Sarah943

I have a Back Rx8 Shinka for sale. Unfortunately its not running i was told it lost comppression and needs a new engine currently has a roddary engine. I was only able to use it for a couple weeks. Clean title. Inside is still perfect. Im going to try to sell as is but im not sure if im better off fixing it then selling it. Could anyone give me some advice?

Thanks.

Williard

iTrader: (18)

First and foremost, Welcome.

Next, Rotary.

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...ot-8-a-202548/

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/


The two above links i have posted will get your feet wet as to what the rotary world has in store.
These cars are NOT for everyone by any means. If you want a car you can just fuel up, drive and ignore, sell it. If you want a car that requires you to love it, keep it.

Thats where you start IMO.

Enjoy the forum

Travis

jcbrx8

^^^ I completely agree with Williard.

Sarah,

In summary...

The good. The RX8 engine has only three internal major moving parts, which rotate in an elliptical motion thus the moniker "Rotary". This compared w/every other gas engine which has dozens of internal moving parts which generate power by moving in linear motion. What this means is the Rotary engine generates and delivers nearly vibration free very smooth power to an exquisite and agile chassis, comparable to cars twice it's cost.

The bad. The bane of the Rotary engine are it's internal seals, which if failed cause a loss of internal compression, and if bad enough require an engine rebuild. Sounds like what h/b diagnosed for your car.
A RX8 w/a blown engine may sell for $2k...not much. Conversely, a new / rebuilt engine c/b installed for ~$5k - 6k, and with proper maintenance could last many years.

As h/b said...these cars are NOT for everyone. They are /require a labor of love...not unlike a pet that requires love, maintenance and care...; and loves you in return. If this sounds ridiculous when applied to a car..., probably not for you.

Of course, the alternative is...sell the car "as is", and move on.

All the best.

CaymanRotary

Who told you it lost compression. Did you get actual compression readings?

Sarah943

Thanks for all the great information. Unfortunatley ive spent $6500 on the car. Before it died. Even fixed could i get what i paid or am i taking a loss either way?
I had the car towed to Christian brothers automotive they said no compression and that i would need a new engine. They priced the work and parts at $10'000.

CaymanRotary

There is no such thing as "no compression" it's probably just flooded which is why its giving no reading. Make 100% sure its low compression before selling. Get a second opinion at a Mazda dealership who can test with a rotary compression tester. They will actually deflood the car and get it running and then hot test it. They will also give you the compression test results. When you have the readout, post it here.

jcbrx8

Cayman makes a good point. If compression is so low as to require a new engine / rebuild; they s/b able to show you the compression #s. You can then validate here on the forum their diagnosis re: health.

IMO $10k is steep for the work. If new engine is required... shop around for reputable "rotary" shops ...w/ references; who can likely do the work more cheaply.

I don't recall seeing the year of your car, or miles on the odometer..., which will affect selling price...; but a clean RX8 w/ receipt confirming a rebuilt engine by reputable shop...should get you into the ball park of $6,500.

​​​​Edit: But consider...
Opt 1: Sell "as is":
+ $2k (sale)
+ walk away

Opt 2:
- ~$6k (new engine),
- time and hassle
+ $6.5k (sale)
Net: $500 and walk away