Mike, please, please get the RX-8 off your list. OK the one I bought was high mileage, but not in modern terms, at 100K miles and a 54 plate. The one I had was a nightmare. They put you in mind of Honda vtec but without the vtec kick. If you still hanker for one, visit the RX-8 forum and search for starting issues. They flood by design, early engines have 2 oil injectors and the apex seals wear, late, as in newish have 3 injectors in an effort to overcome the wear issue. If you want to move it, on your drive, you MUST lett the temp guage reach the hot position before switching off or you will need to tow start it to clear the overfuelling. MPG on a good day is low 20's but without the performance. Chassis is superb and road holding excellent, it just needs a decent engine. Parts are stupidly expensive. I was quoted 1200 for a collapsed cat (another over fuelling inspired fault). Mazda dealers know best part of feck all about them so it's pot luck if they can find the faulty part early in the 'just keep changing stuff' fault diagnostics.
Sorry if that's a rant, it is, but I wouldn't wish an RX-8 on my ex-wife
Honda on the other hand.............the complete other end of the spectrum.
Good luck with whatever you decide and great to see you back
)
....I used to be average, now I reminisce !!!