Hello. I am interested in joining the rotary gang as I drove an FD, and am now hooked on the rotary. Can't afford an FD though... Also rx8 is more practical for day to day stuff. Prefer series 2 GT or R3 for the engine mechanical advances and looks, but also considering a series 1 if it is a 40th anniversary. Any real thoughts between the motors? Series 2 doesn't necessarily require premixing due to extra oil injector? Any and all inputs and possible for sales welcome. Thanks!

 

Start off by reading the sticky threads at the top of the new member forum section. These two in particular will be extremely helpful.
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...rx-8-a-233937/

Personally I prefer the series 1 (04-08) due to the cosmetic changes of the series 2 'facelift'. Also the fact that the series 1 are coming up on the 20 year rule for emissions.

You can find many series 1 in decent condition for cheap. Buy with the concept that the engine is dead and start with a clean slate engine. Buying a low compression running car can atleast indicate if the rest of the car is running.

On any new Rx8 you pick up I would look into
-New battery, highest cca
-upgraded starter 2.7kW
-LS coil kit, most people suggest/go bhr
-plugs
-check the cat (or go decat)
-fluids check
-check for vacuum leaks

 

Thanks for the links and the insight. I guess it's an assume the worst and you won't be disappointed type of thing when buying one? Haha. Unfortunately, I am in California and there is no 20 year rule here for emissions... The looks of the series 2 is more appealing to me... Hard to find a clean one right now. Lots of clean series 1s out there though....

 

Welcome to the forum! The above advice is spot on. If you want one at a cheap price then you'll be picking one up with a bad engine. So plan your finances accordingly. If you want one that's running and driving, do not buy the car without first performing a proper compression test with a rotary compression tester. This will give you an idea of how healthy the engine is.

 

Thank you! Annoying thing is a lot of people I'm talking to about potential interest in their cars are "too busy" to get their cars compression checked... doesn't help that they're mostly all out of state cars from me as well...

 

If they won't get the engine tested they are probably just looking for a sucker to come along. Keep looking, you'll find a good condition series 1 RX8 for cheaper than any series 2 cars. The compression test is essential unless you are just buying a shell to do an engine swap.

 

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll be patient and wait. I'm willing to pay a little more for a clean series 2 GT or R3 because I like the way they look and they're more forgiving about premixing or not from information I'm digging up and calling a local rotary specialist.

 

Not sure if you went ahead and went to get an RX8, but im an R3 owner chiming in. You sound like you're similar too me and that you're not too mechanically inclined or don't have a lot of DIY time, and would probably have it serviced at a shop regularly. BEFORE you buy one, make sure you have a local rotary expert. Just any dealership or any technician won't do. That was a #1 must I checked before I even went to buy an Rx8. Luckily in Northern VA, there is a dealership here with dedicated techs.

Cheers if you went ahead and got one! It's a joy.

 

Hello. Mostly made this thread to try to get the requirements to post in other threads and maybe get a couple of for sales on here.. Haha! I just picked up a series 2 grand touring a couple of days ago. Had DNA Garage look at it as the vehicle was in Southern California. You're right in the aspect that I will have a shop doing most of the big services like motor replacements, but general maintenance is simple enough that I'll be doing that on my own. Car is a hoot to drive! Cheers!

 

Glad you are able to join the gang! Good luck on the car health and save the Series 2 rotaries!!

 

I'm offering my 2011 with upgrades as a roller...engine runs, but needs replacement soon. Sitting on Bridgestone 265/35/18, wrapped around Forgestar 18x10 F14's. Big brake kit is Stoptech 355mm 2-piece drilled rotors with 4-pot calipers. Agency power stainless steel cat-less mid-pipe with XForce stainless mufflers. Original exhaust system included. Many other extras will go with it for my asking price ($5,000) otherwise I'll sell off the mods and scrap it.

 

Where's it located?

 

That's a great looking car from the pics! Unfortunately I already picked one up... Got me a white series 2 GT!