Have I made a huge mistake?
12-08-2010, 07:54 AM
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have I made a huge mistake?
Ok, so I have been looking for an RX8 for a while. I found one yesterday. It is a 2004 Manual Transmission, Grand Touring, with navigation and heated seats, the whole nine yards. The car is immaculate inside and out and drives nice. Only problem is high miles, it has 142,000. But I think I got it for a really good price. I ended up getting it for 7,500. Even with the high mileage I think the price was probably pretty good considering the near perfect condition of the body and interior and the fact that it is fully loaded. Here is my problem. I'm starting to worry more about the mileage because of the RX8's reputation for failing prematurely. I know the 04's had some issues with the engines going before they even hit 100,000. Is this a huge issue? Should I be worried? Is there anything on the car I should be checking? Any preventative maintenance I should be doing (besides regular oil changes) too keep any problems to a minimum? Do you guys thing I got a good deal or am I asking for trouble?
12-08-2010, 09:03 AM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do you even know if the engine is the original? Anything about the maint of the car at all other than how clean it looks? If not, for all you know, it's on its fourth engine and only has 2000 miles on it. Get the VIN and call Mazda customer service and see if they can tell you anything about what dealers have logged as being done on it, unless you already have records.
Or, look at it this way, if it's the original engine, it made it that far without failing so it must be a good one. Still, though, 7500 for a 04 with that many miles? A couple grand more could have probably easily gotten you the same car with less than half the miles.
Or, look at it this way, if it's the original engine, it made it that far without failing so it must be a good one. Still, though, 7500 for a 04 with that many miles? A couple grand more could have probably easily gotten you the same car with less than half the miles.
12-08-2010, 09:06 AM
#6
Eh thats not really good logic ... just because an engine has made it so far doesn't really mean that its out of the water. For all he knows the seals could be garbage, housing trashed and compression is about to go out the window and the previous owner realized all this and unloaded it just in time.
12-08-2010, 09:09 AM
#7
Registered
Eh thats not really good logic ... just because an engine has made it so far doesn't really mean that its out of the water. For all he knows the seals could be garbage, housing trashed and compression is about to go out the window and the previous owner realized all this and unloaded it just in time.
12-08-2010, 09:09 AM
#8
Phone Booth'd
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cincinnasty
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You should be worried that you bought a 7 year old car with 142k on it, not because it's a rotary. 20k a year on any car will lead to eventual failures somewhere.
I wouldn't say that you made a mistake, just be prepared to have to replace worn parts. There is no law that says the engine will blow at a given interval. All engines will give up the ghost at some point regardless of design.
If you're really worried, get as many maintenance records as you can. Start saving some money in an "oh ****" fund regardless.
I wouldn't say that you made a mistake, just be prepared to have to replace worn parts. There is no law that says the engine will blow at a given interval. All engines will give up the ghost at some point regardless of design.
If you're really worried, get as many maintenance records as you can. Start saving some money in an "oh ****" fund regardless.
12-08-2010, 09:19 AM
#10
lolzBut yea thats my point, if you go in assuming that "ah it lasted 98k, there wont be any problems" and completely dont prepare for the dreaded 100k, then you better prime up that savings account lol.
Thats a good question. I think you can with the stipulation that the warranty isn't used within 90 days of application. I swear I read that somewhere but I could be thinking of some random piece of electronic equipment lol.
12-08-2010, 09:22 AM
#11
Phone Booth'd
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cincinnasty
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is nothing past 100K from Mazda. They extended the engine core warranty to 8yrs or 100k, but nothing past that. Some makeshift warranty dealer might give you an option, but would probably try to exclude the engine core anyway.
12-08-2010, 10:16 AM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good luck, OP.
12-08-2010, 10:26 AM
#13
Hmm, then I guess it's best for the OP to inquire and ask all sorts of questions that relate to any kind of extended warranty available, especially one which covers the engine core. If Mazda doesn't provide anything over 100k miles, then I'm hoping that another legit company will include the engine core within their warranty agreement. I'm simply hoping.
Good luck, OP.
Good luck, OP.
12-08-2010, 10:32 AM
#14
not really true. if it has been maintained properly it will be way better. rotaries big problems stem from not being driven enough or hard enough, or not being properly maintained. they are quite unlike other cars especially imports where you can neglect them and catch up later.
12-08-2010, 10:56 AM
#15
Phone Booth'd
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cincinnasty
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
not really true. if it has been maintained properly it will be way better. rotaries big problems stem from not being driven enough or hard enough, or not being properly maintained. they are quite unlike other cars especially imports where you can neglect them and catch up later.
