Hello...

I test drove a 2007 Grand Touring with just over 9,000 miles with the speed. It is at a Nissan dealer and it was a one owner who traded for a new 370Z.

My question is that after running it to redline and then coming to a stoplight the cabin seemed to have the slight odor of oil or burned oil. It never occurred during more normal acceleration, but when revved to 8K through the gears I noticed the odor. Windows closed with AC on. Is that a warning sign? or normal on an RX-8.

Lastly, the previous owner put new rims on it and a "cat back" muffler system. Dealer said it was a "flow master" system and it was a bit loud and I noticed some "popping noises" on acceleration or deceleration. The smell was more of an oil as compared to exhaust smell.

Is there anything specific I should check? Dealer was very eager to push it and it was listed at 19K even (black with black leather).

Thanks for your input...

Bob

 

Hard to say - with OMP volumes raised - it can smell a bit like oil when you redline it.... especially if the cat is not there.... I would check to see if the cat is shot.

Then check for all the recalls and TSB's etc.

 

Are you smelling transmission fluid?
After removing & installing my shifter if I don't create a good seal, I can smell tranny fluid after high RPMs

 

Look under the hood and take the engine cover off. My bet is there is a bunch of oil around the oil filter (which is on top of the engine towards the firewall). This comes from oil changes and lazy mechanics that do not clean the engine off afterwards. This oil gets hot and the fumes make their way into the A/C unit when driving.

 

The poping noise is normal on Rotories.

 

Thanks I will take a look -- perhaps I can use it as a point of negotiation.