Hi all. Multi-year forum lurker, multi-year RX-8 fixation, finally approaching the time when I can get one (a series I). I've read the FAQs and other threads aimed at getting new buyers on the right track but I still have some questions. And yes I'm aware of the car's 'drawbacks' and am not deterred.

First off, I know standard practise is to get a compression test done before buying. Assuming I'm buying at a dealership (bad idea? most used 8's on Autotrader are...) is that something I pay for? If it fails, do I walk away from the sale $150+ out of pocket? Or would the dealer have done it before putting it on the lot? If he did, I assume I can just trust his numbers?

If I find a car that passes compression, and is otherwise what I'm looking for, are there other 'red flags'? For instance, from what I understand the carbon buildup that occurs when previous owners have driven like grannies is pretty difficult to check for. (I will make sure to run a Carfax)

Next, I see some people recommending insisting on new plugs before a sale, or making sure it's very recent. Canadians in agreement? What about the rest of the ignition system?

Finally, I am a totally non-mechanical apartment-dweller with no tools, nor room to work on the car. So yes, I know I'm going to get gouged often during repairs. I know I could do it cheaper myself, but assuming I won't be, how do I get ripped off the "least"? In the Ottawa area. (I found only one stumpy thread on this subject before, thought I'd throw it out there again)

Thanks for hearing me out, and I hope to join the ranks of owners here before the summer is out (And winters before the winter!) In the mean time, I remain envious!

 

Ottawa lurkers unite!

I got my '07 last month, so I know what you're going through.

Most of the dealers around here are clueless when it comes to rotaries. Unless it's a Mazda dealership, it's unlikely they've done a compression test, or even have the gear to do a rotary compression test. If you're otherwise happy with the car and ready to buy it, you might be able to talk the dealer into paying for the test, on the condition that you agree to buy the car if it passes. Otherwise, just factor the cost of the test into the cost of the car.

Definitely ask for the Carfax, although if you're at any sort of reputable dealership chances are it'll be clean. Ask for the maintenance records too, if they have them. If they don't, find out why not. You can also get the dealer to call Mazda and get the list of recalls that have been done on the car. That can be a good indication of how well the car has been looked after.

Find out how long it's been on the lot. Mine had been sitting for a while, and I managed to get new coils wires and plugs, and a new battery out of the dealer, because it was dead when I went back for a second test drive. New coils and plugs are a good idea especially on a car that's been on the lot, because I doubt they're careful about flooding.

And remember if it's a dealership to start low. It's not a car that's sells very fast. I waited through a couple of price drops and made a low-ball offer that I was only half-serious about and they jumped on it... makes me think I probably could have done even lower.... oh well.

In the month since I've got my 8, I've put more km's on that I put in 3 months on my last car... and that's in the lousy Smarch weather we've been having...

I had the same fixation on this car you have... you might as well surrender to it sooner rather than later!

 

Private all the way...9/10 dealers don't know how to service a 8...especially when stupid people go look at the car, start it up and rev it a couple time then shut the car off = flooded engine.

Talk to the person your buying it from...if a person really knows an 8...it will show; the oil used in our cars, the frequency of the oil change, the daily 'red' line reving, starting the car on a cold day...lots more. If you lurk on the forum, you'll catch all of it.

Lots of choice of cars on this forum..and you know its good cause ppl actually take the time to come onto the forum to check stuff out and care for their car....

Start looking for a winter beater....this car is not meant to be driven in the cold...you use more gas and it'll rust very quickly...

Just my 2cents.....no an opinion or a recommendation just some random thoughts...

 

Go to performance mazda in orleans , ask for marcel and tell him rob sent you , he will find you an rx8 1500 over dealer auction,

 

I agree that a private seller who answers the magic questions correctly would be ideal and if I see any private sales on a car that matches what I want (and my budget) I'll give them a call. My last car came from a dealer and it was a relatively good experience so I'm not ruling that out either, especially if I can get a good deal (these things do tend to sit on the lot for a long time!)

Yeah, dealership-wise I'd be looking at Mazda dealerships only I think. And definitely not "John Smith's Quality Cars" places.

My current car would be a fine winter beater but I don't think it's in the cards to keep both, storage wise. If I don't retire the 8 entirely during winters and go car-free, I'll at least make sure to get rust treatments done, use winter tires, and keep driving it to a minimum. A lot of members seem OK with wintering the car.

For what it's worth I'm looking for a WB or VR (only if it has red on black int.), MT, series I GT with a sunroof, don't care about nav, as stock as possible. Pick-up radius of probably a few hours for the right car.

Mike_M, where did you get your 8 and where do you plan on getting it serviced?
Thanks for the suggestions so far guys!

 

I got my 8 at Automax, right across the street from Performance, and took it to Performance for the pre-sale inspection, which they were happy to do.

Service-wise I'm going to try to take care of the regular stuff myself, though I'll probably end up taking it to Performance for anything unusual or in the winter, because my garage is too small to work on anything in.

FWIW, I'd save the money from the rust treatment and spend it on religiously washing the car. I bought a Petro-Canada car wash pass, and I take it through the touchless a couple times a week.

There's a JDM 7 on craigslist if you're feeling adventurous.

 

So;
- compression test: see if dealer will pay for test, if I agree to buy car if it passes
- ignition system: make sure it was done recently
- carfax
- maintenance history: obtain or find out why it's missing
- recalls: find out which have been done

I forgot to ask about recalls the first time around. I understand there were a couple done, depending on year, including a bad clutch pedal. (I plan on getting 05-07 fwiw) If they call Mazda to find out what had been done, will I also be able to find out which were needed but not done? I assume the cost for closing such a gap would come from Mazda themselves.

Thanks for the referral Speed_8 I'll let you know if I go that direction.

 

No problem, so you know goog are getting a good car that would be your best bet, most places charge 3 to 4k over dealer auction, theres a guy named pascal there, he does all the rotary work, marcel also owned an 8 so he uys very informative, but good luck with your purchase if you have questions just ask or pm me

 

Sorry for the spelling lol auto correct on the phone, performance are probably the best in regards to the 8, good luck on your search