Looking to Buy a RX8 or FD
11-06-2011, 09:16 PM
#1
Looking to Buy a RX8 or FD
OK I'm looking to buy a FD or a RX8 in a couple months .. I keep reading and reading and looks like the fd seems more reliable for some reason even all the issues people mention. I would perfer a Rebuilt Engine on a Fd from a reliable Shop. But I can get a rx8 with warrenty from a dealer But for a lot more. I really need to make up my mind since once I get my new rotary Ill start my Rx3 and I would Hate to put money into my new car and leave my rx3 behind. I have put my project behind since I added 2 more kids to my family lol. I would really love peoples feed back since is something im doing soon and my wife is actually ok with it, Thanks
I really love the RX8 but I dont want to be poring money into something I will regret i perfer putting this towards my RX3.
I really love the RX8 but I dont want to be poring money into something I will regret i perfer putting this towards my RX3.
11-06-2011, 09:32 PM
#6
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The FD will be more of a money sink than the RX-8. Hands down. If nothing else, an 8 is 11 or more years newer, with that much less rust, component fatigue, etc... Even brand new to brand new though, the 8 is going to win the reliability contest.
11-06-2011, 09:38 PM
#7
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If you're trying not to pour money into your new car, then the FD isn't for you.
As with any car, one can have more problems than the other. the FD is just more susceptible to it for it's age. Then again the rx8 you're looking at can be a lemon. Who knows, just play it safe, if possible have the compression checked, see how well the warranty is, and work from there!
Best of luck to you
p.s: let's see some pics of that rx3
As with any car, one can have more problems than the other. the FD is just more susceptible to it for it's age. Then again the rx8 you're looking at can be a lemon. Who knows, just play it safe, if possible have the compression checked, see how well the warranty is, and work from there!
Best of luck to you
p.s: let's see some pics of that rx3
11-06-2011, 10:44 PM
#8
I HATE SPEEDBUMPS!
The rx8 is a win, win situation. The FD is a nice car, but money wise, the rx8 is much cheaper to maintain than that old FD. Don't get me wrong, older vehicles should be pampered more than newer ones. Parts alone are hard to find, and maintaining it is more costly. Newer ones still have warranty, older ones does not.
11-07-2011, 12:09 AM
#9
Senior Member
I would say get the 8 over the 7 also. The 8 is a lot more versatile than the 7 is. It's a sports car, but then you have the rear seats/doors for kids/extra space/etc., the reliability is better, it's newer, possible warranty depending on what year you get, etc. The 7 is great, but it's more a sports car only and nothing else.
11-07-2011, 12:24 AM
#11
If I had the finances to choose between an 8 or a 7 I would have picked the 7 hands down.
I picked the 8 because it was newer, obviously more reliable as there were several upgrades from the previous 13B. Maybe it's just me but the 7 seems to have a more exotic look to it and it's more of a proper sports car.
But the 8 on the other hand is engineering at it's finest. It's around the same weight as the FD, while stilling having 4 doors, produces around the same amount of horsepower in N/A, has a better chassis and has the "suicide" freestyle doors but still manages to hold a turn better than 80% of cars on the road.
Also, for the price of a used FD that is in good condition, (no rust, accidents, etc.) you could probably get an '09-'11 R3 with low miles, which is even more reliable than any of the earlier series Rx-8s, while still having a warranty and not have to worry about repairs of the FD.
Either way, you're owning a rotary so you can never make the wrong decision.
I picked the 8 because it was newer, obviously more reliable as there were several upgrades from the previous 13B. Maybe it's just me but the 7 seems to have a more exotic look to it and it's more of a proper sports car.
But the 8 on the other hand is engineering at it's finest. It's around the same weight as the FD, while stilling having 4 doors, produces around the same amount of horsepower in N/A, has a better chassis and has the "suicide" freestyle doors but still manages to hold a turn better than 80% of cars on the road.
Also, for the price of a used FD that is in good condition, (no rust, accidents, etc.) you could probably get an '09-'11 R3 with low miles, which is even more reliable than any of the earlier series Rx-8s, while still having a warranty and not have to worry about repairs of the FD.
Either way, you're owning a rotary so you can never make the wrong decision.
11-07-2011, 12:26 AM
#12
FD can more reliably make higher power on a well built motor, but you're going to have a lot of other things on the car that will be older as well.
A VERY well maintained and upgrade FD might be able to compete with an RX-8 in terms of reliability, but it will cost you quite a bit.
How much are you looking to spend? The biggest concern you should have with reliability on the RX-8, at this point, would be the engine. If you can afford it, just buy an 8 that still has time left on the drivetrain warranty and you can worry less. Just be sure to keep all of your maintenance records.
