I am seriously considering purchasing a 2009 RX-8, 6spd with 35,000 miles. I haven't seen the car in person as of yet, but the pictures show this to be very clean and well cared for. In doing a test drive and a walk around, what should I look for as potential problem areas?

This would be my 3rd Mazda as I have owned a 2 and a CX-5. Both excellent cars.

Any advise would be appreciated.

 

Get a compression test on the engine at the dealer. The S2 (09-11) engine is much more reliable than the S1 engine and you still get the 8 year 100k warranty on the engine but it is still worth the $100.00 for the test just so you know the health of the engine. Other than that there are no real concerns with the 09-11 RX-8 other than normal wear and tear.

 

^^ I when I got my 09 two years ago I still had a compression test. Trust me you want it. Plus the peace of mind

 

What are the acceptable compression limits for an 09 with 35,000 miles?

 

 

Thank you for posting the compression chart.

 

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule from actual experiences of thousands of RX8 owners, worldwide
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.