RX8 Purchase Advice & Questions
08-14-2006, 05:12 PM
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RX8 Purchase Advice & Questions
In advance, thanks for any and all information...
I have fallen for an RX8, but admit I don't always think rationally. Here is the good, bad and the ugly, I'm exactly a week from the day on closing. Please advise:
Good: 2004 Fully Loaded 6 Speed MT GT package Brilliant Black, with Navigation; 20,500 miles; test driven (runs super smooth); gave visual inspection (interior, exterior, and under the hood) = well kept and garaged <basically everything I was looking for> all at the 19,000 flat price prior to taxes, tag, transfer (pushing close to 19,650).
Bad: The private seller owner pointed it out, and didn't try to hide this: back bumper right below license plate was hit my another car in the neighborhood and not replaced. The damage was hardly noticeable, and certainly structural. They were quoted by the Mazda dealership for a whole new bumper, and all labor & taxes to push to $1,400. Wish I had a picture, may be able to acquire. I purchased the CARFAX report, and it was a little disconcerting, but not enough to turn me away:
First off, this less than three year old vehicle has been titled to two different parties, both in different states. Here is the link which clearly shows some of my reservations: http://www.carfax.com/cfm/FSBO.cfm?r...FX000012987902
Second, at a little over 1,100 miles it was inspected at a collision repair facility, but doesn't give the extent of the damage. Third, Mazda reacquired it given the overstating of the horsepower deal. Hopefully three strikes doesn't mean its out, because other than what I've seen it’s a steal. Any advice on the Carfax report or questions?
Ugly: the car's exterior... I'm kidding, it's gorgeous.
Bottom line: I believe this to be an early run production vehicle (any major recalls to know of?), with a little bruise here and there. Given the KBB assessment, I'm getting it for about $4,000 less than the book value, but $2,000 more than what CarMax was going to offer the couple. It has good maintenance records otherwise, and has been taken good care of. I was also quoted that given the figures, this exact vehicle would typically sell for $18,950, a measly 50 dollars below what I'd pay. There is enough to make my decision sway either way. Should I try to negotiate down a little given the CARFAX results, and the fact they were quoted at $17,000 even though they said bottom line 19, after their initial 19,750 asking or OBO price? Should I ask some more questions, inspect further, or what? Last big question: Does the factory warranty transfer ownership twice (through the first two owners and on to me)? Thank you, and I hope to be behind the wheel of my new RX8 this time next week... I owe everyone a big thanks for simply reading, and any support one way or another
I have fallen for an RX8, but admit I don't always think rationally. Here is the good, bad and the ugly, I'm exactly a week from the day on closing. Please advise:
Good: 2004 Fully Loaded 6 Speed MT GT package Brilliant Black, with Navigation; 20,500 miles; test driven (runs super smooth); gave visual inspection (interior, exterior, and under the hood) = well kept and garaged <basically everything I was looking for> all at the 19,000 flat price prior to taxes, tag, transfer (pushing close to 19,650).
Bad: The private seller owner pointed it out, and didn't try to hide this: back bumper right below license plate was hit my another car in the neighborhood and not replaced. The damage was hardly noticeable, and certainly structural. They were quoted by the Mazda dealership for a whole new bumper, and all labor & taxes to push to $1,400. Wish I had a picture, may be able to acquire. I purchased the CARFAX report, and it was a little disconcerting, but not enough to turn me away:
First off, this less than three year old vehicle has been titled to two different parties, both in different states. Here is the link which clearly shows some of my reservations: http://www.carfax.com/cfm/FSBO.cfm?r...FX000012987902
Second, at a little over 1,100 miles it was inspected at a collision repair facility, but doesn't give the extent of the damage. Third, Mazda reacquired it given the overstating of the horsepower deal. Hopefully three strikes doesn't mean its out, because other than what I've seen it’s a steal. Any advice on the Carfax report or questions?
Ugly: the car's exterior... I'm kidding, it's gorgeous.
