I am looking at buying a 2004 RX-8 MT. Haven't driven a MT in a number of years nor owned an 8 before. I test drove one a month ago to try to find a reason not to want the car but couldn't find a reason. Instead I loved the feel and became even more hooked. When I went back to buy I was too late and lost that car...

Anyway... I test drove another yesterday that had 17K miles and an issue that concerns me very much. I tried to search for similar issues but haven't found this particular symptom.
What happened was after starting the car, foot on brake, clutch depressed and gear shift in neutral if I pushed the clutch to the floor it may a grinding noise (metal sounding). If I let off a inch or so it stopped. The car shifted fine. I adjusted my seat back and drove the car normal. Everything else seemed fine.

Salesmen said it was normal. I owned other MTs that never did this. I phoned a friend who felt the same.
Does anybody recognize this problem? What might it be, an adjustment? Should I stay away from this car? I have asked for more information from the dealer and am waiting on a reply.
I apologize if this has been posted before.

 

Thank you, I think I'll wait to hear what the dealer says about it.

 

any metal grinding ever is not normal..on any car

 

I definitely want to avoid a bad decision and greatly appreciate your opinion and assistance. Sorry I wasn't clearer, the decision is definitely a "no buy" at this point. The only reconsideration I would give is if a reason and fix were made. Then I may reconsider...
To further explain, the grinding was very similar limited experience to shifting with the clutch not all the way in. I could hear or visualize the gears which was not expected at all with the clutch all the way in. My first response was to push in farther thinking it wasn't in enough. But then confused because I'm looking at the gear shift in my hand resting in neutral. Looks like the search is still on...

 

make sure to test drive the car and rev it high then shift fast see if grinds.

 

for me, when i go buy used car, i drive a new version of it first so i know what it should feel like XD... i'd go and test drive a new rx8 1st.