Incursus

As the title says, I'm finally ready to buy an 8 and have started looking. I am currently eyeing one an hour's drive from me, and am trying to get some information from them. When I made first contact, I asked for more pictures(they only had 2 listed online), and of course asked about compression. Now I wait on them to see what they can do on Monday as far as getting a compression test done.

Meanwhile, I'm still looking at other options. Are there any things in particular I should look for when I go to personally view this or any other 8, that ISN'T in the new/potential owner FAQs?

Mysterion

When looking at any car, a CarFax report is always a good starting point. It will give you a synopsis of the car's history including whether it has ever been crashed. Another check that can be done if you are really nice to the local Mazda dealer is ask for the warranty and recall history on the car. You will need the VIN for that, but it will give you a working knowledge of whether the former owner(s) kept up with essential maintenance and recalls. It will also, like in my case, tell you if the engine core was ever replaced under warranty.
Test driving the car will definitely allow you to assess the "grin-factor", but make certain you ask all the questions, do all the checks ahead of check-writing time and, if any answers don't seem right, ask more and be prepared to walk away if things still don't add up to your satisfaction.

Razz1

Car fax will not reveal any damaged in the last three months so beware.

Best bet is to find a local owner of an RX8 and have them go shopping with you.

Check you local thread section.

gwilliams6

Drive the car for sure, but also I would get the car up on a lift ,If possible, and check out the exhaust system and also visibly inspect for any wear and/or damage you can see from front to back of the car. Maybe this can be done when car is getting compression test.

I know this sounds like a lot, but man you want the car of your dreams, not someone else's nightmare that they are pushing off on you. Once you buy it, unless is still has and/or comes with a good Mazda warranty left over, you will pay all to get it into shape if you don't check it out thoroughly beforehand.

jacque

Check plugs for carbon...let them start it warm it up..test your hot start (rough idea of your engines compretion)
maf sensor if dirty mean gonne give idle probs..if it has a midpip you can bet the O2 sensor is done..oil they use..some dealler wil put in any oil for saving n penny, make sure every electronics in the car work..olso check for any engine wires that looked replaced , take the car for n test drive and be heavy on the foot..feel any drop in power in any rpm range.make them change your ignition , plug and wires...simple things..if it dont feel right walk away or you wil be laying down some hard cash..I payd a bad price for not looking at the right things.

OnebaddRx8

Yep take your time and I find the right one. I looked and looked and finally found one with only 4k on fresh Banzai racing rebuild. Plenty of them that have had motor recently replaced. Good Luck!

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Tanro

Most notably, don't let them scare you. Sure a lot are other peoples headaches, but if you have the budget for a nice one (7k range) you need to shop around. Don't be afraid to walk away if the owner won't haggle, and don't be afraid to haggle. Most important thing is take a Knowledgeable Rotary mechanic with you.

I got mine for 2.5 because of hail damage, and specifically because I was looking for a project car to swap to a v8. But if you want a rotary rocket, be prepared to shop around, find one in your color, find one that has been well maintained by someone who knows what a rotary is.

If the owner of the car isn't even aware it has a non conventional engine, and it is fresh out of warranty double, and triple check it.

The best 2 things to search for are 1) A knowledgeable current owner, and 2) Warranty. If you can find both then they are definitely worth a 7-9k price-tag. Huge fun. puts a smile on face every time I get in it.

Megabiv

All I can say is get a compression test done before you buy it if possible. I didn't and I'm currently in the failing engine category. Before this current turn of events though Its been a real blast to drive and I still love it even in it's dieing days.