If its still available, that 2006 with 82,000km is a better one to spend money getting a compression test on. There were some important improvements made (like a stronger starter and better EMS flash) by the 2006 model and with less mileage your odds of at least a good compression test increase. I don't know the differences from the UK and Japanese 8's. Probably more in trim rather than anything mechanical. UK folks please chime in here on this. The US and Canada 2006 models (depending on when it was sold in 2006 ) could actually still be under Mazda"s 8yr 100,000 mile rotary engine core warranty ! UK folks let us know what the engine warranty is for UK 8's. That might be a factor to consider as that 2006 is imported from UK.

 

Thanks for your thoughts the dealer is doing the compression test at a well known rotary mechanics shop on Tuesday ...they haven't asked me to pay, which is great. It's $13k, the '04 isn't likely to go for more than $8.

One weird difference I've noticed with UK 8s is the power output claims...they call the 6 port the 231, as in 231hp. Don't the Japanese/us versions claim 247?

 

I would think it would be better to see if you can find one that had been rebuilt if it's done that many k's. However you never know if it's been looked after it might be ok. Only you can answer if your prepared to spend the money for the test.

 

Well, I know it's a risk... but I put a cheeky big on a Japanese auction for a 2007 with 50,000km. I doubt I will get it, but it's possible.

If not, I will look to get the local 2006 with 80,000 provided the compression test is fine. I'll know Tuesday...

 

Mazda had pre-introduction RX8 hp claims of 247. By the time the car actually was on sale the six-port engine with manual transmission's hp claim was readjusted to 231 worldwide.

 

And the 231 was only possible when the stars were in alignment and the wind blowing in the right direction !

 

Join the facebook page RX8 Owners NZ they have occasional ones come up on there. One came up tonight, at least you know all the cars and owners on there are a great bunch and they all group together so might even be able to find you a decent one and give you great buying advice.

 

If you don't have it tested before you buy it. Then get a quote from a good rebuilder. And make sure you will have enough money left over for a rebuild.

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

So I went in to see the 2006 6 speed with 80,000km while it was with a mechanic to have the compression test done. The stormy blue is not a colour I've seen often ... and i'ts nice, just more purple than I expected.

I was surprised to see that he only had one result per rotor. He said if he had any reason to do so, he would have done a pulse test, but in his opinion the results were fine and didn't require it. I can imagine people here will say that's not a sufficient result; but this guy only works with rotarys and racing... surely he knows what he is talking about?

The compression test results were 105 psi for both rotors, at 270 RPM. He described as running fine and something I should have no problems with for a couple of years, if I maintain it.

Thoughts?

 

https://touch.trademe.co.nz/motors/listing/view/745567514
Have you seen this done 112k but was was rebuilt end of last year by rx7 heaven... They would possibly take 10k.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...-202454/page2/

As you see by the compression test number scale here, that 105 psi at 270 rpm is ok but marginal (at sealevel). (be sure these figures are normaliized for where you are in relation to sealevel) You have three faces per each rotor and you really needed to know all the numbers because one or more bad faces can mean engine trouble coming. You are cheating yourself not to have all six compression numbers, three per rotor face ,so you really know the condition of the engine.

 

I have read and re-read the thread for new and potential owners. And I expected I'd see 6 numbers in the result. But what confused me is this guy is a well known rotary mechanic and he has been doing this for decades. Oh and the numbers are at sea level.

 

Two possibilities :
*He doesn't know his stuff as well as he thinks
*He has a vested interest in the result and thinks that you wont know enough to call him out .

 

I hadn't seen that one. The auction doesn't say if it's a type S or a 5 speed. My budget is up to $13.5k now, which is good as it opens up some 2006 cars.

Here are a couple I'm looking at:

This is the UK import I just had the 'improper' compression test results on
http://www.trademe.co.nz/browse/listing.aspx?id=752415889&/listing?rfm=1

2006 jap import type S with 64k km
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=743366688

And if I had a couple grand more...love this car!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=750227913

 

your links don't seem to be active as you have copied them here !