QuantumTheory08

04 Black on black Grand Touring with Nav, 222K miles

I needed to write this so that I know I'm doing the right thing and the rest of you out there can give me your input if I'm wrong.

Back in July 2003 I purchased my car new; it has been a great adventure over the last ten years. I've very much enjoyed the RX-8.

Reality now is: 222k Miles (a newer 2nd used engine installed about five years back so 2nd engine has over 100k on it). My car is having a hard time starting sometimes these days. Syncro is out on 2nd gear if you don't match it right. 5th and 6th gear down the hwy make alot of noise. The engine doesn't pull like it use to; just seems to have less power. For some reason, if and when I drive a more curvy road I feel like the alignment is not correct - as I turn sometimes I feel that the steering becomes too sensitive and over-reacts; as I give some turn into the corner suddenly I feel the car steers even more (like is it's leaning a little and then something grabbed) which causes the car to steer even more. I then have to correct the over steer. If I was to go 110 or faster, the car feels like it's floating - I never use to be that way. It used to track "dead on" at any speed. I've had the alignment checked several times and it is where it's supposed to be. Even with new tires it's a bit better, but I can tell what I'm describing is still there.

I took it to the dealer to see what they would say about what the cars needs. They said that the compression test on the front rotor was like 350 and and the 2nd one was like 480 (the tech said that normal compression was closer to 600 to 800 minimum). So basically they are saying that the motor is shot. I've changed the oil every three to four thousand miles on a regular basis.

The car was never in major accident besides a few scratches and minor door dents. The paint is shot though. I can't believe how pitted the front of the car is from minor paint chipping; they are everywhere on the front of the car from 222k of driving.

Okay, so the dealer says "new engine and transmission", plus clutch parts coming out to: ~$12k. Labor would be another 3 to 4K.

Yes, I know this is the dealer talking. I looked up what the car is worth (~$4.5 to 5.5k Kelly Blue Book), basically not much.

With that discouraging info - it doesn't seem worth fixing when I could find something else used for much less, or decide to get a new car even.

Demographically, I don't know what local mechanic I would want to do the work and have it turn out great. It's not like we have a bunch of Rotary buffs here in Atascadero.

Okay, feel free to comment (please try to keep the comments positive). Like I said, I've had 10 great years with my RX-8 and I'm not sure how I can continue to do that without spending way more than what she is worth. Any cheaper ideas???

Spin9k

Euthanize your ownership with it quick by selling it at any price you can. That's the only humane thing to do to avoid anything more $$ happening. It's given it all and more to you, time to move on and avoid seeing it suffer.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

If you do the labor yourself, you can probably get the engine and transmission for a combined $3k or so. The steering and suspension items sound like either shocks failing and/or steering bushings and/or suspension arm bushings. Frame slop would be more than a new 8 though. Test drive a newer 8, like a series 2, and see how much of what you are feeling is just old age and if a newer 8 would be the charm points you are looking for?

Razz1

Shocks and springs - Use Racing Beat.

For motor and tranny, use Masmart

G_ man

iTrader: (2)

I know how you feel, my 94 MX3 has 324,000km and was costing me $$$ so 3 years ago I went out and bought my 2010 R3 new . So now 3 years later I still have an MX3 with 324,000km and just might (maybe)do something with it. I'm thinking some ice racing in northern Ontario.

monchie

At least you've reached the 200,000 mile club...lol

Anyway, if its me, i'll sell the rx8 the way it sits right now, and get myself a new ride. It's been long enough and i need a change...well, if its me.

ken-x8

It doesn't make economic sense to put that much money into it.

Now, we see a bunch of "reality" shows on TV where a middle aged guy pays a fortune to have a rust bucket restored because it's from his youth and/or where his first child was conceived. If you think you'll become that guy 30 years from now, find a barn to stash it until then.

Or just remember that you had 10 years of pleasure from it, and nothing will ever take that away. Other than a sour ending if you bankrupt yourself trying to hang onto it now.

Ken

tonik

I will sell it and get an r3..

wheelhor

Congrats on the 200k mile club

AthensSilver8

iTrader: (1)

Dont do it man! I just got rid of mine and I think about it every day.

In all seriousness though, I was in a similar situation and my car sat there for almost a year before I got rid of it. I kept telling myself i would get around to it and never did. Plus i don't have a garage or the mechanical abilities some people here have.

I traded mine in at a dealer last month unseen and got 5,000 for it with a blown motor towards my new purchase. Then I will get whatever I can get out of the aftermarket parts I have left over from when I went back to stock. Seemed like the most economical choice