Advise From 09+ Owners
 

Hello there!

So I wasn't sure where to start this thread, because there wasn't a general area in Series II category, and since I am looking for a new model I guess I'll post it in here...

Anyways, I am currently looking into an R3, because I want to retire my 04 RX8. Now, the last three that I found did not workout - one was sold, another was rushing up, and yet another was taken off the market. All three were low mileage (less than 60,000km).

I am in no hurry to find one, but I did stumble across an 09 with 130,000kms on the car. Should I even consider this or not? If so, what kinds of things should I be asking?

Some things I do know about the car:
1. Changes oil every 4,000km.
2. Seldom drive in the winter.
3. Has BHR ignition coils kit.
4. BHR clutch pedal.
5. Aftermarket rims and exhaust (owner uncertain of brand).

Some of things I want to know, since owning an '04, is the condition of the clutch and the transmission; condition of engine and power coming from the engine; any previous engine lights relating to engine components?

Are Series II engines that much more robust than a Series I? What I mean is can the engine last longer that for a 130,000km engine it isn't considered much?

Thanks you guys for taking the time to read, and for those who respond with any advise!

Christopher

I can't give you a definitive answer, of course, but I'll add as much as I can. Items 1 through 3 are positive signs that the owner is knowledgeable about RX-8 maintenance.

A rotary-specific compression test is a must prior to the purchase of any RX-8. You cannot make an informed decision without knowing the health of the engine. You must have this for any car you are considering.

Series II engines themselves are not necessarily more robust. The major changes which contribute to reliability are the addition of oil injectors to lubricate the center of the apex seals, and a more robust cooling system.

Likewise, Series II transmissions are not necessarily more robust, but their gearing is more favorable to the torque curve of the engine.

Second Steve's response. Buy the car with a good compression test in hand. Get all the paperwork (when did he change the plugs/coils, tranny/dif fluid changes). That to me is the difference between offering him $7500 and $10500 for the car (example).

Thanks for your responses guys. I knew all those answers too, but it is just much more comforting coming from those who have experience owning a Series 2.

I had recently spoken to the seller again, and he had informed me that 5th and 6th gears are grinding when shifting, but doesn't if I am to shift deliberately. I have read other Series 2 owners experiencing that grind before, but I believe, based on my research, it is still not suppose to be like that.

I guess I will keep looking still, since I do still prefer getting my hands on a Series 2 that has a lower mileage than that of a higher mileage. From what I know, he is an ex-RX7 owner, so at least there is the comfort of someone who knows how to take care of the vehicle, but there is always that risk and "what if?" at the back of my head.

Thank you very much for your input though Steve. It was an encouragement to get those reminders from you.

I would suggest 130k is high and might want to have access to funds to rebuild

Also when i bought mine last year it appeared there was a obvious build quality improvement in the 2010 2011 cars( i think that is 11,12 in US

I suspected that as well.

If you don't mind, could you go into a little bit detail? What do you mean, and what did you notice that seemed to be built better on the 2010 and 2011 models?

Hi
It is highly subjective, and it could be simply a factor of time
But i drove a number of R3 and luxury from 09 to 12 and the last 2 years, seems to have less rattles, squeaks and clunks even compared with some very low milage 09s
Who knows why, maybe production was pretty slow by then and they took a bit more time?

Yeah, I guess that is a possibility.

Well, thank you very much for your input. I also feel that if I was to choose to pick this one up then I will need to put aside some fund for a possible rebuild.

I also do not feel comfortable knowing that the 5th and 6th gears are grinding.

I will just keep waiting and looking for the right R3.

Thanks everyone for all your inputs!