I have an opportunity to buy a rust free 2005 RX8 auto (I would prefer a manual but my wife would also drive this and she would not want a manual).
I can get this very cheap, like $2,000 or less. The dealer has said that it has the hot start issue and wants it gone. He said it works great until shut off but then doesn't like to start until cooled off.
I have read many posts/threads on here about hot start issues. Just looking for opinions on if it would be worthwhile to take a flyer on this and try the seafoam and premix and hope it's not a worn out engine (hopefully just carbon build-up).
Shayne in Canada

 

If it's at a Dealer get them to compression test it...then you will know for sure

Otherwise plan on replacing the engine...

Hot starts are almost always low compression so it isn't IF you need a new engine.... it is when

If you can stomach the replacement cost then you are OK.

I would offer them $1k unless they test the compression 😎

 

It's at a used car lot without a garage so won't be able to get them to do a compression test.
Yeah, I've read the posts that most say it will likely mean replace the engine but I guess I was hoping it could be the easier fix of de-carboning the apex seals, etc.
My other thought was to open the engine up and replace the Apex seals. I'm not afraid of that work as these engines are pretty simple. I've done lots of dirt bike engines and these seem as simple to work with as a motor cycle engine (not like typical car engines).
Shayne

 

Unless it's an immaculate GT (leather)
I wouldn't give more than $1500 with a bad engine.

 

This is an informative and amusing thread on rebuilding a Renesis.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...engine-231883/

 

​​​​​​It not anywhere as easy as you might think. By the time you buy the parts to do it even half assed....for most people you are better off buying a Mazda reman. They usually come with a lot of expensive new parts

 

How much is a Mazda Reman?

 

I can't recall atm, but it's in the neighborhood of $3k, plus a core charge of $1k for the old engine, but it's made with a lot of new parts.
I'll see if I can find the thread.
My '04 is failing, and I plan on getting one eventually.

 

This is where NotAPreppie got his.
I'll link his thread about it, lots of useful info there.

https://www.mazdaswag.com/oem-parts/...e-n3h302200rv0

 

This is his thread about his reman experience.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...enesis-267220/

 

For other options on rebuilders and other discussions, here is my rebuilders thread, I think it could be useful.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...ilders-265177/