JAM535

Curious about opinions on this :

i have read read this site in and out

trading my mini with 100k miles for a rx8 6 speed , odometer says 143k but he says engine was replaced 50k ago . This is his 3rd rx8. We had long discussion on the coils and such that he upgraded and the known issues and maintenance up keep . The rx8 does seem to run fine , and performs idle and easy hot start.

The engine light come on randomly he says from an evap sensor

Having said that , My understanding is it comes down to simply getting a compression test , and I will .

If its 7.0 and above I’m going to probably do the trade , with the idea to get a new motor within 2 years and would like to add some mods for power , like flywheel , clutch , ignition , water pump , thermostat , cat converter / exhaust , intake for 10k or less . Does that seem reasonable pricing ( would enjoy a turbo , but read mixed reviews on how long car will last after that addition ???)

does this seem like a reasonable trade if it passes compression test with those numbers ? I do really want it.

wannawankel

Depends on price and body condition (frame rust of parts you may not see until it's on a lift). Purchase price should be at/below fair market value unless a ton of goodies that you want are on the car.

New potential buyers should read the section: https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...t-here-202454/

First thing is never buy a RX-8 until you've had a rotary-specific compression test done on both rotors (3 points per rotor) and analyze the results.

kevinande

Are you talking about a straight up trade with a private individual or a dealership?

I would not trade the Mini if I were you regardless of the situation. Assuming you have a good working daily driver. I don't recommend the 8 as a daily driver unless you have funds for maintenance issues. You are proposing getting one with almost 150k on the clock, it more than likely has some issues. Nothing that money can't fix obviously, question do you have it? If it were me I would keep the Mini and save the money you would spend on maintenance and mods and just buy an 8 out right, they are not really expensive at all unless you find one in really great shape. This way you can work on it at your leisure and still have reliable transportation. Just my .02

JAM535

Yes straight up trade with an individual , not a dealership . The vehicle is not my daily driver , and neither is my mini .... I was gonna mod out my mini but I want something with a different look . Both vehicles have new clutch , brakes and tires ... my mini dealer said within 20k miles my mini will need 3-4K of work .... so I’m at a crux of driving it into the ground ... or bust a move ... I know the rx8 will have issues . .... I was reading if the compression test comes back over 7 on all the tests it has some potential life like a year or two .... is that accurate for engine life ?

i really want an rx8 . But don’t want the sucker dying instantly ... was hoping compression tests was the deal sealer

kevinande

Well it sounds to me like you know what you are doing. The 8 is a sharp looking car, the primary reason I wanted one as well. I did not know squat about rotary engines until I got one and learned as I went along. I am far from the expert on compression numbers so hopefully someone will chime in with a better understanding. It has been a while since I looked at compression numbers but I believe you are on the right track. I would think that there are other factors to consider as well, such as if this is the original? If you are prepared to do the work and given the new information I say go get the compression test and if it comes back acceptable go for it.

CaymanRotary

it’s not a bad trade at all. Compression test is important because you don’t want an 8 with engine problems. $5k for a new engine so make sure it checks out. Also make sure to check the usual things; brakes, suspension, exhaust, power steering AC etc. Use your best judgement and you’ll be fine. If the car is above 7’s likely get more than 2 years out of it.