purchasing an rx8
#1 weak spot is ignition, but since that is a maintenance item, it's health isn't a big critical factor in the car.
#2 weak spot is the engine. GET A COMPRESSION TEST before you purchase an RX-8. Post the numbers here to get an opinion on if it's good or not.
Everything else is common car stuff. Rust, tires, loose joints, damage, repainting, any repair or service history, etc...
And read this if you haven't yet: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
#2 weak spot is the engine. GET A COMPRESSION TEST before you purchase an RX-8. Post the numbers here to get an opinion on if it's good or not.
Everything else is common car stuff. Rust, tires, loose joints, damage, repainting, any repair or service history, etc...
And read this if you haven't yet: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/
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just a post i did on another forum, but these would be the 3 ideal things you should do
3 things before buying the actual car
1. Service Logs, are they kept up to date? Is every service performed? Any prior problems that were not resolved? History on engine, Recalls, Previous warranty repairs (will reveal alot about the previous driver, for example if a engine was seized due to carbon, you can be damn sure the previous owner did not maintain it well at all or simply never red lined it O.O, types of oils used etc etc, any special maintenance procedures (2 stroke?), Track use?)
2. Check by mechanic (rotary specialist) Compression, Coil, Engine Mounts, Cat system, After market MODs (if there are any look for info on rx8club.com about that particular mod and see the reviews), general scan of under body for leaks, check chassis for damages
3. Test drive: Nothing reveals more about the car then the actual test drive, it helps if you have a rx8 owner that is willing to come with you, few things to notice,
a) The power band, is it smooth? is there hesitation before 4krpm? after 6krpm? may be variety of problems lesser being coils/sparks/cat, going all the way to dud engine
b) Vibration in cabin? Heavy Vibration means worn motor mounts
c) Transmission? if going manual cant check for vibrations/smells/stiffness of clutch pedal (known to snap off)
d) weird sounds?
Another important thing is to check who has worked on these cars, there are certain mechanic shops to stay away from....
3 things before buying the actual car
1. Service Logs, are they kept up to date? Is every service performed? Any prior problems that were not resolved? History on engine, Recalls, Previous warranty repairs (will reveal alot about the previous driver, for example if a engine was seized due to carbon, you can be damn sure the previous owner did not maintain it well at all or simply never red lined it O.O, types of oils used etc etc, any special maintenance procedures (2 stroke?), Track use?)
2. Check by mechanic (rotary specialist) Compression, Coil, Engine Mounts, Cat system, After market MODs (if there are any look for info on rx8club.com about that particular mod and see the reviews), general scan of under body for leaks, check chassis for damages
3. Test drive: Nothing reveals more about the car then the actual test drive, it helps if you have a rx8 owner that is willing to come with you, few things to notice,
a) The power band, is it smooth? is there hesitation before 4krpm? after 6krpm? may be variety of problems lesser being coils/sparks/cat, going all the way to dud engine
b) Vibration in cabin? Heavy Vibration means worn motor mounts
c) Transmission? if going manual cant check for vibrations/smells/stiffness of clutch pedal (known to snap off)
d) weird sounds?
Another important thing is to check who has worked on these cars, there are certain mechanic shops to stay away from....
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akagc
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