2005 Mazda RX-8

First registered at the end of November 2005, this 6-speed manual transmission, high power (238bhp) RX-8 was purchased new by a customer near Ipswich, Suffolk. Within two years, it had found its way to Bristol and has spent the remainder of its years in the Bristol and Gloucestershire area.

The last owner was a bit of an enthusiast and kept the car for seven years and although he drove only a few thousand miles in that period, the history file shows he carried on servicing and maintaining the car to keep it in good condition and great working order.

Having been traded in part-exchange for a two-seat Mercedes, the RX-8 is now looking for another Mazda-lover to take it on

There’s very little to find fault with on this car’s Brilliant Black exterior paintwork - that’s the name of the colour rather than a descriptive but it’s quite appropriate nonetheless. There is the odd small chip and slight scratch here and there - such as on the rear bumper - but you have to work hard to find them. Although RX-8s came in a variety of colours including a vibrant yellow, red and blue, this black does give the curvy car a more refined and meaningful look, contrasting well with the accents of silver trim, clear light lenses and wheels.

At first glance, the offside front indicator repeater lens appears yellow rather than clear like the nearside. On closer inspection, you can see that it’s discoloured water that has got into the fitting. The offside headlamp lens too seems a little cloudy and discoloured.

The original 18-inch alloy wheels present in a reasonable condition with little evident corrosion and just light scuffing around the rims. The rears are fitted with Rotalla Radial tyres from 2011 and the fronts with Vertus Sport rubber from 2008. However, all have been identified as cracking/perishing on the latest MOT advisories and so, for peace of mind, a new owner may want to renew them.

In contrast to the sober outside, the interior trim is in party mode with striking red panels and inserts lighting up the otherwise dark upholstery. The leather seats, door cards, dash and steering wheel present well with no apparent scuffs or tears and the carpets and fitted floor mats also appear in a reasonable, undamaged condition. The hard plastic surfaces are free from any significant scratching and the headlining is clean and taut.

There is some slight wear to the leather around the gear knob; no doubt from repeated energetic shifts, which have also made it come slightly loose from the spindle. Worth sorting out to avoid a potentially expensive “oops” moment trying to change down into a tight bend. There’s also a section of the offside rear door rubber seal that has degraded and split although it doesn’t seem to have caused any problems with water ingress.

As far as we’ve been able to test, all interior equipment is fully functional; the air con blows nice and cold and even the sat nav screen pops up as required. One of our team used to own an RX-8 and suggests that this continued function is something of a rarity.

Lifting the bonnet, you can only surmise that Mazda were ashamed of their Wankel and so they hid it under a large plastic cover. With the air filter, battery and other ancillaries also covered in black plastic shields, it’s only a few fluid bottles and some cable looms on show. What is visible appears clean and serviceable and there are no signs of rust anywhere.

Underneath the car, so far as can be seen, there is a fair amount of surface rust across the floor pans, structural components and some of the suspension parts but nothing that gave rise to any advisories at the recent MOT.

Inside the boot, which some might consider small for a four seater, the carpets and linings are clean and in good order. A small case is secured against the wheel arch, containing the tyre repair canister and compressor. There’s also some top up oil in a pouch and the jack and wheel brace are stowed against the rear wall of the load space.

We’re looking after this RX-8 during the sale and would welcome an inspection in person if possible, although we understand that some potential bidders may be limiting travel and social exposure. Be sure to scrutinise the detailed photos in the gallery first but why not use the ‘Contact Seller’ option to get in touch and arrange a viewing or set up a video call with us to discuss the car and we can zoom in on any areas you’d like a closer look at.

This Mazda has a current MOT which is valid until August 2021. As mentioned before, an advisory notes the tyre degradation all round. Over the last 15 years, it’s only failed an inspection once, and that was because it needed a new tyre, so nothing mechanical or structural.

The history file contains a number of garage invoices, test reports and recall notices - which invoices show were completed - from the life of the car. There is very little of any significance which has been carried out recently, just a new battery, brake calipers, ignition coils and general servicing. Back in 2010, the rear differential was replaced.

The car also comes with two keyfobs, original owners manuals pack and a navigation DVD for Western Europe.

The Mazda RX-8 is a sharp-handling, super-looking sports car with a more spacious interior than some of its rivals. When regularly serviced by people who know what they’re doing, like this one appears to have been, the mechanicals shouldn’t be a cause for concern. This car drives well and in terms of condition it wears its fifteen years very well too.

Offered with NO RESERVE, this low mileage example will sell from the very first bid. Although we think it will make between £2,000 and £5,000.

Why not put in a cheeky bid and you might find yourself becoming a very happy member of the rotary club!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.