I'm seriously considering purchasing an RX8, which is for sale in my area. The asking price is $15,500 for a 2005 with 45K miles. I test drove the car and instantly loved it; however, I have to admit that I don't know too much about it. I have done some homework about the car itself, but I'm looking for a little insight on what others (experienced owners) think. I live in Upstate NY and have a car for the winter (MKIV VW GTi 1.8T - if anyone really cares), so I plan on only using this car from May - first salting of the roads. Please - any advice and/or things to look at when I go back to the dealership would be nice. I should indicate that I don't plan onoffering what this guy is asking, so if anyone has any ideas of what I should start at without offending the place, I would appreciate that as well. KBB is sayingthe retail value on this is around 20K or so.

 

i've never looked into a used RX8, mine was purchased new. But i'd treat it like i would any other used car purchase. the asking price seems about right compared to the Los Angeles (car country) area prices. is the interior clean and cared for??? a person who ignores the interior of their car, which they see every day, will likely ignore the engine which they don't look at as often. do the gears have a good feel when you change them, that crisp snick snick feel and does the engine feel like it responds well, it needs to rev high for the power to come on. is the engine bay clean and are the fluids fresh and topped off? is there a lot of oil residue at the tail pipes?? some is normal as this engine does burn some oil, but too much is cause for question. has anything been modified?? do the tires show uneven wear?? they probably aren't original, what brand are they? did he skimp or do good on the replacements?? does he keep or have a service log...... i've always kept one on all my cars (12 new cars in the last 20 years). Upstate New York? snow country!!! look for rust and check the wheel bearing seals, also under carriage damage for or unusual looking wear. don't feel afraid to take it to a Mazda dealer or a AAA service center (if you belong) and put it on a lift to look at the underside. an "05" RX8 may have had some recalls ask about or look on line for TSB's (Tech Service Bulletins) just to double check. there are a couple of places where you can go on line and do a VIN # check if you are seriously interested. good luck... i hope it's a keeper and you have fun with it....

 

I would check out the service history/records of the car. Then check KBB/Nada to get a ballpark. In general higher mileage 04's go for 16-17. Lower mileage 05's go for 18-19 and 06's go for 19-20 depending on package etc.

I'm selling my low mileage (17K) 05 6spd for 19 obo, email me if you're interested. It's Winning Blue and 6spd with sport package. josephkan@hotmail.com

 

i looked up a few in my area no. cal.


2004 41000 miles $21000 dealer
2004 26,500miles $17000 private
2005 10,124miles $22000 dealer
2005 6,500miles $21,500 private
2006 28,800miles $23000 dealer