Hey All,

Had never really considered an RX8 till yesterday. Was test driving a Mustang GT at a Ford dealership and afterward, the salesman said "Oh by the way, I have a car you might also like". It's a 2005 RX8 with 100 miles on it for $21,900. I drove it and instantly fell in love! From what I've seen on-line today, it appears to be a steal. Is this as great a deal as it seems? And with proper care, does the RX8 age gracefully? How does a rotary engine compare to a piston engine in terms of reliability? Would appreciate any feedback anyone might have....

Thanks!

Dave

 

First thing you have to understand is, that for someone who was shopping for a Mustang GT, the RX-8 will have a distinct lack of straight-line pick-up in comparison. But whereas the Mustang "handles like a newborn donkey," the RX-8 excels in this area. They are two completely different animals.

As far as reliability, it's a crapshoot. Some guys are back at the dealer for repairs every month, some guys have never had any problems. The motor itself is reasonably reliable, but it consumes oil as part of normal operation and needs to be topped off every 600-2000 miles. I would ask them what kind of warranty they could set you up with. Gas mileage is at least as bad as the Mustang, possibly worse.

The price they offered you is indeed a steal. It's less than what I paid for mine, which came with more miles on it. Of course, mine had plenty of options, and I don't know what package they're offering. You also didn't specify manual or automatic. If it's automatic, don't waste your money by buying it.

Search around the forum and make an informed decision.

 

Yeah find out what the trim level is because if its just the basic package it isnt as much of a steal per se as if it had like the gt package.

 

How long have you been driving the RX8? Any regrets? The one I'm looking at is a 6-spd manual. It does have an option package, although I must admit that I can't remember just what that package includes. Seemed like the standard package included just about everything I could have thought of. Also just found a 2004 for sale by private owner just 10 miles from me. It's got just 7000 miles on it for 17,200.

 

I've driven my 2005 stick shift RX-8 just about 5,000 miles since I bought her in October of last year. Zero problems, zero regrets I knew about the gas and oil consumption going in. Over the years I have owned a couple American V-8 cars that turned 12-second quarter miles and I also I knew going in, the rotary Mazda wasn't fast in that same way. What I love about the RX-8 is its smoothness and sophistication, along with its looks plus of course the handling which is superior to anything short of an exotic car at twice the price.

 

It is definately the coolest car I've ever driven. I believe I'm going to buy it tomorrow, although I'll first have to call my insurance agent and make sure that they aren't going to try to rape me. You mentioned oil AND gas consumption. I've heard about the oil. Is it that bad on gas? The sticker said 18 city 24 hwy.

 

you would be VERY suprised from your insurance agent about the price for the RX-8.


I am betting that it will be a LOT cheaper than the Mustang GT.


Just think... 4 door family sedan insurance rates

 

I'm hoping so. The salesman said that those "suicide doors" would make a big difference in terms of how an insurer would categorize the car.

 

It depends on your carrier. Mine rated it "high performance" but pulled some strings with my family account to get me a good rate. Other companies just see 4 doors and a 1.3L engine and give you Civic rates!

 

Things that insurance companies look for when magically fabricating your premium

Number of doors: 4
Engine displacement: 1.3L
Air bags: 6
Anti-Theft device: Yes

According to that, you drive something less than 4 door civic.

You will not be disappointed, however if you are, shop around.

 

when i was car shopping, the Mustang was also high on my list. but once i test drove, i forgot all about it. i think 21k for a car with 100 miles IS indeed a steal. do it, you'll never look back.

 

Dave I drive about 70 mile a day and I now fill up or top off about 20 bucks per day. I also add oil weekly. Still love my RX8.

 

Thanks. I'm getting geeked about it. I started my car search with the goal of combining performance and fuel economy. Almost bought a Jetta turbo. Looks like I sort of abandoned the fuel economy part with the RX8, but the ride is just too nice to resist!

