Bought a 2007 RX-8 ... now worried.
 

What's up all!

After months and months of looking, I finally found a RX-8 that I thought was in perfect shape since it was sold by a National Dealer.

It's a 2007 Sport model, automatic with 91k miles. 1 owner, a local trade to a Subaru Dealer, Car Fax results were "perfect." Exterior/interior in perfect shape. The car basically looks "new." Knowing of the engine problems, I said no to many private sellers and third party auto dealerships. This one I got a little over a week ago was the only RX-8 sold by a new car dealership that I found.

Well, I took it to my local Mazda dealer today and found out the compression test failed. I was told the range should be 6.9 to 8.5. Rotor 1 came in at 6.4, 6.6, 6.6 and Rotor 2 came in at 6.5, 6.5, 6.3. Dealer said I need a new engine.

Question to those experienced, is mid-6's really that bad? I'm having no hot/cold start issues. Car runs smooth.

I spoke with a couple SoCal shops and both told me just to be observant while starting the car. I don't really want to spend 4-5k on a new engine now, but will I cause more problems down the line if I don't change out the engine now (or just flip the car and sell it now since I may be able to recoup most my money back)?

The only other issue Mazda found was the is small leak in the transmission cooler lines. They had to order the hoses and when arrived, I'm having those replaced. Aside from that, the car has no other problems.

The compression test results were a huge bummer that now has got me worried.

Thoughts? Thanks!

Mid 6s are about the time to start taking action unfortunately. Low compression doesn't mean new engine. I would look into getting an engine rebuild. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than $5-6k for "new" engine from a reman plant. I would also look to get your money back from the dealership you bought from since your engine is considered no longer functional by Mazda's standards.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...8e9199cfe7.png

Low compression can become no compression in a heart beat and 6's is low.

As for what to do, well that depends on your skills and finances. But as stated above, a rebuilt engine installed will run you about what the car is worth in mint condition. So, if you can get rid of it, you should. If you did the engine replacement yourself and bought a reman from a reputable builder, you could do it for $3000.00 or so on the cheap side.

This is a prime example of why a pre purchase compression test is a must.

I've contacted the dealer w/my bill today from Mazda explaining the "problems." Hoping I can come with a mutual agreement with them over the car. Problem in California is there is no cooling off period and I bought "as is," but I do feel they mis-represented the car to me.

My big mistake trusting the new car dealer. Typically, a new car dealer won't sell a trade in on their lot unless it meets a certain high standard. If that standard is not met, they send the trade in off to auction. The salesman even stated that as I told him I've come across many junk RX-8 out there in SoCal. I even told the dealer the only reason why I am considering buying is because they are new car dealer. So, I did not think the engine would be an issue. I did contact them to see if they'll do anything... I'll report the results for sure.

It'll be a nice surprise if they're willing to either A. buy the car back or B. Rectify their mistake.

Maybe you could workout a deal with them if you find another car you like on the lot. It's a long shot either way, but I wouldn't fault the dealer too much since they probably don't know what they are selling.

I just recently went through the same thing. I showed the dealership the low compression tests, and they had mazda do a de carb and another test and now it's scoring in the high 7's, low 8's. I'd assume this would be even more of an issue on an automatic.

Not great numbers, but not bad either. Especially considering my high altitude.

The dealer should fix it, however the one I bought it from put it under a powertrain warranty for the first 3 months/3k miles, yours may or may not have.

Good news! The dealer took the car back and gave me a full refund yesterday after a week of going back n' forth. My boy was heartbroken as he was going to get my 3, but the car was going to be a mechanical nightmare. Now on the hunt to find a previous gen 3. (currently own a 2015 3 and previously owned a CX9 and an old school 323).

Good news and great to hear a dealer standing by the product. Thank them on Google + or FB page.

For sure! But, after I get the check and money is cleared to my account. Stated I should get my refund check in a week or less.