What should I look out for when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle?

[prime]

I'm on the fence on whether I should trade my Mazda 3 for a pre-owned RX8. I'm not sure if this is a stupid idea, but please let me know if you think so. I might be blinded by the fun factor of driving a RX8 and the beauty of its interior and maybe exterior design.

I'm skeptical of it's prior maintenance especially since I'm anal about taking care of my own Mazda 3. The exterior has some scuffs and scrapes that the seller is willing to repair. Please lend me some tips on what to look out for since the seller of the vehicle is eager to sell me the car and seems to be willing to do a lot to make the sale which makes me a little suspicious.

[bman13]

Not having fun with the 3 anymore?

[prime]

Don't get me wrong I love my 3 especially since I've done some modifications to it and made it "my own". On the other hand I always feel that it doensn't pack enough punch that I would like and the rx8 offers a more sporty interior. To be honest it's the interior and handling that sells me to the rx8. I didn't realize how attached I am to my 3 until the thought of trading it in.

[fini]

I think you should look elsewhere if you are looking for more "punch". The RX-8 is nice, but doesn't have any umph in my opinion. It feels like a really weak car when driven. Weak in terms of power at least, cause I think that's what you said you are looking for. All show and no go for a car that is nearly $50,000. However if you are sold on the styling and looks then go for it.

[prime]

Perhaps I should test drive more cars around the same class to have a better perspective. I mean I personally think the car is lacking a little on torque and perhaps any car above the class of the 3 would impress me. Maybe if I try other coupes my opinion of the rx8 would be more fair but I think the rx8 will win in pricing. Either way thanks for the opinion fini. That made me think more.

[fini]

^^
Driving the RX8 and then going back to my 3, I didn't see the night and day difference I was expecting for a car that retails for almost $20,000 more. Yah, I felt the difference for sure but it just didn't impress me as much as it should have. Used Rx-8's however, can be had on the cheap which makes it more reasonable. It's TOTALLY not worth it in my opinion to spend $50,000 (on the road) for that car (base model is like $41,000 MSRP)

350Z is almost the same price (well, maybe a little more) as these used RX-8's and have WAAAAAY more umph than them! MMmmm.... if you are willing to look for a car that is slightly impractical go for the 350.. It's hot! I wanted the seating and cargo capacity so I got my A3 instead. I only mention the 350 cause I like it but there are a few more that i'm sure others can name.

Edit: After talking about the 350, I got drooly and all blood boily ...looked at a few... haha
YUM!
http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Car_details/TORONTO_Ontario_2005_NISSAN_350Z_2014144.html?srcI D=19&frnID=2424123&prv=Ontario&r=40

[prime]

Well considering that the rx8 is still recognized as a 4 door as opposed to a 2 door 350z I think my insurance might only have a tidbit of an increase. If I'm not mistaken a 350 is very high to insure. That's one of the pros of the rx8, but maybe I should test one out to see what you mean.

[fini]

Oh for sure, insurance is def. a consideration. I'd be a bit surprised if the RX8 is significantly cheaper to insure because it's still considered a sports car afterall, I wouldn't think that it is only dependant on the number of doors. I do know for sure that the safety rating of a car can signficantly affect insurance costs though. So it's not all about the worth of the car. Comparing hatchback to hatchback. My A3 is cheaper to insure than my MZ3 was... by about 15 bucks a month. which still works out to a healthy $200/year!

But yah, like I said I only threw the 350Z as an example cause of how much I like that car. Hey, if Jeremy Clarkson gave his thumbs up, it MUST be good right? lol j/k. Obviously I'm not privy to other factors that would affect your decision as well. Such as cost, insurance, practicality, styling, cost to maintain, etc.

[DruidB]

The Rx8 is a Slow overpriced turd that eats oil and gas. The worst idea mazda had was bringing back the rotary.

Save yourself from making the same mistake a close friend of mine made... If you want a coupe with rear suicide doors buy a Saturn Ion Redline lol.... At least it would be much faster, cheaper on gas and cheaper to buy.

[fini]

The Rx8 is a Slow overpriced turd that eats oil and gas. The worst idea mazda had was bringing back the rotary.


:agree

That's... another way of putting it... lol