RX8.Tim

I would love to get some feedback on what to check for and whether or not I should buy the RX-8 or look for something better.

So I'm looking at buying a 2003 Type S 6-speed manual from a dealer in Auckland. It has done 94,000km and has had no NZ owners - imported from Japan.
It has been in storage for approximately a year and is being cleaned up at the moment as it had moss on it, etc. Engine seemed to run smoothly and sounded good, didn't look like there was any rust and will be checking over it again thoroughly after it has been cleaned up.

I've researched, mostly from reading threads on RX8 Club, for a few months while considering buying an RX-8. I've looked at about 6 different dealers and they seemed pretty dodgy and the dealers didn't know what they were talking about, the one I am looking at buying from seems alright.

What is everyone's opinion on buying a 2003 Type S? I also want to know what sort of price I should expect to be looking at. The dealers have all said they don't get service history when imported from Japan, is it fine for me to not worry about the service history as it is not an 04/05 or would I be stupid to buy it without a full service history?
If you think I should buy it, what should I ensure I check? Is it fine to get an inspection done at VTNZ or should I ensure it is done somewhere specialised? If somewhere specialised, who in Auckland should I go to.
If I buy the RX-8, who are the best in Auckland to have it serviced with.

I really appreciate any help, thanks.

Rotaman

Take it to a Rotary shop so they can check the engine for you properly.
Try taking it to RX7 Heaven in Andromeda cres in east tamaki
Do not buy it with out getting the engine checked properly. With that many k's it could be in need of a engine rebuild soon, especially if it hasn't had proper service done over the years.
Have fun.

Rotaman

RX8.Tim

Thanks, will make sure I do. Any ideas on price I should look at for the 2003 Type S?

pottsy

Have an 2003 type s with 90k here. First owner in NZ. Had toyed with selling just had so much fun with it, but would consider with the right offer.

Have just had work done on mine by Tony from rx7 heaven. Pretty straight up guy.

Would probably pay around 15-16k depending on overall condition.

RX8.Tim

Thanks. I purchased it today for 16k + full mechanical 3-year warranty. Hopefully things go smoothly but taking it into rx7 heaven again to see if there is anything I am better off replacing now.

xcon

What work you get done on yours from RX7 Heaven ?

pottsy

Had input bearing done, had got progressively worse since our last run in Feb. All good now. Also had my cat removed (read rammed) out. Only problem it stinks like hell.

How's that 7 of yours? Bet you're neglecting the 8 now!

Rotaman

You guys must be in need of another run some time soon.

xcon

been driving the 7 off n on for the last few months (8 was parked off site)
now just did the swap 8 back home and 7 parked off site

after driving the 7 for months,dam the difference
the 8 is spacious , the 7 is like a cockpit
changing gear in the the 8 is wider, the 7 the gears are alot closer

small prob with the 7 though now
the computer goes into limp mode, sometimes are long drives when you shutdown and start-up
easy to reset the computer back to normal mode ,just an annoyance

thinking of aftermarket ECU cheaper option

expensive option Single turbo conversion

Rotman: another run sounds good