So I am thinking of buying a 2004 Mazda RX-8 with 103,313 miles. How much would modifications run me back. The car is selling for 5000 and I know I definitely need a decat and compression check. Most likely change the 3 oils and oil filter. Also ignition parts need to be upgraded. Anyone have an estimate?

 

5000 USD? The seller is dreaming, it better be mint with a new engine.
Estimate depends on what you replace them with, shop around. BHR coil kit is 500+, OEM replacement from NAPA is 120ish, for example. $1000 including BHR coils the decat? (which like, why do you NEED a decat?). Don't forget to change the coolant if old or thr wrong type.

The compression check happens before purchase, ideally on the seller's dime. It's up to him to prove the car is worth the money.

 

100k miles better be careful. That's about the time these usually start to fall apart. Also as Loki said, $5k too much unless its engine has been replaced and compression comes back in the high 7's low 8's. Get the compression test done first before you buy.

 

More chorus:
GET A DAMNED COMPRESSION TEST BEFORE YOU BUY IT!!!
Seriously, schedule a test drive and schedule a compression test at a dealer for the same time. Test drive the car to the dealer and have it done.

I treat any rotary without recent compression test results the same as that same car completely missing its motor.

I'm guessing you haven't done much research since you asked about mods without actually specifying which mods you are interested in or what you want those mods to do.

 

All of the listed advice is spot on. At 103k you're taking a huge risk without a compression test before purchase. What condition is the car in currently and can the seller provide any service records?

 

Handfulls of Videos have told me to get a new decat I’ve been taking it with a grain of salt this hasn’t been fully confirmed for me just yet neither the purchase of the car. I’ve been trying to find something for around 5k that would be fun to drive and will last a couple years.

 

ive done some research just not insane amounts I came to the website looking for better answers then YouTube videos that are biased or overly praising. I would most definitely have the compression check at the dealer I wouldn’t take it out on my own.

 

^^ It will meet that goal as long as the engine has good compression before you buy and you manage preventative maintenance. Like any other used car, you're buying the previous owner's mistakes if he made any.

 

Totally possible to get a good RX8 for $5k, it just requires due diligence. You really have to be careful when buying these cars. It's very easy to end up with a lemon if you don't run the tests and dig into service history.

 

What should I look for in the service history that is a big no, wrecks and major repairs but anything else.

 

Mainly fluid changes and any major parts that were replaced. Control arms, suspension, brakes ect. The more info the better. Major repairs are ok so long as the repair checks out.

 

You're not looking for what was done, you're looking for what was missed. Ignition components? Recalls? Oil changes on time?

You know we have a New and Potential Owners thread that covers exactly this.

 

As a very recent buyer of a 2004, I'll add that, at least in my area of New England, there is a very limited market for these. I believe the seller told me I was the only person in NH that contacted him about the car, he had some calls from MA and CT and only one that seemed serious enough to come look, over a period of maybe a month. So, as you are evaluating the car and thinking about an offer, know that there probably isn't a rush and the seller is realizing, or already realized, his RX-8 doesn't have much resale value.

Other than that follow the excellent advice above.

 

Ditto,

I started RX8 shopping a week ago and it seems to be a buyers market. However, the market seems to move slow as a few cars just stagnate. Many of these cars are beaters from 1-3k. Riced out, beaten on, stupid mods, etc. There are only a few cars that are very clean and they are being listed for 5 figures. Which is about 3x their book value. Did I mention market stagnation?