j.wee

I'm highly considering buying an RX-8 for the reason that I am getting a bit tired of my current car; I want something new and interesting. The RX-8 is at the top of my list in terms of what I'm looking to get. So I've done an extensive amount of research on this car in the past couple of days to acquire some knowledge. Correct me if I'm wrong...

Before buying:
1) Ask about the engine's compression
2) ... what engine it currently has (original/swapped/rebuilt)
3) ... maintenance: coolant flush, oil change, and ignition components

...Here's where I'm a bit stuck

After buying:

I understand this car is all about upkeep (maintenance maintenance maintenance! oil changes every 3k miles, annual coolant flush, new ignition components every 30k miles, top up the oil whenever required). I also understand cooling can be an issue for these engines. However, I've probed around trying to find an answer to my question yet yielding nothing: with regular maintenance, will this car be just like any other? I'm not asking how long these engines last (I've read some stupid responses, and I now understand this is a stupid question to begin with). I understand that there are plenty of contributing factors to engine failure, just like any other car.

When I do purchase an RX-8, would it be a good idea to do an immediate coolant flush, oil change, and a swap for new ignition components? Would it also be a good idea to swap out the thermostat?

Don't bash me too hard for being a noob. I'm eager to buy one; if someone could help by pointing out some things I missed when buying an RX-8 and answer my question, I'd greatly appreciate it.

P.S. Yes I've read the potential buyers guide.

HumSound

What model year are you looking at ? S1 or S2.

macyrotten

You sound like me! Except I wanted one without asking questions. I feel like I'm back at school sitting at my desk: preping for a research paper!

I'm about to sell my miata and start doing all that needs to be done. I hope we get some answers.

:-)

HumSound

Price range and model year will give you also a good feeling on the maintenance to do. Some S2 with low millage can still be found, like here in Canada, with the exchange rate this can be a real deal.

Khurram

You my friend are off to a good start.

This is what i Personally did with mine.. Got my 04 at 160k kms 2 years ago.
Flushed the coolant, trans and differential fluids, Engine oil, Thermostat, plugs, wires, coils the very next day.

After a few months took out the cat and swapped it with BHR Midpipe, and Bhr Ignition.

Redline my car every chance i get, drive her like i stole it.

And now she is at 265k kms original motor, tranny to answer how long these car's may last.

If they are looked after, and driven how they should they may last a long time. Mine is daily, i drive it in from 40 degrees to - 40 in snow and it keeps going.

Keep reading the new potential owner's thread.

Ask for Compression test, Inquire with in mazda for car's repair history. Take it for a test drive. first drive it in the city for 10-15 minutes shut it down and start after a minute if it hesitates steer clear.

Take it on a highway for 10-15 minutes, try red lining 2nd n 3rd gear, if it hesitates that could be the cat, bad ignition.

If you have any questions, feel feel to post them here.
My Only advise, don't rush take your sweet time. these cars are hard to sell so take your time find the best deal you possibly can, this car is a blast to drive and people fall in love instantly then later on regret not taking their time lol

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Yep, it is a car like any other. It's not made of crystal, you can drive it and enjoy it. It's not even that high maintenance, it's just less forgiving of poor maintenance. You can't wait for things to go wrong, you need to be proactive. Sounds like you have the right mindset for it though

Think about what you spend to change the timing belt on some cars and realize that's not necessary here.

gwilliams6

This is the RX8 club's proactive maintenance schedule. More comprehensive and realistic than Mazda's

30,000 miles:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.


every 60,000:
...all 30,000, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.

90,000:
...all 30,000, plus any 60,000 not yet done, plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
At 100k, anything original in the cooling system is really suspect and failure prone. It represents the biggest threat to your engine.