 

alot of people ask about the car before test driving it, you on the other hand test drove it first which means you'll probably buy it . its a great car and the first drive does sell the car (personal experience.) by the way what color is the rx8 that you'll most likely buy?

 

05 w/ 100 miles and 21k?

Is it a base?

 

Yeah, I really just stumbled into a great car at a phenomenal price I think. Now I'm worrying that I've been seduced and may not be thinking as clearly as I should! :-)

 

Yeah, it's an 05 w/100 miles for 21K And it has "option package #1", which I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I don't even remember what that adds to the base. But as I said earlier, even the base has about every option that I would have thought of. The only thing I know for sure it doesn't have is leather, which I wouldn't pay extra for anyway.

 

"option package #1" should be the sport package which is the best one for this car IMO. Go for it.

 

You forgot to mention the color! Or at least I didn't see it listed.

That price is a steal. For comparative purposes, I just bought my '05 2 months ago with the Touring package (the next package up from the one you are looking at with sunroof & Bose, plus I have the appearance package) and I thought I stole it for $3k under invoice, which put the purchase price at just over $26k. $21k is a STEAL...no question. As far as reliability, I do need to take it in for squealing brakes (common in this car) as well as to have the spark plugs swapped out. The dealership called me and said to bring it in to have them replaced in order to minimize the risk for flooding. They'll be checking the battery as well. Other than those two things, one being a preventative maintenance issue, it's been smooth sailing for 2500 miles.

As far as straight line performance, there isn't much torque in the 8, but it certainly get up there just fine once you get to 5k on the tach. I have no complaints. I have kids and don't need to do racerboy launches anyway. Gas mileage for me in mixed highway/city driving is between 17-18mpg. I don't believe I'll ever see 24mpg as listed on the sticker...even on all highway driving with the cruise control set to 60.

As mentioned before, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the insurance quote I think. I previously had a '98 Maxima SE that I traded in and was prepared to take a major hit when I moved up to the 8. I'm 36, with a clean driving record, and my monthly insurance payment went up $8/month. Much lower than I expected. Good luck, and let us know what you do!

 

It's silver. Would not have been my first choice, but it looks nice anyway. And for $7k off the sticker, it would be ok if it were pink. (well, ok, maybe not pink....but any other color.) The only real down side that concerns me right now is the gas mileage, but I also have a 94 Geo Prism that still runs good and gets about 30 mpg, so I guess that will be my rationale for doing something as impractical as buying an RX8. I suppose I could always turn around and sell it if it doesn't work out for me. Maybe even turn a profit! But I'm betting I will love it. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Have an '05 AT Sport package.Paid $21,000 1 month ago.
Paid $24,000 for an '05 Base AT 10 months ago.
Your price of 21,900 is a great price.
List is about 28,000.
Mazda cash incentives of $4000 available now on '05's,,, got to ask for them.
And they should give you a full 50,000 mile warranty.
Just do it ,,you will love the car!

 

Who would trade in a car with only 100 miles on it and much less for a Ford (Yes i know Ford owns Mazda)

I don't think it's a good deal unless it's a touring or grand touring. I picked up a BRAND NEW 05 sport with appearance package (+1300) and rotary accents (+150) for 22 including all taxes/title/license fees(around 1800).

You don't want to pay 21+ tax on a car that has already been titled once unless it has leather/bose/sunroof etc etc.

 

It's never been titled. It's a new car. The 100 miles are just test drive miles.

 

Ya, gas mileage is awful. But, PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS INTO ANOTHER GAS MILEAGE THREAD! As for insurance, it is a ton cheaper. That is one of the main reasons I chose an RX-8 over a 350Z. My insurance calls it 4-door!

 

when you get the car baby it dont take off fast dont try to show off for a couple thousand miles or you will mess up the seals and then you will be at the shop every month. i bought a used 1 with 40k but the guy i bought it from worked for mazda and took extrodinary care of it im 24 with no blemishes on my record and my insurance is close to 200 a month ><. i cant wait till i turn 25 in 2 months so i can save some extra cash on insurance