A VERY well maintained and upgrade FD might be able to compete with an RX-8 in terms of reliability, but it will cost you quite a bit.
How much are you looking to spend? The biggest concern you should have with reliability on the RX-8, at this point, would be the engine. If you can afford it, just buy an 8 that still has time left on the drivetrain warranty and you can worry less. Just be sure to keep all of your maintenance records.
11-07-2011, 04:53 AM
#16
If you're trying not to pour money into your new car, then the FD isn't for you.
As with any car, one can have more problems than the other. the FD is just more susceptible to it for it's age. Then again the rx8 you're looking at can be a lemon. Who knows, just play it safe, if possible have the compression checked, see how well the warranty is, and work from there!
Best of luck to you
p.s: let's see some pics of that rx3
As with any car, one can have more problems than the other. the FD is just more susceptible to it for it's age. Then again the rx8 you're looking at can be a lemon. Who knows, just play it safe, if possible have the compression checked, see how well the warranty is, and work from there!
Best of luck to you
p.s: let's see some pics of that rx3
11-07-2011, 05:13 AM
#17
If I had the finances to choose between an 8 or a 7 I would have picked the 7 hands down.
I picked the 8 because it was newer, obviously more reliable as there were several upgrades from the previous 13B. Maybe it's just me but the 7 seems to have a more exotic look to it and it's more of a proper sports car.
But the 8 on the other hand is engineering at it's finest. It's around the same weight as the FD, while stilling having 4 doors, produces around the same amount of horsepower in N/A, has a better chassis and has the "suicide" freestyle doors but still manages to hold a turn better than 80% of cars on the road.
Also, for the price of a used FD that is in good condition, (no rust, accidents, etc.) you could probably get an '09-'11 R3 with low miles, which is even more reliable than any of the earlier series Rx-8s, while still having a warranty and not have to worry about repairs of the FD.
Either way, you're owning a rotary so you can never make the wrong decision.
I picked the 8 because it was newer, obviously more reliable as there were several upgrades from the previous 13B. Maybe it's just me but the 7 seems to have a more exotic look to it and it's more of a proper sports car.
But the 8 on the other hand is engineering at it's finest. It's around the same weight as the FD, while stilling having 4 doors, produces around the same amount of horsepower in N/A, has a better chassis and has the "suicide" freestyle doors but still manages to hold a turn better than 80% of cars on the road.
Also, for the price of a used FD that is in good condition, (no rust, accidents, etc.) you could probably get an '09-'11 R3 with low miles, which is even more reliable than any of the earlier series Rx-8s, while still having a warranty and not have to worry about repairs of the FD.
Either way, you're owning a rotary so you can never make the wrong decision.
11-07-2011, 05:30 AM
#18
What have you done to your rx8 my wife keeps telling me to give up on my rx3 and put that money on something new I say is not same classic are very hard to find. She says go to yunk yard they should have many.. lol she is funny
11-07-2011, 07:28 AM
#19
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You know you can multi-quote? 
The R3 is 2009+ special edition, like the Shinka was for 2005 / 2006, 40th AE for 2007. It's the best of the special editions due to the Recaro seats, but otherwise the same as the prior special editions The R3 is new enough that it might be out of your intended price range.
The R3 is 2009+ special edition, like the Shinka was for 2005 / 2006, 40th AE for 2007. It's the best of the special editions due to the Recaro seats, but otherwise the same as the prior special editions The R3 is new enough that it might be out of your intended price range.
11-07-2011, 08:44 AM
#21
Around 2800 for the FD vs. 3000 for the 8 no?
FDs are very cheap these days. I think you can get one with a warrantied motor for 12k tops.
This is very true. This is pretty much the answer.
Also, for the price of a used FD that is in good condition, (no rust, accidents, etc.) you could probably get an '09-'11 R3 with low miles, which is even more reliable than any of the earlier series Rx-8s, while still having a warranty and not have to worry about repairs of the FD.
FD can more reliably make higher power on a well built motor, but you're going to have a lot of other things on the car that will be older as well.
A VERY well maintained and upgrade FD might be able to compete with an RX-8 in terms of reliability, but it will cost you quite a bit.
A VERY well maintained and upgrade FD might be able to compete with an RX-8 in terms of reliability, but it will cost you quite a bit.
11-07-2011, 09:07 AM
#22
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The weight thing is subjective. I wouldn't say similar, but I'd say they're close.
If you've got an older Rx as a toy, I'd really recommend the Rx8, since it's still a toy, but you can fit your kids in it, and use it for daily life. I would look into going newer than 06-07 if at all possible for you, for a longer warranty. Though, I know I bought my 04 in March, and the original owner had bought the 04 late, like, practically in 06, and with how things work out, I had the extended warranty for about, well.. 4 more days, haha.
