00 AM
#15
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
I know I would regret parting with mine.
It does have failing compression, but still runs good & is my DD.
It's going to take a lot for me to get rid of it.
I also like the fact that it being a LY GT likely makes it rare, and I never see another one like it.
It does have failing compression, but still runs good & is my DD.
It's going to take a lot for me to get rid of it.
I also like the fact that it being a LY GT likely makes it rare, and I never see another one like it.
07-27-2018, 08:40 AM
#16
Registered
As a new-erish-bie I'd like to put my thoughts into this.
I think these cars will flip around before you know it, we are not trailing real far behind the S2000, (and 350Z) Crowd in terms of Value with the exception of mint condition AP2's.. A good friend of mine picked up a phenomenal S2000 with some basic, yet tasteful mods to make it more driver focused for a mere $8500 a few weeks ago for example. It is a very nice car, and in good condition, though not so nice we aren't afraid drive it extensively on the back roads or at the Track. Will the RX-8 Ever have quite as much of a premium as S2000s? Probably not - but they only recently, in the last year or two I would say mainly, have begun to be on the upswing in terms of appreciating, especially the AP1's which I think is the best comparison to the RX-8.
These Cars are a true Gem for anyone that just want's to drive them, and drive them hard.. It will just take some time for the right crowd to notice them again.
We spent 2 hours, roughly 110 miles yesterday doing a heavily spirited back road drive as a group, I think the car's power is extremely adequate - Quick enough not to be boring, but slow enough you can spend alot of time being Full Throttle in 2nd, 3rd, and some of 4th without getting too crazy. I spent majority of the drive, letting the car just absolutely sing up and down from 6,000-9,000RPM, Oil Consumption was great, Temp and Oil Did not budge a tick from that entire drive. All original Radiator and Oil Coolers Still, and still hot started after that after only 2-3 cranks, like any normal healthy engine would.
I've put about 18,000 Miles (83,000 June 2017, 101,000 Today) on my RX-8 since I bought it June 2017, and the car has not missed a beat, they have not been easy going highway miles either. The Car has been to Road America 3 times this year alone... Excluding Coilovers, and Exhaust. I've only put about $800 into it since then including a set of tires, keeping up with the car.
It gets looks everywhere it goes, people ask about it all the time - When I was in Elk Hart Lake for Concourse D' Elegance, last weekend, a place and event that is just overflowing with cars I could only dream of affording (991 GT2 RS, 918, New Ford GT, was all there etc) I still saw people taking pictures of the car as I drove around town back and forth between my hotel.
The point of me telling you this, is that I paid $4500 for this car, and It just blows my mind how incredible it has been from using it for A-B when I want to take a car somewhere that isn't basically a Race car and has cold AC, to using it as a track car. Not to mention its 9/10 condition interior, and exterior.. The Car could grenade itself on the highway today for all I care today, and It would be Worth Every Penny I paid in terms of how much Joy I got out of it, and worth Every Penny I would need to spend, to rebuild it.
And because of those things, I think alot of people are beginning to notice them again, and go "Hmmm, I wonder." and hit up AutoTrader, and then actually read up on how bad the Renesis Reliability ISN'T, then start looking for good, clean, well maintained examples of their own - and over the course of a year, two years, the value is going to turn around pretty quick.
I think these cars will flip around before you know it, we are not trailing real far behind the S2000, (and 350Z) Crowd in terms of Value with the exception of mint condition AP2's.. A good friend of mine picked up a phenomenal S2000 with some basic, yet tasteful mods to make it more driver focused for a mere $8500 a few weeks ago for example. It is a very nice car, and in good condition, though not so nice we aren't afraid drive it extensively on the back roads or at the Track. Will the RX-8 Ever have quite as much of a premium as S2000s? Probably not - but they only recently, in the last year or two I would say mainly, have begun to be on the upswing in terms of appreciating, especially the AP1's which I think is the best comparison to the RX-8.
These Cars are a true Gem for anyone that just want's to drive them, and drive them hard.. It will just take some time for the right crowd to notice them again.
We spent 2 hours, roughly 110 miles yesterday doing a heavily spirited back road drive as a group, I think the car's power is extremely adequate - Quick enough not to be boring, but slow enough you can spend alot of time being Full Throttle in 2nd, 3rd, and some of 4th without getting too crazy. I spent majority of the drive, letting the car just absolutely sing up and down from 6,000-9,000RPM, Oil Consumption was great, Temp and Oil Did not budge a tick from that entire drive. All original Radiator and Oil Coolers Still, and still hot started after that after only 2-3 cranks, like any normal healthy engine would.
I've put about 18,000 Miles (83,000 June 2017, 101,000 Today) on my RX-8 since I bought it June 2017, and the car has not missed a beat, they have not been easy going highway miles either. The Car has been to Road America 3 times this year alone... Excluding Coilovers, and Exhaust. I've only put about $800 into it since then including a set of tires, keeping up with the car.
It gets looks everywhere it goes, people ask about it all the time - When I was in Elk Hart Lake for Concourse D' Elegance, last weekend, a place and event that is just overflowing with cars I could only dream of affording (991 GT2 RS, 918, New Ford GT, was all there etc) I still saw people taking pictures of the car as I drove around town back and forth between my hotel.
