I need some advice. I am looking to become an RX-8 onwer soon. Does this car look like a good deal? The car is located about 1.5 hours from me and I was thinking about checking the car out this weekend for possible purchase. Is navigation worth it? I hear the DVD is way outdated. Is it still usable?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=190560410

Silver 2004 RX-8 6-Speed
Mileage: 18,000
Options: Touring package, spoiler, navigation
Asking Price: $20,500 / said he would accept $20,000

Issues: 60% tire life left, 1 small dent/gouge above one of the door handles

It is a 1 owner car. If anyone gets a chance can you run the VIN for me? JM1FE173440111366

Thanks everyone,
Joe

 

Also, how easy is it to setup a flip-key? I assume the 2004 RX-8 didn't come with a flip-key correct? And also, for the AuxMod I don't need a certain firmware version do I? That is for the other aux input method that allows you to use steering wheel controls right? This car has firmware 9.50.

Thanks,
Joe

 

I am also considering this Titanium 2004 RX-8 as well -

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=89

Mileage: 15,006
Options: sport package, appearance package, spoiler, bra (which would come off)
Price: $19,999

VIN: JM1FE173340122682

Thanks,
Joe

 

bump

 

THIS CONFIRMS IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had read a couple of posts of success stories with the 2005 key on the 2004 car but MANY more posts of failures...and the failures were by reputable sources, even dealerships couldn't get it to work!

But I still hoped that those few posters had indeed found a way...so I took a gamble and had Thew at www.rx8garage.net sell one to me...I told him worst case scenario, if it doesn't work I have a sweet transmitter FOB

I got the key and in mail and brought it to the dealer to get CUT NOT CODED THERE (coding at a dealership was $80 at my dealership)

well the guy in the parts department cut the key for
me...guess how much it cost???? NOTHING! they cut it for free hahaha (they only needed my original key and the some verification I own the car)

and on the first try programming the cut key blank's chip it worked!!!!!!!! no
problems...just like the instructions said, and just so you know I have a May 2003 build date (I think on the second boat) so the 'theory' that it doesn't work on older builds is FALSE!

insert first key, turn to on position, wait until security light goes
out, then turn to lock position and remove key

insert second key, turn to on position, wait until security light goes
out, then turn to lock position and remove key

insert NEW key, turn to on position, wait until security light goes
out, then turn to lock position and remove key

Then reinsert the key and your done!!!!!!!!

the only way this procedure would NOT work is if the customer only had
one key not two...or if they were coded improperly (unlikely)

As for the FOB transmitter:

as long as you do the first few steps QUICKLY then when you press the
transmitter button twice it works like a charm...sweeet!!!!!!!!

On a side note...the way this was handled, I am betting that Mazda
tried to cover up that the 05 key works in the 04 car!

Here is the link to Thew (from rx8garage.net) selling it as a special price to rx8club members: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ed=1#post663927


Here is the link to the procedure I used...just download the images
that are attached in the first post (thanks MazdaMonkey and IFubar2000 for all your support)...
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-code-your-own-key-remote-43873/

-Jason (Truemagellen)

PS. I'll post many pics later this evening, multiple shots, multiple angles open and closed!

 

Thanks for confirming that.

Joe

 

My other thread doesn't seem to be getting good exposure in the subforum so I will try in here.

I need some advice. I am looking to become an RX-8 onwer soon. Does this car look like a good deal? The car is located about 1.5 hours from me and I was thinking about checking the car out this weekend for possible purchase. Is navigation worth it? I hear the DVD is way outdated. Is it still usable?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=190560410

Silver 2004 RX-8 6-Speed
Mileage: 18,000
Options: Touring package, spoiler, navigation
Asking Price: $20,500 / said he would accept $20,000

Issues: 60% tire life left, 1 small dent/gouge above one of the door handles

It is a 1 owner car. If anyone gets a chance can you run the VIN for me? JM1FE173440111366

--------

Here is another car I am considering

Titanium 2004 RX-8

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=89

Mileage: 15,006
Options: sport package, appearance package, spoiler, bra (which would come off)
Price: $19,999

VIN: JM1FE173340122682

Thanks everyone,
Joe

 

They both seem like decent deals, but I personally would grab the bottom one.. The appearance package makes a huge difference, no dings, less mileage,
and you gotta give the guys around here a little while, they're kinda slow sometimes....

 

If you can put in an extra $5,000 you can buy a new one- personally I would go that route. A year newer, and you will be first owner. If you are taking out a loan, new car loans are typically lower interest rate than used car loans, which helps offset that $5,000 as well.

As for the nav, I wasn't that impressed when I used it, so I didn't get a car that had it. Some people love it, though.

 

1) Make certain that you get an RX-8 with a 6 Speed Manutal transmission....do not get the Automatic. The automatic has reduced HP and does not rev to 9000 RPMS

2) The Navigation system is worht it. It works very well, except for some brand new roads, but it can show you pretty much everything you need to know. When I travel it is nice to find a restaurant close by or the closest gas station etc. Just have the fellow selling you the car show you how the Nav system works.....or go to your local Mazda showroom.

3)60% of tire left is still pretty good.

