I am looking for an RX-8 2009 or later with auto tranny (its for my wife)

I have a long history of car addiction (77 years and 120+ cars and still own 10% of them).

My reading on this forum leads me to believe a 2009 or later is the best choice for longevity....I keep my cars forever......

Looking at a 2009 with 92K miles on the clock and a bit of a vibration at idle for $12k. I think that is too many miles and the vibration worries me so I think I will skip it. But I have found a dealer sale of a 2011 with 14K on the clock for $19K ( a bit over my preferred price) that looks like more bang for the buck...BUT I live in south Texas and the color is red with black interior ! ! ! I think I need white or silver with a light color interior.

Is rust a concern for these cars? The dealer commented that It was an Austin car so hadnt been on the coast long....as though that was a concern.

 

Good luck!

I've got some rust on my 2005 in the rear fender wells.

Dunno much about the Series 2 models.

 

It depends how much rust and where's the rust at. Anyway, the price seems firm on the 2011 and don't forget to get a compression test, good luck!

 

Also keep in mind the quality of the car, not just the year. It's true there are QoL additions to almost every new model from 05-12.
Also remember they all use the same engine. That's our big point of failure. So an 06 with 40k miles that was treated well, would net you much more life than a 09 with 92k miles that at some point in time was poorly maintained. Some say you cant avoid the inevitable. But I'm a strong believer that if you take care of your car right then it'll take care of you too.
Now then, it's in my understanding that to keep an automatic happy, you need to drive it hard. As for a QoL improvement with the later models I don't really know. The 04-05 were a bit more notorious for those kind of issues.

As for the light trim interior, I'd just say look for a shinka :P. I picked mine up, 06 47k miles for 11.5k. If I were to take good care of her I know I'd be able to outlive an 09 that wasn't taken care of. Just make sure you do all your research, and I'l push a compression test even more with an auto than anything else.

 

I believe I replied to your post on the other forum.. Ill say what I said before 12k for a car with 92,000 miles on it. Yes it's an 09, but that's 92,000 miles in 4 years, about twice the "norm" you would want to look for in a used car. My 04 just turned 94k... If I were you I wouldn't buy off the dealer, i would find a private sale and save yourself a few thousand. They probably added and additional $4,000, or more on the cost of the car ..

 

You all have given me some things to ponder. Thanks.

I have already decided the 2009 with 92K would only be acceptable if the price was $4k lower to provide for an engine overhaul. Since its a car lot, I know they wont go for that.

The 2011 with 14K looks better even with the higher price tag. I will go see it next week end if its still available.

But, all in all, I have decided that this car is better sought after SLOWLY and with much care.

 

Defiantly, ive loved this car since i first driven it.. I was lucky to find a "one owner" that was unmolested and well taken care of.

 

If you keep your cars forever I would suggest finding a Series II, R3 model... Will retain its value over the years...