Thinking about buying a 2009 rx8
 

I looked at this 2009 RX8 with only 74k miles and change. It seemed to be in good shape other than needing a new battery. But I've been doing extensive research into rx8s and I'm wondering what sort of things I should do before I buy? I read that it's recommended to have a compression test done to see if the apex seals are in good shape? But other than that I'm not too sure what else I should have done? I looked at it with this mechanic and he said it was mechanically sound with no major issues. Also I've been looking at ways to properly maintain the vehicle as this would be my daily driver (I'm aware of the terrible fuel economy and that there are vastly better options). Should I stick with 3k miles for every oil change, and what grade of oil is the best to use? I saw that I should absolutely not use synthetic at all. This is pretty much all I know at the moment. I'm not sure if I should look at replacing the ignition coils and spark plugs right away. Any advice helps thanks!

You need a rotary specific compression test, 2 sets of 3 numbers for each rotor face.
That's the most important thing.
Read this thread;

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

I was in the same boat 9 months ago.

For compression test, like BigCajun said, requires a rotary specific compression tester, which only Mazda dealerships and rotary shops have.

Is your mechanic well versed in rotaries? If not, you should do your own research.

3k mile oil changes is what I do. As for viscosity, it depends on where you live. At where I live, 5W-20 is perfectly fine, but if you live somewhere hot, 5W-30 should be used as 5W-20 would break down. Synthetic is officially "not recommended", but some people use them without any issues. I use conventional mainly because it's cheaper, and the frequent oil changes negate the benefits of synthetic oils.

As for ignition systems, if there is no record showing that they were replaced at one point, replace them.

Absolutely read that new and potential owners thread First

Go to this Mazda link and plug in the car's vin number to check on all recall work that should have been done. If any recall work is still outstanding, it can still be done for free at any Mazda dealer.

https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/Hile...0aAvyFEALw_wcB

A non-rotary mechanic's say that things look good isn't enough with any RX8. Any lack of full and periodic maintenance on any RX8 can lead to cascading trouble, especially on an almost nine year-old car, at any mileage. Ask to look at the maintenance records and check on the following:

RX8 Club’s recommended maintenance schedule, more comprehensive and proactive than Mazda’s schedule.
30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.

If the maintenance records don't confirm this work was done, then factor in that if you buy the car (only after a good compression test result) then you will have to spend money and have work done, or do it yourself if you are mechanically inclined.

Best to you !

S2 only has one recall as I know: the airbag one.

In Canada, there is still nothing - we didn't get it yet due to the lower priority.

UnknownJinx you may be correct. Worth the OP checking anyway to confirm.

So after reading the new member thread and doing more research, it seems that most of the problems from the series 1 were fixed in the series 2 rx8. Since the one I'm looking at is a series 2 should I still be as concerned?

Yes. Some reliability changes were made but you can't fix the underlying problems without a serious re-design.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy one but don't think it will be as reliable as a Nissan VQ or GM LS motor.

N-a-P: correct. You're buying a rotary car for it's handling and high RPM driving abilities -realizing higher maintenance costs during that shorter engine life. It will not last as long as a piston engine and you have to factor that in to the purchase. I bought my 2010 GT (S2) in October 2015 with ~ 36K miles and now have 48K miles. I've done the 30K mile maintenance listed on this site (C OEM coils) and perform OCI of about 1500 miles. I use premium gas premixed with Citgo Mystik 2-cycle JASO FD rated at 0.25 oz./gal.

If I do buy this, what are the things I should do immediately? It seems that keeping ignition, oil and coolant health is the main things. Is there a list of things I should do daily to make sure this doesnt happen? I know these aren't known for reliability but I'd still like this as my daily driver.

That link that BigCajun posted? Read it lots.

Okay, done reading it? Read it again.

No, that isn't a joke. That is your new Bible.

I would update the maintenance schedule regarding coils/plugs/wires every 30k miles. Instead of that, I'd say invest $10 in a HEI coil tester and use it every oil change (and any time you think something might be wrong). http://a.co/asf4F15

A highlights reel:

1. Test your coils immediately.
2. Pull your spark plugs and have a look. If you don't know what good/bad plugs look like, post photos of them.
3. If there aren't good maintenance records, replace all fluids immediately (oil, coolant, brake fluid, trans and diff oils).
4. Have a look at your air filter.
5. Drive the piss out of it and have fun. It's a great car.

To me, the RX-8 is an in-the-moment car. When it's on, it is damn amazing. Don't worry too much about next month or next year, or you'll go nuts. Don't delude yourself that a strict oil regimen will save you. It might, and it is your best chance, but you still have to "get lucky" to go much past 100k miles with good compression. I advise to keep from committing the big fouls (letting oil level get low, flooding the motor, running w/ worn out ignition system, etc.) and you'll get the standard 80-100k miles of high-revving rotary power and precisely balanced RX-8 handling :)

I bought my 2006 with 65k miles on it, drove the piss out of it as NotAPreppie said, and it lasted to 91k and got low compression. Just like most of the series 1's. Due to reading this forum, I was expecting this. Loved the car, so I had the engine rebuilt and upgraded by a specialist, and got back on the road.

Hey TheLegend27 it has all been laid out for you what to do.

1) Read the new owners thread first

2) get a Rotary-specific compression test before any purchase (don't even think about skipping this test before any purchase).

3)Third check all maintenance as listed on RX8Club maintenance schedule (posted above, and also in new owners thread)

4) check on any and all recall work, done or outstanding.

If you seriously want a RX8 with a good engine, and a RX8 that will last without any cascading problems, don't fool yourself that you can ignore a check of proper RX8 maintenance , and updates of critical systems like ignition on this nine-year-old car, S2 or not.

If you are a lazy RX8 buyer here, it can bite you with costly consequences later, S2 or not.