New 2009 mazda rx8

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sleezyray

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Not sure where to post this but i need advice from you car folks out there. A local mazda dealership has a brand new 2009 RX8 GT for sale. They want $29000 plus 4.5 percent interest financing.. This includes taxes and any other fee you will usually pay. They seem desperate to get rid of it and i do want a new car but i don't need it per say. Now i think i can get the car for $25000
Msrp originally for an rx8 is over $40000 so it looks like a steal on paper. Now you rotary folks realize that an rx8 is not an average car by any means. Matter of fact, it can and will bite me as far as maintenance cost goes. It has fuel mileage like a v8 so there IS a reason why this model does not sell at all.

Forget the msrp and the $29000 they want. My question is as follows. Is $25000 for an rx8 GT, considering it poor mpg and reliability issues a real steal? Used ones with under 50000km can be had for about $15000 so is this really a steal if i can get it for $25000 all inclusive? Keep in mind that i will be paying alot for insurance and maintenace if i get this car so am looking at the overall cost of running this car, not just the cost of the car. Thanks.
 
My question is as follows. Is $25000 for an rx8 GT, considering it poor mpg and reliability issues a real steal?
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So your question is whether 25 thousand dollars is a "steal" for an unreliable piece of ****?
 
I will much rather prefer blank replies than put up with internet heroes like you sir. See, am a mechanic by trade so am in a position, and do poses the knowledge to rebuild engines. My question was more in the sense of wheather or not $25000 is a good price for a new 3 year old rx8 gt. I do not know how much the dealers pay for a new rx8. Keep your stupid, childish comments elsewhere. Am past the point of arguing with internet idiots.
 
sleezyray said:
Keep your stupid, childish comments elsewhere. Am past the point of arguing with internet idiots.
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You've come to the wrong forum, then. This is where they breed them.

Anyway, if a new car is being offered for almost half the original MSRP then, yes, it's a steal. But if it suffers from known reliability issues and high maintenance costs, only you can decide if your pocketbook can handle it. And given that Mazda has abandoned rotary engines altogether now, the only reson I could see for buying one is if you really, really want one and can afford to throw lots of money at it.
 
4.5 % financing doesn't seem like such a good deal to me.
 
If you're a mechanic just buy a used one for $15k. Financing a car is like throwing money down the toilet.
 
Putting the number crunching aside for a second, one way to evaluate the sense of your proposal is just to read the way you describe the problem. To me, it reads like you are fishing for reasons to support buying it. It indicates your starting position is that it doesn't make sense to buy the car but it might start to make sense if... x... y... z... To me, that's a clear sign that you shouldn't buy it.

If you were going at it from the other direction, looking for reasons to avoid something, then the best action is usually to go ahead and do it. Our default impression is usually the most sensible one.

You're looking for reasons to support buying the car because you're in love with the idea of owning a new (first new?), sexy car and the lifestyle that it's supposed to bring with it. I think we've all been there before. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's important to recognise your motivation for what it is, if I'm right. It's basically a formerly unattainable dream car that is drooping down to within your grasp and now you have to be honest with yourself about whether the dream is really worthwhile.

So the question isn't about the car's actual value, but whether you can get it at a price that makes it worthwhile for you to get the benefits out of the car that you are really looking for. The thrills, the speed, the babes, bragging rights.

So how much is that worth to you?
 
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No it isn't worth it. Buy it used and save the cash. You never mentioned though what it is about the RX-8 that you like, just stated a few of the many negatives about this car. IMO it's one of the best looking sports cars available and it does handle more than well-enough to be fun. Sure it may have crappy mileage compared to its competition and the power numbers aren't in the same league either but the fun of these cars is in the cruising and playing around on the backroads so who really cares if it has 400hp or 250?

Buy a good used one if you really dig this car.
 
Its a nice car. Definitely if you want to drive something that isn't a "me too" car like a Mustang.

The rotary engine scares me. They constantly need oil top ups due to the design issue with the rotary engine.

On top of this, the RX8 is 1) totally discontinued, 2) with an engine that will no longer see development, 3) improvements, or 4) upgrades.

