Ok, I've been seriously in love with the rx8 for years and now I'm seriously looking into purchasing one (!!) since my Mazda3 got hit by a deer

I've been reading a lot of threads about common problems (especially with the 04s) but I'm all about taking preventative measures as opposed to reactionary measures. Unfortunately as a grad student, I'm looking at buying used. This car came up in my search and I understand that salvage titles are risky but the way I see it, buying it at a lower price completely expands my budget to get some new parts put in to avoid typical problems later on . The poster didn't leave contact info but I had CL send him/her a note. I plan on getting carfax, compressor check, etc. Any thoughts on this car so far? The link is below.

p.s. I joined this forum because I am looking for a welcoming community- so any tips, advice, or "go to's" are greatly appreciated.


2004 MAZDA RX-8 (Rebuilt-Salvage)

 

Hi, any reason given for salvage?
I would usually avoid it, but $3900 is not too much of a gamble,(if you can afford to lose it!).

Read the New Owner stickies!!!
Then proceed with caution.
Was it actually rebuilt, or is that the classification it was listed under?
Carfax does not always tell the whole story, but can't hurt if you take it with a grain of salt.
Compression check is a must, Mazda dealer or rotory spec. shop only can give you an accurate test.
I would also recommend a thorough vehicle inspection by a reputable mechanic shop.

Ask the owner if he used Premium gas only, how often he checked/added oil, (every other tank is the preferable answer), are the tires in good shape,
(might want to price a new set for an idea of one of the costs of this car).
Can you afford to maintain the car religiously, are you prepared to buy Premium gas at EVERY fillup, and realize 16-20 mpg is about what you can expect.
Just a few questions off the top of my head.
Read the stickies!!!
Good luck!

 

Morning BC, at that price surely you could justify chucking in a new engine if the rest of it is in good nick.

 

Hey Stephen, OP did say he was on a student's budget.
Not everyone has your money to throw around,
Mr. "I want 2 Spirits" guy.

 

Hey, I'm allowed to dream! Besides in my happy place it's 1 Spirit and 1 highly modified. Of course then there's the van for the bikes and the wife's car etc etc etc.
at $3,900 if you can't put the money in for a new engine I'd say don't buy it because it will just destroy your wallet and your sanity.

 

The panel gaps (hood/fender and fender/bumper cover) on the passenger side fender look pretty big (much bigger than on the driver side). I'm going to go out on a limb and guess it was in a frontal offset collision on the passenger side.

Also, this sucker was in NJ which makes me think "leftovers from Hurricane Sandy".

Whatever you do, get it inspected by a good mechanic. Hell, get it inspected by two mechanics.

 

I would pass on this one. Too many risks for someone on a budget. Agreed, panel gaps on passenger side are telling of some good damage and poor repair job. Keep looking.

 

I would probably pass unless you have the cash for a new engine! But if you could get him down to $3000 then id say its worth a shot

 

I'll say pass specially with a salvage title on it.

 

I've owned 2 salvage cars (neigher 8's), and after the first one I swore I'd never do it again... After the second I wanted to kill myself!