4) This website also has a list of RX-8s for sale..you might want to check that out also https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-wanted-43/

 

I am definitely getting manual transmission. Defintely! I want a nice RX-8 but not have to pay a high price...I can't justify the much higher payments for a new car when I can get a used one that is just a "little" used and still has factory warranty. I can get a 6-speed GT package shipped to me from IL for $24,040 but that is 4k + tax & shipping cost more than the 2 cars I listed here. Also, I have been browsing (lurking) the forums for quite a while now and haven't really seen an 8 that pops out at me that is local in the classified section. I will keep searching though.

Joe

 

ask the owners (i assume these are private sellers) for a list of TSBs/recalls they have performed on the car

 

One of the cars is at a dealership. The other is private party.

 

Dude, if you're gonna pay up for any features go with the Grand Touring Package (the leather seats and inserts make the car look oh so much nicer inside) and the Navi. You should expect to pay about $3K extra for both of these over a touring model, but man I think they really complete the car. Plus you will also likely recoup the most value from these two options when you sell the car later down the line.

And the Navi is sweet. This is my first car with NAV and I will never be able to go back to a car without it.

I'm really glad I got my 8 with these two options. JMO.

Here are three threads I found on the classified page with these two options. The first one is in VA like you but he seems like a jerk.

Anyway good luck.



https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-wanted-43/fs-04-rx-8-titanium-va-80699/

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=80665

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=82000

 

Thanks for the links. Honestly they are over my price range. I am in the 20-21k price range...I don't want to put any money down and want a payment well under $400 per month.

I did just find a nice white 2005 RX-8 in NC with only 3,570 miles on it. Looks like a sport package. Asking price is $20,886.

Here is the link - http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...en&cardist=307

 

their both really good prices. I would go with the 2nd one. It seems to have less miles and it does have the sports package which is a major plus. I have the same model as the 1st one and I'm looking into getting the sports package kit.

Best thing to do is drive BOTH of them if possible. See what you like better. Which one you "feel good in".

Good Luck! Keep us posted!

~Omar

 

I think you mean "appearance package"
That is the ground effects kit. The 2nd car does have the sport package though (fog lights, HID headlights, and stability control) along with the appearance package and spoiler. The 1st car has the Touring package (same as sport but adds Bose stereo and moonroof) and navigation and a spoiler.

Thanks.

 

yes. thats what its called. thank you.

 

No problem.

 

I just want to reiterate the idea of buying new. You can get amazing deals on new 2005's. You'll get better interest rates, higher resale value, higher price for your trade-in (if you have one), and a longer warranty (keep in mind warranties start when you drive off the lot, not from the model year). I think you should save up a bit and put $2000 down or so and try and get the payments manageable. If you can't, I'd say wait. But that's me. Good luck with your decision. Let us know how it goes.

 

Get the one from NC! Great deal...

No way I am paying the depreciation when someone else can do that for me.

I will never buy a new one again. Heck I paid $20K cash for mine. The PO paid $32K for it in 2004.... and 1.5 years later it was mine.. no license fee and no taxes on $32K!

Good luck,
Carlos
ps. what is really good is that the warranty goes with the car not with the owner.

 

I am thinking along the same lines as you...the one from NC is a 2005 with low miles. And I do really like white. But it is also 400+ miles away from me. I would hate to waste the trip if something was wrong with the car. Anyone live close to this thing to check it out for me?

Joe

 

I'd agree with you, but in general those numbers aren't realistic anymore. People are getting brand new 2005's for $24-25k that retail for $32k. So it's basically $4-5k more for 1.5 more years no the warranty, higher resale value since it's newer and you're the only owner, higher trade-in since you're buying a new car (I've always gotten thousands more than blue book when trading in for new cars), and the knowledge that you had it when it was a baby and took care of it the way you wanted from day 1.

As far as paying cash, that's not always the best way. If you can get a great interest rate, say 2.5%, you can invest your $20,000 in a savings account (ING gives about 3%) or a CD (about 5%) if you're feeling slightly more risky and make money off that money. As long as your interest rate on your investment is better than your debt interest rate, you're coming out on top. Of course, you want to make sure it's one of those loans where you're not paying ALL the interest first. In addition, debt that you're paying off consistently can help your credit so long as you don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars of it and don't default on your payments.

There's a time and place to go used. All I'm saying is that sometimes you gotta consider all the options because things are more complicated than just the sticker price.

 

I agree you don't have to pay even close to the sticker price on the leftover 2005's. Mine was stickered at $28,500.00 and I paid a lot less than that.

 

Financing wise... it makes sense to have one loan in a car and this is mainly because we live in the "land where if you don't owe anything you are not worth anything!" Funny ah??

I got my wife's SUV last year brand new at 0.9% interest rate since my credit is excellent but with the RX8 I decided not to have another loan, sell the Miata and put ~ 5K out of my own money to pay it off. I still pwe money on that one and it's not even worth that much anyways...

Do your Math... If you can afford ~20K I will go and pay cash.

BTW, My car was 450 miles away... I just told the guy... "the car better be in good condition, if not you pay for hotel and airplane ticket back"... and he agreed to it. Of course I even got a better price due to this...

Good luck,
Carlos