Looking to join the club
 

I have been trolling these forums for quite a while, and have been interested in purchasing an RX-8 for years. Finally, I have found a good deal on a recent model and have the funds to buy/upgrade the RX of my dreams.

Problem - I am a pseudo car newb. My in and around vehicle is a soccer mom 2006 CRV, and I don't have much knowledge or experience with performance vehicles. Also, I am purchasing from a private dealer.

The carfax checks out on the car, no issues save for a prior checkup for "electrical servicing," and the car only has around 17000 miles. Since Rotary's require special TLC and attention I plan to ask this guy the gamut of questions to ensure he didn't jack up and mistreat his engine, IE: how often he changed his oil, whether he used synthetic or conventional, whether or not he did cold starts, who else drove the darn thing, how to care for a rotary etc..

I think the above will gauge just how he treated his car and will ensure I don't get stuck with a lemon that will have an engine blow up on me 10k miles down the road.

Am I missing any bases here? Any other thoughts and advice on how to tell a lemon from a winner when it comes to buying an RX-8 from a private dealer? Also, are there video/sites out there that can explain in detail the make up and just general knowledge on this vehicle to turn this interested car guy from someone who has trouble deciphering terms that are casually thrown around in these forums to someone who understands the lingo and can make DIY repairs and part installations?

Yes, see my signature.

I am not sure if there is a link to a terminology thread, I'll have to poke around for that.

Welcome to the forum. Definitely read RIWWP's new owner thread. Don't let it frighten you - it's a bit like the insert for prescription medicine, but will give you an amazing amount of knowledge. Sounds like you've already done your homework.

If you're paying a decent amount for any used car, take it to a knowledgable mechanic for a look-see. With an RX-8 that means either a good dealer or a rotary specialist. If you give your location, folks here should be able to steer you to a good place.

The DIY forum here ought to get you rolling for becoming your own mechanic.

Ken

Make sure to get that compression test :D i know thats a given and i think it says in new owners thread but good luck to ya

Good luck with your search. Read the stickies and update us on the outcome...

Indeed best of luck

UPDATE:

Well the deal fell through. The sell on the car was amazing, however upon inspection the thermometer was broken, the tires were bald, the car was dirty and the dash was cracked. It still drove nice and the seller was honest and upfront, however I could not pay the asked price due to the issues (and because i'd have to shell out about 5g's to ship it back to the states). Someone else bit on the asking price - so it's back to the market for me.

I will be in the Atlanta area in about 3 months. I hope to find my dream RX-8 (or if not, build the fu*ker myself) at that time.

As puppet said, get a compression test!!!!!! I didn't when I purchased mine and it cost me an engine. Luckily mine was under warranty but you may not be so lucky. These are incredibly cheap cars for amount of performance you get from them but you really need to read RIWWP's write up for new owners as everyone has said because this isn't a toyota that you can run out of oil for 6 months and do little damage to. This car can be a headache but the smile it puts on your face is priceless. Research is key and this forum is THE BEST source. Be patient and get one in good shape because they are out there. Good luck to you!