Bottom line: I believe this to be an early run production vehicle (any major recalls to know of?), with a little bruise here and there. Given the KBB assessment, I'm getting it for about $4,000 less than the book value, but $2,000 more than what CarMax was going to offer the couple. It has good maintenance records otherwise, and has been taken good care of. I was also quoted that given the figures, this exact vehicle would typically sell for $18,950, a measly 50 dollars below what I'd pay. There is enough to make my decision sway either way. Should I try to negotiate down a little given the CARFAX results, and the fact they were quoted at $17,000 even though they said bottom line 19, after their initial 19,750 asking or OBO price? Should I ask some more questions, inspect further, or what? Last big question: Does the factory warranty transfer ownership twice (through the first two owners and on to me)? Thank you, and I hope to be behind the wheel of my new RX8 this time next week... I owe everyone a big thanks for simply reading, and any support one way or another
08-14-2006, 05:35 PM
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Shock and Awe
08-14-2006, 06:10 PM
#3
幹他媽!
there's more to a car's condition than just the exterior. u should pay to have the car inspected by a mazda dealership or a reputable place that knows about rx-8's... u should also check things like tire tread wear, brake/ rotor wear etc- 'cuz if those are fairly worn out u'r looking at a lot of money to replace them. i think it just comes down to your comfort level w/ the car & your budget. if the car is in great condition, then u can then check the market and see what comparable cars are going for and use that as a basis of comparison. good luck.
08-14-2006, 06:25 PM
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I would find one without a questionable history. How is your budget? If you can, you should consider finding an 05 to avoid the first model year. If that car was a buy-back it is a very early build.
08-14-2006, 06:30 PM
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If the guy was being honest about the rear bumper I would flat out ask him if there any major problems where he had to take it to the dlr....ie, engine replacement, trans replacement, etc. Sound like a good deal but I'd be careful. I got lucky when I bought my silver 05 GT 6MT 2 mos ago. I found it on a dlrs lot in Northern Va and it only had 68 miles on it. Drove it away for $24,800...taxes/tags incl. If you are not to sure about the one you are looking at be patient cause you may be able to find a deal like I did.....at least with a new one you won't have to question anybody
08-14-2006, 08:14 PM
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Not a good Carfax there. I'd pass. There are plenty of other 8's. Good luck.
On closer examination: 1171 miles in 6 days, then an accident? hmmm...
Re-purchased by Mazda in the interest on customer satisfaction 1.5 months after the accident repair?-- Even before the first registered owner got the car? Dont know how this happens cuz the first owner hasnt received the car yet.
First owner not reported until 10/25, two months after the dealer received the car. Looks like it was a dealer demo for the first 1182 miles, dealer wrecked, dealer repaired, then sold to the first owner.
Then sold at auction- repo?
Two diff states?- Looks like a NC dealer bought it at auction.
This is just my opinion of the Carfax report but there are too many questions for me.
On closer examination: 1171 miles in 6 days, then an accident? hmmm...
Re-purchased by Mazda in the interest on customer satisfaction 1.5 months after the accident repair?-- Even before the first registered owner got the car? Dont know how this happens cuz the first owner hasnt received the car yet.
First owner not reported until 10/25, two months after the dealer received the car. Looks like it was a dealer demo for the first 1182 miles, dealer wrecked, dealer repaired, then sold to the first owner.
Then sold at auction- repo?
Two diff states?- Looks like a NC dealer bought it at auction.
This is just my opinion of the Carfax report but there are too many questions for me.
Last edited by valpac; 08-14-2006 at 09:07 PM.
08-15-2006, 10:42 AM
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All great points. I did a thorough examination of the tire wear, brake pads, rotors, etc. All seemed to be in prime condition. My budget is pretty much pushed at 20k. I want the GT but don't have to have the navigation. Would it be fair to ask in an additional price reduction given this information? Again, CarMax offered 17k flat, their original private party sale price was 19,750, OBO. I settled on $19,000 and they confirmed that as their lowest price. Also, back to the warranty question. Given some of the reservations with the earlier runs, I really want some warranty to go with qualifing the purchase. Would it transfer from ownership all the way to me? Also, when would it begin? Date of original sale, reacquired date, service, or? Thanks everyone for all the insight, and advice.
08-15-2006, 01:31 PM
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I'm pretty sure the factory warranty will transfer to the 3rd owner, and it'll be in effect from the original purchase date. There is a card in a supplement to the owner's manual that you can send to Mazda to transfer the warranty.
However, I would avoid this car because of the questionable history. Also, you'll be buying from someone you don't know and can't necessarily trust. That, combined with the fact that the car has been in an accident would be enough for me to back out.
Plus, given a little more time you will find a better deal that will be less of a risk, and you'll have more peace of mind.
However, I would avoid this car because of the questionable history. Also, you'll be buying from someone you don't know and can't necessarily trust. That, combined with the fact that the car has been in an accident would be enough for me to back out.
Plus, given a little more time you will find a better deal that will be less of a risk, and you'll have more peace of mind.
08-17-2006, 04:23 PM
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Update to my situation!! and Need for Opinons!!
For all who gave me advice, and answered questions as well as new readers... I have a potential replacement RX-8 for the original one I was leaning towards. Here is the brief scoop to compare it to the first one. Does it seem like the better deal, weighing the options?
