I have been reading these forums and trying to do as much research as I can before I buy this rx8.

I am looking at a 05 rx8, second owner, clear title, 73k miles on the car.

Owner stated they changed the oil with 5w20, though I dont see the service records on the carfax, he may do it himself.

I have called mazda and gave the VIN, the only recalls are the clutch pedal.
I'm not going to be able to get to check the compression till after i buy the car.

I've read about oil consumption, coil replacement, cat failure, using premix, trying to fig out what kinda oil to use.

But in the end, I'm just worried that I may get this car and the damn thing fall apart when i get home... I mean is 73k to high of mileage for these rotaries? Its like you have to be johnn y on the spot with the maintenance or risk engine failure.

should i Seafoam then start using premix asap?

Does anyone think that a car with 73k would be a good purchase?

 

Tell the owner to pay for the compression test. If he wants to sell his car it would do a lot for the sale. They cost from 100-150 dollars depending on the dealer...

 

From the tone of your post , It is my opinion that this is the wrong car for you .

 

I would imagine it's not hard finding a good value in a used RX-8; their resale value is not high. With a little patience, you should be able to find pretty much exactly the 8 you want, probably with lower mileage.

That said, if you're really serious about the 8 you're looking at, perhaps there is a way to have the compression checked before you buy. Just tell the guy that you'll buy it if it passes a compression test at the Mazda dealer first. Offer to pay for the test. I mean, you're gonna get it tested anyway, so why not do it before you buy? This way, you won't get stuck with a bad car. If it fails, you lose a few hundred bucks but avoid a major headache that could cost you a lot more. A few hundred bucks for peace of mind would be well worth it, IMO.

 

I wouldn't buy a used 8 (maybe even a brand new one lol) without doing a compression test.

Well unless of course u did care about the engine condition.

 

I would keep looking for one that has lower miles. That's just me.

 

I'm going to hold out then, if the guy wont do a compression test then I'm not messing with it. I don't have to buy it immediately.

No point in jumping into the car if I'm not sure its in good condition

 

well good new, I just talked to the seller, he said he would get the compression check done this weekend before I come up soo WOOT. Thats a great sign.

 

So you'll inform us what the compression said?

 

I certainly will :D

 

Keep looking for one with lower miles. I was on the market for my rx8 for a good year and a half. I wanted to find one EXACTLY the way I wanted with fairly low to decent miles on it. And boy did the wait pay off . I'd wait unless you have to have the car like NOW.

 

Most def keep looking go lower. I just sold one to a dealer that had bad comp with 75,000mi and I am shure they just put it on the lot and said it was good

 

If he does the compression check and it comes out okay, then maybe he has oil change receipts as well? It's not required, but if you are going to buy the car and he has them, try and get them. And.....no matter what........make sure you change your oil every 3k miles and keep the receipts. That may become important later.
FYI.............catfax doesn't list all work done on a car, even at a dealer.

73k is a lot of miles IMO though.

 

its easy to change the oil.. everyone should, imo, i do.

how much is he trying to sell it for?

i bought mine for $5k with 82k miles, car might have some problems, but hey, i got it up to 119 mph.. something must be working