Hey everyone, new here so maybe this belongs in the stupid question thread?

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on buying an RX-8 that has recently been rebuilt? Am I correct in assuming that a rebuilt engine should last for quite a while (assuming proper maintenance) or is it really not worth it?

Specifically the one I'm looking at is a 2004 RX-8, 6 speed manual with around 8k miles on the rebuilt engine and 120k on the body. Really I'm just trying to figure out if I should rule out anything that is rebuilt or if it's a safe bet since it's already been result ans i shouldn't have to do it again in the near future.
Also the rebuild was done at defined auto works if any of you are in the Columbus Ohio area.

Thanks for your help!

 

Have the compression checked using a rotary specific compression tester. Then make sure you get the service history.
Read the new and potential owners thread to understand the engine. And if you feel confident, then come to a decision

 

Thanks RX8soldier, I figured a compression test would be the best way to check rebuilt engines as well but just wanted to see if they were really advised against buying for whatever reason. I've always tended to avoid anything that says "rebuilt" when purchasing a vehicle.

Yea I've checked out the potential owners thread a few times and found it extremely helpful! (saved me a few thousand dollars on an RX-8 that completely failed compression), anyways I think I'll go ahead and get it compression tested and see what it looks like. I'd assume since it was recently rebuilt it should pass with flying colors and last me for quite some time before needing any large engine maintenance.

 

Keep us informed. If it comes back healthy, and hopefully with some sort of a warranty, let us know with pictures and such!

 

Just because it was rebuilt, that doesn't mean that all is good.
Make sure the ignition, catalytic converter and other general maintenance areas are in good working order

 

Alright, thanks. I know that it has the BHR ignition coils/wires/plugs which helps with the ignition problems they tend to have. As for general maintenance I haven't checked it out yet but I'll be sure to look at that too.

I've been looking at different ways to test a cat to see if it is working well, do you think checking the temp of the cat is an adequate test? Or should I ask the dealer to check it since they will be compression testing it anyways (not sure how much that would cost, I'd have to call and ask). The temperature just seems like an easy and non-invasive way to do it. Other ways I saw involved drilling into the exhaust to check pressure, which I obviously don't want to do (especially since it isn't my car). Also I am in Ohio which doesn't have emissions testing so a mid-pipe is a possible option as well I believe.

Either way thanks for all the info

 

You could run it on the highway for a while and then test it, just don't use an OBD reader - test it manually.

The four kinds of rebuilds you will find are:

1. Mazda reman
2. 3rd party pro rebuilt
3. backyard joe with no idea what he's doing
4. backyard joe who knows what he's doing

3 of those will probably be fine. :P

 

ZiG, Idk, maybe two of those, and not the Mazda reman.

 

Yea the one I'll be taking a look at is option #2! It was done by defined autoworks here in Columbus, they are the only rotary mechanic around and are well regarded so people from Cleveland even come down to get engines rebuilt by them. So I imagine they did a good job but I'm still getting the compression test this week just in case.

 

So is Coletti Motorsports in Dayton, OH (Moraine) and tried and true Banzai Racing (in Northern IN).