So I've been lurking around here for several months and have spent much longer lurking on rx7club. I've read the new/potential owner threads multiple times. I THINK I've got a pretty good grasp of what I'd be getting myself into if I bought an 8. I'm handy with a wrench and am not afraid to do my own maintenance/repairs.

I drove an RX-8 (a really nice one owner '04 GT) for the first time a few months ago and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, though the engine felt smooth and solid while driving, it didn't start well when hot. I decided it wasn't worth 10 grand for a 75,000 mile car.

There's still something that bugs me. I've read about the various and sundry issues with RX-8s. What I'm curious about is the possibility of having the following situation: 1) car breaks 2) replace part 3) that didn't fix it 4) okay, replace another part 5) didn't fix it 6) sell kidney 7) continue chasing stupid problem 8) ad nauseum...

If something breaks, that's fine. I'll fix it. If an engine blows, it sucks but whatever, I'll get the engine rebuilt. What I do NOT want is problems that just continue to cascade and build up into insanity OR random stuff that only a dealer with insanely expensive tools can diagnose/fix.

I've found another '04 GT with about 45,000 miles. Very clean interior, decent exterior, smooth engine that starts easily when hot for about 8 grand. One owner until 2012 and 3 other owners since (which seems like a red flag). Idle fluctuation that goes away with the clutch depressed (neutral switch?). Stalled twice at idle during a fairly long test drive but started fine afterwards (assuming she needs new coils). I'm just having a bit of trouble making up my mind. I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys have.

 

When it comes to troubleshooting, coming here is going to give you your best chance. That doesn't mean that it won't happen, because it certainly can. Chasing your tail just has a significantly greater chance if you are paying someone else to fix it.

 

Keep looking more than 2 owners with a 8 opens more chances they rode it hard and hung it up wet. Eney hard start when hot is never a sign.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it was abused by the three previous owners. They only put about 4,000 miles on the car altogether, though.

Assuming it hasn't overheated and warped a rotary housing, it shouldn't be all that bad, right?