Hey guys, i've been lurking around these forums for quite some time now and i am finally planning to purchase my 8 within the next couple months. I am not sure weather or not to purchase one directly from a Mazda dealership, or from a place that offers the best price for what i want. I'm hesitant because if i purchase from a non-mazda dealership they will more than likely not have someone qualified to work on the rotary engine if something goes wrong. Should i pay the extra cash and go with someplace that will have someone qualified, or go with the best price and hope there is a mechanic somewhere in case something goes wrong. Thanks!

PS: My RX8 preference as of now is Whitewater Pearl or Winning Blue

 

it looks like your worrying about something going wrong mainly with the engine.

well if you buy it under warranty from any seller, mazda will still service it as its under a warranty. warranty is usually 50k or extended 60k OR the 1 year engine replacement (if it had gone under one).

 

I understand your point. I purchased my RX-8 used, and specifically shopped around until I found a used one at a reputable Mazda dealer. Although you could buy one from any dealership and then find a Mazda dealership to take it to for warranty stuff (you aren't tied to the dealership that you purchased the car from, especially if it's used), I figured that at least at a Mazda shop they would be able to check it out with a little bit of knowledge of the engine before even putting it on the lot. I've had no problems with the car since buying it, this could be luck of the draw, but I wouldn't take any chances.

 

as already stated, where you buy doesn't matter where you take it. just think about all of the people who move or sell their car. i bought mine from a guy in philly and i can tell you now there is no way i would drive 3 hours if i needed warranty work done. no, i go to a local mazda dealership here to get hosed

 

I bought my RX8 used about 2 weeks ago from a wholesaler. While I did pay very little for it, it has been a different experience from my previous purchases which have all been new cars. Firstly the car was filthy when I bought it and picked it up. Secondly it had a few dings and scratches which is not something I'm accustomed too. Finally, although it carfaxed clean it does have a beat up A/C condensor probably from running over something. I had it looked over by some mechanics I trusted after I discovered that and they informed me that it was probably just running over some debris or possibly road kill (eww) as the bumper had been touched up. Other than that there was no indication of other damage.

I have brought it in to the mazda dealer for some service and despite having bought 5 cars from there previously I was treated very poorly as the car was not sold by them (or at least thats the reason I suspect). I'm trying a new dealer now who have already been much more pleasant to deal with by phone.

Basically, my advice would be carfax it and research it as best you can. If you have a local dealer that will treat you fairly even if you didn't buy the car from them, don't hesitate to get the best deal. Be wary though, some of the dealers can be a real pita if they didn't sell you the car. I have a $140.00 "diagnostic" charge that can attest to that!

 

there are a few problems here. first, when buying used you should have a third party check it regardless of whether or not it is from a dealership. second, the dealer you went to sounds like they were just bad period. i know, i have one here who treats me equally bad. of course they are an equal opportunity bad dealership and treat everyone just as poorly.

so, lessons to take away:
1) carfax is good but will only show you what was reported to insurance.
2) get it inspected third party
3) find a local mazda dealership you like and stick with them as they are like gold if you can find. i'm still on my quest to find one here.
4) don't be afraid to buy from a non-mazda dealership

 

I bought my 8 used from a Ford delaership. Yeah, I said Ford. But it was right accross the street from a Mazda dealership. Haven't had a problem with the car yet, and I've taken it in to 3 different dealership for warranty work.

 

Thanks guys, i now not afraid of paying less from a non-mazda dealership, that actually works better in my favor, more money for mods! And the prices around here at Mazda dealerships are on average, a lot higher than what you could get one for with less mileage, at a smaller dealership. Thanks!

 

I got it inspected after the wholesaler agreed to buy the car back and it checked out okay (thank god!). I have switched dealers and low and behold all problems were taken care of under warranty with a bunch of extra goodies thrown in. I highly reccomend Mazda Gallery in Norwood MA! Agreed on carfax, I lucked out on this one as the damage on the car was just the ac condenser and didn't extend beyond that.