Kahl

Alright so I totaled my 8 due to frame damage about a week ago even though it wasn't a bad accident. I'm looking to purchase another because I love them so much!

In particular, I have been talking with bmak about purchasing his Rx-8 as shown here:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-wanted-43/2004-titanium-gray-rx8-mazdaspeed-many-mods-cobb-226488/

It's a beautiful car with a lot of upgrades that I like. I also think it is a bargain for the money it has invested into it - not to mention it is in my price range. However, I'm a little concerned because it's at 105k on the original engine.

When I asked about compression, I got this as a response:
I have no idea if this is even possible so opinions on this are highly appreciated! I do not want to buy a good-looking lemon.

Also, I've been sent some pictures of some rust that is on the inside of the trunk (almost on the exterior of it). Bmak has told me that as long as there's no moisture in the trunk he doesn't believe it will spread. Does this seem valid? (I will attach the pictures to this thread)


There doesn't seem to be much else wrong with the car (although who knows) so I'm just wondering what kind of things I should expect to happen or what things could go wrong with an 8 with this kind of mileage?? Comments on this would be very helpful in making my decision. This 8 would be used as my daily driver just like my last one was which had 88k on the ODO, and I figured my last one will have reached 105k miles soon anyways. Can I get this thing to go another 100k?

ShinkaEvo

iTrader: (3)

Always get the test, you are a owner yourself, you know better.
Rust will spread, just the matter of time, period.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Over 100k on the original engine? Pass. There are a couple of very clean stock low mileage RX-8's for sale here, get one of those. The MS kit appears to authentic but I don't see a wing and the rear is not the MS piece so if that is your attraction it's not worth it.

Kahl

Thanks for the quick feedback already, guys.

ShinkaEvo you're right, I definitely do know better and already asked him to get a compression test done just to be on the safe side. How can I slow the rust from spreading or should I just buy a whole new trunk lid?

9krpmrx8, he sent me some updated pics with the wing and it's definitely authentic. The interior with custom stereo and guage pods looks awesome too. The only MS piece it's missing is the rear bumper and I've actually got a brand new one in my room sitting 5 feet away from me(along with a brand new authentic front bumper and sideskirts that I will be able to sell if I buy this car to recoup some $$ - I was originally going to install the kit on my last 8).

The bodykit isn't really what attracts me though. I would say the #1 thing I'm interested in is the kickass sound system installed in it. The fact that it's already got a BHR kit, intake, full exhaust, custom MM tune, swaybars, guages, tints, and that viper remote start will end up saving me some big $$$ in the end also. These are all things I was interested in doing to my last 8 but just did not have the funds for, which is why I'd prefer to not buy a stock 8 my second time. Is the mileage that much of an influencing factor that I should not get this car? It's only got 17k more than my last one which I would have eventually surpassed anyways.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

The rule of thumb is to never buy a modded car because you don't know what kind of halfassed **** was done. You would rather have a modded car with over 100k rather than a clean stock RX-8 with 25k on it? That's just dumb IMO.

Kahl

^ From everything I've seen that this guy sent me, it looks as if nothing is half-assed. I wouldn't be interested if that seemed to be the case. I also like almost every single one of the mods done to this 8, if it were someone with different taste than me it would be a whole other story.

If I were in a different financial situation I would obviously rather get one with lower mileage and just mod it myself. But insurance has only given me so much for my last 8 and I have only so much cash available at the moment and this seems to be my best buy (imo so far, i appreciate all your opinions! if you disagree please convince me otherwise!). The cost in parts alone is alot, not to mention labor. And if I were to buy a stock 8 I don't think I could ever justify putting that much money into it myself when a deal like this is available.

j9fd3s

the engine is pretty simple, plan on replacing it. it might not be right away, but just as long as its not a surprise. compression test isn't really needed, think of it like you KNOW it will need an engine, and you KNOW you will have to do it, its just a question of when.

the rust is a worry, here in CA, bare metal doesn't rust, but in Boston it will....

mike

Kahl

^ I already thought of my last car like that. With rotarys they will always eventually need to be rebuilt..

If compression is good on this engine and it starts up quick no matter what temperature would that mean I could hold off rebuilding the engine for a while though? And if so how many miles and what not are we talking. I will be severely pissed off if I buy this car and it needs a rebuild within a few years.

