Thinking of buying RX-8 and have some questions....
 

I am starting my search for a second car, my daily driver is a stereo show car and I need a second car.

I am thinking about buying a used RX-8 but want to ask some questions.

#1. Is there anything specific to watch out for in a used RX from any specific year?
Or should I just look for the newest low mileage one I can find used?
#2. Is there a "pass through" to the trunk from between the back seats? I do not
think they fold down.
#3. Mileage, what can I realistically expect mixed city/highway?
#4. I want the 6 speed, any issues with it?
#5. What is the difference in models with the rear wing, wheels and ground
effects? Are those just a 'sport appearance' pkg or is there anything else
that they represent model wise?
#6. Because I want to keep mod money for my stereo car, I would only be
interested in an exhaust for the RX, I like vids of the Racing Beat system,
are there any others that are kinda comparable in sound to that exhaust
and is there any reason to add an intake, or just leave it alone under the hood?



Thanks guys!

1. Newest, lowest mileage, definitely.
2. Don't fold down, think there's a pass through.
3. 16/22 if the engine & coils are in good condition and you drive reasonably sane. Can get even better if you're a granny, but why buy an RX-8 then? Many people get much worse.
4. Don't even think about anything but a 6-speed, and manual too, of course.
5. Shinka's and the 2008 40th anniversary edition and the current R3 have a slightly sportier suspenstion but the normal MT is already great. Everything else is just appearance stuff.
6. Exhaust and intake do not offer any significant gains in power, mostly acoustics.

Good luck!

#1 - Generally stay clear of 04/05 (easily found info)
#2 - No pass through, to my knowledge, but there are lots of things i didn't figure out for a while (the hidden button for the trunk latch is sweet!)
#3 - Maybe check the Mileage thread?
#4 - Maybe have a peak in the transmission issue thread?
#5 - Leather seats denote a gt, cloth a gs. Other stuff can be added to either model
#6 - Racing Beat, Mazdaspeed, and Borla are the 3 more quiet aftermarket exhausts. (the exhaust, exhaust, exhaust thread might be a good place to start!)

Intake makes some noise, and that is generally it. Drop in filter and a RB duct is a great option if you must have it (the intakes, intakes, intakes thread might be a good place to start!)