Advice on buying RX8

[Veloc]

Dear all rotary sifus...

I am asking on behalf of a friend. He does not have a zth account. He is considering to buy a used RX8 auto. Is there any things to look out for? Any problems associated with this car? Most impotant, any advice on maintenance, running costs?

Appreciate if you guys can share some experience...

Many thanks...

 

[BLaCkHoWLiNG]

Mazda RX-8 2003 RM115000.00 | Used Mazda | Used Cars for Sale | Malaysia Car Classified : Carlist.my

by that car... it's one of the best kept one in town

 

[Izso]

Veloc : I think RX8 or not, maintenance is generally the same.

1. Rotary cars are heat sensitive so cooling has to be maintained very well or upgraded.
2. Apex seal is the life of the Rotary engine, as long as that is maintained properly and changed when worn it's good.
3. Auto gearboxes generally cannot take too much bashing so if the engine is heavily modified, my suspicion on the gearbox lifespan is it's not going to last too long. If engine is stock, then check maintenance records to confirm that the correct type of fluid is used. Using the wrong fluid will kill the GB in the long run too regardless of what mechanics say "Ini bagus punyaaaa. Lagi smooth".
4. Most RX8 cars are weekend cars so they tend to be parked most of the time meaning the battery wouldn't be in too good condition. Worth checking how easily the car cranks when cold.

That's all I can think of. I'm sure there's more!

 

[Veloc]

Thank you bro Izso.That was helpful...

 

[dream.tent]

Hi Veloc,

For any RX8 in the dealer ship, it's best to check:
1. Compression Test. At least them all number at 7.x ish~8.x is better. Anything too low might indicate worn apex seal.
2. Check the power steering if it's jerking when you start the car. Specially when it is cold. Jerking or the steering turns by itself means the rack is gone. (a new rack cost up to RM5k)
3. Best to get the OBDII read out and see if any fault code in the system still
4. For 2003/2004 cars, O2 sensor mostly about to die or dead already. Can get a wideband O2 check at workshop to confirm as CEL might not come up yet.
5. Ignition Coils .... Common things to die on you at this age.
6. Have those plugs check and change too.
7. Rear absorber. Try uneven road that has sudden drop or normally coming down from a overhead bridge/ramp. If you felt the rear end bottoms in, the shocks likely are dead.
8. Fuel Pump. Not easy to check but it's another part tat would cause problem for 8's that has 50k km done or more... Symptoms: Can't rev above 5k~6kRPM (but can cause by faulty ignition coils too).. Choking or felt like fuel cut at high RPM..

Some other minor things but not critical...

 

[Veloc]

Thank you Dream.Tent!!!

 

[dream.tent]

Thank you Dream.Tent!!!

It's not really tat hard to maintain RX8. Just need more TLC from the owner...