I've been looking for an Rx-8 in multiple places including used dealerships, but so far the two dealerships i've called have told me that the cars running well, but it sounds like there may be a piston misfiring these are all non Mazda dealers and there saying they cant figure out why. My question is this an actual problem or do these used dealers just know nothing about the car? I just do not want to waste a half of tank of gas going to test drive a car that has serious issues.

 

I've been looking for an Rx-8 in multiple places including used dealerships, but so far the two dealerships i've called have told me that the cars running well, but it sounds like there may be a piston misfiring these are all non Mazda dealers and there saying they cant figure out why. My question is this an actual problem or do these used dealers just know nothing about the car? I just do not want to waste a half of tank of gas going to test drive a car that has serious issues.

 

From reading your post I can tell you one thing...You are not ready to buy an rx8. It does not even have a piston engine...Having said this, you need to spend some time in this forum and learn about this car. Buying an rx8 from a dealer who claims that the car is running well but one of the pistons is misfiring sounds like a suicide!!! Do not rush yourself. Take your time, read, learn, look around, and decide.

 

This is a piston free car(no pistons)do some research before buying used and make sure you get compression tests done before signing or paying for anything.
Never trust a used car stealer

 

Yes i am aware of this, i suppose i should of worded my question differently. Ill certainly have the test done before i buy, but i am just wondering what they could be interpreting this "piston misfiring" as? I could tell the dealer was not to knowledgeable on the engine so when he mentioned this i didn't know how to interpret what he was trying to explain to me.

 

Yes i am aware of this, i suppose i should of worded my question differently. I am just wondering what they could be interpreting this "piston misfiring" as? I could tell the dealer was not to knowledgeable on the engine so when he mentioned this i didn't know how to interpret what he was trying to explain to me. Basically he's saying the cars running but apparently his mechanics hear what apparently sound likes a piston misfiring. I am aware that the engine is a rotary so that's what my question is, what the hell is the actual problem because its clear whatever's going on under the hood they are misinterpreting.

 

I assume they are talking about a rotor misfiring. Now this can be as simple as changing plugs, wires, and coils to complicated as rebuilding the engine (if the engine has low compression). Generally, before you buy an rx8 you will need to take it to a mazda dealer for a compression test. FYI Rotary engines need a different compression tester than piston engines.

What year are you looking to buy? How many miles? Manual or auto? How much money you are looking to spend?

 

I found a Thread talking about misfiring, and i am going to guess its probably a low compression problem in most of theses used dealers cars i'll certainly get them tested. Also i have a thread open right now with all the specs that i am looking for:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8s-sale-w...x-8-mi-240625/

 

I suggest you stay away from auto. Far less power; far less fun; and much more problems. Keep looking at the the for sale section here. There are some good deals and cars. And generally people selling their cars in this forum have taken good care of their car.

 

Thanks, and i would honestly prefer a manual 05, any suggestions on years i don't have to many options because i am a broke *** college student. Your input is appreciated.

 

I merged your two threads. Do not post the same thread in multiple places. Just 1. Don't worry, we will see it.

Take a look at the New Owner's thread linked in my sig for alot of the basics, including some help with your question.

A few friendly advice notes:
A) Yes, used car dealers don't know anything about this car, with incredibly rare exceptions
B) Mazda DEALERS usually don't know much about the RX-8 either, though a bit better than the generic used car dealers.
C) If you are a broke college kid, you should not be attempting to buy an RX-8. There is far too many things that can go wrong that snowball into big problems very quickly when not addressed. You need to have a cash pool on hand and constant care. A broke owner means a dead/destroyed car, costing you thousands.
D) In today's world it is not a good idea to post your full name, phone number, and email address in a public forum that is constantly swept by search engines and available to be swept by anything else trolling for personal information. You are asking for them to get misused and abused.

 

As a broke *** college student, you shouldn't buy an RX-8. It will either take all your money or all your time, and divert you from doing a good job with studies.

 

If at the minimum you cannot afford to put premium gas in your car frequently and maybe 10 bucks worth of oil a month don't buy this car.

As a busy (65-75hr/week) college student, the only thing I have to enjoy is the drive and the 30 minutes of weekly maintenance. If you do have a decent source of income after you factor in insurance,gas,etc that you can afford to change spark plugs and ignition coils without financial worry, and you are responsible enough to dedicate a percentage of your income towards a fund for when your engine needs a rebuild, there is not a better car in this price range.

If you meet those criteria, then read these forums. Have a good idea of what can go wrong, and what to check when you go to look at the cars.

 

Thanks for the advice, didn't mean to post two threads on purpose i just didn't know how to delete the extra one, been awhile since i have used a forum. As for me being broke i simply meant right now i cant afford to pay retail for the car so i am just trying to get a decent deal. As for maintenance i understand what i am getting into i've done plenty of my own research and i read your newbie thread. As well ill probably only drive it in the summer simply because my z-24 is doing good and its better on gas i honestly don't drive that much either but i certainly love driving when i do. Your probably right about all the personal information but its no big deal to me personally i appreciate the concern though.

 

 

If it was misfiring it would have a Cel.

The dealers could be saying it misfire because the shifter shakes at idle. This is normal.
And the car suppters at idle. This is caused by the pig rich tune from the factory and is an indication the driver did not rev it high enough everyday thus causing fouled plugs.

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

I'm glad i made your day worthwhile.

 

If you are in SE MI, have any potential cars tested at Brighton Mazda. They will give you a proper time-trace of rotor compression. Do not let the dealer selling the car do the test.

 

lol