First off, Hello All!

In my quest to learn as much as I can about owning an RX8 before I buy one I've stumbled across this forum and the information I've found here so far has been great.

As of right now I haven't committed to buy it yet but I met with a private seller a few days ago about buying a 04 RX8 6MT with just over 100k on it. To my naked eye everything looks OK visually. I believe the car has had 3 owners and the current owner has had the car for around 2-3 years. They claim that they haven't had any major work done to the car outside of "normal" maintenance.

My initial thoughts after seeing the car was everything was lining up OK to go ahead and offer to buy it. After reading through the new owners threads, I realize I have some work to do before pulling the trigger. The compression test seems to be a must and I guess I should be asking if any ignition or cat work has been done.

The feedback I'm looking for is does this seem like a car I should pursue? I realize that the RX8 is a sports car and and as such includes more care than the typical "standard" car might. I'm not a mechanic but I'm not afraid to learn, in general are these cars easy to work on? Can most of the standard maintenance and other work outlined in the new owners guide be done by a novice?

Thanks in advance

 

First off, welcome.

Second, you need to read the ENTIRE new and potential owners thread several times, learn it, know it.
Next off, if it's an 04 with 100k, likely the motor has been replaced.

A compression test is needed prior to ANY rotary purchase
Where in PA are you??

Anyone can learn to work on these cars if your willing to put in the research and time. Any task that would need to be done has been done and is more than likely documented here.

Ask about ignition, compression numbers, the Catalytic converter. Really dig deep.

Travis

 

Thanks Travis.

I know this isn't really a question that can be answered here but I figured I'd just throw it out there anyways. In general how much to Mazda dealerships usually charge for a compression test? I plan on calling a dealership this week but since I have never done this before I'd like to have a ballpark number in mind. I don't want to get ripped off.

I basically live in the middle of nowhere in central PA. I live west of Altoona and north of Johnstown.

 

I live in Coal township, so if you can be more specific that'd probably help.( as i have a tester and am much cheaper than mazda) But more than likely your over two hours away.

A compression test from a dealer can range anywhere from $100-$250 depending upon dealer.

Travis

 

I live in Nanty Glo but the car in question is located in Altoona, PA which as you said looks to be 2-2.5 hours from you.

Like I said I was just looking for a rough idea, I was expecting any were over $100 for a dealer to do it.

 

More than likely you'll end up around $180. We have some members closer to you maybe they would have better info for your area.


Travis