So I'm about to buy a 2006 RX8 Automatic. She has 58,000 miles on it and a full list of oil changes and normal service history with it. The only major service I've seen on it is a motor mount replacement. I've never owned a rotary before. Any tips on helping me make my purchase, or things to check for before I buy??

 

Welcome,

First NEVER buy any rotary powered car without getting a rotary specific compression check before purchase

second read the new owners thread about 12 times No really read this!

apart from that really its normal used car stuff, good luck.

 

Sonic is correct. take the time and take to a dealer or reputable rotary repair shop for a ROTARY SPECIFIC compression tester test.

 

Do you have to get the auto? They're less powerful and more problematic than manuals.
At 58k, I would expect the ignition coils to have been replaced at least once. Not having this done is cause for concern.

 

 

Others have said it but I'll say it, as well, since so many first-time buyers ignore the advice, for some strange reason:

DO NOT PURCHASE AN RX-8 WITHOUT FIRST HAVING A ROTARY-SPECIFIC COMPRESSION TEST.

This test is NOT THE SAME as the compression test regularly done on traditional, non-rotary engines. No. It's rotary-specific, and requires special equipment. It, most likely, must be performed by a mechanic at a Mazda dealership, or by a rotary-trained mechanic who has the proper equipment and knows what the hell he or she is doing.

You say you have all the service records, but there's no rotary-specific compression test? Not good enough.
You say the previous owner took great care of it and the car seems to be in great shape? Not good enough.
You say you have the results of a compression test, but it's not a rotary-specific compression test? Not good enough.

This is not "a tip". This is mandatory. There. Now you have no excuse to not do this.

 

Jump starting wouldn't fix ignition problems. Here's a quick test: go on your test drive, get it nice and warm, then turn it off, and then turn it back on again. If it doesn't turn back on easily, ask for engine replacement to be paid for by the seller, or walk away.

Ignition coils need to be replaced preventatively. The first symptom is catalytic converter failure, which is ~$1200. The second symptom is engine failure which is $5000. There are no earlier symptoms.

 

Like mentioned, unless you have physical disabilities or the local traffic is really that bad, get the manual trans. Trust me when I say it's worth learning it just for this car. Auto RX-8s are like fish and chips, but with just the fries.

If you haven't already, read the links in my signature.

 

Or at least get a series 2 Auto with 6 speeds

 

Actually, the 06~08 automatics in North America are 6AT and the engine is the same 6-port unit as the manual trans cars.

Europeans didn't have 6-port 6AT until 2009 when Series 2 came out.

4-port 4AT should really be avoided. They are even more prone to trouble and has terrible value for what you get.

 

Ah ok. 6SP Auto came in series 2 after 2008 here in Australia. Which were down 16hp from manual