Hey, I'm currently looking into buying a 2005 rx-8 manual, with 84,000 kms. It will be my first car but I am aware of the maintenance the rotary engines require. So I am wondering how I can tell if the car has been treated right by the previous owner. By this I mean:
-knowing if the car has been constantly refilled with oil
-if the engine has any carbon build up
and any other little signs that the car has been mistreated.
Thanks, Jake.

 

Probably the best way to check engine health is a compression test. This is not an ordinary engine though, and will require a Mazda dealership with rotary equipement to check compression.

Compression test is going to tell you this.

Check out this great informative thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

 

+1 on compression test
I would ask the person you're getting it from the maintenance he did and his procedures. If you're getting it from a dealer all you could do is probably run it through the full range of rpms and feel for hiccups or anything off. I would recommend a warranty also. The car will let you know if it's hurting.

 

Test drive the car and see how it runs. If its losing power, then the engine might be losing compression. Ask when they did the last tune-up (replace coils, plugs, and wires). Like others already said...get a compression test done before you decide to buy it, good luck!