2004 RX-8 GT 6MT Gray, with appearance package (incl. spoiler), medium tinted windows, Racing Beat REVi intake, Rotary Accents, Racing Beat ram air duct, Racing Beat Sports exhaust, New tires all around & new front brakes. He is also asking a firm $19,000, and the mileage is sitting a couple hundred under 28k. It did seem like the car wasn't as well maintained (inside/out), even though it didn't look bad, still like new. The brake rotors on the back looked rusted, but as it says up top, the rest was new. The interior is black/red leather versus my preference all black. It also doesn't have the navigation system, or the slightly cracked bumper & previous carfax/title questions that I brought up. Truth be told, I'm still leaning towards the black even though I probably sound like an idiot. Should I bring to the attention my carfax findings to the couple with the black RX8, and try and knock another 500-750 off? (they would still be getting 1250-1500 more than CarMax, and I would be less concerned about replacing the bumper.
Here is the Carfax report info:
2004 MAZDA RX8
JM1FE173740101642
COUPE 4 DOOR
1.3L R PFI / REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Standard Equipment | Safety Options
CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report
CARFAX Vehicle History - At A Glance
• 4 billion vehicle history events checked from public and private sources
• Qualifies - CARFAX Buyback Guarantee
• 2 owners
• Last reported mileage - 26,348 miles
A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.
The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX
Year purchased 2003 / 2006
Type of owner Personal / ---
Estimated length of ownership 2 yrs. 7 mo. / 3 months
Owned in the following states/provinces Pennsylvania / North Carolina
Estimated miles driven per year 8,760/yr / ---
Last reported odometer reading 19,655 / 26,348
CARFAX guarantees the information in this section
Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Fire/Flood | Hail Damage | Buyback/Lemon
Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.
No frame damage reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported No Issues Reported
Airbag Deployment Check
No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX.
No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported
Odometer Rollback Check
No indication of an odometer rollback.
No Issues Indicated
No Issues Indicated
Accident Check
No accidents reported to CARFAX.
No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported
Manufacturer Recall Check
No recalls still require repair.
No Recalls Reported
No Recalls Reported
Basic Warranty Check
Estimated to have 13 months or 23,652 miles remaining. Recalculate warranty
Interested in an extended warranty?
Warranty Active
Warranty Active
A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 4 billion vehicle history events and found 11 record(s) for this 2004 MAZDA RX8 (JM1FE173740101642).
Purchased: 2003
Type: Personal
Where: Pennsylvania
Est. miles/year: 8,760/yr
Est. length owned: 9/15/03 - 4/21/06
(2 yrs. 7 mo.)
Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
08/22/2003 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer
08/27/2003 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle sold
08/29/2003 12 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle serviced
09/15/2003 Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Norristown, PA Registered as
personal vehicle
09/24/2003 Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Norristown, PA Title issued or updated
First owner reported
02/27/2004 4,168 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle serviced
Tire condition and pressure checked
Outsourced repairs completed
12/02/2005 19,655 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle serviced
Purchased: 2006
Where: North Carolina
Est. miles/year: ---
Est. length owned: 4/21/06 - present
(3 months)
Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
04/21/2006 24,654 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cary, NC
Title #776657061112107 Registration issued or renewed
New owner reported
Passed safety inspection
05/16/2006 25,607 Middletown Mazda Volkswagen
Middletown, NY
845-344-4440
www.middletownvw.com Vehicle serviced
05/20/2006 26,348 North Carolina
Inspection Station
Cary, NC Passed emissions inspection
08/17/2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc. No recalls open for repair
CONT.
this one seems to be manufactured at the same time but wasn't reacquired by Mazda, or previously involved in an accident. The owner said that due to this fact their is carry over coverage/extended servicing and warranty on the VIN at Mazda dealerships covering free oil changes and such. Is this true? Does the RB aftermarket parts void any warranty? If the aformentioned extra coverage/servicing is true, how long would the coverage last, and to what extent. This could save a lot of money if true... thank you for all the information and advice once again.
Smooth Shifting...
NEW2DRX8 (but hopefully not for long)
2004 RX-8 GT 6MT Gray, with appearance package (incl. spoiler), medium tinted windows, Racing Beat REVi intake, Rotary Accents, Racing Beat ram air duct, Racing Beat Sports exhaust, New tires all around & new front brakes. He is also asking a firm $19,000, and the mileage is sitting a couple hundred under 28k. It did seem like the car wasn't as well maintained (inside/out), even though it didn't look bad, still like new. The brake rotors on the back looked rusted, but as it says up top, the rest was new. The interior is black/red leather versus my preference all black. It also doesn't have the navigation system, or the slightly cracked bumper & previous carfax/title questions that I brought up. Truth be told, I'm still leaning towards the black even though I probably sound like an idiot. Should I bring to the attention my carfax findings to the couple with the black RX8, and try and knock another 500-750 off? (they would still be getting 1250-1500 more than CarMax, and I would be less concerned about replacing the bumper.
