nethers

I've been watching deals on RX-8s for a few weeks now and after missing some steals on some GTs, I've found a well priced 2007 RX-8 Sport automatic with 48k mi. Do you guys have any tips for new RX-8 owners? Currently, I own a 2009 Honda Accord Coupe.

Anything wrong with a 2007 with 48k mi? The Carfax checked out, and I will be test driving Monday. What would you look out for? If you have a better one for sale or trade in Florida, let me know! (Preview the RX-8 and let me know if you foresee issues here).

psiv92

As its probably going to be said I guess ill say it get a compression test done and read all the new owner threads they help a lot

nethers

Thanks for the tip. I will make sure the dealer will let me get this test done before buying. I read the entire RX-8 for Newbies thread that detailed 10 posts of what to know. The whole engine failure thing is slightly scary, but I do love me an RX-8!

Karack

yeah i have a tip, buy a 6 speed and forget about the automatic.

it's depressing telling people they are stuck with a max of about 170whp with a few bolts ons unless you have deep pockets for FI.

the auto 4 port engines are also less reliable than the 6 port 6 speed counterparts which make roughly 30 more horses without touching a thing.

nethers

It's also depressing not knowing how to drive a stick, or not knowing someone that has a stick to learn on. Other than horsepower though?

Karack

the transmissions work fine, the engine lacks power and has other issues to consider. the main points are you have to do decarbs on the engine, because it will carbon up quicker than the 6 port engines. i suggest doing a decarb treatment at least every 30k miles, if not more.

due to the carbon issue the ignition systems also tend to fail more often, which requires diagnosis or simply following other people's suggestions and replacing the coils, plugs and wires every 30k-60k miles. plugs more often, usually every 10k miles($100 if you do it yourself).

while i see lots of owners the automatic owners tend to fall out of love quicker than most due to the additional maintenance points and lacking performance.

unfortunately the option of buying new is out of the question but you may want to see what is covered by any extended service contracts. i would also see if you have any local rotary specialty shops besides the dealership, to make the hits on the wallet a little more tolerable if you opt out of any contract, just be sure you get reciepts to maintain warranty coverage.

hopefully this isn't scaring you too much but preparing you for the investment.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Hello & welcome,
Driving a stick is not that hard. Plus the fun factor is way better with a stick.
Maybe you could rent a manual to learn on. Or maybe a salesman could show you enough to drive one home.

psiv92

I agree with trying to rent something but if you can't do that you can try some cheap dealership and finding a car that has a manual and taking it to a parking lot and practicing, that's how I learned it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it and a lot more fun that's for sure

Karack

+1 for a rent a car for the day.

not like you'll be racking up miles so it should cost next to nothing. have a friend drive you to an empty lot and practice practice practice.

my gf drives our cars including my 350 horsepower RX7(nearly twice what our 8 has, of course it's only when you hit boost so i tell her to take it easy..).

nethers

I've found an RX-8 with what sounds like a lemon on its title. Can anyone do a vin lookup for 2007 Mazda RX-8. The dealer won't show me the carfax unless I come see the car in person (and its 2 hours away).
VIN: JM1FE173870208686