Hey guys, im new on the forum, so i thought id start by just sharing my plans for an rx-8.

Well i got a D.U.I over the summer in july, and my license is still suspended do to it i reccomened never ever drinking and driving it totally is not worth teh risk..

anyways after that little psa haha ive been looking around for a reasonably priced rx-8 and i have many questions about it.

Ive been shopping around and have seen a few 04's and 05's with 30k miles for 11,900-13k.

i was instantly intrigued by the rotary engine, its high redline and and the way they made it so its got the 50/50 balance on it.

ive been reading reviews on how if you dont give this car 110% effort its just gonna break down on me, but i have been reading differently on these forums.

I just was wondering if you guys could give me your opinion hear, maybe like a list of things to watch out for, things to be questioning the dealer about the 8, and maybe how to determine which used rx-8's right for me.

Thanks guys
steve

 

I usually dont say this right outta the gate, but


SEARCH

 

Most 8's still have a 100k/8 year engine internals warranty left on them. But of course you want to avoid any headaches so make note of a few things. Most common failures of a rotary are apex seals and coolant seals.
- A proper compression test will tell you the genral health of the engine
- If you have the time/access to pressure tester, test the cooling system

Other than that ask for the obvious maintnence records, oil changes ( and type of oil used), recalls performed, accidents, etc.

In all the rx8 is a great car with proper maintence and relaiblity mods you can expect a long living engine. The rx8 is Practical but it has its needs.

 

A search will give him all sorts of discouraging threads from years ago . Theres a lot of damage done from early engine failure threads thats ruining the rx8.

 

Well i have the advantage of one of my friends is a mechanic and said he would come and look at it with me... but he says he probably wouldnt be able to give me the insight cuz hes not as familiar with the Rotary, thats why im asking.

Also, im going to be attending U.T.I in the fall of next year, and i believe this would be a awesome car to have while attending school for them, i fell in love with the 8 the second i took a look at it. i was sold after we took it out on some windy roads and and gave it a nice run.

I've been looking at mostly 05's and above because ive been hearing that the 04's simply have the most flaws throughout... is this neccesarily true?

also heres the one we took out for a test drive...

http://wellesleymazda3.reachlocal.co...gle%252BSearch


with the economy the way it is it seems like now is the time too buy... any tips on talking a dealer down?

im a overall n00b when it comes to buying cars and dealing with dealerships.

thanks ahead for the help!!

 

theres nothing to prove that any year rx8 has more or less problems than the others. You will probally find the best deal on a 04 soley because of the year.

A normal mechanic wont be able to properly diagnose a rotary its a completly different setup. Maybe some locals can help you out put your location in your profile.

Fair warning UTI does not teach rotaries or any real skills at all. Ive seen many people get caught up in it to end up as Lube techs @ $8 an hour....

 

well thats definetly good to know haha, anyways, im in the boston area specifically i live in wayland mass pretty boring *** small town but whatever haha

theres about 4 2004 rx-8's with 20k miles for from12-15 i was just hesitant becuz of the model year.

 

04's are fine as long as they have been maintained and have all the upgraded parts like Battery starter flashes etc....I don't see a reason why you would have any other issues.

 

I tawt I taw a RX-tate!!

I DEED, I DEED taw a RX-tate!!