Hey guys. I've been dealing with Rx-7's for almost ten years now, so I am fairly mechanically inclined and know the older rotary cars very well. However, I have an opportunity to pick up a 2004 6MT Rx-8. I have been talking to the selling and asking the general questions, but here is what makes me question weather or not I should buy.

The car has almost 150,000 miles on it. However, it does look very well taken care of. The prior owner before told me the motor gave out a few months ago due to low compression, and that he had purchased a motor from LKQ and had it installed that comes with a 6 month 6000 mile warranty.

I guess it all just boils down to this, Given the mileage on the car and the LKQ motor, do you think its worth the buy or should I walk away? You guys know 8's more than I do, I am more of a 7 guy when it comes to experience with 13B's.

 

Just like with a 7, you should have a compression test done.

 

After compression test, take it for a spin and wine it up. If it feels good ,looks good and the price is right then get it.

 

+1 on the compression test. Only way to get a good idea of the condition of the engine

 

+3 on the compression test. When I bought mine the guy told me he had a new reman Mazda motor installed. Well 38k miles later w/o a compression test I lost a seal. I pulled the motor and it had junk yard numbers on it. I trusted the guy and got f$%&ed

Do the test. Honestly if it were me and I had to do it again I would avoid a used engine unless the price of the car was too good to pass up. What's the asking price?