How long have people see a motor go before replacement. I am looking to get a RX8 and have one that owner has 180k and no rebuilds....to me it sounds like that if it is still running....it won't be for long. Right now it need starter and clutch so no way to verify operation of the motor. So curious as to other experience as to highest mileage people have seen on these series 1 rotary (it is a 2005).

 

There is a 100k mile club and a 200k mile club thread. Obviously not everyone makes it there, but there isn't a hard and fast rule. Depends a lot on whether the owner made the right decisions.

But yes, 180k you're definitely going to want a compression test. If you can't get one, the odds are against you.

 

Look at the percentage of cars that have made it beyond 100K miles, then consider the minuscule amount of cars that have done 200K miles on the original motor..... then compare those stats to the number of engines that fail well below 100K - which is the majority.

At 180K you're on borrowed time. One of the strengths of these engines aren't their longevity.... Even if the car has been impeccably maintained to the highest standard, the motor WILL be tired with those miles and most pragmatic buyers would factor in an engine rebuild or replacement if seriously considering the purchase.