bballboi948

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum and also a novice when it comes to cars, but I'm looking to buy a used RX-8. Here are the 3 that I've found that I am considering...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...rs=&max_price=

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...rs=&max_price=

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...rs=&max_price=

I have attached an AutoCheck report for the Blue 2004 RX-8 (first link). I'm leaning toward this car because I'm a sucker for that winning blue, even though it has the most mileage and seems to have more problems in the past. I believe the other 2 you can look at the CarFax report for free from the links.

What should I look for when I go in for a test drive. Also, I would like to know how much I should pay for each car (how much I can bargain down to) and what I should watch out for for each car. What can I expect as far as longevity for a used RX-8? Any additional input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

greg985

take the cars to a Mazda dealer and check to make sure they have all the updates, also get a compression check

04RX8man

Well they all look nice however the blue one does have alot of miles on it aleady...personally i wouild not buy one with that high of mileage.....but u need to get the carfax on all of them and see if any have had any engine issues etc etc.... as to what to check for it has been discussed many times over and over use the search button and ur dreams will b fulfilled

p.s. add in location!

CarAndDriver

Would not touch a used 2004 with a 10 foot pole. Look at 2005 or newer.

bballboi948

Why is that?

Transam kid 01

iTrader: (1)

Yeah ,why is that? My engine is fine on my 04.


It's all about how the car was taken care of...

fritschep

i have a 04 and am about to roll over to 60000 miles on it. she runs beautifuly, runs stong love every moment with her. anyway like the person above me said get the carfax also check out kbb just make sure you do your research. good luck.

EdwardsB

I also have a 04 DD 50K no problems here either. never flooded. fine starting up in winter. 100K core warranty.

bballboi948

If the CarFax report says...

12/13/2008 Mazda Motor of America, Inc. No recalls open for repair

Does that mean the recalls have been done on the vehicle already?

akitamike

if you get a 2005, they should have part of the remaining bumper to bumper warranty (it was 4 yrs or 50K miles), unless you're looking at ones over 50K already; 2004's are out of warranty for the most part; maybe a factor, but should take some worry out of buying a used vehicle if manufacturer warranty still in place; buying a used 2006 might be better for this reason.

j67345

'04 here with 50k miles. No problems at all. Take care of your car and it'll take care of you

CarAndDriver

Search

bballboi948

The Blue RX-8 was "Reported registered/titled prior to storm event in FEMA designated storm area. We recommend a professional vehicle inspection to confirm no storm damage. "

In this case what should I watch out for?

This car has almost 70k miles, how much do you think I can shave off its price of $11,500?

kainis2k

Not very descriptive or helpful at all. I have no problems with my 04. Searched but nothing coming up downing 04s in comparison with any other years. Yeah 05 is a newer year but I see no logic behind what you're talking about unless you can provide a link or something.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Honestly, this is exactly the point. When buying a used 8, it doesn't matter what year, find out as much about it's past ownership history and care as possible. A 2006 that has been treated like crap is going to be worse than an 2004 that was carefully maintained.

Once you confirm that they were treated right, then it comes down to color/options and how much of a warranty you want left on it.

Keep in mind the original delivery date noted, since legally that is the start of the warranty. My 8 was first sold with 18 miles in late August of 2006, so the 4 year component of my warranty will last until August of 2010, even though it is a 2005.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

lol, way to help the guy out.

OP- He's referring to the problems 04's are notorious for having, its just funny becuase just as many 05's have the same issues. (IE- Engine failures, etc)

If you make sure the vehicle was taken care of and do some research youll be okay no matter what year you buy, plus it has a 100K warranty on the engine.

PS- I own an 04 with 72,XXX miles and its running great on engine #1.

bballboi948

I asked for the maintenance records from Mazda, but they don't have them. Is there any other way I can make sure the car was taken care of and that the proper maintenance was performed?

04RX8man

with the VIN number i don't see y the dealer can't get u the records

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

Maybe it was never serviced at a Mazda dealer.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

Try to avoid rx8's not serviced by mazda. If you need an engine and they ask you for proof of maintenance, they wont accept the excuse "I bought it with no records". Where as if it was serviced at a mazda dealer, they can see all the maintenance performed.

elcolombiano91

04 SS with 52K runing perfect never had a problem