Cody Alexander

Hello everyone! I currently own a 2003 Toyota Celica GTS which I love very much. I love how it takes curves and it's handling but would like something that maybe feels better on the road. The Celica is also reaching the end of it's life, I bought it at 93k on its new engine (flood title so got it for cheap) and so far have it at 148k and things are starting to decline rapidly for me.

Basically I'm just wondering if the RX8 would be up my alley if I enjoyed the Celica? If not, what are some other cars I should be looking for? The RX8 I'm looking at is a beautiful red, one owner and has 69k miles on it so far. When I asked for maintenance records he said he doesn't have any because he performs all the maintenance himself (think he said he works at a repair shop).

It's listed at $5900 but he said he can negotiate the price me. What should I look for when I go and check it out, any specific questions or tips?

Thank you all.

Cody Alexander

Also some more info, I live in Northern Texas so up here in my area it only snows like 4 days possibly and isn't too cold often. I also drive 5 hours to Houston and 5 hours back maybe once or twice every two weeks, other than that it will be to drive around the town and fly around on the back roads in.

sinkas

look around and search the forum there are a **** load of threads on this topic and the are important to read

antimatter

Check for a smooth idle, and after you test drive it, turn the car off and try starting it again. It should start immediately if it has good compression and a good starter motor.

Love_Hounds

You're not possibly buying any RX-8, unless you're willing to deal with the consequences of not following the most important piece of information we will ever give: Get a rotary specific compression test by a Mazda dealer.

Additionally this link: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/ has all the information you need

A smooth idle and starting quickly while hot are not valid ways of knowing if the engine has failed. Simply upgrading the starter and replacing the ignition can cover up compression issues, at least for a little while.

Cody Alexander

I've read the getting started for new and potential owners and such so I've seen what some of the common problems are and roughly how to maintain the car.

I know that there are some that can go to 200k and some that die at 20k but I was wondering if anyone had a relatively correct number on the actual rate of problems this car has (if maintained regularly) compared to other cars (like my Celica for example)

Cody Alexander

How much do these compression tests tend to run?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

If you can swing it, buy a 2009+. They engine design is improved and the 8year engine warranty is still active. While people have different experiences with RX8s, a lot of that comes down to how the previous owner took care of it. If he made some bad decisions, you don't want to inherit the result. With a later car, you have that warranty buffer. If he does all the work himself, then be should be able to recollect what all has been done.

Compression tests should be an hour of work at the Mazda dealer (not anywhere else). So 100-120.

Just so you're aware though, this car will eat a lot more gas than the Celi.

Cody Alexander

Well my Celi ate a lot of gas haha. Terrible emission problems the entire time I've had it. Replaced the cat once and nearly a year later same problem popping up. The guy who owned it before didn't take the best of care of it sadly.

Khurram

Well just to give you a brief intro!

I am on my 2nd RX8 now this should tell you how much a fun this car must be lol

My 04Gt 6spd. died at 284ish k km on original motor and tranny. By far has been the most reliable car I've ever had. went through snowstorms and crazy hot days all year round.

If the car is maintained properly by previous owner then it should be solid. But just so you know this car takes premium gas yes 91 octane or 93 octane and delivers 300km to some 55L tank.

So if gas mileage is something that you care about than this is not the car for you.
Coils, plugs, wires needs to be replaced every 25-30K and could cost a pretty $300-500 depending on where you shop from.
Every 1.5k kms you may need to top up your engine oil cuz by design this car burns a little oil.

This is the best part, you must redline every once in awhile to keep the car healthy

**Compression test is a must prior to purchase.. What may seem a healthy rotary to you may be a shot block, and a rebuild can easily cost you anywhere from $3 to 6K again depending on who you get it done by.

Read the new owner thread a few times, drive a few different rx8s to get a better feel of them.

Don't rush into buying one, there's always another rx8 for grabs..

All the best :-)

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

Comparing the rx8 to the celica is your job, not the job of the forum.

Reread the new and potential owners thread until you've grasped the knowledge, and then compare it and see if it fits your requirements. If you still have questions, then let us know and we'll answer as best we can.

And as stated- COMPRESSION COMPRESSION COMPRESSION. Have it checked prior to purchase. Cost will be what the dealer charges. Call them up

wannawankel

I'll add to RX8Soldier's reco. I completely followed the wise suggestions on the board and hired in addition a phenomenal rotary mechanic to review the car front-back that included a compression test before purchasing. The result: a car that has had 7000 trouble free miles thus far (and a fantastic drive back from VA to OH through beautiful country to boot).

Reco to Whitney Automotive, Chantilly, VA metro area for their review and maintenance of the car prior to purchase.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

In addition to all of the solid advice already given, the 8 is an enthusiasts car.
Even with it's sketchy reputation, those of us who enjoy them love them.
Even knowing the engines could fail at any time.
Absolutely the best handling, most fun driving, (MT anyway) car for the money.
I've had mine over 3 yrs & 33k miles and love it more than ever.

ctschung

I have friends that drive a 1-series, s3, genesis etc... and they've all commented that they love the RX-8.

It takes a fair bit of love and care but it's worth the trouble. It's fun to drive and a total driver's car. I highly recommend it if you need a bit of practicality but still want a sports car.

Just be prepared for it to eat gas and eat oil.

New Yorker

Do realize that you're comparing two very different cars. Your Celica is a nice, sporty car; the 8 is an authentic, honest to god, bona fide sports car. Named as one of the ten best handling cars in the world - at any price - by Sports Car Illustrated magazine several years ago. Apples and oranges.