Hello! I'm on the fence concerning a potential 2006 rx8 purchase but looking for some advice. I've been an rx7 owner for the last 15 years, and have replaced engines so I have some idea of what I'm getting into...but I just don't want a complete lemon. I've been eyeballing rx8's for a long time and just could never find one I thought was in good enough shape...so now I think I'm ready to just settle on what I can find. The one I'm looking at now is probably the best shape I'm ever going to be able to find....description in next post:

 

where in pa? got a link? get a comp test

 

Description: 2006 rx8
Mileage: 69000
chassis and body in great shape, minor surface rust on some components but not the chassis/frame, original engine/drive train, transmission is smooth, suspension is responsive and tight and electronics work great, engine pulls hard but not as hard as it should from 6500 to 9000 rpm, also flashing check engine light occurs above 5000, they replaced plugs and wires but not the coils...yet...compression results are attached

 

ok attachment didn't come through, but compression results are as follows:


rotor 1: 710 kPa, 740 kPa, 730 kPa at 278 rpm
rotor 2: 730 kPa, 760 kPa, 760 kPa at 280 rpm


dealer marked the scores below and including 730 kPa as "no good" and wrote a note that it "will need a new engine"


So to summarize, tired of trying to find "the perfect" rx8 and looking to compromise, just wondering if this engine will get me through a couple years until I'm prepared for a reman, thank you !!

 

flashing cel is a misfire which is 99% of the time ignition related. how long the engine will last is a crap shoot. the low power at high rpm is cause of the low comp and misfire. if you are gonna buy it and want it to last a while. get new coils and lose the cat. what are they asking for it?

 

thank you for the reply! I'm going to try to convince them to replace the coils before I buy...but I'm thinking they probably won't go OEM with the coils....will aftermarket coils at least work to solve the CEL for now until I can get OEM or the BHR coils? They are asking just under 9k for it, though I think they'll negotiate based on the crap compression scores. Also the clutch is squeaky already so I imagine it needs reinforced/replaced soon

 

So you're interested in spending ~9000 to then need to spend 5000 on an engine replacement?
Unless they're willing to half their price, I'd look elsewhere.

 

9k with a shot motor? run away

 

I would not pay 9K for an 06 period esp the one with low compression.
Not sure how the car market is in your state and what these cares resale for.

Invest in BHR kit if you plan on keeping the car or else go with OEM
Gutt the CAT it's probably clogged by now

I would negotiate and try to get this car in 5k range non more, considering a rebuild will cost you 3.5-6k depending on who you get it done by.


All the best with your search, patience is the key though.

 

Though it's difficult to predict how long will the engine last but based on my experience the engine may last you a few months to a year tops given, you take good care of it, stay on top of cooling and keep the oil topped off. New stronger coils will definitely help.

 

thank you all again for talking sense to me. I guess the question I have in general is does there even exist an rx8 with under 100k miles that actually has decent compression??? I guess I'm asking then what is a realistic expectation for an rx8 around 70k to 100k miles? Do any of you have original engines with 70kplus miles that have good compression scores? This car did start right up cold and started up great when I intentionally turned it off for 5 minutes and restarted it hot. I've been looking for a little under a year now and it seems like they're all junk! It seems like the norm is for an rx8 to be on the 2nd engine by 100k. Anyway, thank you again for the advice, I'll try to talk the price down or see if they would offer a decent warranty option I could purchase

 

where are you in pa? i think 5k is too high also

 

I am in the Harrisburg area of PA. South eastern PA area

 

I just recently sold my 07 rx8 with 45000Kms (28000mi) for $9k. Compression was fantastic.

Be patient. Try searching these forums for ENTHUSIASTS who are selling. I've seen a few that have caught my eye, but I'm not in the market right now. Get full disclosure and compression test prior to purchase. You'll find one for the price you're asking.

 

oh yes this site has always been my first place to check but I think the folks on here who know how to drive and maintain their 8's love em and don't sell too often....I think the car that I am looking at right now was probably leased most of its life and probably didn't see redline too often...

 

Hey - would it be rude to ask where you saw this car? I too have been looking around for a clean RX-8 for a long time, and I live not far from you. I'm supposed to view a car at a dealers tonight with really similar specs (2006, 69k). If it's the same car, I could save myself some time if the compression is bad! Thanks and good luck.

 

well I'm not comfortable naming the dealer...but I'll let you know that its galaxy grey with burnt orange accents on the seats and steering wheel....if it looks like that I'm sure its the same car. very rusty brakes on it too. They have been very up front with me on everything so I'm sure if you inquire they will share the compression info if its the same people.

 

I would look else where if they are not willing to come down on their price considering the compression.

 

Thanks. I'm sure it is the same one. I appreciate you letting me know. It does seem really hard to find a decent clean model around this way. I've seen a couple of really low mileage ones over towards Philadelphia but not much around here.

 

I would go with a an R3 tbh

 

oh no arguments here I would go with an R3 too!! ... if I had the extra 10g's available... and an R3 seems even harder to find...

Thank you all again for your input, this is an awesome community, forum and resource!

 

You'll have to be willing to travel to find the perfect car :-)

I just had a thought, the dealer may not realise the actual condition of the engine due to low compression and may throw in a warranty to entice things up.

Make sure if you go with this particular vehicle, you get in writing that the warranty will cover the components present in Rotary engine and also verify the authorized cap ($ limit) of each claim .

I hope you find the car you are looking for :-)