Want to buy a RX8 but should I ?
 

Hi there names Nicholas, I'm from Ottawa Ontario and I have recently been really wanting to buy a RX8. I have done my research on the car from its engine problems if not maintained , to what premix I should use, and 93 minimum octane for gas and how I should let it warm up before driving and turning of (Due to engine flooding). The thing holding me back is buying one second hand it's a dice role, the person could of taken good care for the car, they premixed, etc. Or they could of driven it hard never premix, etc. Yes I know to ask these questions but people can lie. I just do not want to get RX8 and months after the apex seals fail in it and im stuck dropping 5 to 6 grand to get rebuilt, which I don't even know if there is anyone in Ottawa that works on rotary engines. Even though I have friend who has 300KM Mazda RX7 fc and his apex seals have not gone on it still really hesitant due to not knowing how to build a engine or have the tools too.

Someone in your area may have a compression tester.
Many of us do now.
If you're serious about buying an 8, and want to look at more than one, maybe you should consider buying one.
It'll pay for itself after 2 tests, and you could possibly help other members out.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...l-evil-266654/

Some members run premix and some don't, it is not that big of a deal most of the times if your OMP if functioning correctly, I personally do premix not there are a ton of people don't and they have no problem with their engine. That said, premix will make the carbon deposit "softer", according to the "new and potential owner: thread, be sure to check that out.

The most effective way to check the engine is a compression test, which can be done at a Mazda Dealer. You want have 7-8 numbers, includes, 6 faces of the rotors, 2 rpm, one is the actual turning speed of the starter, the other one is the number that's been normalized to 250 number. I am terrible at geography, but if your place is way above or below sea level, you might want them to do some adjustments about altitude.

91 octane is enough. Going above 91 on an NA car doesn't do anything. I tried Chevron 94 before and nope, no changes I have noticed.

And never warm your car up for more than 30 seconds unless your windows are fogged up and you have to clear them before driving. RX-8 is not a caburated car from the 70s. And flooding shouldn't happen if your car is healthy. Stalled my car twice when cold before and it fired right up. If you flood, check your battery, ignition and compression.

A rotary-specific compression test can tell you a lot of info. Even if someone doesn't premix, if the engine compression holds up then you can start premixing just fine.

And I don't know where you heard the apex seals will suddenly fail thing. The chance of that happening on NA rotaries with OEM seals is very, very low. If you have some idiot with a turbo rotary that's tuned like crap, then yes the apex seals can shatter, and a turbo piston engine will probably die just as quickly in their hands.