Help, new to forum,looking for advice
 

I am looking at buying a 2006 rx8 with 44000 miles. I have never owned a car with a rotary engine before. I have heard good and bad. First, on the extended warranty, does it just automatically go with the car or is there paper work that should be with the car? I am buying from a dealer that is not a mazda dealer and they know nothing...
Also, if the previous owner has not taken care of the engine etc and then I buy it,is the warranty still good?

Is there some kind of check list of things I need to do other than use 5w20 oil to insure that the warrenty stays valid?

This dealer is only going to check the engine if there is a service light on on the dash. So I would like to get it checked by a mechanic before buying. Any advice as to what to look for? I live in an area where it is hard to find a mazda dealer or mechanic...

Thanks so much,
Michele

Core warranty follows the car, no paper needed

Without service history, if you ever do need a replacement engine, it will be impossible to provide records which could result in a denial from mazda
The warranty is still "valid", it's just a matter of you not having any records of the service history

See if you can get a compression test done before buying. Loss of compression is the reason engine are replaced by mazda. If the dealer is looking to sell the car they shouldn't balk too much at having this done


welcome

Thank you!!

I did notice somewhat of a history but only a seal on the transmission was replaced. No mention of oil changes, maintenance etc . Is that going to be a problem? Its one of those situations where the guy came in and traded the rx8 for another car. He lives in another state. I'm assuming everything that he had for service records are with the car..:0(

if you're lucky the previous owner had his car serviced at a mazda dealership, that would keep a history of the regular maintenance on file.

There's also a chance the previous owner still has his records, you could always ask the curent dealership to call him and find out.

Having a mechanic check the car over is always recommended when buying a used car. Compression check is part of the drill. The problem with a rotary is that a compression check needs special equipment and knowledge. You'd need to find a dealer or rotary shop to check it over.

Buying a car that's not run-of-the-mill without a suitable shop nearby can carry somewhat of a thrill factor.

Issues of not having prior service records depend very much on the dealer you go to if there's trouble. If you browse this forum, you'll find experiences all over the map. Buying a used car always carries some risk, though. Always have to balance that against your finances and how much the car cries out to you.

Ken