PNWDad

New Member here--- looking to buy an RX8 with my son. We've driven several, I've read through the "start here" page, the things to look out for stuff, etc... and spent bunches of time on here just trying to educate myself. Feel like I've gotten a good grounding in things to know what I/we are getting ourselves into.

My question (that I haven't seen in any past threads on here) is:
What are the most accessible, newbie suitable type repairs, maintenance, updates, etc... for beginning learners. I don't mean like changing oil, but rather replacing-repairing type work.

A bit about me/us. We're reasonably handy, and what we lack in knowledge, we make up for in enthusiasm and cautious-humility. My motto with home repair, woodworking, any of the technical crafts I have managed to learn is: Do it once, do it right..... So I am interested in so areas you experienced owners would point me to starter-type projects to cut out teeth and not get in over our heads too soon.

Thanks for any insights! Eager to find the right car and get going, but want to temper our enthusiasm with wisdom, and knowing where we might reasonably expect to start might help in looking at various cars we might check out soon.

CaymanRotary

Its not difficult to repair anything on this car except the engine and drive train. Make sure a compression test is performed before purchase and ensure the transmission and differential are still in good shape. Everything else on this car can be solved with simple tools and hours of labor.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

This is a hard question to answer, because we dont know what is easy for you and what is not. Everything on this car is reasonably easy when you know what you are doing. I would not attempt a DIY engine rebuild, but other than that if you can turn a wrench and read instructions, none of it is complicated. Do you have a lift? That will probably determine more than anything else.

The things you should already know about from your research -- ignition coils, spark plugs, catalytic converter -- are very easy with the appropriate tools. If you have not already, there is a nice synopsis of what to expect at rx8help.com
You will also find a somewhat outdated Mazda shop manual at M A Z D A Its not perfect but it gives you an idea of how things are supposed to go together.

PNWDad

Hi, thanks! And yeah, I figured it was a tough question to answer. But no, no lift here, so I know that limits some things. Just trying to figure out how much of a "project" we want to and can realistically take on. Perk is that we're not in any rush, so if it takes us a year or two or three to learn essentials and get going, so be it.

CaymanRotary

What is your budget? I'm assuming you want to find an owner who is having issues you can solve and they can't. This way you can get the car cheap. My advice is to just go ahead and get a nice an example as you can afford.

Just make sure the car is properly checked before purchase by a mechanic amd compression and block tested. Make sure any problems it does have are things you know you can fix. It costs a bit more for a mechanic to look at it but totally worth it for peace of mind. Wish you luck in your search.

PNWDad

Thanks for the advice. Yes, we're still actually narrowing the price range. As this will be an add-on car, not essential to the the household fleet, but will turn into a frequent, if not daily driver split between me and our son. It's been a crazy learning curve on here, then throw in the wide range of prices out there on these that we see in the area. We've got time and want to find the right one. Suppose we'd pay-up for the "perfect car" (I don't mean perfect condition) that checks all our boxes (color, year, seats, etc....) but still still making those front end decisions. And not looking to take advantage of anyone, but I've seen plenty posted for sale where the seller knows what needs to be done but doesnt want to put more $ into it. And I figure if we can learn some basics, we can benefit from a little sweat equity, rather than full sticker retail repair costs. So far thinking would target an 06 or newer (see a lot of 04s-5s out there), red or black, and the rest, still sorting..... Is there a general bottom line, engine-is-shot or car isnt running but cosmetically good floor sales price to expect on these? Basically, assuming the worst-- needing rebuild, etc...?

alterego

There were more series 1 rx8s produced, which is what you see more readily available.

Non running clean title with engine and transmission attached could be 1,000 to 2,500

Low compression engine, wont start hot, clean title 3,000-4,000

Low compression 90psi or less, starts fine when hot but has lack of power and acceleration, seller knows its on its way out but wont mention it, usually gets defensive about compression test 5,000

Decent compression, odometer reads above 160,000 which is obviously not the original, 2nd, or even 3rd engine, no maintenance records, etc 6,000

Upfront seller with proof of good compression, test drive, maintenance records, new tires, exhaust, new spark plugs, coils, wires, intake, usually have a quart of oil and premix in the car 8,000 all day

Just comes down to what color you want and if you can drive manual or want the auto.

Like everyone will tell you, you absolutely must get a compression test because the engine is more costly than the entire car.

Ask me how I know

PNWDad

Wow, super helpful. Nothing like the visual image of a bill to to make it all real! Hope youre enjoying your new ride though!

CaymanRotary

This is exactly why you want to buy the right RX8. These cars are actually very reliable as long as the previous owner wasn't a complete tool and put unneeded and harmful modifications like a new cold air intake. You want the car to definitely be as bone stock and low milage as possible. The whole deal needs to be based off the block and compression tests or you are in for a potentially more expensive ride than you anticipated. Put the money in now rather than later.

alterego

Cayman, correct me if im wrong but arent you running a mazda reman?

And come on, it even says - invoice - DO NOT PAY

CaymanRotary

the grey one in the picture I posted in the other thread has a reman, but it was done in Japan before I purchased the car. Compression is high 8's to low 9's bar on all rotor faces.

It says do not pay on the invoice because it's a quote. It is very expensive for a really good Renesis engine.

alterego

All I can say to that is please look forward to my next thread in the good guy bad guy section sometime this weekend.