Should I buy it?
 

Ok, so I have been trying to buy an Rx8 for a while now. I have found someone that has 2004 Rx8 for sale. It has 110,000 miles. It is the Grand Touring package, heated leather seats, navigation, the whole nine yards. One or two small scratches on the body, nothing major. Here is the problem. It doesn't run. Sometimes the engine will start but it always dies after a minute. The dealership said it was the apex seals. He wants 4,500 for the car. I think I can get him down to 4,000. Do you guys think this would be a good deal? I already contacted a very reputable rotary shop and they can put in a mazda remanufactured engine for around 4000 plus tax. Or I can put in a used motor for around 2,500 (but only 30-90 day waranty), there is also the option of rebuilding my motor but they say that the costs could get high depending on exactly what is wrong with it. Anyway do you guys think this is a good idea? I will basically be getting a 2004 fully loaded Grand Touring model for around 7,000 - 8,500 depending on what i choose to do with the engine. With over 100,000 miles on the body are there other parts that may be ready to die? Is this a stupid idea or a nice steal?

I'd say keep looking for one with less mileage. It will be less of a headache in the long run!

^ +1. There may be other issues that you are unaware of. For instance the car could have been in an accident and have a bent frame or bent axle. You would be unaware of this issue because of the fact that you were unable to test drive the vehicle. Keep looking my friend. You should be able to get a 2004 with higher mileage (80,000- 90,000) for around $8,000 - $9,000.

WOW
Seriously ... I'll take it!
4000 grand .....

WOW .... we know the dealerships don't know there ass from a hole in the ground ... could be an easy fix ....
If not buy a another motor from Mazport or get BHR to rebuild it .... slap on a turbo

Wait is it an Autotragic or Manual?

I'd like to buy it and drop my motor into it... Anyway, as you and others stated, you don't know what else is wrong with it because you didn't even get to take it for a road test. I doubt there is too much wrong with it, but you never know. I would never buy a car without a test drive...

Depends. Do you want a project or is it a daily driver? If you have another car for daily driving, why not? It's only $4k. But it could turn into a big hassle as well, like others have said.