jmcho

Im trying to get opinions on this used rx8 i'm interested in buying.
It's at 78k miles, selling for 6.5k and a 2004 manual model.
Some red flags when i was talking to the owner:

I asked if I could bring it to a dealership to have it diagnosed for problems, he wasn't ok with it.
I asked what kind of oil he runs in it, and he said synthetic.
He said it's a gas saver(false).

Now i've done my due diligence for this car. From what i've read, synthetic oil is a no(or atleast highly debatable)? and i got a carfax after my test drive with it, this current owner is actually #5 and he's had it for a month.
The test drive was solid though, car sounded good. Some scratches here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Reading the carfax though, it said it was in an accident and airbags were deployed with the first owner(2005). However it's 'guaranteed' no problems on carfax. The current owner bought it from a dealership so it's probably gone through some routine diagnostics already in the meantime.

Please lmk what you think. The current owner seemed like he didn't really know what he was getting in to when he bought the car, and his reason for selling was that he has a family and has just bought a bigger one. It could be a steal on my end, or a total loss. If anyone wants to view the carfax, just msg me and ill send you the details.

Also, any questions i should ask him to help me decide?

Thanks everyone

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Walk.

If the owner isn't willing to have it inspected pre-purchase he believes he has something to hide.

Yes, synthetic is still highly debated, but it's not an outright 'no'.

Air bag deployment is a pretty severe mark against it

There are better options out there.

kevinande

If it is merely that he does not want you to take his car for an extended period of time, I can actually relate to that. That said he can go with you to get the test performed. if he is unwilling to do that then as stated above...walk. Synthetic oil would not concern me. Airbags can be deployed at what would be considered low speeds. If you can get a compression test, then get it to a body shop and have them look over it from underneath for peace of mind. If the price is that good, then it's worth the extra effort. If the owner is not willing to accommodate you though, to heck with it. He will pawn it off on some poor sucker who will show up here to complaining, because he/she did not do their homework.

jmcho

Much appreciated for the responses!
I've actually found a better, cheaper, and reliable deal with another seller.

Negotiating now on getting it inspected.

Hopefully will be a rx8 owner within the next couple of weeks!