Just wanted to say hi, and that I am looking at locking down a 2009 RX8 R3. We've agreed on price and given that I'm out of state from the seller, he has agreed to take it to the dealership for a compression test. If the numbers come back solid, then the purchase will be completed. I am beyond excited, a bit nervous, but really looking forward to the ownership experience of the RX-8. This will be my dedicated weekend mountain car. Car has about 64k miles on it.

I've been reading about the RX8 for years now, even bought myself a HyperRev magazine from Japan a few years back in prep for future ownership. And now the time may have come.

 

wow ! hope all goes well. Asking compression gods to smile upon you. you will simply love this car. suggestion - put some Michelin Pilot 4S on and go canyon ripping

 

Compression test and PPI scheduled for Wednesday at 1pm. Please say some prayers!!!!!

 

Good luck! Hopefully everything checks out good. Smart to get a test before purchase.

 

me too. Based on conversations and emails I think it will be fine, but I've learned that it's a rotary...so you NEVER KNOW!

 

Welp.....not good. Dealer didnt even provide him specific numbers but noted compression was "weak."

I'm tempted to offer far less than I did and take my chance, or sit around and wait until another R3 is for sale, which can be a while.

 

better smart and safe than broke and sorry. A new proper engine is $5k installed or more easy. Going cheap on a Renesis rebuild is just as bad as buying an RX8 without a compression check.

 

Agreed. Moving on.

 

That sucks. Though, very common of most RX8's on the market. People sell them just before the engine is ready to give out. Good thing you did your research first and didnt let the natural allure of the car sway you.

 

It's just incredibly frustrating that it appears incumbent upon the potential buyer to pony up the money for the compression test rather than the seller. Every dealerships are refusing to do them, claiming a good hot start is enough to prove the engine is healthy. WTF?

I'm not going to go around dropping $200 every time I see a potential RX-8. Bullshit.

 

Another option is to buy a compression tester and do the tests yourself. It's very easy and can be done in a matter of about 15 minutes. The tester can be bought for $300. It's better to spend a few hundred on the test before purchase rather than $5k if it turns out it needs a replacement engine. Dont really know what else to recommend, it's definitely a car for enthusiasts.

www.rotarycompressiontester.com

 

I just bought one of the testers from that company, its set to be delivered on Monday. They are $275 right now with the COVID coupon code on the site. I saw one recently sold on the forum for $200, so I figured even if I used it twice I'd be ahead over paying the dealer here in PA $125 per test.