Thanks for the input on the rust too - I'm gonna try getting some pics up to show exactly what kind of damage is already done (although rx8club seems to hate me and doesn't want me uploading pics).. What worries me the most is that the rust is almost around the corner of the trunk from inside to the exterior where it would be visible.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

It sounds like you are trying to convince us that you should buy it. If your not in a good financial situation then you should not be buying a car that will likely need a $3,000.00-$4,000.00 engine replacement soon. How many Renesis engines have you seen go well over 100k? A handle full at best.


And why does it have a boost gauge in it?

Kahl

^ I asked the same question about the boost gauge, he said theres no turbo and that the vac gauge is nice for monitoring the engine, knowing the state of throttle, monitoring any change in compression, and of course useful if a turbo upgrade is ever done...

How soon do you think the engine will need to be replaced if there is good compression and no loss of power and it starts up fine? I'm okay with rebuilding the engine, I just wasn't planning on doing it to my last car for a year or two and am hoping this can last that long without crapping out on me.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

No one can say when, it's a crap shoot. I wouldn't pay more than 8k for that car.

Kahl

Tysm for the input! I will consider my other options before making a decision

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

No problem, a quick search in the RX-8's for sale section turns up some much better options unless you are set on a particular color.

comebackqid

iTrader: (13)

all of the above agreed 9k set you straight also if I were you since your car is gone, to go out and test drive some other cars and see what else is out there. You may even find a lower mileage cheaper 8. Be patient,shop around, check all available option, then make your choice!

EricB

iTrader: (7)

if its still for sale theres a 40th for sale with only 16k or 18k on the odo and he wants like 16k for it i think..

i paid 18.5 for mine at a dealership and it had 30k miles on it.

im one of the most biased people when it comes to the 40th anny though :/

bryan4140

iTrader: (2)

Buy this, 3 years newer with way less miles and for not much more.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-w...-miles-235325/
Then sell me your MS front to make up for the cost difference. End of story.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I am sure this guy would take a bit less if you have cash money.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-w...dition-232458/

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

OP, you've been on these forums long enough to know what we usually tell people when looking for a car- "GET A COMPRESSION TEST".
Why would you be pissed if you bought an RX8 with over 100k on the odo, and the engine died on you? You've been here long enough to know how long the engine should last, if maintained.

Whatever you decide to do, do it with careful thought. Don't come back here complaining if things don't go the way you wanted...

Kahl

Is this car really that bad? I really like what's been done to it and I believe it's been done right.

I am okay with a rebuild - like I said earlier I was expecting that in my last 8.. I just hope this thing can make it a year or two before that needs to happen. I'm getting it compression tested, if it all seems to run fine and be okay w/ compression do you think it would last another 1-2yrs before a rebuild is needed?

I'm not really looking to buy stock right now, I think I will save more $$ in the long run buying a car thats already been modded so I have less things to mod myself.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

No, the car isn't that bad. As a matter of fact, I've had dealings with bmak in the past, and I have nothing but good things to say.
That doesn't mean that the engine won't blow on you. What makes you think it will last long? What makes you think it won't? All you can do is hope and live by your choice.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

It's not that bad, yet it's not that great either. Plus most of the mods are not worth much and with that many miles there will be plenty of other things that will need to fixed too. Buy a low mileage car, if you can afford a rebuild in a year then take that money and put it into suspension and wheels.

Kahl

9krpm, what kind of other things will need to be fixed with this kind of mileage? I can afford a rebuild but will there be much else that needs to be done if I got this 8?

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

off the top of my head...........

Extra expenses on top of engine replacement:

Oil injectors, OMP lines, Clutch, lower intake manifold gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, break in oil (many quarts), coolant (couple of gallons), Spark plugs, AC belts, ALT belt, misc bolts and nuts, new vacuum lines, new heater hoses, new rad hoses, and lots of degreaser.

General expenses that are likely to come up or stuff that should be changed with this type of mileage (based on what I have replaced so far at 130,000 miles):

Electric Power Steering issues, worn out interior buttons, trans fluid change, trans issues, diff fluid changes, worn out bushings, worn out bearings, worn out lights, worn out latches/locks/, Shocks, Brake Calipers, Brake lines, and various sensors such as the primary O2, secondary O2, trans nuetral safety switch, MAF sensor, Coolant temp sensor, Alternator, and starter.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

And of course my issues have arose in South Texas where it is generally dry and sunny. I am sure the heat doesn't help but rust and other issues that northerners face are not an issue here. A low mileage car has far less wear and tear. Sure, how the car was treated is very important but miles are miles. A car with a lot of miles has typically seen far more daily use on all of the parts of the car.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

But it looks like he did some brake stuff.