Lem

I have found a used rx8 I am very interested in purchasing. Only problem is its at a Honda dealership. How would I go about getting a proper compression test done before purchasing when the nearest mazda dealer is an hour away.
Never dealt with a dealer before so any advice to help with this would be great

wrightcomputing

iTrader: (5)

I would just tell them you want it doing. They make so much money off every sale it is worth them taking it there to get it done.
Top tip which I used when buying my Rx8. Haggle until you can get the best deal you can and then drop your offer by $500-$1000 they will say no way and just walk out telling them to give you a call if they change their mind. I guarantee you will not get back to your car. When I did it they all started to panic and gave me the deal because they don't want you to leave.

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

Let them know that you won't even talk price without a compression test. Offer to set up the test and pay for it buy rolling the cost into the price of the car if the car checks out and a deal is reached.

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

+1 on that ^

Lem

yay advice.
already called him asking about compression test for it and said he would talk to his manager thats in a meeting right now and would get back to me. Only reason Im not there is its 3 hours away so gotta make sure things are 100% before I decide to drive down.

Car is a 2007 brilliant black, manual, sport package listed for about 12k

Speed_8

^ and mileage ????

Lem

oh yea forgot that, 79,xxx
up there but I dont take long drives often and when I do I borrow parents vehicle to carry things

dynamho

Ask for compression readings for about 250RPM.
From what I gather, cold readings will differ from warm readings, so you might want to take that into account, if the readings are low - close to 6. If below 6, you either need to walk away from the car, have them sell it to you with a new motor, or deduct about $5-6k from the price.

Lem

whats difference in cold/warm readings, which would I want to make my decision.
It seems to still be under the warranty, no crashes etc.
If I called a mazda dealer would I be able to ask about maintance records for a certain VIN that I am interested in?

Speed_8

i would have to say warm reading, its when people who usually have compression issues have a hard time starting the car when its already warm

Lem

K when he calls back I'll ask for those.
Again am I able to just call Mazda and ask if they have records of maintenance and such?

Speed_8

yes you can , provide them with a vin, they can tell you most things that were done at a mazda dealer only... its how it works here in canada , not sure in the states

wrightcomputing

iTrader: (5)

I think the only standard warranty that will still be on the car is the emissions warranty I have a 2007 and that's the only warranty left on my car. The other warranty's are 36 months and as such expired.

Lem

I thought 07 still had the 8 year 100k mile engine warrent

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

the engine and emissions warranties are still good.

Rote8

Does it idle or hunt for an idle after a hard rev? Does it start right up at the touch of the key, hot or cold?

If both of these are true, you probably have good compression.

Lem

I'm 3 hr from the dealer. Hence the dealer running tests for me over phone.
I'd love to be there to see it myself

Lem

Talked to the manager there and he has informed me it has gotten close to its 60day limit there before they send the car to auction and he would just rather do that then send it for more work.

Anyone around the north western area of Alabama that could possibly take a quick detour by and check the car out for me?

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

Post that question in the S.E. Regional Forums. You may find someone.

Lem

K I called mazda dealer it had records at and it had a engine change at 70k miles so this one is pretty new.
I plan on trying to find time this weekend to drive down there and check it out in person. Anyone up north-west AL that has time to back me up?

Lem

Sigh. Now she's trying to say it's insanely expensive to work on. Everything has to be done by dealer etc....sigh.
Trying to get parents to agree is annoying