Used buyer's guide: Mazda RX-8

How much?

You can buy a non-running RX-8 for under £1,000, but there’s no telling how much you’ll have to spend to get it on the road. Put aside at least £1,500 for a 100,000-mile runner – although you’ll need more than £2,000 before there’s a choice of less leggy cars. At this level, there’s little difference in values between 190 and 230 editions, but newer 228bhp cars can be worth up to £400 more.

Trade guides go up to 2009, with cars worth under £7,000, but low-mileage 2010-registered RX-8s can still be priced at £13,000. A £4,000 budget buys a 60,000-mile 2004 car, with a 2008 car costing an extra £1,000. Prices vary wildly, though, so be sure to shop around.

Running costs

RX-8s need attention every 12,500 miles or 12 months, with a minor service costing £150, an intermediate one £230 and a major check £510. Some owners skimp on the latter – it’s when fresh spark plugs are required, at £80 apiece. The rotary engine has no cambelt to worry about, but fresh coolant is required every four years or 62,500 miles – and then every two years, at £122 a pop.

The air-conditioning needs recharging every two years (£80) and, at the same time, the brake fluid should be renewed – with the cost of this part of the service price.