Greetings all. I am about to make the jump into the RX8 club and just wanted to throw a few questions out there. Ive been reading and using the search function. so please be kind I was born and raised on Mazdas, from growing up in the MPV, multiple B2200 pickups, a 1987 RX7 my parents gave me as my first car, and then a Mazdaspeed Protege as my first self purchased car. That was later surrendered to realities of knocking up my GF, getting married and having another child after that. After suffering in a POS hooptie for the past two years and various others before that, I am coming back to the Mazda family, and what I consider my dream car. The concept picture has hung on my cubicle/office for years but always out of reach. Now with the used car market being so soft and the resale value on the 8 being the same, the car I've wanted for years is mine within the next few weeks.

I am looking to spend about 14K on the vehicle. Based on the listings I see today in my area and all the info I gathered from this forum and all of its helpful members, I have the following questions:

Option 1 - 2004 w/ 45K miles @ $11.5K
Option 2 - 2007 w/ 38K miles @ $14.5K

My first question is really about the engine itself. I know the 2004 has most of the issues, but is that with the engine itself or the components supporting the engine that fail, which in turn cause engine failure? Is it worth the 3000$ in sticker price to go with the 2007 to have a newer car? The miles are so similar, so if there is no difference between the two, and I can correct the know issues around the components, would it be better to save the 3000 and put that back into the car?

My lap top is about to die, so I will post further questions shortly. Thanks all!!

 

I would go with Option #2. For most I would just because of rust. But, that shouldn't be as much of an issue for you (please update your profile to include your location). The 04/05 had an early emu flash that didn't provide for enough oil being injected into the combustion cycle. Also, the people off loading the cars from the ship, didn't know how to handle the engines. They were flooding them which caused problems with pre-broken in engines, catalytic converters and spark plugs.

 

So. California

The 2004 carfax shows it was originally in Hawaii, which is why it has relatively low miles. Think that has any bearing?

Ive read that about the 2004 flash, but if the engine tested out strongly on the compression test, or equally to the 2007 would you still go with the 2007 and the 3000$ difference?

I found a 2006 Shinka for about $15K with 55K miles. Worth it?

 

I dunno why but this made me lol. I would go with option 2 since it's 3 years newer. Good luck with your decision.

 

I would say go with the 2004. however in this case it was in Hawaii. There is no where to run grom the salt air.

The salt air will rust the car from the inside out.

 

I'd go with the 07.
warranty will last longer, few (known) breakdowns/ engine failures. up to date on recalls, and will more than likely give you piece of mind

 

07 without a doubt.

 

easily option 2. and get a lot of undercarriage washes.

 

same option 2, eventually, if all the maintenance that may be required with the 04, theres your 3grand

 

Option 2 without a second guess.

 

Positively option 2. It has fewer issues than an 04.