A friend of mine purchased a 2004 RX8 at an auction for me. It's got 98K on in it and has been very very well maintained. This thing is mint. I had my mazda dealer check the VIN to see if the engine was replaced and they said it was in 2004. So it looks like it has almost all of the 98K on the second motor.

My qestion is I need to know if there is anything that I should look for right away before we complete the sale. We have the ability to lower the price somewhat if I can find something wrong with it.

My plan is to look for oil leaks and to bring it up to operating temp, drive it and then shut it off and try to restart it. If it restarts right away I was told that the seals should be ok. Obviously I can't have a compression test done so I'll need to rely on my eyes and ears.

Is there anything else that I should be looking for?

Thanks
Steve

 

check the start timing. Should be less than 3 seconds (though more isn't too bad, but, does the auctioneer know that?!

 

He's had a few RX7's so he knows the basics and I've had an FD so I'm using my FD knowledge.

I was able to look the car over last night and from what I remember the start timing was less than 3 seconds. I let it warm up and checked all the little things like radio, sunroof, idle. It did not smoke on start up or while running. I was not able to drive it in the auction lot.

He got it for a little over $8,000 so now it is in a holding area where they let you test drive it and really look it over to see if there is anything wrong with it and if anything is wrong you have the ability to try and negotiate a lower price.

This thing is absolutely mint, do you think that was a good price?

 

Check that all the updates were done
Check for accident history
Check (level, smell and appearance) the oil and coolant
Check the shifting action
Check the clutch pedal for breakage.
Check for oil in the intake runner

 

if there is a milky substance on the dipstick.....do not fear....it is not coolant mixed with the oil.
It is common for this to appear, especially in colder temps.

 

if it's mint, then purchase it and be happy! Sounds like you're already getting a good deal

 

Check the motor mounts..

 

Thanks Guys...

I closed the deal. After a spirited drive around the auction test track it drives well, shifts great (4spd Auto). Start time is under one second after being driven. This one is a one owner velocity red with the red and black leather, Navi, heated seats. Fully loaded I think.

The oil and break fluid, and coolant were clean. I found no evidence of oil leaks. I couldn't get under it very well, but I don't think I'll have any problems. It looks as if it was maintained religiously by a dealer

 

sounds good!Welcome and enjoy!! Also, read these
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/#post3666147