RX26b

Tons of cars in the FS sale section here, Ixo. You could probably find one in your color for less than Carmax's price; get yourself a one way rental car, grab a buddy and make a road trip. Or, if you're pressed for time an airline ticket. It'd probably save you at least a grand. Easy.

MICHGoBlue

Pay a little more for the 2005 will be worth it, your mind with be at more ease.
It's always slightly riskier to purchase a first year production car, this doesn't apply to just RX-8s.