Hey guys,

Friday morning I am driving 3 hours to (hopefully) purchase my first 8. It is a 2011 CPO R3 with under 16K on it. I am getting the dealer to do a compression test, I just dont really know how to interpret the numbers. Some help on that would be extremely helpful. I just wanna make sure I do my due diligence in checking this vehicle out before I purchase it. Service history states its only been in the shop for routine oil changes. Is there anything else I should be looking for?

Also,

This would be my DD for the next few years. Is the R3 really as uncomfortable as everyone makes it out to be? I'm 6' and 160 lbs, I'm pretty skinny. Is it going to be uncomfortable on long drives?

Thanks for all the help

 

Your compression test results should look like this

Front rotor #.#/#.#/#.# @ 250 rpm
Rear rotor #.#/#.#/#.# @ 250 rpm

You're looking for numbers in high 7's across the board, and to be honest a fresh car like that should be in the 8s.

 

Why get a car that you can't fit in it...lol

Get a convertible rx8 then...just kiddin'

 

I recommend reading the New Owner's thread. I can tell you haven't, because this section is in post #7:

I am 6'1" 170, and I find the RX-8 to be supremely comfortable on long drives. I put around 60,000 miles of long distance drives on my 8, including driving it from one coast to the other 3 times without any comfort complaints. It's a stellar long distance car (if the gas cost isn't painful to you)

However, this was the GT, not the R3. I don't know how the R3 seats are for long drives. Though you can probably find a driver's seat from a non-R3 to keep handy and swap in as needed.

 

R3 seats are fine,I did a 14 hour straight trip from Deals gap back home and still got up to go to work the next day (you'll be fine)

 

The only way to tell is to go on a long drive. When I bought my 8 it felt fine on the test drive and for the first couple of weeks driving around town. Then I took a long drive, and suffered with back pain. Struggled for a year with odd combinations of foam on the seat. I eventually had my back surgically modified so now it's nice and comfy with just a small wedge at the bottom of the backrest.

Height alone doesn't tell whether you'll fit. Depends on arm/leg/torso proportions. There are a number of past threads on that topic. I'm fortunate that at 6 feet my body proportions are just right for my 8 with the seat all the way back. YBMV, but skinny is always good.

Ken

 

Learn everything you can about your car and keep up on maintenance religiously. Other then that, have fun and stay safe!