Thinking about picking up this '04 RX-8
09-15-2007, 11:13 AM
#1
Thinking about picking up this '04 RX-8
Hi Guys,
This is my dad's car. He's babied it since buying it new. I can count on one hand the number of days it has been outside of a garage. I babysat this car for 2 weeks earlier his year and loved driving it. I was paranoid about cops and the yellow though...you can see it from a mile away!
Pics:
It's got 16k on the odometer and has the latest ECU flash (the "M" flash, I believe). My dad reports that MPG has been significantly better (like 19-20mpg avg vs the previous 16-17mpg), but is not sure if the car has a lost any power. Not sure what is called in 2004, but the current equivalent model is the "Sport" trim with the "MT Performance Package" (Xenon Headlights, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Fog Lamps)
I can get it for 17k and since it'd be a "family transfer", there would be no tax, no fees, no BS. He's trying to a get a business off the ground and needs the cash more than the car.
Some thoughts:
1. I really want a new one in black with the appearance package. However, the depreciation is terrible and with a possible new RX8 coming out in 2 years, this would be a great way to get into the car and not lose my shorts when it comes time to get the new in one a few years. In short, I could save almost 10k by buying this car vs a comparable new one (I figured 26k OTD for a new one).
2. I like the look of the factory rear spoiler and front air dam. This car does not have either item. If I buy them from the dealer, I assume that they will need to be painted and installed. Anyone have an estimated cost? I really like the look of the front air dam and rear spoiler on this car:
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...3&d=1113610151
3. I used to own a 3rd gen RX-7 and overhauled most of that car. I am a capable rotary mechanic. Some of you might remember my now defunct site (http://www.rotormafia.com). So, I am not scared of the rotary or to work on the car. The Renesis seems very simple compared to the 13B-REW in my my old car. I miss that car a lot, but I need the back seats (I have 2 young kids) and something a little more civil for daily driving.
4. With it being an '04 (with all dealer updates), are there any issues I need to worry about vs buying a new '07?
5. Like others, I've looked at the G35, 350Z, etc. Nothing drives like the RX8. The handling and driving experience (power aside) is phenomenal. I think it handels better than my RX-7 did and the brakes are superb. Love the looks of the G35, but it's heavy and can't get past the price tag and horrendously cheap interior. Not paying 30k for all that plastic!
Thanks,
Sonny
This is my dad's car. He's babied it since buying it new. I can count on one hand the number of days it has been outside of a garage. I babysat this car for 2 weeks earlier his year and loved driving it. I was paranoid about cops and the yellow though...you can see it from a mile away!
Pics:
It's got 16k on the odometer and has the latest ECU flash (the "M" flash, I believe). My dad reports that MPG has been significantly better (like 19-20mpg avg vs the previous 16-17mpg), but is not sure if the car has a lost any power. Not sure what is called in 2004, but the current equivalent model is the "Sport" trim with the "MT Performance Package" (Xenon Headlights, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Fog Lamps)
I can get it for 17k and since it'd be a "family transfer", there would be no tax, no fees, no BS. He's trying to a get a business off the ground and needs the cash more than the car.
Some thoughts:
1. I really want a new one in black with the appearance package. However, the depreciation is terrible and with a possible new RX8 coming out in 2 years, this would be a great way to get into the car and not lose my shorts when it comes time to get the new in one a few years. In short, I could save almost 10k by buying this car vs a comparable new one (I figured 26k OTD for a new one).
2. I like the look of the factory rear spoiler and front air dam. This car does not have either item. If I buy them from the dealer, I assume that they will need to be painted and installed. Anyone have an estimated cost? I really like the look of the front air dam and rear spoiler on this car:
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...3&d=1113610151
3. I used to own a 3rd gen RX-7 and overhauled most of that car. I am a capable rotary mechanic. Some of you might remember my now defunct site (http://www.rotormafia.com). So, I am not scared of the rotary or to work on the car. The Renesis seems very simple compared to the 13B-REW in my my old car. I miss that car a lot, but I need the back seats (I have 2 young kids) and something a little more civil for daily driving.
4. With it being an '04 (with all dealer updates), are there any issues I need to worry about vs buying a new '07?
5. Like others, I've looked at the G35, 350Z, etc. Nothing drives like the RX8. The handling and driving experience (power aside) is phenomenal. I think it handels better than my RX-7 did and the brakes are superb. Love the looks of the G35, but it's heavy and can't get past the price tag and horrendously cheap interior. Not paying 30k for all that plastic!
Thanks,
Sonny
Last edited by Sonny; 09-15-2007 at 11:17 AM.
09-15-2007, 12:04 PM
#2
thats a nice price.
also, i like all the rx8 colors except black. because black really melds all the beautiful contours of the car into one blob. the front dam and rear spoiler is part of the aero package, and they are prepainted. however, if you get yellow you will be so lucky. because azpartsexpress (ebay vendor) has the entire kit for about $550. whereas if you got a dealer the front dam will cost you $450 just by itself. if you buy the kit online, you will have to do the install yourself however. but it doesnt sound like something you cant do.
also, save yourself the 10k. you've been around this car. you know what its like. its not some unknown used car. and if you are really wanting to spend that 10k (you can also give it to me) you can simply turbocharge it with mazsports turbo. 180whp (current) to 325whp (turbo'd) is quite a huge difference.
2004 is also the only year yellow was availble. so those are quite rare. and also the reason why there is an overstock on yellow aero parts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...2002QQtcZphoto
also, i like all the rx8 colors except black. because black really melds all the beautiful contours of the car into one blob. the front dam and rear spoiler is part of the aero package, and they are prepainted. however, if you get yellow you will be so lucky. because azpartsexpress (ebay vendor) has the entire kit for about $550. whereas if you got a dealer the front dam will cost you $450 just by itself. if you buy the kit online, you will have to do the install yourself however. but it doesnt sound like something you cant do.
also, save yourself the 10k. you've been around this car. you know what its like. its not some unknown used car. and if you are really wanting to spend that 10k (you can also give it to me) you can simply turbocharge it with mazsports turbo. 180whp (current) to 325whp (turbo'd) is quite a huge difference.
2004 is also the only year yellow was availble. so those are quite rare. and also the reason why there is an overstock on yellow aero parts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...2002QQtcZphoto
Last edited by kersh4w; 09-15-2007 at 12:06 PM. Reason: linky!
09-16-2007, 05:56 PM
#3
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Nice! The yellow rocks, but it is hard not to stand out in a crowd. Price is definitely right, especially since you know what kind of condition it is in.
2004- If all recalls are done, there really aren't any issues. So far, the only thing I have had replaced with the "updated version" is the starter. It starts perfectly now.
2004- If all recalls are done, there really aren't any issues. So far, the only thing I have had replaced with the "updated version" is the starter. It starts perfectly now.
Last edited by astrozoom; 09-16-2007 at 06:07 PM.
09-17-2007, 06:05 PM
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I have the same 04 yellow mazda
cops aren't your enemy
your gas bill is your enemy
i've never had problems with cops since i have it (8 months)
12-13mpg this is my enemy
i'm trying to sell it now, and buy some rsx or civic si, I know its now as fast, but its twice as better on the gas pump.
its your choice !
i wouldn't buy rotary powered car until they fix the gas milage on this thing
other than that its a great car.
cops aren't your enemy
your gas bill is your enemy
i've never had problems with cops since i have it (8 months)
12-13mpg this is my enemy
i'm trying to sell it now, and buy some rsx or civic si, I know its now as fast, but its twice as better on the gas pump.
its your choice !
i wouldn't buy rotary powered car until they fix the gas milage on this thing
other than that its a great car.
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