eesca002

Hi y'all. Couldn't make a post in the S1 Tech forum since I'm a new user, but since I'm looking into RX-8 ownership soon and just had one tested, I reckon this also works as a self-intro thread.
Anyway short intro, I'm in the market for one because I loved how the chassis felt, how smooth the engine is, and how the shifter felt. I recently got an AP1 S2000 and while that is also an incredible platform, I'd like to track something more neutral handling, predictable, and forgiving first.
(I have catastrophically crashed on track before and would rather not lose my AP1 this way, especially with current prices, and especially since the sample I have is low mileage). So I guess you can say I'm looking for a sacrificial RX-8? lol worry not, I will care and maintain for it like all my other cars.
With that said, on with my query. I feel like I've done my homework:
Has anyone seen a test return a healthy front but completely failed rear (as in, NO readings at all)?
Looking at an RX-8 for sale and while the front rotor numbers look good (7.75, 7.94, 7.65 normalized at 250rpm@646ft), the rear didn't read out at all. Done at a Mazda dealership with the Mazda tester. According to them, this fails.

I've test driven the car before the compression test and it hot starts fine, idles fine, doesn't seem to be low on power (I brought my s2000 and the RX-8 felt similar in power, just a bit slower, as expected), and revs all the way to redline multiple times no issues. It passed smog last week.

I understand the rears can fail earlier than the fronts from issues such as clogged cats, but the engine was replaced with a Mazda reman in 2019 (have receipt, and as I've heard the later remans were far better), and he was able to maintain the original motor up to 145k miles (single owner). So it's hard for me to believe it failed this quickly again under his ownership (he too was pretty dumbfounded and disappointed).

I think I've done my homework. What do you all think? Tester got messed up or rear rotor actually completely failed? What are the symptoms of a completely failed rear rotor? Are they that discreet that the car can run fine albeit supposed complete failure?

Thanks. Looking forward to joining the rotary club.

eesca002

Update: ended up taking the chance and buying it. Start of a new journey.