Shopping around
 

Hey guys. I am new to the forum.

I am very interested in buying an rx8. I think they are beautiful machines and from what I have read on this website (several days of perusing), they are great cars.

I've read all the FAQ and I have searched "buying tips" etc etc.

I am currently looking at 2004-2005 models and am wondering if I should look out for anything.

I know there are a few different models in those years and I have a few questions about that as well:

1. If the car is a 6 speed manual, does that mean it is the model with 230+ HP?
2. Other then regular vehicle maintenance questions, what other important questions can I ask the seller?
3. What is an acceptable mileage range? I would like something for as cheap and as low mileage as possible, but I am willing to buy as high as 60k mi, of course based on kbb values.

Thanks, can't wait to join the club.

KBB seems to be awfully high on some values. I would double check with nadaguides and edmunds. Sometimes the spread is several thousand dollars.

1. yes
3. I don't know that there is an acceptable range. So much depends on how the car was maintained, driven, etc. Carfax may help with maintenance records. The one I bought had frequent maintenance in the Carfax records.

So I am currently talking to about 5 sellers.

Is it ok to request the car VIN #s so I can pull the carfax up before looking at the car?

Sure, you need it to research the car(s). If they balk at supplying the VIN, it's time to move on to another car.

To be honest, mileage doesn't matter too much as long as it's been well taken care of. In a higher mileage car, if the engine was going to blow, it probably would have blown already. (that or it's about to.)

What you should do is go test drive a newer example with lower miles even if you have no intentions on buying it. This will give you a good indication as to what a healthy rotary should feel, sound, and drive like.

Now go test drive a few cheaper cars. They should feel just as powerful and smooth to a certain point. Once again, mileage isn't too much of a concerning factor, make sure you take it to the dealership to give it a once over. They will tell you if any recalls need to be made or if anything is direly wrong. This will be around 50-150 but its worth it. Also ask for service records!

Yes, six speeds are the "230 hp" version, but our cars are grossly over-rated. But to answer your question, yes, they're the faster version.

Do ask what kind of octane they pump. Is it consistently 91 or higher? Good! What kind of oil does he use for his oil changes? How does he use his car? Is it only for commuting? Has it ever been in an accident? Etc, etc.

To be honest, if you have a friend who's a mechanic, bring him. An extra set of eyes will always be better. You can't be too thorough when buying a car.

Can all that recall update information be obtained from the carfax report? I would prefer to not involve a dealer if I don't have to, at least at this stage. When I narrow my options down a little more I will. I will bring my mechanic friend with me.

Grossly over-rated in what way? They don't actually put out 230 horsepower, or are you saying that they are terrible in a straight line?

I've seen them be very good in a straight line, especially after a little work (maybe a lot of work haha), and that's really not the reason I am interested in this car.

Another side note: One of the prospective sellers is selling their car with a full set of winter tires on seperate wheels. If you have to drive the car in the snow, I would assume it's just as bad as any other rear will drive car, maybe slightly better due to the balancing. They say in their listing that it is "truely an all season car!!!"

Is this complete bull?

no its not complete bull. The 8 with dedicated snow tires, gets in and out of more places than most trucks do when there is snow on the ground. The 50/50 weight distribution really helps the handling when its snowing also.


The only thing that will stop the 8 from moving is ground clearance and how high the snow actually is. If its 4" or less you should be fine to drive. If your lowered you need 2" or less.

Cool Adam! Thanks for the informative reply!

They don't actually put out 230 hp and are actually terrible in a straight line