Whatthefossett

Hey guys I just joined this site (like 20 minutes ago) because I needed to ask you guys about something. I'm 17 and about to buy a 2010 rx8 Grand Touring. It has 72,000 miles on it. It isn't being sold in my city, so the only info I have on it is on cars.com. I was almost completely sold on it, and to reassure myself, I looked at its reviews. People talked about everything I loved about it. Until, I read that this guy hasn't known a single rx8 owner that hasn't had to get an engine replacement. As a 17 y/o still in high school who's in love with the rx8, I'm not really looking to have to take it into the shop with my limited income every other weekend. Will this be my life if I purchase this beauty? Or is that guy's review just some hoax? Thanks for your quick replies.

ken-x8

I guess that reviewer never met me. Or any of the other RX-8 owners whose engines are just fine.

But the 8 does have a higher than average chance of something expensive happening. Less so for Series II than Series I. If your finances are tight, and you don't have a backup (i.e., sympathetic parents) it's not really the best choice.

You need to balance an old fart's responsible advice against the invulnerability of being 17.

Ken

some_postman

I'm not an old hand at this, so I can only regurgitate the wisdom I've read here, but there are two important things with the RX-8:

1/ Have any 8 you're planning on buying compression tested by someone who knows what they are doing. Make sure the results aren't concerning (a table is in the stickies in this forum)

2/ If you buy one, keep up on maintenance and make sure the ignition system is working well.

If you do 1 then two 2 the risk of your engine failing expensively is much decreased.

That car sounds amazing, I would have killed to own something like that at 17 (not that I had the money to run it). But don't buy one without a compression test first - at that mileage there is a very real possibility the engine is not in great health, even though it isn't at all an old car.

Whatthefossett

Thanks, but how much more likely of something bad? I'm only going to be driving it to school and local places, rarely if ever on more than a 50 mile excursion. I won't be putting much stress on the engine: I really only want the rx8 because it's a beauty.

logalinipoo

I'm with ken. My car lasted 138K hard miles, If you buy it. I would expect to spend at least 800 dollars(if you do the work yourself) Coils, Plugs, Wires, Air filters, oil change. And other possible Misc things. By doing some simple maintenance you can reduce the chance of problems greatly.

Before you buy it get a compression test and post it here so we can tell you if it is good or getting bad. Only have it done by mazda.

some_postman

What constitutes 'stressing' the engine isn't necessarily the same as for piston engined cars. Keeping your revs moderate would normally be good practice... with a rotary it's actually potentially quite bad for it. However, this might be the dad coming out in me but that isn't an excuse to drive it like you stole it!

Whatthefossett

Haha you sound like my dad! Since it redlines at 9000 rpm, what would you recommend?

some_postman

What's the point of an engine that loves revving if you don't redline it from time to time? :D I recently bought an 8 and plan on driving it in a 'spirited' way. But I am going to make sure my car is maintained and well warmed before I do this.

I've heard the phrase "a redline a day keeps the mechanic away" but I think that's more anecdote than guideline!

Again with my 'dad' hat on, keep in mind your own limitations and experience. A rear wheel drive car with some decent HP will give you some real scares if you don't give it some respect.

ken-x8

Nobody outside of Mazda really knows the odds. One of the great unanswerable questions here (along with "Which oil should I use?") is "How long to they last?"

If the main thing that appeals to you is the car's looks, think a little harder. It's gorgeous, of course, but the appeal for most RX-8 lovers is the rotary engine and the car's handling. Be prepared to learn a lot more about it than you would for an ordinary car.

Ken

Whatthefossett

Would most dealers be ok with it getting compression tested before buying it? I don't want to travel 300 miles to Dallas just to have the dealer tell me I have to buy it before doing anything like that. Also, I'd buy a carfax (which I doubt will help haha) if that'd be beneficial.

Whatthefossett

I should have worded it better haha. The looks are the main thing that appeal to me, but the interior and the different engine aren't overlooked what should I be prepared to learn? Just basic car things like understanding how fast it accelerates and how sensitive the brakes are? Or something more in-depth?

Gravey

iTrader: (3)

I love my RX-8 but I think that it's important to note that gas and other maintenance items are going to be pretty costly. I don't know if I could have afforded my 8 at the age of 17.

If you do choose to get one, spend a lot of time learning about it and do everything maintenance wise you can do yourself. Seriously read the threads in RIWWP's signature they are jam packed with info.

hoosier1104

iTrader: (2)

Before you decide to take the plunge, get a compression test like everyone said. To answer your question about the 9k red line, it says in the owners to red line at least once a day. Helps to keep the carbon from building up on the rotor faces.

This is not a cheap car. Do your research and make a educated decision.

Gravey

iTrader: (3)

Here's the bible, read!

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

logalinipoo

Getting a compression test should not be a concern from anyone. If they refuse they are probably trying to hide bad compression. You may have to pay for it, but its better to spend 100-200 dollars and save 5k on replacing an engine.

My personal thought on 9k a day is it gives a surge of oil compared to daily driving.

Khurram

++1 with everything you have been told already..

I'd suggest don't rush, read the entire thread by RIWWP "new and potential owners thread" that's your rx8 bible. I lurked on this forum for 2 years and read pretty much everything before buying myself an 8.

Is it reliable? I bought an 04 2 years ago, with 160k kms on it, 2 years later its at 251k kms. only work done was clutch replacement and regular maintenance. So i'd say yes its as reliable as any other vehicle ive owned in the past.

Take into concideration, premium fuel is needed, she is high maintenance, but she'll reward you in return. Also, short trips and granny driving are a killer for this car.

gwilliams6

Get the compression test by a Mazda dealer (rotary compression testing requires specialized equipment) Post the numbers here (six numbers, three per rotor). If the compression is good, then you are starting out with a winner. Any and all other issues can be solved and we are all here to help you. Read the new owners sticky and if that doesn't scare you away, then you are ready for the experience of your young driving life. I turned 63 years old today and I have been driving rotary Mazdas since I was 22 years old, and I don't regret any of the over one million miles (street and track), and the millions of smiles along the way. Just have your dad or someone ready to back you up financially if you need some items replaced and/or updated to get the car off to the best start. I could not have afforded to properly maintain an Rx when I was 17, and even at age 22 it was sometimes a struggle while I was in college, but I was also working, so I have no regrets on the money I spent to maintain my first RX , an RX3. Best to you !

ken-x8

Amen! If that doesn't scare you off, nothing will.

Ken

gwilliams6

And if he is not scared off then he is ready to tackle the beast.