Hello guys, I would like to consult and hear opinions about the 2007 Mazda RX8 (231 HP). I am thinking about buying it and it would be my first car. I understand that this is definitely the kind of car that needs a lot of love and endless maintenance, but I'm ready for it. Maybe you can tell me what should be paid attention to when buying? Should I even be thinking about this car? I found a suitable model for sale, but the engine has been overhauled, new apexes have been replaced, new tanks, all oils and filters, and new coils.

https://en.autoplius.lt/ads/mazda-rx...-15321535.html

 

To be a happy RX-8 owner for more than a year or so, you need two or more of the following: budget, knowledge, and experience. From your own admissions, you have, at best, one if your parents are wealthy and generous. If one of your parents is a serious car enthusiast willing to help you out and hold your hand through this, you might be able to achieve a second vicariously. RX-8s are/can be cheap to buy, but from your likely actual perspective that's the only positive. There's someone else on here recently with what sounds like a similar degree of automotive experience, but less sense than you seem to have since you came and asked first. They recently bought one as a DD, and did so poorly with all sorts of pre-existing issues, and it's pretty much in the process of blowing up in their face. It can certainly be kept on the road, but I'm pretty sure from things they've said that they can't afford to just throw $6K at it out of pocket for a new engine. And that's just the start, because a new engine will be killed just like the old without several thousand more dollars. Since I'm sure you're shopping around and weighing your options (smart move, and kudos for that, and bigger kudos for asking for advice from people in the know), think of it like one of the less reliable German luxury sport cars, and you're in the right ballpark, only with those you at least have shops that have a clue to work on them readily available as well as better parts availability. An Audi S4 or BMW 335i where they can be really fun, but like to fail catastrophically and expensively.

Another sports car from the same time was the Honda S2000. Similar purchase price, power, etc. S2000s sell for a lot more money than RX-8s. Much more reliable, serviceable, etc. Depreciation exists for a reason.

 

Read this several times it will save you a lot of stress. (both are found in the "New Members Forum")

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

If you do purchase an 8 plan on reading this several times

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

 

My RX8 has been really reliable since I got it back in 2007 brand new. Easy to work on and quite cheap to maintain comparatively.
That said, the RX8 is at least 12 - 18 years old depending on MY. Any cars of these age should be owned as a 2nd car or weekenders.
As a first car, I'd buy a slightly used newer car preferably with some warranty as a DD.

Lastly, junks can be found with anything. You get what you pay for.

 

It's not super practical, drinks a lot of gas by comparison to others and while it doesn't need endless maintenance, it needs a few things to be done right. Of you trust the engine rebuild was done well it's not a bad idea. But if the rebuild was done by a dude and his dog, run very far away. If they only changed the apex seals and reused the big parts, run away.

They're a ton of fun, but like any used car, you're buying 15 years of the previous owner's mistakes. If dropping $6k on an engine replacement is acceptable in your finances, go for it. You may as well get one with a blown engine for cheap and get a known good engine for it.

 

Before you buy ANY RX8 you should get a rotary specific compression test, 2 sets of 3 numbers for each rotor face, about $250 at a dealer, or less if you can find someone with their own RTC.
(Rotary Compression Tester)

If an owner has nothing to hide he should agree to it with the understanding that you will pay for it if it passes, if not, they pay and you pass.

If you want it because it seems too good to be true it probably is, and if the owner refuses to get it tested, pass.

If you want it because you REALLY want an RX8, then invest in and learn to use a RTC, around $300.
It will pay for itself if it keeps you from buying a dying 8.

They can run great with a dying engine and then they gradually, or suddenly will die.

It happened to me both ways, my first lasted 8 years and slowly died, and the second lasted 2 years and was almost dead after a month of sudden and accelerated failure until I unloaded it on a dealership trade-in.

You could test any 8 for yourself, and if you find a good one you can try to sell the tester or keep it to check your compression occasionally.

You could also possibly recoup the expense if you can find other local owners needing a comp. test if you're willing to charge less than the dealership.

 

If you want an 8 as your first car, you better be employed at least part time or something. Fuel is expensive, parts are expensive and wear out faster than other cars, and catastrophic failures are surprisingly easy to encounter.

 

I've had mine for about a year and a half. But it is my weekend car.
I have used it as a daily driver here and there, but it is very thirsty.
Getting around 13mpg, only around 220miles to a tank!
In Aussie thats about $120 per tank + oil for premix.

 

Thank you all for the answers! I have a full-time job and am already 25, so it's sad to say that I am looking for my first car... Now that I am looking to buy one, I am checking for a car, which I would love, and not be afraid and have a will to invest money. And the rotary engine has something special... But I see that not having the right knowledge and money could be devastating...

 

True.
I learned about 8s after I bought one, so you're already a step ahead.
If I had found the forum before I bought it, I would've avoided some costly mistakes.

 

The RX8 c/b a great car for the right person. Question is are you the right "person", i.e. what do you really want?

On the one extreme we have someone simply wanting a sporty looking, car w/ a neat rotary engine to DD from point A to B. On the other extreme we have the "gearhead" ...changes his own oil, rotates his own tires, and enjoys ...or at least doesn't mind wrenching on his cars, isn't put off at the thought of replacing his engine, and has the $$, time, space, and knowledge (or desire to get knowledge) to do so.

Where are you on the continuum? The RX8 IMO is bested suited for the the person ...nearer to the latter guy.

All the best.

 

I think you left out the actual extreme and perpetual elephant in the room, which is the naive cheapskate.

 

Valid point ...endeavoring to be kind.

 

I think OP acquitted him/herself of that categorization reasonably well. Otherwise, it's a pretty straightforward statement of the reality we live in. Maybe a little blunt, but elephants need to be addressed from time to time.