Hi guys,
first post here, but I've been reading for some time now.
I'm looking at buying my first RX-8, but most of the cars I see for sale are 2004-2005. I'm off course looking for the high power edition with velocity red color and red/black interior, also preferably with the GT trimset.

So far, I've found a couple at a price I can afford, but they are 2004 models, with around 20-35k miles on them. Looks like they have been taken properly care of, but you never know....

What steps should I take to "ensure" I get one with a engine that will last several years?
I will off course require a fully signed service manual with the car, but other than that, is there any way to ensure it will last and not go down in flames 2 miles down the road?

I've understood compression test is a wise thing to do, anything else?

Best regards,
Andy

Step 1: Search
Step 2: Read FAQs
Step 3: Research and make informed decision.

at that mileage things that may need replacing are:

Spark plugs
Coil packs
tires
brake fluid (5 year old car)
transmission fluid

get a compression check if you want to, but at 25-30k miles you're probably still good.

It wouldn't hurt to do a seafoam treatment either.

Also there are TONS of threads about this same stuff so do some searching.

I bought my 04 last year without knowing very much about the car. A few things I would check out would be the starter to make sure it has the upgraded starter, i never looked under the car very good and did not notice the engine undercover was missing. You can have a Mazda dealership pull up the maitenance history to see if the engine was replaced. Find out if the sparkplugs and coils have been replaced recently. Some people have had trouble with the clutch pedal bracket breaking. Pull a carfax.

Thanks guys, I wasn't aware of the board displaying only "last months posts" - I've expanded the list and will keep on reading for the next couple of weeks....

good stuff above
add
late 2004 build (built in 2004, not 2003)
all TSBs done as required

good stuff above
add
late 2004 build (built in 2004, not 2003)
all TSBs done as required

The washer fluid tank will be clear if it's "late build" which fixed some issues.

Otherwise sounds like you prob looking for best price. Be aware however, if you want an engine to last several years you might not want to get into Rx-8. If it's series 1 and does not have a reman it will prob loose seals at 50-100k or so. So be prepared to throw down some $$$$ to get a rebuild later once past the extended warranty of 100,000 / 8 year on the core.

If you want a vehicle that is just gonna keep going and going I hate to say it but consider something else.

The way I mitigate risk of renesis failure is to have other cars. I have some piece of shit cars that run. So I don't get stuck without wheels if my 04 craps out and I need to come up with $4000+ for a reman later.

edit add: Score one with a reman eng there are several out there right now.

I bought my 04 with 36,000 and it was well kept according to the service records I have done all the things that are recomended here and I am now at 80,000 and my car runs great. Good luck with your hunt:smoker: