I've heard (well read via internets) that in 2006 is when Mazda seemed to nip items in the butt such as engine soak, ect...

I recall that nightmare in 2004 when I use to sell these cars for Mazda. In any event. I know to look for the following:

-taillight condensation (though I read there is a TSB for it)

-transmission issues w/ shifting

-rust, this vehicle was driven in OH... I worry about rust on the bottom of it. I've always purchased southern vehicles due to road salt not being near as bad as up north.

But what other items am I missing? If I should wait till I find an 07 or 08 I'll do that if those years have less problems w/ them. But as far as pricing is concerned I can't afford anything past a 2008. And this one I'm looking at http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/...ip:zip%20entry

is very near me and the color I want w/ the options I want.

Any help you can provide would be great, thanks in advance. I'll test your posts when I go test drive this thing tomorrow.

 

I say get any year you want. Obviously the first 2 years were a bit problematic in GENERAL for many cars.
06's and up have all the updates that this car needed, so anything 06 and up would be great imo.
Just look out for the usual stuff... you know, the things you would normally look at when you buy this car.

 

That car looks cleeeann from that one pic.

More pics would help

 

get them to knock that price down or keep looking, thats a lot for an 06 with 31k

edit:

I just noticed it had the NAV system....still 18,000 is a lot.

 

That link has 30 pics of it.
Ah noted, I was thinkin I'll offer $15,500 and see where we meet. Thanks for input.

 

With the current 09 rebates get a brand spanking new one for about 20k.

you won't be able to load it up with options at that price, but at least you will know where it has been.

 

looking at that car made me remember when i was looking for one... good times haha if it helps i paid 14400 for my 06 about a year ago, with 31008 miles haha, so really close to that one. i do not have leather or nav though so i would agree that 15-15.5 would be a good price.

 

Take it for a used car check at a dealership

 

i would not pay more than 16k out the door.

there are always much better deals on the forums if you wait for them.

i still remember that VR, full mazdaspeed body kit, gold volk sf challenge rims, and a host of mods. 30k miles. $14.5k. damn.

 

car looks to be in decent shape, some scrapes and stuff on the interior but that will happen. mileage is still pretty low which is always good. cars can always look much better in pictures than in person so seeing it in person will give you a much better idea. i certainly would go much lower than what they want though. just guessing off hand, that car isn't worth more than 16.5k from a buyer's standpoint. honestly i think you'd be getting raped if you paid that much.

 

Sorry to confuse fellas, I was lookin more for pointers on what to look for as in from a maintained standpoint. Not so much price.

For example, on RSX's if there is water in our taillights it means it's been hit in the rear before. Also, water can get in the trunk and there is a way to test for it on the RSX's. Plus checking for grey smoke, ect... I wasn't sure if you all had tell tell signs like that and if 2006 was an ok year to purchase.
I know to stay away from the 2004's via reading that on here. Thanks in advance!

 

Thats more than I paid for the same car in black over a year ago with 10K less miles...

I'd keep looking. I know it's tough, but try to keep an open mind.

 

I just read your last post, and some problems 8's have, that aren't really that big of a deal are water in taillights, bad sunvisors, broken console sliding door.

If you buy from dealer you may be able to get them to fix it for you for free.

 

One thing I would check is when that car was first sold. It might still be under bumper to bumper LOL. Then you wouldn't need to worry as much, just get whatever necessary fixed in the next 5k miles.
I would start there.

 

See if the plugs ignition coils and wires have been replaced. If not it's a good idea to get it done. Also Check to see if the cat. has been replaced or is in good shape. If you have a clogged cat the car will feel like it runs out of breath as it gets higher in the RPM range. A car with a good cat. and good plugs will feel faster and faster as it goes up the RPM band. You should be smiling and laughing when you hear the beep. If not it may not be in good shape.

 

Just an FYI, you may already know this now but carmax is no-haggle. I offered to pay cash for one and they said the price on the site is the best possible price, they will not go any lower at all.

 

A bit off topic but you will never get the best price u less you walk away from their "best offer". It's just part of the game. Know how much you should be paying and walk away if you're not getting it.

 

All I know is I tried to explain to him that theres some other rx8's I have been looking at with less miles for less money(but at a shady dealership that I dont trust) and he said that was the final price. I havnt really sat down with him and really tried yet, I will on saturday when I am meeting with him and give it another go.

 

Carmax does not haggle at all. Your only option is to wait for them to sit on the car and reduce the listed price. With snow becoming more and more likely in the near future, even for that dealership's area, they may lower the price soon. But I can speak from experience that you will pay exactly what it is advertised for and no less.

For what it's worth, that car is not a good deal. About two months ago I purchased a similar 06 WWP with 11,000 miles, one owner, and absolutely zero flaws, for just $15,8xx. It did not have navigation, but did have the entire GT package with heated seats, aero kit, polished front rotary, etc. I'd keep shopping and waiting for the right 06!

 

Dually noted thank you!
Good idea thanks
That I didn't know, thanks for heads up!
To those that spoke about carmax, and pricing. thanks. Seems you were right. I ended up walkin away this weekend.

 

Try Autotrader.com. I've sold a couple of excellent-condition, rotary cars (RX-7, RX-8) through them in recent years, so IMO it is a good potential source of vehicles. Like with any vehicle purchase, you must personally check out each car before purchasing.

 

I found my car on cars.com i just got the dealer info though and went and looked at it in person vs. buying it on the site.

 

good call on walking away, it's listed as being a fleet car in it's previous life. Fleet cars are one of the few cars that get beat on even harder then a rental.