Ever since High school, as soon as the Rx8 hit the local Mazda Dealer. My dad drove one home(doing body work for the lot, after someone keyed a new 8) The first time I sat in it, and drove it i fell in love, the rotary running at 9.1k, being a junior in high school. I knew getting one was just a dream. But now that im in college and prices have fallen for early models. My parents have decided to give me 10k for a car(having 6 saved) I went to the dealer today and he said he was getting a 04' 8, 6-speed completley loaded with sport pkg and every option available. He said it could go for 16.5k, has 40,000 miles. Good Deal? Cant wait to be another proud owner.

 

I'll sell you mine for $16K. For real though, if you can get an 05 or higher manual for that price do that. I've had no problems with my 04, but I hear many members have had issues.

 

Welcome to the forum!
Please add location to your profile. We'll be able to answer better if we know where you live
R U sure that you can afford the gas? and insurance?

 

Yea, Ive done my research many times. Just got a new job, making some pretty decent cash for a college student. Gas shouldent be a problem, although a change from a Celica getting 34mpg, to an Rx8 with 19-24. Ive heard diffrent insurance quotes from different people. Hearing insurance isent that bad because of being classified as a 1.3l 4-door, do insurance companys look at this as being cheap?

 

You've done your research so you know to ask about the recalls and TSBs. You should also have the vehicle history checked and get a compression test.

Not sure about local insurance rates but the 8 is on the low side for a sports car. Make sure you shop around.

 

Yup, Ive looked around, soon as the car comes in I plan on scoping everything out. Just dont want everyone to think "Oh here comes another kid, buying an Rx8 with no idea what hes doing." I take car of my car, I do my research and my make my payments. Just cant wait to be apart of the club, knowing any problems I can solve I can come here. Ill update when I find out everything about it, plus pictures.

 

As already said....I'd really lean toward an 05 and above if you can swing it. It's just not worth the chance on an 04....without having it from day one. Having said that...........if you do go the way of the 04, try and get a full history etc., take it to a qualified rotary mechanic(not at a dealership) and get it all checked out 100%. Test drive the thing on at least three different occasions before buying it. The last thing you want while in school is having to deal with a finicky car.

 

Realistically, you can subtract at least 2mpg from those numbers.

 

Being 'addicted' to the car is nothing...wait till u see wht the forum does to you...

 

^^Exactly.

Also, dont put all your eggs in one basket. Dont be in such a hurry to get one, i know you are ancy but shop around.

You say ur making decent $ right now, have you thought about trying to get an 06 with low mileage, paying 16k up front and financing the remainder (maybe 5k)? Your payments on 5k would be pretty low. Just a thought.

 

it can be a headache to maintain a `04 if problems arise considering you're on a budget so i am cautioning you.
besides, its 16-20 mpg. maybe you'd be better off buying a brand new corolla.. but it's still you call
goood luck!!

 

try to get a 05+.

i got a used 04 GT model with 36k miles for $16k. my right tail is half filled with water and left one is start to foging up. sunvisor is broken. its just little things, so if you get a newer model, it will save you some money that you might have to spend on little things.

 

+1 with finding something better. got my 04 GT with 20k miles for $16.5k

 

16.5 is high retail for that car. You should be able to talk him down $800-$1000 or look for a better deal somewhere else.

 

Welcome