12-08-2010, 11:01 AM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
12-08-2010, 12:33 PM
#17
kevin@rotaryresurrection
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: east of Knoxville, TN
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
Received 57 Likes
on
35 Posts
I will start off by saying that you should always look at higher mile models (of any car) with skepticism. Any moving/working part will always have more wear and be closer to failure on a high mile car, than on a low mile one. This goes for things like wheel bearings, brakes, shocks, bushings, drivetrain parts, engine, alternator, fuel pump, etc.
That said there are also times when a higher mile model may be in better condition than most lower mile models. For instance...my rx8 had 110k on it when I got it as an automatic model. I drove it that way until about 118k when I did the MT trans/engine swap, and now I've put roughly 10k extra on it. So my car has just under 130k, but most of the major mechanical parts have less.
I've also worked on about 10 other 8's personally at this point. All but one of them was lower mileage than mine...most being in the 60-80k mile range, one being about 105, one being about 140k.
Almost every single one of those lower mile models was in worse condition than my car with 120-130k. They all had the console lid laying there limp, buttons missing or broken off of interior things, sunvisors hanging on by wires, loose suspensions, non functional electric power steering, misc. rattles while driving, worn spots on steering wheels and carpets, severe shimmy when brakes are applied, TPMS system problems, etc. etc.
My ~130k mile car has none of those problems. In fact the only issue with my car keeping it from looking and driving like a 30k mile car, is the fact that it's been wrecked before and so the front body panels aren't aligned 100%, and it has a cheap paintjob on it. Otherwise...my car drives 100% nice and tight. No unusual rattles. Sunvisors work normally and aren't broken, flopping around, hanging by wires. Interior buttons are all present and working, console lid and glovebox door latch normally. Suspension is tight, steering is good, wheel bearings are tight, brakes are smooth. Interior carpet etc. looks like new, everything electronic works, there's no rust under the car at all, etc.
Now maybe those cars I've seen and driven in person were all treated rough, not maintained in some way, "rode hard and put up wet" etc. to account for this poor condition. Or maybe my car was babied before I got it to account for it's above average condition for high miles. The point is I'd rather have my car in it's condition, even with the higher miles, than any of those 8-9 other lower mile models I've worked on.
Back to this model you bought...I'd say you still gave a bit too much for it UNLESS it's in great condition like I've mentioned above with everything being nice and tight. I've known of people buying these rougher cars with high miles for 6 grand and under.
I won't lie, having seen inside enough of these engines to know what to expect with 80k+ miles, I'd be super worried about that engine unless it's already been replaced or rebuilt. The likelihood of either of those is fairly high though...and if its a recent reman/rebuild then you could be good to go for a long time. Either way I'd do frequent (3k miles or less) oil changes with at least 10 weight oil, run a healthy ratio of 2 cycle in the fuel every fillup, and not drive it too hard, but redline it at least once per day. Also be easy on the trans, the sychros are pretty sensitive especially with mileage on them. IF it were me I'd change every fluid in the car, including synthetics in the trans and diff.
If you can't find proof of it being done, I'd go ahead and revamp the entire ignition...new OEM coils, wires, and plugs, which is less than 300 bucks. I'd pull the cat off and check the front of it to see if it's broken or clogged. Might also be a good idea to pick up a used fuel pump and alternator to have on hand for when your original units crap out.
That said there are also times when a higher mile model may be in better condition than most lower mile models. For instance...my rx8 had 110k on it when I got it as an automatic model. I drove it that way until about 118k when I did the MT trans/engine swap, and now I've put roughly 10k extra on it. So my car has just under 130k, but most of the major mechanical parts have less.
I've also worked on about 10 other 8's personally at this point. All but one of them was lower mileage than mine...most being in the 60-80k mile range, one being about 105, one being about 140k.
Almost every single one of those lower mile models was in worse condition than my car with 120-130k. They all had the console lid laying there limp, buttons missing or broken off of interior things, sunvisors hanging on by wires, loose suspensions, non functional electric power steering, misc. rattles while driving, worn spots on steering wheels and carpets, severe shimmy when brakes are applied, TPMS system problems, etc. etc.
My ~130k mile car has none of those problems. In fact the only issue with my car keeping it from looking and driving like a 30k mile car, is the fact that it's been wrecked before and so the front body panels aren't aligned 100%, and it has a cheap paintjob on it. Otherwise...my car drives 100% nice and tight. No unusual rattles. Sunvisors work normally and aren't broken, flopping around, hanging by wires. Interior buttons are all present and working, console lid and glovebox door latch normally. Suspension is tight, steering is good, wheel bearings are tight, brakes are smooth. Interior carpet etc. looks like new, everything electronic works, there's no rust under the car at all, etc.
