My brother just got his license and is looking for a first time car with $1,500, we found a non-running rx8 for $1,000 that looks to be in great condition, only it doesn't run. The car will run for 10-20 minutes and then stall out. From what I have read, it may be due to a loss of compression and the motor needs a rebuild? I'm not sure, I am totally unfamiliar with rotary's. It seems that the issue is actually really common but I'm not exactly sure what the cause or the fix is. Is it worth taking a risk on this car and rebuilding the motor? What is a car like this worth in parts? I would not want to spend more then $1,000 on repairing it myself.

 

first welcome

second read the new/ potential owners thread about 10 times then re-read it new / potential owners

third if the engine needs a rebuilt, it will cost about 3.5-6.5k depending on quality of parts used and who did it

 

It's an automatic so a rebuild will be on the pricier side, and the engine is the less powerful model. I wouldn't waste effort on it. Kinda sad, because it looks clean otherwise, but you're buying problems.

 

An automatic roller in that condition is worth right at $1,000. A reman engine will cost ~$3,000 plus removal and installation, plus ancillary parts. Figure $5,000 for that. So, you are looking at roughly a $6,000 investment, assuming there is nothing else wrong with it. But, there will be something else wrong with it, such as faulty fuel pump, clogged catalytic converter, etc. Plan on spending $7,000 total to buy it and get it back on the road.

 

The cheapest automatic reman I've seen was closer to $4k.

 

Admittedly, I don't acknowledge the existence of AT RX-8s, so I'm not up to speed on their pricing. Make it $8K.

 

It's a good candidate for anyone looking into a serious(by that, I mean REW/3 rotor/LS swap) engine swap, though.

...which is the only thing the early AT RX-8s are good for, really.

 

Just went thru same struggles. Got mine for 400$ and spent another 6000 to get her going but at end of the day you know what the status of the engine is . if its got good tires clean rims no damage low miles all good. I guess if trans was damaged then buy 2 at parts car pricing. Lots of trans out there but not alot of good motors.

 

Where is it located i need a 2nd roller 😀
n/m texas plates... To far