Should I buy a shell?
 

I currently have the opportunity to buy a spare RX8! The question is, should I?

My car is a 2006 GT 6 spd

For sale car is a 2004 Touring 6spd

Both cars are sunslight silver.

I was really only looking for some parts when I came across this one. Owner claims its a "california car". I live in the Northeast, so this could be a blessing. My engine currently has good compression, but the miles are getting high. The body of my current car is in good shape with the exception of a few door dings and scratches. I'm starting to see a small bit of rust forming in the rear wheel arches. The possible donor car has a near perfect body but has no compression and smokes. It has 111k miles on the clock.

Does anyone know the typical part-out value for a car like this? My thought was to buy the base car, swap over my GT Bumper, figure out which seats are in better shape, and throw my engine in it, or possibly rebuild the bad motor. I would then sell off the rest of my current car. And hopefully recover the costs of purchasing the new shell and part or all of a rebuild kit. The only things I would be missing in the new shell are my sunroof and BOSE audio, but I can live without. As much as I would love to keep both cars and have one for a DD and one for Autocross, I can't afford to keep up with maintenance and insurance on both cars.

Should I buy a shell?
 

How mechanically inclined are you? Are you patient? Are you willing to ship large items? Have you checked other "part-out" threads for prices and comparison? Are you able to have a parts car on your property for extended periods of time?

1: Was a Mazda tech for 2 years. The 8 is my second Rotary powered car (previously had an 84 RX7.)

2: My girlfriend would say no, but I am. I also have a large space where I can store parts after they have been removed.

3: As long as someone else is paying for it, yes.

4: I know that I could eventually recover the cost of purchasing the vehicle

5: Yes. 4 car driveway with 2 cars in it.