The point of me telling you this, is that I paid $4500 for this car, and It just blows my mind how incredible it has been from using it for A-B when I want to take a car somewhere that isn't basically a Race car and has cold AC, to using it as a track car. Not to mention its 9/10 condition interior, and exterior.. The Car could grenade itself on the highway today for all I care today, and It would be Worth Every Penny I paid in terms of how much Joy I got out of it, and worth Every Penny I would need to spend, to rebuild it.
And because of those things, I think alot of people are beginning to notice them again, and go "Hmmm, I wonder." and hit up AutoTrader, and then actually read up on how bad the Renesis Reliability ISN'T, then start looking for good, clean, well maintained examples of their own - and over the course of a year, two years, the value is going to turn around pretty quick.
Last edited by blackmount; 07-27-2018 at 08:44 AM.
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07-27-2018, 11:22 AM
#17
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
Good story.
Also cool that you snapped a pic of it at a gas pump.
Also cool that you snapped a pic of it at a gas pump.
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Steve Dallas (07-27-2018)
07-27-2018, 11:28 AM
#18
"Life After 8000 RPM: Lotus Elise and Mazda RX-8" Automobile Magazine, 1/12
https://www.automobilemag.com/news/l...se-mazda-rx-8/
"It’s too bad that you can’t buy a new car with a rotary engine or one that weighs less than a ton (save for the Smart ForTwo), but when good cars can’t be bought in dealerships, they trade in a market that values them as more than cars. Prized by dedicated enthusiasts and collectors, they ascend to a legendary status. Even if the Lotus Elise and the Mazda RX-8 aren’t quite legends yet, their retirement certainly puts them one step closer."
"It’s too bad that you can’t buy a new car with a rotary engine or one that weighs less than a ton (save for the Smart ForTwo), but when good cars can’t be bought in dealerships, they trade in a market that values them as more than cars. Prized by dedicated enthusiasts and collectors, they ascend to a legendary status. Even if the Lotus Elise and the Mazda RX-8 aren’t quite legends yet, their retirement certainly puts them one step closer."
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blackmount (07-27-2018)
07-27-2018, 11:50 AM
#19
Registered
07-27-2018, 11:58 AM
#20
The rx-8 is a great deal for someone looking to get into a great designed car for handling. The engine is great with its linear power delivery and does well on tracks and street. yea it gets bad mileage but so does a lot of other sports cars.
I also own an FD and I like the rx-8 chassis more, I just wish the car was as light as the FD is after I sucked a lot of weight out of the FD.
Both cars are amazing. The rx-8 is definitely underpriced, but I own a lot of cars that people are afraid of and they seem to be reliable for me.
I also own an FD and I like the rx-8 chassis more, I just wish the car was as light as the FD is after I sucked a lot of weight out of the FD.
Both cars are amazing. The rx-8 is definitely underpriced, but I own a lot of cars that people are afraid of and they seem to be reliable for me.
07-27-2018, 12:22 PM
#21
Not rock bottom.....getting better
I agree with those who feel the car will continue to depreciate in value for another few years. But I do believe the 8 will then start to become a desirable collectible. And no, not just collectible in the way that any 20+ year old car is somewhat collectible; but because, in addition to that, the 8 was and is a car truly loved by folks who really know and appreciate great cars. That's what will separate it from well-preserved Fieros, Triumph TR7s and MGBs; the fact that, unlike those sports cars, the RX-8 was universally praised and loved - from day one - by knowing sports car aficianados.
It will be in demand, and there won't be many to go around.
It will be in demand, and there won't be many to go around.
07-27-2018, 12:38 PM
#22
40th anniversary Edition
This is my seventh rotary engine car, and the only one I still have. Man I wish I could have afforded to keep them all, each one was special to me. But life and work and marriages got in the way. So I am keeping my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition, knowing they only made 1000 of these exact US version 40th Anniversary editions. Whether anyone else thinks of it as a classic one day, does not matter to me. To me it represents all the one million+ miles of fun I have had on the track and street in my 40+ plus years of rotary car ownership from stock to 400+ horsepower, NA to twin-turbo. I have replaced the engine and done complete maintenance, have upgraded ignition, upgraded the cooling system for Texas climate and it stays garaged between fun drives. Not going to track this one, been there, done that with my three generations of RX7s. As long as i can keep it in parts and shop work with great folks like BHR, Pettit Racing, Mazmart, Racing Beat; JPR, Rotary Performance etc. it will live on into the future with me at the helm for as long as I can. Cheers
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07-27-2018, 02:57 PM
#23
Phoenix, AZ
I'm seeing the same thing here. basically anything under 70k miles and the price jumps. It all depends on what you're prepared to do. I'm trying to find a decent one right now in my area but I'm basically resigning myself to the idea of having to flush everything, doing all the longevity mods, and saving for a Pettit motor when the engine goes shortly after purchase. Most of what is in the Phoenix area is just sun blistered junk that's only good for parts. The junk yards here have a number of 8s in them, so at least I should have an easier time finding those than most in the coming years.
07-27-2018, 05:50 PM
#24
If you wait long enough you will find a gem kept in the garage with low mileage. I'm new to the rx8. Have been looking for 6 months. I just got an 05 with 26k miles. I just missed 2 other deals...one had 16k and the other 35k . They do pop up but you have to be patient. Got mine on the road today. What a blast! Test drove a 350z and Mercedes CLK but the RX is so much more exhilarating.
