I won't lie, I am a student who doesn't work full time, so I don't make THAT much money, but I have nothing that I actually need to spend my money on at the moment. I've done a lot of research on how to treat the car and the maintenance it requires and the thing is in pretty great shape, a 2005(series I of course) with 70k miles that had its ignition coils replaced about a 100 miles ago. Other than the brakes(an easy fix) there appears to be no problems with the car. Do you guys think this is doable for me(the RX-8 is sort of my dream car at the moment) or not? Thanks in advance for any helpful replies.

 

You need to do alot more research. Check the new members thread. But before you buy. Get a rotary specific compression test done to the car. If they say no. Walk away.

 

The people I'm buying it from pretty much straight up offered to take it in to get checked out, so that was definitely part of the plan. I did test drive it the other day and it started fine in pretty close succession several times, but I still intend on getting the test done. Thanks for the tip though!

 

If everything checks out, then I say it is doable. I'm a college student with a full time job. I'm also buying parts left and right for my 8, LOL. Just stay on top of everything. Check the catalytic converter as a final precaution. Otherwise, have fun!!

 

Gotcha, thanks man!

 

As others say, a rotary compression test is mandatory. Even if the car looks perfect, like it could be sitting on a Mazda showroom floor, and even if everything – plugs, coils, filters, brake pads, etc. – have been replaced, do not buy an RX-8 without a rotary compression test from a mechanic who knows rotary engines, i.e. a Mazda mechanic at a Mazda dealer, or a mechanic in a rotary specialty shop. And remember, a run-of-the-mill compression test performed on ordinary engines IS NOT THE SAME as a rotary compression test. If the car under consideration has good numbers on a rotary compression test, you're good to purchase.

 

Right! I'm contacting dealers nearby and looking for places right now