I am the original owner of a 2004, automatic, the second RX8 sold at my local dealership here in very hot central Texas. You know where I'm going. My third engine just went tango uniform. First engine replacement at 26K miles; second at 62K. Now, at 109K and outside of any warranty (I do get copious sympathy at the dealership), it started to have hot start issues this summer and now won't start. Had it towed, etc. I'm just not in a position to invest $6K in a new motor. I hate to junk it, having babied it forever. But is there any market for these in this condition? I can store it, and wait to meet the newbie 10 post/30 day rule. But does that make sense? If not I'll go to the online "buy your junk car" sites.... FYI I'm not a car newbie, being an old fxxx of 61 and decades of owning 240/280Zs and Supras, but fell for the looks and the drive of the RX8 in 2003..

 

A 2004 AT with a blown engine and over 100k is at most worth $2,000. Likely lower.

The $6,000 price tag to fix is going to be hard to beat, since the 4-port engine of the 2004-2005 automatics is the rarest and thus more expensive to obtain.

A rebuild would likely be cheaper, and depending on how close you are to San Antonio, there is a large RX-8 community there that have rebuild member engines multiple times and know what they are doing.

 

Every week I take it out and run it up to 100+ on a desolate stretch of road. However, if I have to stop, after the temp gauge gets to normal, the only way to keep it running is foot on the gas running 1500 RPM and right foot on the break. Not a particularly safe practice. Even got it to pass Texas safety and emission inspection last week - the shop owner had one of this techs sit in the drivers seat and keep it at 1500 while they did the emission test. Could not take it home for a while as I need to wait at least two hours before it starts after running. Just a hanger queen now (I flew enough of those in the Navy...had my fill). Appreciate the input below, and explored the options of a replacement engine and/or rebuild. If I was 20 years younger I'd try to find a 454 to put in it . But mid-60s I just want it gone (waiting for the 2016 Miata), and with 4 other cars I don't need it. Does it make more sense to sell it for parts, donate to charity or sell as is with full disclosure? Wasting $50 on insurance right now.

 

Did you explore the option of a used motor from a salvage yard? Such a venture would return the car to a more easily salable condition, especially since you already know it will pass local safety and emissions tests.