Used buyer's guide: Mazda RX-8 pictures

Supportive seats, a clearly laid out dashboard and high-quality materials mark out the RX-8’s cabin – if you’re in the front. The two rear seats are comfortable, too, although space here is much more limited. Still, boot capacity is re

On cars made in mid to late 2003, the lower suspension arm ball joint can break, leading to a loss of steering, so make sure that the recall work for this has been carried out.

Check that the pipe running from the oil cooler is intact. This can corrode, leading to the loss of all engine oil – after which a seizure is pretty much guaranteed.

Ensure that the xenon headlights are functioning properly, as water can get in and wreck everything. A set of new headlights will cost £1,000, including labour.

It might be worth having an emissions test done, because the RX-8’s catalytic converter is prone to failure. Expect to pay £230 plus fitting for an aftermarket replacement.