So i understand about watching the oil and makesure i premix and such. But what else do i have to worry about with getting a manual RX8? Im 16 and i want this to be my first car. Ive done quite a bit of research but id like to hear from the community about it. Any tips i should know to extend the life. Im about to buy a manual 2006 RX8 with a rebuilt engine by Mazda (seller has receipts) for about $7,500. Also, is this as good of a deal as i feel it is?

 

Read this about 10 times: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

This is not a great first car. I'd pursue other avenues if I were you.

 

Don't do it kid. Get a Civic Si or something.

 

Definitely read that thread and take it to heart.

This is not an inexpensive car to own in any respect. It drinks premium gas and oil, it has a "fragile" engine that may break down on you, even if newly re-manufactured and you maintain it perfectly. Coils and catalytic converters pop like popcorn. Gremlins are plentiful, replacement parts are expensive, aftermarket parts are expensive, performance parts are expensive. Unless you have a lot of disposable income, find another cool car, like an older BMW.

 

Don't do it. This is a terrible first car.

 

If you REALLY have your heart set on it, and IF you have a steady income or source of money, I won't discourage you from buying it IF you get and pass a rotary specific compression test, and IF you do research and go into it fully warned of the risks involved after reading out new owner stickies.

Many here will disagree with me, maybe even say it's irresponsible for me not to discourage you, but the truth is, I love my 8 and I think it's an awesome car even with all it's flaws.

If you're mechanically inclined and want to learn how to work on cars, it's really not hard to work on as long as you don't attempt to rebuild it.
The main concern is the expense involved in repairs and maintenance.
You will need to do it religiously, and always buy premium gas, which can get expensive when you get less than 20 MPG.

 

Do NOT buy an RX8 as a first/ only car.

 

Well my dad already knows what im getting into with this car and ive informed him on just about all the research ive done. I understand the troubles and problems then can be associated but i also understand all that i have to do on my part to keep the car lasting long. My dad understands the expenses that could go into the car if it breaks down and he said he'd be able to help me with the money. I understand all the reasons not to have it as my first car but i really want this to be my first car and i think im responsible enough to do my part on it.

 

You've got a cool Dad.
Good luck!

 

Before you purchase, get a rotary-specific compression test.

DO NOT PURCHASE ANY ROTARY-POWERED CAR WITHOUT IT.


I don't care if the seller is Jesus Christ, don't just take his word. Don't just trust receipts. Get the test done.

 

I own an RX-7 and I wouldn't buy a rotary as a first time car being sixteen. You want to worry about other things at that age, not having to rebuild an engine.

 

Live and learn.
When I was 16 I bought a '69 Javelin with a V8, my brother and I spent 3 months removing and rebuilding the transmission.
Took us 3 tries before we got it right.

 

Im going to see an RX8 in my area today. Im getting it compression tested even though he said its a new engine with less than 20k miles on it and looking out for the main stuff ive heard about. Like of course if the compression test doesnt have good results or if it creates blue or white smoke on the start ups and to avoid the deal if he mentions anything wrong with the apex seals. Anything else i should look out for? Any other thoughts about anything cause im a stubborn 16 year old that just really wants an RX8?

 

Assuming you read through the new owner stickies?
This was a thread from a while back similar to your situation with a new guy, lots of good info here.

https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...ve-rx8-259334/

 

Definitely get the compression test. Some reman engines have failed in as little as 50 miles. One guy recently had his fail as he was leaving the dealership with it. Very many have failed in less than 30K miles.

Ask when the coils, plugs, and wires were last replaced. Ask about the condition of the catalytic converter. When was it last inspected? Ask if the seller uses premix, what kind, and how much. If the seller doesn't know the answers to these questions, he/she does not know how to maintain this car.

 

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