So, look into stuff like that heavily when you buy one, as well as making sure it's in great shape. One thing, request a compression check on it.
I mean, the FD is great, I was highly considering buying one myself, but the Rx8 just seems to be more responsible for life since it's so much more versatile.
If you've got an older Rx as a toy, I'd really recommend the Rx8, since it's still a toy, but you can fit your kids in it, and use it for daily life. I would look into going newer than 06-07 if at all possible for you, for a longer warranty. Though, I know I bought my 04 in March, and the original owner had bought the 04 late, like, practically in 06, and with how things work out, I had the extended warranty for about, well.. 4 more days, haha.
So, look into stuff like that heavily when you buy one, as well as making sure it's in great shape. One thing, request a compression check on it.
I mean, the FD is great, I was highly considering buying one myself, but the Rx8 just seems to be more responsible for life since it's so much more versatile.
11-07-2011, 09:25 AM
#23
Depends on what you are looking for. The FD is not practical in anyway shape or form. it requires more attention on up keep, and you cannot fit hardly anything in it. This being said you will not pry mine out of my cold dead hands. 
However, saying they are not reliable is far from true. A lot of FD's are beat up and need work. There are some that are in amazing condition, but these are becoming harder to find. I'll tell it like I tell everyone else. If you buy a FD for 10-12K expect to have $18-20K into it to get it in tip top shape. Its just the truth. Typically all the pillowballs and rear diff bushings are shot which is not a cheap fix in the least, the twin turbo cars will generally need soleniods every few years as they tend to die due to heat, and most of the time the turbos are on their way out.
However I have a few that i service that are retarded nice and unbelievable examples of the cars. I am not trying to talk you out of a FD, but you need to know what you are getting into.
Now the RX8 is great. I drove mine 15 times to the west coast and 9 times to the East coast one year. The family can enjoy it and you can take to to the grocery store and get more than a box of cereal and a 6 pack. The handling on the track is amazing if you turn off the worthless traction control. The rx8 is also much simpler in design than the 7 is as well under the hood. you can snag a 8 that is out of warranty with a motor that needs rebuilt for a very good price send the motor to me and I'll set you up with a very nice motor w/ a 2yr/24k warranty and save some $$$ over buying one from the dealer. Or I have a 2004 GT that is getting a new motor that will be for sale next week. I know shameless plug.
It all comes down to what you want. The RX7 is a hard core sports car w/ no amenities (not even cup holders) and the rx8 is a every day usable sports car.
Good luck w/ your decision.
However, saying they are not reliable is far from true. A lot of FD's are beat up and need work. There are some that are in amazing condition, but these are becoming harder to find. I'll tell it like I tell everyone else. If you buy a FD for 10-12K expect to have $18-20K into it to get it in tip top shape. Its just the truth. Typically all the pillowballs and rear diff bushings are shot which is not a cheap fix in the least, the twin turbo cars will generally need soleniods every few years as they tend to die due to heat, and most of the time the turbos are on their way out.
However I have a few that i service that are retarded nice and unbelievable examples of the cars. I am not trying to talk you out of a FD, but you need to know what you are getting into.
Now the RX8 is great. I drove mine 15 times to the west coast and 9 times to the East coast one year. The family can enjoy it and you can take to to the grocery store and get more than a box of cereal and a 6 pack. The handling on the track is amazing if you turn off the worthless traction control. The rx8 is also much simpler in design than the 7 is as well under the hood. you can snag a 8 that is out of warranty with a motor that needs rebuilt for a very good price send the motor to me and I'll set you up with a very nice motor w/ a 2yr/24k warranty and save some $$$ over buying one from the dealer. Or I have a 2004 GT that is getting a new motor that will be for sale next week. I know shameless plug.
It all comes down to what you want. The RX7 is a hard core sports car w/ no amenities (not even cup holders) and the rx8 is a every day usable sports car.
Good luck w/ your decision.
11-07-2011, 09:33 AM
#24
The extra power really makes the RX-8 something special.
I say go with the RX-8 cause you already have your rx3 as a toy and the rx8 will be alot less to worry about.
Keep the RX-3 and restore her!
Don't listen to the wife.
Last edited by firecran; 11-07-2011 at 09:41 AM.
11-07-2011, 01:30 PM
#25
It's REW swapped w/single turbo and other goodies. I bought it already swapped.
The extra power really makes the RX-8 something special.
I say go with the RX-8 cause you already have your rx3 as a toy and the rx8 will be alot less to worry about.
Keep the RX-3 and restore her!
Don't listen to the wife.
The extra power really makes the RX-8 something special.
I say go with the RX-8 cause you already have your rx3 as a toy and the rx8 will be alot less to worry about.
Keep the RX-3 and restore her!
Don't listen to the wife.