Shinka info needed
 

I used to have a 2004 LY, sport, 6 spd, all factory and I loved it. Sold it last summer with 24K miles to get the cash for a house down payment. I have really missed my 8.

I started looking for another this spring and couldn't seem to find one with decent mileage and NO MODS, so I bought a Mustang GT.....I still long for an RX-8.

Just this weekend, I spotted a 2006 Shinka with 11K miles on a dealer lot. Price is $20,900. 6 spd...

I admit ignorance on the Shinkas...I originally thought it was Black Cherry, but it must be copper red...? Am I right?

What was so "different" about the Shinkas? I know there was some interior color differences (I love the light and dark in it...), but...

I know there are folks "in the know" on this car and I'd love to hear from you...

And, PS, according to NADA...price is a little high....what have some you guys seen on the used 8's in your world?

Thanks a bunch for your help!!:)

There were four colors iirc for the 2006 Shinka, Copper Red being one of them (my favorite next to my 2005 Black Cherry Mica, which was the only Shinka color in that model year).

The Shinka is basically a GT with unique leather and exterior color(s). It also has an upgraded suspension and a few other items.

Very nice to have one available at only 11k miles, but you should be able to negotiate a better deal.

Where are you located, as it's otherwise difficult to place the value in context?

edit: here are the 2005 Shinka unique items; I believe the 2006 was similar except for more/different color combinations:

"To further enhance driving performance and ride comfort, the RX-8 "SHINKA" features a uniquely tuned suspension system, upgraded from the standard car. The system offers a foam urethane filled front suspension cross member and specially tuned dampers, while achieving improved body rigidity through reinforcing the top-front portion of the A-pillars and improving the stability of the rear damper mounting points.

The distinctiveness of the RX-8 "SHINKA" extends to both the exterior and interior appointments of the vehicle. The car is offered only in a rich Black Cherry body color offset by a soft Parchment Tan leather interior. Among the exclusive exterior enhancements are semi-gloss bezels for the headlamps and rear combination lamps, as well as dark-silver gloss aluminum wheels. Also standard on the RX-8 "SHINKA" is a 300-watt Bose® sound system with in-dash six-disc CD changer. While many Mazda vehicles are pre-wired for SIRIUS® satellite radio, "SHINKA" models will be the first to be equipped as standard, as all cars will include a one-year subscription to SIRIUS."

$20,900 is a lot. I got an R3 for $22,000 with 5000 mile on the clock.

Thanks for the info Huey.

I was really impressed with the color and the interior looked amazing. I was on a time schedule so I didn't have time for anything other than a quick glance....hoping to stop by after work today and lust a little harder.

Jason, I agree on the price being up there...I would expect to negotiate quite a bit lower for it. Looked a 2009 (or maybe 2010) R3 new from the dealer last fall and hit around $25K without any hard negotiation. I decided it was a little too much to bite considering I HAVE to have a winter ride. But the R3's are great!! Congrats!!

BTW, this car, and ME, are in Beckley WV.

FYI - for a car as "old" as the 2006, don't let the dealer get you into the trap that you should pay a big premium just b/c it's a shinka. over time, the price b/w the sport model, the GT, and the shinka start to come closer in line. while i really love the shinka in both the black cherry and the copper red, i wouldn't personally expect to pay more than $500 or so more than a GT would cost at this point in time (maybe as much as $1000 but that would be stretching it). the mileage, however, is nice to have so low as long as it was maintained and driven enough to keep it in good shape.

CT...good advice on the pricing...thanks!

And, I agree on the mileage as well. The car LOOKS really good with the quick glance I gave it. But, I did pass on an 04 with only 4 or 5K miles simply because I felt it was a time bomb after setting most of it's life....