Thats too many strikes for me to consider purchasing this vehicle.
 
sleezyray said:
I will much rather prefer blank replies than put up with internet heroes like you sir. See, am a mechanic by trade so am in a position, and do poses the knowledge to rebuild engines. My question was more in the sense of wheather or not $25000 is a good price for a new 3 year old rx8 gt. I do not know how much the dealers pay for a new rx8. Keep your stupid, childish comments elsewhere. Am past the point of arguing with internet idiots.
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I gave you the truest simplest answer.

The RX8 is a piece of crap and you seem to know that already. You're talking about not only spending 25 thousand dollars on a known unreliable (and slow) sports car that even the manufacturer decided to scrap (for the second time around), but you're also financing it. How much clearer can a bad decision get?
 
You also have to question why a brand new 2009 new car is sitting on the lot 3 years later? There is a reason why people aren't rushing to buy this and Mazda pulled the plug.

Just be sure you know what you are getting into if you do purchase this car....

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/best-cars-for-20k-2004-2008-mazda-rx-8-page-6

"FEAR FACTORThe RX-8 has a big thirst for oil, so check it frequently. Premature engine failures and cold-start issues have led Mazda to extend the engine warranty, and there are over 60 active service bulletins."​
 
sleezyray said:
Forget the msrp and the $29000 they want. My question is as follows. Is $25000 for an rx8 GT, considering it poor mpg and reliability issues a real steal? Used ones with under 50000km can be had for about $15000 so is this really a steal if i can get it for $25000 all inclusive? Keep in mind that i will be paying alot for insurance and maintenace if i get this car so am looking at the overall cost of running this car, not just the cost of the car. Thanks.
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People seem to be focusing on engine reliability, but with an 8-year 160,000 km engine warranty that shouldn't be an issue for you or most other potential buyers.

My concern would be the age of the car. That car is 3-1/2 years old now even if it has been sitting on the lot. Materials deteriorate over time, particularly rubber items. That means you have to look at certain items on it as if it were a used car.

Tires would be my first point of concern. I would be looking at the date codes on the tires right off the bat. Tires contain anti-aging compounds in the rubber, and those compounds migrate through the rubber as the tire flexes under driving conditions. Given that these tires haven't been worked in three years, I'd be looking for signs of surface cracks or rubber hardening or cracking. Would the dealer throw in a free set of NEW tires, or would they discount further to let you go for aftermarket tires on your own?

Three and one half years old means that as soon as it leaves the lot, the value of that car will plummet to $15K or so, maybe a bit more because of the lower mileage, but still low because the car is now 3-1/2 model years old. That age is what people will see first.

The car is a gas guzzler and it requires premium fuel. If you don't mind paying for fuel, that shouldn't discourage you, but consider current geopolitics over Iran's nuclear intentions and efforts by the US and Europe to stop them. Iran has just cut off oil sales to England and France, and is facing escalating international economic sanctions which will effectively limit the number of customers willing to buy its oil. That is already putting upward pressure on oil prices and subsequently on gasoline prices.

I paid $1.42 per litre for premium fuel a few days ago. It's down a bit today, but I fully expect to be paying $1.60 to $1.75 or more by year end if the Iran situation continues to escalate. If it escalates to outright war, $2.00 a litre wouldn't be impossible. Is that car's fuel consumption rate of premium-priced fuel in a risky price market a potential handicap for you?

Then there is somewhat elevated oil consumption by that engine as a natural consequence of the engine design. Again, not a deal breaker, but if you're a drive it and forget about checking oil levels between changes kind of guy like many are these days, that could come back to bite you.

Other than that, and this comes from someone who doesn't really care for Mazda's, the car should do you well. You just need to get it at a decent price. Would they go for $20K? That would minimize your potential loss should you have to sell it or settle an insurance claim after a serious crash.
 
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^^ Hate to say it but the ****er is right...

When it comes time tosell it, nobody will give a rats *** that your *** has only been sitting in that seat for x number of years....to them thats still a 2009 car....might as well buy used and save the $$....
 
