Hey all, first post here. I've been reading through the forums, and there is quite a bit of good info here. Here is my question:

I have been looking at a 2005 Shinka 6MT w/ 66,000 Miles. Car is in very good mechanical condition according to the local Mazda dealer (not the one selling it). It needs Plugs, Wires, Battery, Brakes, Tires according to the dealer. Also, a replacement headliner would be necessary due to (velcro?) damage above the driver's seat, and the center console vents are broken. The rest of the vehicle is in excellent shape, with normal wear on the paint and body.

Now, I'm curious as to the value of this vehicle. KBB has it @ $16,4 from a dealer, with a scale from $14,3 to $12,6 private party. The dealer is willing to sell it for $13,0 with a new battery. Is this something I should walk away from, or is it a fair deal? With that said, there is nothing needed by the car that I cannot do myself, so it's a parts only deal for me. The headliner was quoted at $750 from the local Mazda dealer, (I forgot to ask about the vents) and the Brakes, Plugs, and Wires I will buy elsewhere. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I can chime in on the cost and desireability of those, as in if it would be recommended for any used RX-8 above a certin mileage.

I rather like the BCM/Parchment color scheme, though the 40th Anniversary GG/Maroon is up there as well. I'm buying the car as a true GT, as in a luxury sport vehicle, so the options are a bonus for me.

I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom here to prevent me from spending too much on a used RX-8! Thank you in advance.

 

The KBB "retail" price includes all the reconditioning the car would need, brakes, tires, etc. Offer KBB "trade in" price if all they want to replace is the battery.

 

There is a clean 06 shinka in Maryland for 14K asking! Too much, walk away

 

I bought my '05 with 21k miles for 14 grand out the door from a dealership.

That's way too much for that car and at that mileage. Maybe it's because California has good prices compared to the other states. You may even want to buy a clean one from here and ship it over to your area.....it'll still be cheaper.

 

Sounds like a beat up interior. How do you break the center console vents?

 

06 Shinks in south east range from 17k to 23k.

 

It actually somewhat funny that RX-8' are cheaper in CA than TX, because I moved to TX from CA about 3 weeks ago. Long story short, my motorcycle got stolen shortly after I moved here and I need a second vehicle, hence looking at RX-8's.

Ok, since this looks like such a bad deal, maybe someone here knows of a better one nearby?

Definate No's:
Black or Red
Automatic
Modified beyond Wheels/Tires and/or Exhaust/Intake/ECU

Pluses:
Blue or White
Leather + Xenon w/o Moonroof (Touring?)
Low Mileage (<30K)

Is this doable for ~15K? I can go above that, it's all about how nice the car is, however. I've been looking locally at S2000's as well, and found a couple of promising ones with the same requirements (2005, 39K Miles, Yellow, ~17K Dealer price, Stock Everything, Perfect Condition). Or am I being too picky? I do have a couple of months to shop (until my wife finds a job), so I don't have to buy immediately.

Thanks again for the inputs here! I do appreciate the helpful responses!

 

Craigslist and Cars.com. Of course, CA has cheaper prices - supply is greater here.

 

imo it need's too many things keep loooking around for a better one.

 

Well, found another, this time it is in the best condition I could find. 2005 Shinka 6MT, 19,250 Miles. Asking $18,9 but the dealer called me (I emailed them) and said that they had several thousand on the table. They asked me to make an offer.

My motorcycle should be paid off next week, and I'll be able to go ahead and get financing then. I guess I'll make them an offer at that point. I was thinking ~$17,0 after TTL.

Thoughts?

 

Thats not a bad price but its a great one either kind of average. 17k otd including taxes/tags then I would take the time out to take a look at it in person and try to haggle the price.

Just make sure you ask them if any of the TSB's/Recalls have been peformed. If they tell you yes everything has been done make sure they have the print out from Mazda and ask for it. If they dont give you one just copy down the VIN and call mazda yourself and find out. If no tsb's or recalls have been performed just ask them to get it up to date before you purchase.

 

Im not sure but i thought touring comes with the hid lights and sunroof... Im thinking that you can't get leather without sunroof... (not sure so don't judge lol) I'm pretty sure that to get leather you have to have a gt. (which includes sunroof)

edit: imo i think 17 k is too much for 05 shinka

 

yeah I wouldn't pay 17k for an 05....keep lookin there is plenty out there!

 

i just got my 8 local from auto trader a month ago, also when shopping i found ALOT on criaglist, houston is full of 8's. just dont let them ship a car to you! scamscamscam

 

Walk away from it and get one from a member here in the for sale section.