RX0004

It was the first time I've seen this thread, so I read all the posts from start to finish, and responded accordingly. I didn't realize the protocol in a forum thread was to only respond to your very last post....

On more than one occasion in this thread you alluded or implied you were wanting to understand the performance of an RX8, even if it was simply for comparison purposes.... Sure, you say you don't want to modify or spend money on the car from day one to increase performance. But if you're like most people, you eventually will. My point is simply this - should you ever have a desire to want better performance, the gains with a NA Renesis will be marginal.

Plenty of new RX8 owners, before you, have walked this well worn path, only to be left disappointed or frustrated at a later time once they realized this salient point.

If that doesn't fit in the context of your questions then you're totally correct - I'm misunderstanding what you're actually trying to seek from this thread.

Thanks, and best of luck with whatever you choose to do.

CaymanRotary

This really would be a great car if this is what you are looking for. Would be perfect for autocross since you don’t need heavy straight line speed. Also perfect for kids, can even put a baby seat back there no problem. Here is some inspiration:

CbyDesign

I could totally do that in a stock RX8. 🤔

CaymanRotary

Just don’t do jumps and you’ll be fine

40th8Jake

Dude I would take the leap. Just get compression numbers, look for rust, and check the fluids. Also feel out the tranny and clutch well on a test drive.

Good luck!

Wissy

Main thing is get the compression test, if thats good go for it,

CbyDesign

Found a nice 2005 Base model within a couple hours of me that has 95k miles, 13k on a Mazda rebuild and 6k on the clutch. Current owner seems knowledgeable and has taken great care of it. Not too sure about previous, but he's getting me a car fax. I'm going to go look at it either this weekend or the next.

Question, though. It has been flooded a couple times due to a bad battery issue. He deflooded it and took precautions, but besides getting a compression test (set up to do that when I look at it) is there anything that needs to be looked over because of the flooding?

delhi

Just go drive the car. Do a couple of hot starts. Ask owner lots of questions...to determine if he has anything to hide. A person that genuinely takes care of his car will passionately talk about it. Look him in the eye when he answers.

CaymanRotary

Flooding doesnt damage the engine, only prevents it from starting. Compression test is your friend.

40th8Jake

Sounds like a deal you can’t beat. Base model also weighs the least if you’re into that kind of thing.

CbyDesign

It really does seem like a good deal, but I don't want to get over-excited before seeing the car in person. Even though I am really bad about that. The guy selling seems to be an enthusiast that is aware of the finicky parts of a rotary. Plus, it has a new-ish ignition system with BHR coils. Supposedly hasn't seen snow/salt that is up here in the north. Overall, seems like a pretty solid car, but can only be sure with a close look. *fingers crossed*

40th8Jake

What does he want for it by the way? Just wondering

CbyDesign

Asking $4500. Hoping to talk him down close to $4000

40th8Jake

The reman motor and new clutch is worth that for sure. That sounds very good. Of my course try to get compression test. make sure that the transmission its not going out.

Knowing that mileage on the body, it will probably need new struts and maybe some new bushings.

best of luck!

CbyDesign

Yeah, I hear you on that. He listed it originally for $5000, dropped it to $4500 since putting it in storage. Certainly feels like it may be too good. Which is why I'm really not wanting to be excited about it till I look at it. Probably some glaring or worse, hidden, issue that is going to bite me if I go in ready to make an offer before seeing the car. I picked up a compression tester to use for when I look at it, so I just need to be ready to do the whole procedure.

CaymanRotary

Main thing to remember is to warm the engine before testing. Numbers taken on a cold engine cant be trusted. Also, make sure you use a swivel joint and a 10" extension with the ratchet. You will break the plugs without the swivel joint so be very careful because those aren't cheap plugs. Wish you the best of luck!

CbyDesign

Thanks Cayman! I'll let you know how things go when I am able to go look at it.

CbyDesign

Well not quite what I was hoping for, but it is probably a good buy for the right person. The person had hit a deer in the past and it was repaired, but it's something that will bug me as long as I own the car. The front, rear bumpers and the hood have been replaced and repainted, but not that well. I didn't end up running a compression test on it, both because I needed to get going and I was leaning towards passing anyway. It drove nicely, solid car, just not for me. *Oh well* I'll keep saving for the right one.

CbyDesign

New victim/prospect. 2006 Shinka in copper red with 75,000ish miles on it. Compression tbd, but starts hot and cold well. Pretty new clutch. Interior is in good shape. No rust, never driven in winter, spoiler and aero packages.
The bad. Had a trash can fall on it in storm and there is a paint chip and grill cracked right on the corner of the big ole smile. There is a water leak, I think from the drain valve on the roof, that wets the headliner above driver's A pillar. It has a hollow factory cat and coils, wires,a plugs are about 40,000 miles old.
whats it worth... (I know I know, compression)

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Shouldn't need a new clutch at 75k. Your instinct is correct, it's worth a compression test

CbyDesign

Assuming the compression isn't below 7.5 (hard stop for me due to rebuild cost fund not being in existence yet) where is pricing at? I think most of the time it seems like 5k would be a pretty good deal, but always room for negotiation!

CaymanRotary

wouldnt buy it even with the test unless he’s selling mega cheap. Keep looking.

CbyDesign

What about it is making you say that? Seems like a good car.

40th8Jake

The fact that there is a water leak mate and it got trash canned lol. Could be some hidden electrical issues. I wouldnt pay more than 2k for the thing maybe 2.5k?

CaymanRotary

Doesnt sound like it was cared for. These things should have been fixed if they were minor. Sounds like owner doesnt care. Water leak can destroy headliner and cause rust.