Zanre

Hi, I am new here to rx8club, but have been reading posts for months x]

I am 18 years old living in Canada and I am wanting to buy an 04 rx8.
I just want some advice and/or feedback on the pricing.

I make only $9600 a year since I am attending college.
I have $10000 saved up for the purchase but I want to know the little things such as how much for fuel, oil changes, (other maintenance), insurance, ect.

Also, even though young I know a lot about the rx8's and their rotary engines. I will be requesting compression tests before purchasing and replacing the battery, spark plugs, and maybe even the starter after purchasing because of the age.

Is this a good car for me to buy at this time?

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

First, make sure you read all of the stickies in the new members forum (this one in particular should answer most of your questions https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/)

I would recommend against the purchase of an rx8. Buy something that requires less care. It's not that the rx8 is more high maintenance, but rather she's less forgiving if you aren't on top of it...

Gerald Nunn

Is the car going to be a daily driver and must be absolutely reliable? If so, I'd recommend spending your money on something newer and more economical like a Civic that is relatively bulletproof. If the RX-8 isn't a daily driver or you can get by with public transit if something breaks maybe consider an RX-8 but try to get something newer then an 04 if at all possible, ideally something with a bit of engine warranty remaining. Might be difficult on your budget though.

In terms of costs, I daily drive my 8 between Newmarket and Brampton and spend between $80 to $100 dollars a week on gas, keep in mind the 8 requires premium gas. Oil changes run $40 to $50 bucks at a Mazda dealer. I usually need to buy a quart of oil between oil changes to keep it topped up, this is only about $5 dollars.

With respect to insurance, where are you in Canada? In Ontario I pay a bit over $100 a month for insurance but I'm over 40, in Ontario young drivers really get mauled by insurance companies. Best thing to do is phone a few insurance companies up and ask for a quote for the type of vehicle you are purchasing.

Also, have you budgeted for winter tires and rims, this is not a car you want to run in winter on all-seasons.

gj3ny

My first car was also a sports car. A Fiat X1/9. Mid engine, targa top, front and rear trunks, pop up headlights and all this in red. Every 17 or 18 year old female watched me go by.

I spent so much money keeping that car running especially because it was my only car and I had to drive it in winter snow and on road salt. That Fiat kept me broke and in tears because it was so awesome and realistically I could not do it the justice it deserved. The RX8 is like that X1/9. If I could live that part of my life over I would buy a cheap economical everyday car (not what you want to hear) first followed as quickly as finances allow the Fiat (or RX8 in your case).

My current Porsche and Mazda go away next week never to be seen until March. I have learned my lesson. Winter does awful things to a car and it is nice being able to drive a boring car during that time. In my case the VW listed

monchie

You could find an 04 for less than 10k. Make sure you get a compression test on the engine...good luck!

Loki

iTrader: (1)

It's the wrong question I think. Buying an older rotary out of warranty you have to be conscious of what it could cost you if the engine goes. Not saying it will, but it could. If are comfortable with the idea that you may need to spend an additional 4-5k ( being extreme here) at any point, then welcome to the club. If you don't want that risk, start with something more down to earth and reassess when you have more income.

As far as regular maintenance it's like any other 10 year old car: don't expect to only do oil changes especially if its your daily driver through winter and such.

Talking Canadian dollars here as we'll, things are more xpensive up here.