Jesse Cummings

Hey all, I'm brand new to the forum and am considering buying an RX-8 that I found listed on cars.com. I've read all of the beginners guides and whatnot that are stickied at the top. Here's the link to the ad, sorry for the length:

2006 Mazda RX-8, $6,700 - Cars.com

I contacted the person selling it today and the interaction didn't encourage me very much. The person selling it claims that he's a dealer, not a private seller and doesn't know why he's listed as one on the site. He said he didn't know if the car ever had its engine replaced or rebuilt so I called Mazda and they have no record of it. That means it's either the original engine, which at 122k would seem to be at the end of its life, or was done independently of Mazda. He also hasn't run a compression test on the engine but said that he could, although I'm not sure if he knows it's different than a piston engine test.

As experienced RX-8 owners, would you say to pass on this? I'm calling him back on Monday to ask if he could supply a Carfax report for the car to see what kind of maintenance was performed and how many owners it had, but beyond that I'm very skeptical.

Thanks,

Jesse

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Completely pass unless you get him under $4,000.

Jesse Cummings

Thanks for the quick reply! Is that to compensate for potentially having to replace the apex seals on it? I've tried to look up some info on how much engine repairs on these things run but I've seen some varying figures on it so I'm not too sure. I do know that if it's just the seals it's not too bad but if the problem went on for too long the engine could have some serious damage.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

I suggest you re-read the new owner's thread. I'm guessing you skimmed it. Post #9 goes into more detail.

I can tell that you didn't really read it since you are referring to "replacing the apex seals"


The reason in my head is that with 122k on the original engine and zero history of it, you would be buying a time bomb. For less than $4,000, it may become worth it when you start factoring in all of the repairs you are almost certainly going to have to make. Cooling system overhaul, engine replacement or rebuild and ignition replacement at a minimum.

Jesse Cummings

I read most of it, but towards the end I did indeed start skimming, haha. I've seen that a total engine replacement can run around $6,000 though. Is that number accurate? If so I'll probably have to pass given the uncertainty associated with it. Regardless, I'll see what he says to that offer and if he hangs up on me I guess the choice will be made for me then, hah.

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

The base price for an engine replacement is $2,000 (largely the lowest amount around, dealer cost figure before markup). Add additional cost based on where you buy it, anywhere from +25% to +300%. To that, add any labor for removing and installing. If you pick somewhere that does a crappy job (unfortunately far more common than the good ones), then double it to have it done all over again.

Dealers charge independently. I have seen as low as $2,700, and as high as $16,000.

Do your research and your costs could be reasonably under $4,000 for a good engine, or less for a likely reasonable one.

Eldragon0

Welcome to the forums Jesse! If you need a car NOW, I'd say go for it if you can get the price down to RIWWP's stated price ( He really knows his ****). If you don't need the car right now. Pass on it. This car will be your baby, and how long she lasts is based on many things. The first and IMO most important is finding the right one for you. I've been looking for a good month now, (wanting one for many years) I know I will not settle with one simply because the price it right. Best of luck to you Jessie Again, welcome to the family.

Jesse Cummings

Thanks for all the info! I'll see if I can get him under that $4000 mark. My father is great friends with a mechanic who works in a shop that deals with many higher-end cars and are very knowledgeable, so they might be familiar with RX-8's and would probably do a fine job of installing the engine. I'll get in touch with them and see if they'd feel comfortable doing it before making any kind of purchasing decisions.