Test driving used RX8 overnight - need advice!
 

So I looked at a 2006 Red RX-8 Automatic today from the dealer. I believe its the Sports package with some upgrades like Bose audio, moonroof, keyless entry. Dealer wants $13,284 for the car. I'll end up financing $14500ish out the door after tax/title/etc.

So I used to own a 2006 Red RX-8 Automatic just like this but had to give it up due to some financial difficulty back in 2009. Times have improved and we've made sacrifices and ultimately I knew one day I'd get another one.

So here I am. I got everything approved and asked to take it home overnight and discuss with my wife. Since I've had the extra time with the car here are some concerns I have.

AC blows cold most of the time but gets warm bursts of air when shifting sometimes for just a brief period of time.
Seems like there may be some lag on shifting or the shifting is slightly rough. If I baby it than it runs fine but if I put my foot in it then it just feels different than what I remember. I remember mine felt smooth and crisp.

I don't see that any recalls have been performed on this car in the CarFax report. Here is a link to the CarFax. CarFax Report

I'm in Atlanta and *might* take it to MazCare to have them do an inspection for me. Since it's out of warranty I realize there is some risk involved however I'd like to try and minimize that by doing a little homework.

I have read a lot of threads on here tonight and didn't see these specific issues mentioned directly. I know the cars require a lot of maintenace to keep them in good shape and I don't have proof that any of that was done properly.

So any opinions are welcomed.

Thanks,
mech

Not sure I understand what your question really is.

Sorry I didn't clearly define what feedback I was interested in...

AC blows cold most of the time but gets warm bursts of air when shifting sometimes for just a brief period of time.
Seems like there may be some lag on shifting or the shifting is slightly rough. If I baby it than it runs fine but if I put my foot in it then it just feels different than what I remember. I remember mine felt smooth and crisp.

Has anyone had these issues before and if so what was the cause? Do either of these provide enough concern that I should walk away and look at another RX-8?

one of many threads addressing ac issues https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/rx8-air-conditioning-problem-234108/#post4283417

The A/C does alternate like that, but if the warm/cold bursts are significant, then it MIGHT be a sign of a problem.

How many miles are on the car? Who is the seller (dealer or private)?

Let me just say, the sport model is basically the base model. There are only a few models for 2006, there's Sport (base) Touring, Grand Touring and Shinka.

If it has leather and Bose, it's most likely a Grand Touring.
I would say your dealership is overcharging a bit.
It looks like it's been around the block a few times with the amount of owners it has and it's an automatic.... which are in much less demand than the manuals. I would offer them around $11,500 at max, especially for the year. 06's usually go for around 12k for low mileage GT 6spds.

A/C emitting heat can just be a problem with the AC Control Unit, believe it's a $100 or so fix, very simple. There's a way to test it, I'll post link if I can find it.

I too think it's a little hi....Will they give you any kind of warranty? Where are you located?

I just got approved for 21k through Capital One at a better interest rate online. I think I'm going to continue looking and find a one with a MT. I'm thinking I might try to find a 2011 RX-8 R3 like http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...sting=37438836 or http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...sting=28065068

See if i can talk any of them down to 21k out the door. Who knows I might get lucky! I'm in Atlanta by the way.

Go that route. :)

I think that car is still on its first engine. CarFax did not tell me my engine had been replaced 2 times. It just said, recommended maintenance performed. But when I called Mazda and had them run the Vin, I found out the car is on engine 3 with 15k miles on it. (87k on body). Seems that newer the better though. If you can do that, its probably a better choice.

Take some long test drives in the R3. I found those Recaros to be miserable for anything but short trips. That's why I went with a Shinka and then a 40th. You get the upgraded suspension but get to keep the comfy seats. :)

I can help with some financing suggestions via PM.

Carfax reports are only one little piece of investigative homework that should be done.

Take the VIN of that car, or any other 8 you are interested in, to the service counter of a Mazda dealer. Ask the guy behind the desk if it would be possible to get a history on a vehicle, explain why you want it. If he's cool and will do it, most will, say thank you and slip him a $20 for his helpful gesture.

That's what I did. Now that I think about it some more, I guess I do have mixed feelings about the Recaros. They felt great during test drives, but I can see how they could kill your back on long road trips.

BTW, the upgraded suspension is nothing more than thes Bilstein shocks - which make the ride feel firmer and tighter. In regards to the foam filled cross-member (only available on the Shinka, 40th AE and R3), it has never been clear to me it creates any substantial difference. Well, i think it might make the steering feel smoother since the claim is that the foam filled crossmember does not transmit road vibration into the drive line. Go figure:dunno:

In regards to price, it puzzles me how people are always bragging about how great of a deal they found, or how much you should offer for this particular car, blah, blah. Well, n reality, it all depends on what region of the country you are in. Prices vary drastically based on the part of the country. And after all is said and done, just because somebody scored an R3 with 12,000 miles in TX for $19,000 (out the door price) doesn't mean we can score the same deals in NYC. There's a good number of variables that affect the final price of a car. Beside, we all know 'book values' are just general guidelines that do not take into account all variables.

Having said that...a car with 3 engine replacements and 87K miles on the chasis would probably turn me off big time for that amount of money. I would try to find something else that hasn't been that 'molested', haha.

I ended up purchasing an 09 model today with 31k miles on it. Thanks for all the advice and help!

Great choice ......pics

The AC problem is not a problem.

It is normal. AC shuts off during hard acceleration. That's why you feel it is warm.

Allot of new cars do this.

What color? Manual or auto?

Smart move on the 09 since it has the revised engine with the extra oil injector. If you have the coin, go to MazCare and have them swap out all the fluids at very least. They recommend 10w40... 5w20 is too thin.

Pictures and congrats with the purchase.