RX-8 Purchase Advice

Hi All - joined so I could glean from the experiences of others and the wealth of information already in the forums.

A local dealership just got their hands on an RX-8. Its right around my sweet spot for a hobby car and was hoping for some advice:

1. Year: 2004
2. Transmission: Manual
3. Miles: 81,213
4. VIN: JM1FE173940111122
5. Carfax report
6. Cost: $9,995
7. Photos: See Below

Now, I don't know a thing about RX-8's, let alone rotary engines. The first thing I'm going to do is try to get a compression test done on the engine, but beyond that I don't have a trained ear or any real knowledge in mechanics.
So I'm calling out to the community for

• initial thoughts on the vehicle
• whether its worth taking a closer look at
• other big things to check (or have checked) on the vehicle
• whether it looks like it could be a good buy
• what a good price would be

I know the dealership very well, and have some great reliable contacts there.

They look sexy, but don't expect good gas mileage. They are high revving, torque-less wonders so its appropriate that it be sold at an Acura dealership.

Thanks for the comment! Fortunately I'm not concerned with gas mileage....no one buys a sports car expecting great gas mileage. (I imagine that anyone that does is either misinformed or foolish)

Phylum said:

Thanks for the comment! Fortunately I'm not concerned with gas mileage....no one buys a sports car expecting great gas mileage. (I imagine that anyone that does is either misinformed or foolish)

Click to expand...

Didn't you post this on rx8club? Looks really familiar. After you get a compression test, take it for a test drive and see if there are any issues. If it comes back good on the compression test and drives nice then you should be good. As far as price goes, look up blue book, shop around comps in your area and make a choice as to whether you think it's a good deal or not.

bladeiai said:

Didn't you post this on rx8club? Looks really familiar. After you get a compression test, take it for a test drive and see if there are any issues. If it comes back good on the compression test and drives nice then you should be good. As far as price goes, look up blue book, shop around comps in your area and make a choice as to whether you think it's a good deal or not.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. I'll get the compression test done done, post the results and sit on it.
And yes: I couldn't create a new post here so I created a post on rx8club (or maybe the reverse order - I forget) Wasn't sure which community was more active. Was actually hoping to maybe have 'an expert' take a look before I committed to a purchase. Willing to compensate for time.

Cheers!

Phylum said:

Thanks for the advice. I'll get the compression test done done, post the results and sit on it.
And yes: I couldn't create a new post here so I created a post on rx8club (or maybe the reverse order - I forget) Wasn't sure which community was more active. Was actually hoping to maybe have 'an expert' take a look before I committed to a purchase. Willing to compensate for time.

Cheers!

Click to expand...

Other than having a compression test, I would just take it to a reputable mechanic and and over all possible new purchase inspection done. If you can find a rotary specific mechanic in your area than that is great, but unfortunately many places do not have one. Where are you located?