Now maybe those cars I've seen and driven in person were all treated rough, not maintained in some way, "rode hard and put up wet" etc. to account for this poor condition. Or maybe my car was babied before I got it to account for it's above average condition for high miles. The point is I'd rather have my car in it's condition, even with the higher miles, than any of those 8-9 other lower mile models I've worked on.
Back to this model you bought...I'd say you still gave a bit too much for it UNLESS it's in great condition like I've mentioned above with everything being nice and tight. I've known of people buying these rougher cars with high miles for 6 grand and under.
I won't lie, having seen inside enough of these engines to know what to expect with 80k+ miles, I'd be super worried about that engine unless it's already been replaced or rebuilt. The likelihood of either of those is fairly high though...and if its a recent reman/rebuild then you could be good to go for a long time. Either way I'd do frequent (3k miles or less) oil changes with at least 10 weight oil, run a healthy ratio of 2 cycle in the fuel every fillup, and not drive it too hard, but redline it at least once per day. Also be easy on the trans, the sychros are pretty sensitive especially with mileage on them. IF it were me I'd change every fluid in the car, including synthetics in the trans and diff.
If you can't find proof of it being done, I'd go ahead and revamp the entire ignition...new OEM coils, wires, and plugs, which is less than 300 bucks. I'd pull the cat off and check the front of it to see if it's broken or clogged. Might also be a good idea to pick up a used fuel pump and alternator to have on hand for when your original units crap out.
12-09-2010, 07:59 PM
#19
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 7,840
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
9 Posts
Do yourself a favor.................go read these! However........142k is really pushing it IMHO.
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx-8-faq-please-read-before-posting-959/
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ
I'm so glad I pasted these links into a text file and don't have to go dig them up every single time!
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/congratulations-you-got-8-a-202548/
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/rx-8-faq-please-read-before-posting-959/
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...&highlight=FAQ
I'm so glad I pasted these links into a text file and don't have to go dig them up every single time!
12-09-2010, 08:29 PM
#21
Damn man...he asks a simple question and most of you were cool and helped him out but for a newbie you guys ripped him man! I bought mine with 105K on it and its in amazing condition! The leather is not worn or faded and it drives perfect! Look at it this way, if you love the car and you end up having to do an engine, you will put a couple grand into it to do so and still not come anywhere close to the price of a new car so I would say good find sir!
12-09-2010, 11:12 PM
#22
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No ones ripping him really they are just stating that he should have done more research on the car before buying it. A warranty is a great thing to have and definitely comes in handy with these cars.
12-09-2010, 11:40 PM
#23
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Montgomery, AL
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Get a compression test done just to see how its holding up in terms of that.... The bottom line is it might give out relatively soon, but it could also drive a whole lot farther before you start having problems, so start putting aside some money just in case, but don't sit around worrying about it or anything.... If you are constantly worried your engine may be about to go then you will start thinking it might be driving funny or something when it is driving just fine. Worrying too much will only make it where you aren't able to enjoy your 8. Which would suck because it is a really easy car to enjoy.... So set aside a little money just in case, get a compression test, try to get up some maintenance records and find out all you can on what all has been done to it so far (new engines etc.), but don't worry too much over it....
Aside from doing that stuff....... read the manual, search the forums, and have fun driving it!
Aside from doing that stuff....... read the manual, search the forums, and have fun driving it!
12-10-2010, 04:15 AM
#25
Rotary Junkie
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, so I have been looking for an RX8 for a while. I found one yesterday. It is a 2004 Manual Transmission, Grand Touring, with navigation and heated seats, the whole nine yards. The car is immaculate inside and out and drives nice. Only problem is high miles, it has 142,000. But I think I got it for a really good price. I ended up getting it for 7,500. Even with the high mileage I think the price was probably pretty good considering the near perfect condition of the body and interior and the fact that it is fully loaded. Here is my problem. I'm starting to worry more about the mileage because of the RX8's reputation for failing prematurely. I know the 04's had some issues with the engines going before they even hit 100,000. Is this a huge issue? Should I be worried? Is there anything on the car I should be checking? Any preventative maintenance I should be doing (besides regular oil changes) too keep any problems to a minimum? Do you guys thing I got a good deal or am I asking for trouble?
-Chris