RX-8 Buying advice

[scz4]

I'm looking to buy a cheap toy and got a colleague selling the following car, could probably get it for £2k! Some friends have warned me about the tips potentially needing repaced at this mileage. From what I've read some go on for 150k, others need replacing by 50k miles. What does everyone think? Big job to replace? Seems to be a well cared car, had plenty money spent on it with receipts to prove. Any problems with 2004 models I should be aware of?

2004 plate
70,000 miles
231 BHP
Blue
Full Mazda Service History
- 12,388 MILES
- 24,823 MILES
- 36,260 MILES
- 46,883 MILES
- 63,102 MILES
MOT till next July 2012
Road tax till Jan 2012
4 Brand new low profile tyres (June 2011) - £500
brand new brake pads front and back (June 2011) - £300
new catalyist (June 2009) - £1200
new oxygn sensors, and plugs (June 2010) - £970
Sports Styling Pack with sports front bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler
18" alloy wheels
Premium Bose® audio system with Centrepoint® technology, 6-CD autocharger and nine speakers.
Xenon headlights with automatic levelling and cleaning.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Super Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Electric front windows
Body-coloured, power-operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lighting.
8 AIR BAGS

Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 8th November 14:50

[Riknos]

We keep getting these threads...

[randlemarcus]

Riknos said:

We keep getting these threads...

Because it looks like a bargain,so we will continue to do so.

OP, have a search for other threads, but basically -
- Get a compression test done.
- Be prepared for it to be down on power from claimed figures
- Ask about oil consumption, but be prepared for evasive or woolly answers - some use lots, some don't.
- Have a look at the price of the VED. It might surprise you.
- Figure out how you will replace the engine IF it goes. Better to be prepared, and then spend the saved cash when you shift the car onwards than have a dead asset sitting there while you get the bus.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I think Rik was just making the point that this is the "Mazda MX5/Eunos/Miata" section, not an area for RX8 discussions. The Jap Chat section would get a much more appropriate audience.

[randlemarcus]

MX-5 Lazza said:

I think Rik was just making the point that this is the "Mazda MX5/Eunos/Miata" section, not an area for RX8 discussions. The Jap Chat section would get a much more appropriate audience.

In that case, fairy muff

[scz4]

MX-5 Lazza said:

I think Rik was just making the point that this is the "Mazda MX5/Eunos/Miata" section, not an area for RX8 discussions. The Jap Chat section would get a much more appropriate audience.

Good point guys. Mods can you please move this to the jap section. Or I'll start another thread.

Thanks for the advice so far.

[mikey P 500]

Sounds ok from description but find out if it’s had new coil packs or leads (you mention it’s had new plugs) all these parts of the ignition system are important to change regularly (forum advice is every 30k) it’s certainly very important to keep the ignition in great condition as un burnt fuel will kill the catalytic converter (which has happened to this car once already) and also wear the rota tips excessively. As said a compression test will give you some of idea of how much life is left in the engine, well serviced it could have plenty of life yet, but it could also require a rebuild soon (these cost about £2500 from a specialist).
Price of 2k sounds good, but are you happy if it then costs you more than the same again for an engine rebuild? To be fair they are good cars and will still only cost you £4.5k for what’s then a freshly rebuilt car that should go for ages.