Hello!
 

Hello! Wanted to join tonight and ask advice since I'll hopefully be an official RX-8 owner soon. Looking forward to getting to know some of you!

If you buy an RX8 make sure after you get done driving it, it will start back up in under 5 seconds or it's close to needing a rebuild

The biggest help to start with is:
1. Use google to search for info on the site. ALWAYS search first.
2. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself in to. There are lots of threads on what to know before you buy.
3. Make sure the 8 you choose has been cared for unless you're planning on doing a rebuild/swap.
4. Make sure you know what you're getting in to. Seriously.
5. Be prepared to do preventative maintenance as a normal part of owning your car.

Someone on here once said something along the lines of "To buy a RX-8 now you really need to be either an enthusiast, collector, or racer." I'd have to say I agree with that.

The car I'm looking at has is a 2007 Grand Touring 6MP with a clean title, 55k original miles, garage kept (paint still has glossy shine), minimal leather wear, spoiler and NO aftermarket parts. We've agreed on $8,700 if it looks as good as the pictures and drives as well as he claims.

Thoughts?

Rotary specific compression test and use the search function

Mazda dealerships should have a rotary compression tester although I couldn't tell you what it'll run you for them to test it. There are multiple threads which contain the compression chart to know if you are getting a failing engine or not. And don't be fooled in to thinking that just because they list compression numbers that that means it's a good engine. I've seen ads proudly proclaiming 92PSI @ 250 RPMs and lower. That's a failing engine.

Welcome! I agree with the above that it wold be a good idea to have a compression test done. A Mazda dealer would be your best bet honestly. Down the road you can buy your own compression tester and perform the test whenever you want.

As stated above, you will really need to maintain the car properly. Don't beat on it every second you get. These cars last a long time if treated properly. Personally I do not modify my 8's with engine performance parts. Mine have always ran great and have never left me stranded. I have had to replace one engine however and you should plan on this as well. Buy the car knowing that at some point, you will have to replace or rebuild the engine.

You are at the absolute top of the price range at $8700. I would feel more comfortable at $6500-7. With that said, if you are willing to shell out that kind of cash, you need to know what you're getting yourself into.

I've been reading up on it and, while I might regret passing on this car down the road, it just seems too high. I'm also having trouble getting solid info on any engine work/maintenance done in that area of the car and with the price being closer to $10k with how taxes are here I think I'll wait for a cheaper price down the road. :( I've read too many horror stories here and elsewhere and the last thing I want is my $10k car turning into a $15k+ car if it has engine troubles by year's end.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I'll keep looking and post again when I find something. It is a shame though since it's in such great shape visually. The unknown is what's scary though and I don't want to get in financially at the top end and get into trouble financially trying to keep it going.

The other deal breakers are: It's at a Ford dealership so they're no help at all. They're nearly 3 hours away and it would be a day trip for potentially nothing and the closest Mazda dealer is booked and can't look at it for 2 weeks and will charge...so if it's bad news I'm out half a weekend, gas and paying them to inspect. (Screwed up, I know but I get the sense they'd rather stay away from the car which concerns me even further)

There have been many complaints over the years of Mazda dealerships avoiding working on RX-7's and RX-8's. This is not as common as it used to be but the reality is that the cars can be purchased at a reasonable price and that they are very expensive to fix when taken to the dealer. Plenty of horror stories here on the forum. These are cars that should be owned and maintained by the enthusiast owner. The owner should have a basic understanding of how to repair and maintain a car at the very least.

Of course, if you live in an apartment and don't have access to a garage and tools, locate a competent local rotary mechanic.