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Used RX-8's
Iceman.USAF
MajorEast CoastRegistered User regular
MajorEast CoastRegistered User regular
Hey H/A,
I am soliciting some advice about used vehicles, specifically this Shinka RX-8.
Basically I'm trying to figure out if that is a fair price. My gut instinct says $17,500-$18,000 is more reasonable, but I could be wrong. Just based on what I've see looking around carmax/vehix/autotrader.
Also, what are some good questions I should be asking? Someone in the used car thread suggested asking about the warranty which I will definitely do, but what else?
The vehicle is in Delaware, from a used car dealership (not private party).
Options and details, from the site
"VIN #JM1FE173X60204508, 15K, rotary, 6-spd, copper red with sand leather and suede, Shinka GT model, 1 of 1500 made, one-owner, dual power heated seats with memory, power sunroof, power windows, power locks, power steering, power brakes, power mirrors, a/c, cruise control, tilt steering, Satellite radio, am/fm/cd changer, dual front and side airbags, abs, 18" wheels, rear spoiler, factory keyless entry, factory alarm, factory warranty, 24 mpg hwy - $19,995"
H/A, by our powers combined, I can own a new car!
I am soliciting some advice about used vehicles, specifically this Shinka RX-8.
Basically I'm trying to figure out if that is a fair price. My gut instinct says $17,500-$18,000 is more reasonable, but I could be wrong. Just based on what I've see looking around carmax/vehix/autotrader.
Also, what are some good questions I should be asking? Someone in the used car thread suggested asking about the warranty which I will definitely do, but what else?
The vehicle is in Delaware, from a used car dealership (not private party).
Options and details, from the site
"VIN #JM1FE173X60204508, 15K, rotary, 6-spd, copper red with sand leather and suede, Shinka GT model, 1 of 1500 made, one-owner, dual power heated seats with memory, power sunroof, power windows, power locks, power steering, power brakes, power mirrors, a/c, cruise control, tilt steering, Satellite radio, am/fm/cd changer, dual front and side airbags, abs, 18" wheels, rear spoiler, factory keyless entry, factory alarm, factory warranty, 24 mpg hwy - $19,995"
H/A, by our powers combined, I can own a new car!
Iceman.USAF on
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KBB suggests around $18,000+
You can probably talk it down to $18,000.
Edit: Actually I missed that you said it was a dealer selling this, that made the figure jump up to 20K. You can still probably talk it down to $18K if you wanted. This is a really rare, expensive sports car so you'll be paying a premium to have it. Was $32,000 new.
Thanks for the feedback guys! Hopefully I'll be driving a nice RX8 in a few weeks.
One piece of advice: Make sure there's a dealership near you can get this serviced at. You don't take an RX-8 to Joe's Garage - it's basically got an engine design they copied from the area 51 spaceship or something and you want a knowledgeable party to service it.
I host a podcast about movies.
This man speaks the truth. Rotary engines are to be taken seriously.
Short Version, Not really.
Long Version, there are a lot of things that most people don't really get when it comes to maintenance on these cars.
1) Oil Changes. This NEEDS to be done every 3000 miles and while it's a debated subject, It's easiest to ALWAYS use dinosaur oil. Because of the mechanics of how the engine works, Mazda developed an oil injection system to keep the engine lubricated. It does exactly what it sounds like, injects oil into the combustion chamber along with the air and fuel. Most synthetic oils leave behind deposits that are detrimental to the engine and catalytic converters. This system uses approximately 1 qt of oil per 1000 miles. So while they need to be done more often, they're a bit cheaper than other performance car oil changes.
2) Spark Plugs. These need to be changed pretty often compared to normal piston engined cars. Once they start to get fouled, fuel economy really starts falling quickly and eventually the unburned fuel can cause problems with the catalytic converters.
3) Cooling. The main failure point for the naturally aspirated rotary engine is cooling problems. The engine is made up like a sandwich of aluminum housings and iron plates. If the car is to over heat the aluminum housings tend to warp, which causes problems sealing. This generally means you're buying a new motor as new housings are in the area of $700 each.
Now don't let these things scare you off. If you are meticulous with your maintenance, this engine really is pretty bullet proof. For example, I just took my 1985 RX-7 GSL-SE off the road because I decided it was time for some more power. This will be the first time it's been off the road in 405,000 miles. I also have a 1988 RX-7 GXL which has 258,000 miles on it and still runs well. I will warn you though, if you fall in love with the car, your driveway will probably end up looking like mine
What's special about the Shinka RX-8 vs a stock RX-8?
Upgraded suspension (emphasizing a more comfortable ride over performance), and some minor interior/exterior trim upgrades. If I'm remembering right, it also had a nicer audio system and Sirius radio standard.
whoops. I should have added a few more exclamation points and other random punctuation. That really is the MOST IMPORTANT!(*&#(*@&#(*!@!@#!!!@!1!!!!one thing to do in a rotary car.
The only difference that WP didn't mention is that it's only available in one color and that color isn't used on any other factory mazda car. To me, it wouldn't be worth a premium over a regular edition, but to each their own.
I didn't mention that because I didn't know it -- that's actually pretty cool.
Thank you all for the input so far, can't tell you how much it's helping me.
How difficult is it do change the oil by oneself? That could get expensive I would imagine.
Also, after the dealer initially came down to 19,000, he called back about an hour later saying "18,500, if you buy before the end of the month." which seems moderately fair to me. That is, if I decide I want it after driving it.
Also, how much am I paying for the Shinka here? If this was just a normal GT, what would be fair?
Quite the contrary! In addition to being a great way to "bond" with your car, DIY oil changes save you a fortune. You'll have a couple of little "one time" expenses (a set of ramps, a filter wrench, and a common socket set -- all things any man's man will want to own anyway at some point), but after that, all you pay for is the cost of oil and a filter (usually well under $15).
I can't speak for the RX-8, but it was pretty painless on the RX-7, and it gives you a good opportunity to check fluid levels, watch for wear and tear, and just generally get grime under your nails and feel good about yourself as a dude.
Thankfully, my Dad is awesome and an autobody labored by trade (now a high school administrator). So I've got whats probably the most ridiculously awesome tool set of any 22 year old college grad ever. I'm quite confident the only thing I'd need is the wheel ramps (though I'd probably buy a cheap 2 ton floor jack and some stands).
Thanks for the FYI!
I'd be a hardass on the dealer for the service records at least as a point of negotiation. An owner who wasn't on top of the oil burning issue may lead to an engine being run in an oil-starved situation (not good, especially if the warranty is running short). Hope it works out, it's a nice ride.
Also I believe all 2004-2008 RX8's have an extended engine warranty till like...90,000 or 10 years or something absurd like that.
Feel free to correct me but I know its a long time.
Do these type of cars just have parts that last forever? I know at 100,000 miles most cars just start falling apart at the seams.
the rx-8 is one of the easiest cars i've ever changed the oil in. the oil filter sits right on the driver's side of the engine right at the top. You don't even have to lift the car to replace it. I'd really suggest getting an oil siphon pump. It's basically a pump that has a long tube attached to it. You stuck the tube down the dipstick tube and then pump the oil out. One of those makes changing the oil a 5 minute affair. Just make sure to use a quality oil filter. Stay far far away from anything by fram.
If I'm not mistaken in 2005 they came in Black Cherry and in 2006 they came in Copper Red.