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I know zero about rotary engines... and I was hoping I could get some insight on what to be aware of with an older, well taken care of, RX-8.
I would consider myself above average when it comes to buying and selling cars... but is there anything that I should be aware of besides general condition, routine maintenance etc.?
This particular RX-8 is for sale by the original owner and it has all the maint. records since new.
And NEVER buy any RX8 without a rotary-specific compression test first. It does not matter how nice the car seems, or even if it seems to drive ok. RX8s with failing engines can still run. Without that rotary-specific compression test, you are just guessing on the real health of that 14-year old rotary engine. Without knowing these test results, especially on any 2004 car, you could be in for thousands of dollars to replace that engine.
Last edited by gwilliams6; 03-22-2018 at 10:15 PM.
And NEVER buy any RX8 without a rotary-specific compression test first. It does not matter how nice the car seems, or even if it seems to drive ok. RX8s with failing engines can still run. Without that rotary-specific compression test, you are just guessing on the real health of that 14-year old rotary engine. Without knowing these test results, especially on any 2004 car, you could be in for thousands of dollars to replace that engine.
And once you've read that whole entire freaking thread, you read it again.
+1^ to all of the above.
They're high maintenance, can be problematic, expensive upkeep, and few Renesis engines are as long lived as other popular Japanese cars, but I LOVE mine.
Even faced with the prospect of a rebuild/reman in the near future.
It's been a fun 5+ years.
Good advice above, even if it sounds repetitive. There is a lot of good info in the RX7/RX8club stickies. These cars have been around a long time now and most issues have been well-documented.
Car Flipper Beware! Unless you have a 'rube' all starry eyed, with wads of cash to buy it, you may struggle to sell it. Typical buyers are very savvy about Series I cars, especially those made from late 2003- to early 2005. Those are considered 'shells' generally, and, even if garage kept, diaper wax removal and undercarriage flossed Cream Puffs- get @ $3,000.00 with an exceptionally good story. There is no good scenario for an early series I Renesis motor- low, medium or high mileage. It needs replacement, and, if it was replaced early- it needs another. Starting with a heavy duty starter, a new catalytic convertor, a new battery with lots of CCA's, plugs, wires & Coils, current Renesis ECU programming, and, probably an OMP, or, at least a SOHN. Oh, AND a new motor.
Late 2005 up through 2008 series I RX-8's get another look, only because MOST of that stuff is already done, and, no damage has occurred from long crank sessions. But, flooding, poor owner understanding, and limited maintenance can makes those junk as well- it's a different sniff test for those cars. Series II (2009- 2011) and, especially R3's are of value, but, they are younger to begin with, so, values haven't dropped as badly.
I'm a typical buyer, and, wanted an unusual color combo to ensure that I'd never run into myself at a stop light. Cool colors were mostly in the early years: Fly Yellow, Nordic Green Mica, Burgandy, Copper Red...and, I was finding Chaparral (brown) leather interiors. But, I knew that a new motor was part of my buying experience- whether to actually drive it, or, within the year. Just be aware that most legitimate buyers already know this, and, are preparing an offer based on it. I'm not sure that I'd want to get all heated up by the glossy paint of a clean, low mileage 2004 with 40k miles and 1 owner- and, a REALLY GREAT DEAL. Because, I'd never be able to sell it- even at the really great deal that they gave me!
That's how I ended up buying one to begin with. A guy I worked with had one in his garage, under a cover- so, I asked. But, his was almost totalled, completely re-built and has been a diaper queen ever since. I have 4 kids- no cream puffs in my driveway, but- great driving car, and, one I could let them drive as well, if priced, say- less than 1/2 of what he wanted. Hmmm, ALL of them are 1/2 or less than his asking- now, I own one.
Car Flipper Beware! Unless you have a 'rube' all starry eyed, with wads of cash to buy it, you may struggle to sell it. Typical buyers are very savvy about Series I cars, especially those made from late 2003- to early 2005. Those are considered 'shells' generally, and, even if garage kept, diaper wax removal and undercarriage flossed Cream Puffs- get @ $3,000.00 with an exceptionally good story. There is no good scenario for an early series I Renesis motor- low, medium or high mileage. It needs replacement, and, if it was replaced early- it needs another. Starting with a heavy duty starter, a new catalytic convertor, a new battery with lots of CCA's, plugs, wires & Coils, current Renesis ECU programming, and, probably an OMP, or, at least a SOHN. Oh, AND a new motor.
