I know how most of you around here feel about A/T 8's. But if you could put that aside and realize that there are some people that just can't/won't have a stick and give me your opinion here. I'm not one of those people but, my daughter, who is the primary driver, is.

Anyway, bought this car in 09 with about 43k on the odometer. It's an 05 A/T touring with sport package, no navi. It only has about 56k or so on the odometer now. It has recently been tuned up and has brand new tires on it and it has been running and driving great with no issues for months. We know the motor mounts need to be replaced but the side effects, right now, aren't all that bad and can really only be felt, slightly, when idling. When I bought the car, it was so clean, everyone thought it was brand new. Inside and out it looked like it had never even been driven in the rain. No residue inside the door panels or anything. When I took it to have it inspected, the shop assumed it was new and asked me why the dealer didn't inspect it. And it is pretty much still in that condition as it hasn't been driven many miles and sleeps in the garage.

So, with all that said, the nada website is allowing $1700 for low mileage. Including that, it says the clean trade-in value is $10,850 and the clean retail is $12,850. I paid $13k for it in May of '09.

Overall, we love the car and my daughter doesn't want to give it up. But she'll be going off to college next year and we are thinking she should probably have something a bit more practical for a daily driver. Considering Dad won't be nearby if/when it gets flooded accidentally, etc.

Assuming I either replace the motor mounts or reduce the asking price accounting for it (I would disclose to buyer), should I realistically expect to get anywhere near the book values for this thing?

 

I'd say you could get anywhere from $10-13k for it, as is. Auto/manual shouldn't make much of a difference if you decide to sell it.
A trade in, however, will get you much less.

 

I would likely not be trading in as I am not planning to buy a new car to replace this one. And I typically wouldn't buy a used car from a dealer and pay them extra markup.

 

Not really... the used car place I work at sells and buys used RX8s like hot cakes and the offers are always the same regardless of transmission type.

I think you'll have a harder time selling it as a personal sale with AT than doing a trade. Trade in you are probably looking at 13k to 14k. We are trading 04/05s with 40-60k miles for like 9k maybe 10k if it is very low miles and fairly maxed out in options and extras.

 

How is it that I can get 13k to 14k on trade when you say, in the very next sentence, that you all are trading them for 9k to 10k?

A dealer has to make a profit. This, I understand. Which means he has to give me less than what it should sell for and then sell it for more than he paid me. If he's giving me more than that, then I'm paying the difference in the car I'm trading for. More often than not, in my experience, a dealer will know little to nothing about the history of the car. I know I've never been asked a thing about my trade-ins I have made. They do a walk around, a test ride, then go to the book and make me an offer based on the condition and mileage.

Assuming I find a somewhat honest seller, that has owned and driven the car, I'll have some history to go along with my purchase. If they aren't honest, I know where they live.

I'm not dead set on selling this car. My daughter loves it and can't think of anything she'd rather have, within reason. But, as we all know, they can be finicky at times and we don't really expect her to deal with that if/when the time comes.

 

don't sell it.

in college (2002-2006), I had a 1987 RX-7, and it was fine. Sure it had some issues a few times, but with the internet, and some friends, I was always able to get it running again - I'm sure your daughter's college will have plenty of people who will be able to help her un-flood it, etc.

You have mentioned before that she doesn't beat on it, and you make sure it is well maintained, so there really isn't anything to worry about. As far as practicality, it fits 4 people comfortably and has room for bookbags in the trunk - plenty practical if you ask me.

 

That doesn't seem like a legit reason to sell the 8...She'll learn how to take care of it if a problem occurs...Keep it.

 

I appreciate the support but , if she didn't have to, she wouldn't even put gas in it, much less check and add oil periodically, make sure it gets redlined regularly, etc. If I can swing it, I may keep it and get her something else, just not sure yet.

 

If she's going to college, it's time for her to grow up and be a big girl - there is no excuse to not do very basic maintenance. Unless she is going on lots of road trips, she probably won't drive that many miles while in college anyway. Also, if the college she is going to is somewhat local, you can check up on the car when she comes home for fall break, winter break, and spring break.

 

Surprised no one has asked where your daughter is going to see if they can hook up with her in exchange for taking care of the 8



I'd expect the 10-13k is a solid range, probably 12k is a safe bet private party.



I think he means "much less if you trade in vs selling private party." I don't think he meant that the A/T means it will be less during a trade in.

 

Mine has 32k+ miles on the odometer and the only issues is the motor mounts as well (i could change the cut springs anytime when it's time to sell...lol).

Anyway, i bought my car in 07 with 9k miles for $19k and maybe if i have the pink slip right now in my possession...maybe, i could sell it for around 15k+ or more depending on the condition of the vehicle. I have no mods (except for the cut springs), and i'm planning to get a Mitsubishi Evo next. 2 more years of payment and i can't wait to get an evo next. I still want to keep the rx8, but the issues is driving me nuts.

 

I dought you would get 15k for it... just saying.