Totaled 2004 GT rx8 - opinion?
 

Hey,

I regret to inform this community that I totaled my rx8 (due to a mistake while driving normally, not being wreckless). I LOVED this car.


Summary:

• Winning Blue 04 GT, 40k Miles (i babied it)
• Insurance willing to cut me a check for $9,000 ($1,000 deductible makes it $8,000)
• Would cost $2k to buy it back, meaning I get $6k in cash

Damage:

- front bumper, radiator, front right fender, under the car is "wrecked", so exhaust.
- i haven't seen under the car, i didn't think it was that bad.

Options:

- take the check and run
- argue for more money (but honestly 9k is more than fair, especially in this market for rx8s and my year.
- this thread taught me I could get a bit more, i have BHR ignition in it and i liked the car.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...-claim-218419/
- buy the car back and make some side money parting it out.
- how much is the engine? easily 2k, right? the engine was SMOOTH.


All in all, I'll probably get the check and run, I don't have time to sit there and part everything out. Just really wanted some community thoughts and rant on losing my car due to a STUPID mistake.

This is probably fortunate long term, if I had to replace the engine I would've LOST alot of money.

Thanks for reading.

RIP "8".

Good motor you will likely get about 1K...lots of other parts....BHR likely $350ish Transmission #3-400, Differential $200

Need to have the space to store it...and the patience to sell it part by part

Where are you located...there are a few guys parting then out that might be interested if you aren't

Houston TX.

only 1k for the motor? sheesh.

ya motors don't go for a much as one would think because it's a crap shoot for the buyer without a compression test.
sorry to hear about the car. :(

Thanks man... the more I think about it, this is the best exit from the rotary. Selling an 04 would've OR the engine would've diminished the value of the car.

I think 9K is a fair price...try and grind them a bit...:) Never hurts too try :)

Seems like you could fix it for less than 6k if the frame is straight and the drive train is alright.

I am with RV on this one. If the frame is straight, drive train did not twist and the rear diff is good; I would rebuild it. Buy the parts you need and get to wrecking is my suggestion. Maybe even do a few upgrades. The one thing that will hurt the most is getting it painted, unless you know someone.

It will have a rebuild/salvage title now if you buy it back and repair it. Not good for resale. But if you plan on keeping it. That's a different story. Depends on you.

Post pictures with
open hood
removed front bumper and headlights.

At least open hood.

As much as you may be attached to it, unless you're looking for a time consuming hobby as a body man or mini-salvage yard manager, you should take the money and start over with another car.

Ken

Take the cash and run. You can just buy another 8 if you like.

/\
what he said.

Actually, save the money until Mazda comes up with the next rotary. 9,000 would make for a good downpayment on a new car, lol.

hey guys, thanks all for the replies. I've had alot of time to think and do homework. Basically, thanks to that thread... I was able to debate the value of my car to $10,800!!! I know, crazy right? You HAVE TO go over the auditor report. THAT IS ESSENTIAL. I saved myself 1,800 in cash by doing this.

so after deductible i will receive 9,800 cash. All this seems too good to be true but I've asked several times and Monday I will go in and turn in the title for the money. I've thought long and hard but I don't have the time but the repairs would honestly be a cinch! I'll upload pics next weekend, when i have more free time.

Funny tidbit, but I was arguing the value of my BHR ignition but when he re-ran his numbers i was like... "OKAY!"

Summary:

I'm not advocating crashing your car but I am basically getting more money than i ever would selling the car. If my insurance doesn't sky rocket... i'm fortunate i'm physically safe and I'm money ahead. READ THAT THREAD ON INSURANCE!!!!

funny how life works out.

I love this community, thanks for the articles, but yeah, I'm out of the 8 game.

So... I kinda bought that.

Impressions:

- I miss my 8. But this is nice, too. It's just, different.
- For now, AWD isn't as fun in turns.
- But this thing obviously is quicker. Me likey turbo.
- Having more room is a plus, trunk is huge, and actually having a backseat.
- The 8 felt a bit tough to look to the passenger side to switch lanes. It's pretty easy to look left and right and make a pass.
- Ride is kinda bouncy, springs are very stiff.
- Transmission is not smooth, throws are long (despite the short shifter), and dont easily slide in place.
- I like the 8's clutch and transmission.

Basically, like I said, it's just different but more functional for this part of my life. The 8 is a severely under appreciated car.

The BRZ is just like the 8, to be honest. If or When I return to RWD, I will get a BRZ.

ha if i was in that situation i would take the cash for sure. i only paid 4200 for my 04 gt. buy another rx for 42 have a spare motor and trans and buy a beater lancer as a dd. anything else you sell off the car would be cash in your pocket.