Fastar1, a smart fellow you are. Your post summarized what i needed to hear. You guys answered my question. I guess i wanted someone to justify my desire to buy this car but it ain't worth it. I shall look into the used market or something all together. Thanks folks.
 
shinrai said:
If you're a mechanic just buy a used one for $15k. Financing a car is like throwing money down the toilet.
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Tend to agree. But you say you can rebuild a Renisis engine so....

The reliability of that engine ranges anywhere from a year of hard driving (modding, boosting) to 200K+ KMS... so if you know what you are doing and treat it well you should be fine. Rebuilt factory crate motors are ~ $2000 anyway, even if you don't. I'll assume you are buying this for your wife since you did say Rx8 so she will probably be easy on it..

I am a former destroyer of engines for an FC3S so I have a bit of background in the rotary world. :)

The "it explodes if you look at it funny" myth is just that. Myth. It's how you drive it.

......And if you are asking for honest opinions on the internet, it's not a deal when you can get low KMs ones for way less here and almost nothing state side.

Honestly, if you have time, go look south of the border and see what is around. Being a mechanic should give you the advantage of knowing what you are looking at and help you make an educated decision about what is available.
 
it's too bad the rotaries are so notoriously bad, it's a great looking car.

Now, since you're a mechanic, why not buy one hella cheap that's got a blown motor, and stuff an LSx under the hood. That's what I'd do :D
 
But then he is saving almost 50% too when buying it new... And with the warranty I think you should just go for it... Just really depends how long you want to keep the car for
 
Red liner says it. To you it's a new car. When you decide to sell it's just a low mileage used car. I would say jump at it if you want it in a museum, never to be driven. Otherwise, shop used and save. Ask an appraiser to put a used value on it if it had 1000 km on it and ask yourself if it's worth it to you.
 
turbodish said:
People seem to be focusing on engine reliability, but with an 8-year 160,000 km engine warranty that shouldn't be an issue for you or most other potential buyers.

My concern would be the age of the car. That car is 3-1/2 years old now even if it has been sitting on the lot. Materials deteriorate over time, particularly rubber items. That means you have to look at certain items on it as if it were a used car.

Tires would be my first point of concern. I would be looking at the date codes on the tires right off the bat. Tires contain anti-aging compounds in the rubber, and those compounds migrate through the rubber as the tire flexes under driving conditions. Given that these tires haven't been worked in three years, I'd be looking for signs of surface cracks or rubber hardening or cracking. Would the dealer throw in a free set of NEW tires, or would they discount further to let you go for aftermarket tires on your own?

Three and one half years old means that as soon as it leaves the lot, the value of that car will plummet to $15K or so, maybe a bit more because of the lower mileage, but still low because the car is now 3-1/2 model years old. That age is what people will see first.

The car is a gas guzzler and it requires premium fuel. If you don't mind paying for fuel, that shouldn't discourage you, but consider current geopolitics over Iran's nuclear intentions and efforts by the US and Europe to stop them. Iran has just cut off oil sales to England and France, and is facing escalating international economic sanctions which will effectively limit the number of customers willing to buy its oil. That is already putting upward pressure on oil prices and subsequently on gasoline prices.

I paid $1.42 per litre for premium fuel a few days ago. It's down a bit today, but I fully expect to be paying $1.60 to $1.75 or more by year end if the Iran situation continues to escalate. If it escalates to outright war, $2.00 a litre wouldn't be impossible. Is that car's fuel consumption rate of premium-priced fuel in a risky price market a potential handicap for you?

Then there is somewhat elevated oil consumption by that engine as a natural consequence of the engine design. Again, not a deal breaker, but if you're a drive it and forget about checking oil levels between changes kind of guy like many are these days, that could come back to bite you.

Other than that, and this comes from someone who doesn't really care for Mazda's, the car should do you well. You just need to get it at a decent price. Would they go for $20K? That would minimize your potential loss should you have to sell it or settle an insurance claim after a serious crash.
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If you can't afford the gas, don't buy the car. If you work it out, you are spending, what.... maybe 4 - 5 dollars more at the pump to fill it up instead of your average car. Now how many times do you fill up your car in a year.... 100 ?, maybe 125 at the most ?. So in the long run you are only saving $500, to drive a car with a high performance engine.
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