I've been looking at buying a 2009 RX8 R3 with 60,000 miles on it. The dealer did a compression test, and the engine failed, so they're getting a reman from Mazda.

The dealer is asking $14K.

A buddy of mine tells me that this (reman engine) is fantastic news, and I should jump on it. But should I actually be concerned about the vehicle since it required a new engine? I mean, does the fact that it needs this new engine suggest that the vehicle may need other serious work?

Or should I be happy that this car will have what amounts to a new engine?

And my other question (and my subject line): If you had your druthers, and all other things being equal, would you rather buy an RX8 with a healthy, original engine or one with a reman engine?

 

It probably means that the previous owner babied it too much.

 

Yeah, the car was actually modified, so I doubt it was babied. Probably the opposite.
But anyways, what do you think of the questions? Thanks!

 

Get the comp check numbers on the reman, some remans from the dealership are hit or miss.
to answer your question I would take the car which had the highest compression numbers

 

I would never buy a used Renesis unless it was for parts or to use a core. Some remans are less than great but my original engine died at 22,000 so it's really a crap shoot as every reman is different, they all get some of the same new parts but many parts are reused in some and not on other depending on how they spec out. But if it were me I would not get either.

 

I don't understand that answer, you wouldn't get either. Sorry, I'm new here, but: Aren't those the only two options?

 

Or it could mean that there is an undiagnosed problem causing it to lose compression. Based on my experience, I would rather get an RX-8 with an original motor. For one, the reman engine isn't really new, as I'm sure you're aware. I got a reman engine put in under warranty a little while ago, and it's been a maintenance hassle ever since. With a reman engine you will have to worry about excess sealant clogging your radiator. So plan on doing at least 2 coolant flushes in short order. Is the dealer also putting in new spark plugs, coils and wires? Unless they were replaced recently, they should be renewed along with the engine, because they are a common failure point. The dealer will be taking off and re-installing the upper and lower intake manifolds, which introduces the risk of a vacuum leak if not done properly. What is the condition of the fuel injectors? A leaky injector will cause carbon buildup that may have caused the original engine to lose compression. The dealer will not check the fuel injectors, they will not check the condition of the intake port valves (which could be dirty as well) - well maybe they will if you ask as a condition for buying the car.

I had a leaky injector, which probably caused carbon buildup that is likely causing pinging on my 6000 mile reman engine. Why was the injector leaking? Maybe it got dirty over time, or maybe it got dirty when the dealer ran my tank down to nothing when test-driving after the reman install. In either case, 6000 miles after getting my reman engine put in I have detonation and compression that is not very strong (but would probably pass a dealer compression test). So if I had a choice, I would choose a Series 2 with a healthy original engine.

 

That's a really good answer, Jastreb.

Isn't your reman still under warranty? My thinking — well, my hope — is that if there's a problem with the reman, it's likely to show itself within the 1 year its covered under warranty.

If I go forward, I'll definitely ask them to replace the plugs, coils and wire, and to check for a vacuum leak, and to check the condition of the fuel injectors, per your advice.

 

Keep in mind that the 12,000 mile/12 month parts warranty on the reman is only valid if installed by a dealer or pre approved Mazda parts dealer such as Mazmart and a couple of others.

 

There's no such thing as a healthy renesis motor

 

Too easy. I'd much rather an original stock engine with good compression than a remanufactured engine. A no brainer.

 

Ditto.
Also, a healthy original would likely mean the previous owner was knowledgeable and took proper care of the car.
Kinda like the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

That's crazy, a reman comes with many new parts (search for posts by sleepy-z) and in some cases even new housings and irons. A used engine is a used engine and you are more likely to get hit by lightning than you are to get a truly accurate history on a used one. Do what Mazmart does, get a reman, tear it down and see what you are working with and rebuild it replacing any questionable parts. Or just get one from Pineapple or any of the other reputable rebuilders and save yourself the hassle.

 

I did compression test on my '04 at 99,950 miles..best $100 ever spent..test one, single rotor failed..mazda recommend de-carb..did decarb..then both rotors failed..mazda installed reman..rx now has 178k as today..so, I am a believer in reman..

BONUS: previous engine "flooded" (cold start, off, then would not restart) 3 times..my reman engine has nevwr done this..but I also do a 3k rev to prevent flooding these days...

I have had the vehicle since 30k miles...

6-speed...

hope this helps...

 

Engine replacement doesn't necessarily mean anything else is busted, but definitely read these forums for common issues on what to look for outside of the engine (power steering harness, clutch pedal, HVAC controls, cat, etc etc). Best case scenario here is to go for the reman, then care for it properly, as long as everything else checks out.