Late 2005 up through 2008 series I RX-8's get another look, only because MOST of that stuff is already done, and, no damage has occurred from long crank sessions. But, flooding, poor owner understanding, and limited maintenance can makes those junk as well- it's a different sniff test for those cars. Series II (2009- 2011) and, especially R3's are of value, but, they are younger to begin with, so, values haven't dropped as badly.
I'm a typical buyer, and, wanted an unusual color combo to ensure that I'd never run into myself at a stop light. Cool colors were mostly in the early years: Fly Yellow, Nordic Green Mica, Burgandy, Copper Red...and, I was finding Chaparral (brown) leather interiors. But, I knew that a new motor was part of my buying experience- whether to actually drive it, or, within the year. Just be aware that most legitimate buyers already know this, and, are preparing an offer based on it. I'm not sure that I'd want to get all heated up by the glossy paint of a clean, low mileage 2004 with 40k miles and 1 owner- and, a REALLY GREAT DEAL. Because, I'd never be able to sell it- even at the really great deal that they gave me!
That's how I ended up buying one to begin with. A guy I worked with had one in his garage, under a cover- so, I asked. But, his was almost totalled, completely re-built and has been a diaper queen ever since. I have 4 kids- no cream puffs in my driveway, but- great driving car, and, one I could let them drive as well, if priced, say- less than 1/2 of what he wanted. Hmmm, ALL of them are 1/2 or less than his asking- now, I own one.
A lot of ignorant information in this post.
You can't take the worst case scenario, which you appear to be doing, and project it onto every '04-'05.
Especially the part about stating emphatically that any one is a $3000 shell
with a bad engine.
I bought my '04 LY GT with 18,500 miles, it will be 6 years ago in July.
Over 82,000 now, and it is failing, but only recently started having hot start issues of waiting a couple of minutes to start when very hot, heat soaked from idling in traffic or car wash lines.
Had I not driven it for several months with a bad cat, it may still be healthy, I can't say for sure.
If I came across another LY GT that was as clean as mine was with 40k miles and a good compression engine, I'd gladly pay at least $6-7000.
Having been in your shoes recently I will pass along a couple of tidbits that I gleaned from the wonderful people here:
1. Don't buy the first or only one you look at, looking at a selection will help you to figure out what is normal and what isn't, even if that first one seems like the one.
2. There is no one magic piece of info to guarantee that you wont end up with problems, not a compression test, not a maintenance records, or current owners word, overall condition, mileage, etc. Combine them all to get an overall look at the big picture - and don't take this to mean that any piece of that equation isn't important but also it isn't all about just one thing either.
You can't take the worst case scenario, which you appear to be doing, and project it onto every '04-'05.
Especially the part about stating emphatically that any one is a $3000 shell
with a bad engine.
I bought my '04 LY GT with 18,500 miles, it will be 6 years ago in July.
Over 82,000 now, and it is failing, but only recently started having hot start issues of waiting a couple of minutes to start when very hot, heat soaked from idling in traffic or car wash lines.
Had I not driven it for several months with a bad cat, it may still be healthy, I can't say for sure.
If I came across another LY GT that was as clean as mine was with 40k miles and a good compression engine, I'd gladly pay at least $6-7000.
It was an extreme response (worst case, definitely!) primarily for the OP. Just didn't want a 'casual' buyer to think that a great flip was probable. I love mine, and, know that most members enjoy theirs as well- but, I don't plan on flipping it either. Like many here, I know- well, at least expect- to lose money on this vehicle. I'm semi competent at engine repair and modification, but, have not pulled one yet. That might be beyond my comfort zone, so, a replacement motor is a bigger dollar proposition for me. But, I'll cross that bridge when I get there- hopefully, a couple of years from now.
I, too, have been 'pretty good' at making money buying/selling cars, but, think the RX-8 is a risky deal for the casual buyer. Really where the post was directed.
No worries, I think 8s have a bad enough rep as it is, I'm quick to defend them.
I always say an 8 is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
Just out of curiosity I was perusing Car Gurus & came across this '04 GT with only 12k miles for $6500.
If it was a LY I'd be tempted to fly to Cali & get it.
03-21-2018, 08:22 PM