Here is the Carfax report info:
2004 MAZDA RX8
JM1FE173740101642
COUPE 4 DOOR
1.3L R PFI / REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Standard Equipment | Safety Options
CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report
CARFAX Vehicle History - At A Glance
• 4 billion vehicle history events checked from public and private sources
• Qualifies - CARFAX Buyback Guarantee
• 2 owners
• Last reported mileage - 26,348 miles
A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.
The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX
Year purchased 2003 / 2006
Type of owner Personal / ---
Estimated length of ownership 2 yrs. 7 mo. / 3 months
Owned in the following states/provinces Pennsylvania / North Carolina
Estimated miles driven per year 8,760/yr / ---
Last reported odometer reading 19,655 / 26,348
CARFAX guarantees the information in this section
Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Fire/Flood | Hail Damage | Buyback/Lemon
Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.
No frame damage reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported No Issues Reported
Airbag Deployment Check
No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX.
No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported
Odometer Rollback Check
No indication of an odometer rollback.
No Issues Indicated
No Issues Indicated
Accident Check
No accidents reported to CARFAX.
No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported
Manufacturer Recall Check
No recalls still require repair.
No Recalls Reported
No Recalls Reported
Basic Warranty Check
Estimated to have 13 months or 23,652 miles remaining. Recalculate warranty
Interested in an extended warranty?
Warranty Active
Warranty Active
A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 4 billion vehicle history events and found 11 record(s) for this 2004 MAZDA RX8 (JM1FE173740101642).
Purchased: 2003
Type: Personal
Where: Pennsylvania
Est. miles/year: 8,760/yr
Est. length owned: 9/15/03 - 4/21/06
(2 yrs. 7 mo.)
Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
08/22/2003 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer
08/27/2003 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle sold
08/29/2003 12 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle serviced
09/15/2003 Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Norristown, PA Registered as
personal vehicle
09/24/2003 Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Norristown, PA Title issued or updated
First owner reported
02/27/2004 4,168 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle serviced
Tire condition and pressure checked
Outsourced repairs completed
12/02/2005 19,655 North Penn Imports
Colmar, PA
215-822-1361
www.northpennvwmazda.com Vehicle serviced
Purchased: 2006
Where: North Carolina
Est. miles/year: ---
Est. length owned: 4/21/06 - present
(3 months)
Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
04/21/2006 24,654 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cary, NC
Title #776657061112107 Registration issued or renewed
New owner reported
Passed safety inspection
05/16/2006 25,607 Middletown Mazda Volkswagen
Middletown, NY
845-344-4440
www.middletownvw.com Vehicle serviced
05/20/2006 26,348 North Carolina
Inspection Station
Cary, NC Passed emissions inspection
08/17/2006 Mazda Motor of America, Inc. No recalls open for repair
CONT.
this one seems to be manufactured at the same time but wasn't reacquired by Mazda, or previously involved in an accident. The owner said that due to this fact their is carry over coverage/extended servicing and warranty on the VIN at Mazda dealerships covering free oil changes and such. Is this true? Does the RB aftermarket parts void any warranty? If the aformentioned extra coverage/servicing is true, how long would the coverage last, and to what extent. This could save a lot of money if true... thank you for all the information and advice once again.
Smooth Shifting...
NEW2DRX8 (but hopefully not for long
)
08-18-2006, 07:03 PM
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I have a 2004 Auto. GT for sale...I am in Illiniois...not sure where you are from. I am asking $19,700 and I am including my winter tires. I have 37,600 miles in it. No accidents...looks new in and out. Rd/Blk leather, rotary accent pkg, RX 8 rotary symbol piano black B pillars etc. $19,000 is a decent and fair price for a nicely loaded RX 8. Hope this helps a little.
08-22-2006, 03:41 PM
#17
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Bought my car!!!
Bought my new RX-8 today. She is absolutely gorgeous. I must add that against some opinon, I went with my gut instinct, and can't take my mind off of wanting to leave the office just to drive home. I'll post a portrait picture with her later. Thanks again folks!
08-22-2006, 05:02 PM
#18
2005 Black RX-8 GT 6M
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Which one did you buy? I hope you did not buy the first one with the couple accidents. That would have been a foolish decision. C'est la vie if you did though.
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