I'm Chen and used to be on RX7club years ago. Looking to get into used RX8 now so looking for some info and suggestions. Glad to join the brotherhood here.

Can't make a new thread to ask this yet, but what do you guys think about a salvage title used RX8. I've come across a couple of them and it sounds like they were all repaired by reputable shops. What if I got a proper pre-purchase inspection done - I should be safe?

It's either buy a used RX8 to turn into a track car or going to save my pennies and upgrade to the next new Nissan Z car or Toyota Supra.

 

Hai chen welcome to the forums.

 

Salvage title is what it is.

You get it cheap, but cannot sell it for much. All the regular rules apply. Engine, Compression, transmission, and the like need to be checked. knowing how it became salvage is a big thing as well. A lot of the joy of this car is how it drives. If it is bent, it will not drive well. And, last thing you want is to have something break on the track.

There are 2 good threads in my sig, start with the new owners one.

Good luck.

 

Some of the things you would need to check, depending on the mileage of the used RX8:
30,000:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

 

Thanks for the helpful info and links (and the warm welcome)! Will really have to think about this...

 

Also,
The car is already not known as very fuel efficient, does that mileage get worse as more miles are put on the rotary?

 

I asked this in my other thread, but have you guys with a ton of miles on the car noticed any drop off in MPG as the engine gains more miles?

 

Mileage is a very good gauge of engine health. Gas mileage can fall as engine mileage increases, but it isn't a direct relationship. Gas mileage falls because something is failing on the car. A 200,000 mile engine with good compression scores, healthy ignition, healthy/clean sensors can still return as good mileage as it did at 10,000 miles.

Parts fail over time however, and that can result in gas mileage dropping.

If your gas mileage is dropping, then something is failing and you should find it what it is.

 

Post moved over. Don't post the same question in multiple places.

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