SoulDog

Hello, Getting a used 07 RX8 (automatic) tomorrow from my grandparents for free(they're buying it for me as my first car, free for me not for them sadly). As you can probably imagine and what I've read the chances of me not messing this up are slim according to the information on the FAQ.
The car has a replaced engine with 18635 miles on it with 82k miles in total. I have a list of questions to ask him for my grandparents are paying for it but they are going to meet the guy to purchase it and I'm going with them and I'd like to ask my questions as I'm literally the one who's going to be driving it but don't get a say in what vehicle I get(I'm not going to purposely screw it up for that'd be a waste of money, I'm genuinely interested in the car, and I do wish to learn some mechanics).

Questions I'll be asking.
How often do you redline(was told to do this once a day)???
Last coil, spark plug, wires replacement?
Do you warm up the RX8 before driving(seen this on a lot of youtube videos suggesting it)?
Engine compression(if he has, if not what should I do or suggest to my grandparents)?
Oil consumption, how often do you add oil?
Crank time hot/cold?
Cat been replaced?
Do you premix, and if so how much?
What oil do you use?
When was the coolant last changed?
Average MPG?

Going off of this, I live in South Texas and it's around 90 f for now but it'll be going to the '70s-'80s in a couple of months,
I plan on using 10w40 oil
Amsoil Saber Pro at a ratio of 4oz to 10g to premix.
I plan on changing the coil, spark plug, wires as soon as I get the money to(even if the dude says he has, I don't trust people unless y'all think I should go off of what he says)
Should I worry about the coolant anytime soon? I heard it's a long day to change it and everything and need to know if I need to do that soon.
Since it's an automatic would I warm the car up in neutral and just sit there and keep the rpm around 4000 until the needle is straight up, or start light driving under 4000 rpm?
Is there anything else I need to do, check, read more upon?

IF THIS BELONGS IN THE GENERAL DISCUSSION DO TELL.

CaymanRotary

Wow that's a lot of questions. First thing you need to do is have the engine tested with a rotary compression tester. This way you will know where it stands. Also, read the new owners sticky. Here's what I got for now.

1. Redline once a day to keep the mechanic away as the saying goes around here. Just drive it and when you get the opportunity to do a redline with a warm engine, go for it. Keep the auto in triptronic and shift yourself it's better that way. With it just in drive it's extremely stupid.

2. If you don't know the last time these were changed swap them out. Only use Mazda Rev C 9U coils and use NGK plugs and wires. Dont mess up trailing and leading plugs. Easy way to know is T = top L = Lower. Easy job to do yourself with a 21mm deep socket, 10" extension, a swivel joint and ratchet. Go in through the left wheel well.

3. I let the car warm up at idle in park for 30 seconds then short shift under 4k rpm until engine is operating temperature. Other than that drive like any other car.

4. Check oil every 2nd fill up. Put gas in first before you check, you want to leave 5 minutes after shut off before checking to allow the oil to drain through the crankcase. You should be seeing 12-15 MPG city and 20+ MPG highway.

5. Car should just start when cranked. If it takes longer than a second or two, especially if it's a hot start, it can be a sign of low compression assuming your ignition system is healthy
.
6. Premix .5 oz if catted, 1 oz if decatted per gallon of gas. I use Lucas Semi Synthetic 2 Cycle oil. Any 2 stroke that also meets JASO FD is fine however. The Amsoil you mentioned would work perfectly.

7. 10W40 conventional in all my RX8s. I like the Castrol brand personally.

8 Coolant is Mazda FL22. Dont use any other kind. If you aren't sure if it's been changed before just go ahead and do it. Cooling and ignition systems are the two most important things for this car.

Good luck with your RX8. Send pics!

BigCajun

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Welcome.
Read this.
Then read it again.

Oil type is not as important as religiously changing it every 3k miles.

You can buy good coils from places like Advance Auto at reasonable prices with a lifetime guarantee.

If you have an Android device get the Torque app and a Bluetooth dongle to monitor your OBD system, read and erase codes.

Be SURE your cat is healthy, probably the #1 killer of Renesis engines due to faulty ignition components.

If you want to be sure your ignition is healthy buy an HEI tester.





Any aftermarket cat under $1K is likely not good enough.
If you don't need to pass emissions most members buy midpipes for peace of mind.