Hey folks,
I was looking to purchase a beautifully well-kept 2004 8 automatic with 80k miles. Did the test drive, and from reading here decided it was a good idea to have a compression test. Have a couple questions following the results.

Results from Mazda dealership:

Rotor 1 221 rpm (failed to reach 250 rpm)
6.5 , 6.3, 6.7

Rotor 2 225 rpm (failed to reach 250 rpm)
6.1, 6.0, 6.2

Zoom clean and Starter recommended.

I was not able to speak with the tech, the service rep simply gave the results, and started talking engine replacement. I walked away from doing the deal to buy the car.

Are the low rpm's due to a weak starter? If so, and a new starter cranked to 250 is it likely the kpa/psi would be within a healthy range?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Even corrected to 250 that is low....unless you want to replace the motor and price is evident of that find another one ( with a MT )

 

Yup, that starter is dying...along with the motor. Good that you got that compression test first, you just saved yourself a huge headache and wack to the wallet.

Always nice to see these instead of the typical: "I just bought my RX-8 last week and now I have all these symptoms of a blown engine!"

 

Thanks folks, again reviewing the advice from posters like you is what led me to have a compression test performed. Merry Christmas!