New member here!
03-08-2014, 03:53 PM
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New member here!
Hey there! I'm VnXsL. I've decided to get the RX8 as my first car. I'm about halfway on finance so I could probably have it by the next 2-3 months. And I should probably have my license by then. LOL
I think I have already read one guide thread a few minutes ago that was addressed to newcomers, stating that rx8 isn't the right car for them(? me? us?). So far, I've been researching about all the problems associated with the car. I'm sort of prepared/not prepared about finance but as far as I can see, good maintenance(just like any other) should keep it from dying by my hands.
Warming up before driving is already given. Even before we exercise we do some warm-ups right? Bu the only thing I don't understand is the warm-up before shutting down. I've seen a video on Youtube revving up to 2-3000 then turning the key to shut off. Some say that it's not right, but some also say that it's only for short drives. How short do you guys think it is? 1-2miles? Or has it been warmed up enough for those 2 miles that we can turn it off just like a regular car?
Plus, how about when refueling at gas stations? Does that count as a short drive if you live about a mile or less from it?
Yes, I have a lot of questions but that is just because I need a lot of information on how to take care of it before buying it. Nobody would want to go into a war without having a gun or knowledge on his enemy.
I think I have already read one guide thread a few minutes ago that was addressed to newcomers, stating that rx8 isn't the right car for them(? me? us?). So far, I've been researching about all the problems associated with the car. I'm sort of prepared/not prepared about finance but as far as I can see, good maintenance(just like any other) should keep it from dying by my hands.
Warming up before driving is already given. Even before we exercise we do some warm-ups right? Bu the only thing I don't understand is the warm-up before shutting down. I've seen a video on Youtube revving up to 2-3000 then turning the key to shut off. Some say that it's not right, but some also say that it's only for short drives. How short do you guys think it is? 1-2miles? Or has it been warmed up enough for those 2 miles that we can turn it off just like a regular car?
Plus, how about when refueling at gas stations? Does that count as a short drive if you live about a mile or less from it?
Yes, I have a lot of questions but that is just because I need a lot of information on how to take care of it before buying it. Nobody would want to go into a war without having a gun or knowledge on his enemy.
03-08-2014, 04:45 PM
#2
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
Hey there! I'm VnXsL. I've decided to get the RX8 as my first car. I'm about halfway on finance so I could probably have it by the next 2-3 months. And I should probably have my license by then. LOL
I think I have already read one guide thread a few minutes ago that was addressed to newcomers, stating that rx8 isn't the right car for them(? me? us?). So far, I've been researching about all the problems associated with the car. I'm sort of prepared/not prepared about finance but as far as I can see, good maintenance(just like any other) should keep it from dying by my hands.
Warming up before driving is already given. Even before we exercise we do some warm-ups right? Bu the only thing I don't understand is the warm-up before shutting down. I've seen a video on Youtube revving up to 2-3000 then turning the key to shut off. Some say that it's not right, but some also say that it's only for short drives. How short do you guys think it is? 1-2miles? Or has it been warmed up enough for those 2 miles that we can turn it off just like a regular car?
Plus, how about when refueling at gas stations? Does that count as a short drive if you live about a mile or less from it?
Yes, I have a lot of questions but that is just because I need a lot of information on how to take care of it before buying it. Nobody would want to go into a war without having a gun or knowledge on his enemy.
I think I have already read one guide thread a few minutes ago that was addressed to newcomers, stating that rx8 isn't the right car for them(? me? us?). So far, I've been researching about all the problems associated with the car. I'm sort of prepared/not prepared about finance but as far as I can see, good maintenance(just like any other) should keep it from dying by my hands.
Warming up before driving is already given. Even before we exercise we do some warm-ups right? Bu the only thing I don't understand is the warm-up before shutting down. I've seen a video on Youtube revving up to 2-3000 then turning the key to shut off. Some say that it's not right, but some also say that it's only for short drives. How short do you guys think it is? 1-2miles? Or has it been warmed up enough for those 2 miles that we can turn it off just like a regular car?
Plus, how about when refueling at gas stations? Does that count as a short drive if you live about a mile or less from it?
Yes, I have a lot of questions but that is just because I need a lot of information on how to take care of it before buying it. Nobody would want to go into a war without having a gun or knowledge on his enemy.
Most of the questions you have now or will have can be answered in the new owner's stickies.
Look at the beginning of the new owner's section in big red letters.
Cliff notes;
Most importantly, you need to get a Rotary specific compression test before buying any RX8, around $150, no test, no deal.
Premium gas EVERY fillup.
Expect to get 16-20 mpg.
Oil needs to be checked every other fillup, with 1/2 a qt. of oil usually needing to be added.
Oil changes need to be made every 3k miles.
4 plugs ($20 each), 4 coils ($40 each) & wires every 30k miles.
These are the basic requirements imho.
If these are not met, you could regret it very quickly.
Good luck!
03-08-2014, 05:05 PM
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Welcome.
Most of the questions you have now or will have can be answered in the new owner's stickies.
Look at the beginning of the new owner's section in big red letters.
Cliff notes;
Most importantly, you need to get a Rotary specific compression test before buying any RX8, around $150, no test, no deal.
Premium gas EVERY fillup.
Expect to get 16-20 mpg.
Oil needs to be checked every other fillup, with 1/2 a qt. of oil usually needing to be added.
Oil changes need to be made every 3k miles.
4 plugs ($20 each), 4 coils ($40 each) & wires every 30k miles.
These are the basic requirements imho.
If these are not met, you could regret it very quickly.
Good luck!
Most of the questions you have now or will have can be answered in the new owner's stickies.
Look at the beginning of the new owner's section in big red letters.
Cliff notes;
Most importantly, you need to get a Rotary specific compression test before buying any RX8, around $150, no test, no deal.
Premium gas EVERY fillup.
Expect to get 16-20 mpg.
Oil needs to be checked every other fillup, with 1/2 a qt. of oil usually needing to be added.
Oil changes need to be made every 3k miles.
4 plugs ($20 each), 4 coils ($40 each) & wires every 30k miles.
These are the basic requirements imho.
If these are not met, you could regret it very quickly.
Good luck!
Who knows if the previous owner/s didn't even change them right?
03-08-2014, 05:15 PM
#4
You gonna eat that?
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Right. It would be a good idea to change them if you do not know when they were last done.
Do you have a specific car in mind, or are you shopping?
Compression test is job 1.
Do you have a specific car in mind, or are you shopping?
Compression test is job 1.
03-08-2014, 05:22 PM
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Yeah, that would be nice. It'd be easier to track rather than looking for the last time they were changed.
Right now, I just checked again and found an 04 grand touring from a Mazda dealer.
It's price just went up again but it will be nice to buy from them since they may have the right compression test tool/s for the car.
Right now, I just checked again and found an 04 grand touring from a Mazda dealer.
It's price just went up again but it will be nice to buy from them since they may have the right compression test tool/s for the car.
03-08-2014, 05:53 PM
#6
You gonna eat that?
iTrader: (1)
Yeah, that would be nice. It'd be easier to track rather than looking for the last time they were changed.
Right now, I just checked again and found an 04 grand touring from a Mazda dealer.
It's price just went up again but it will be nice to buy from them since they may have the right compression test tool/s for the car.
Right now, I just checked again and found an 04 grand touring from a Mazda dealer.
It's price just went up again but it will be nice to buy from them since they may have the right compression test tool/s for the car.
There's a chart there and an explanation of what to look for, certain criteria (rpm, altitude) you should familiarize yourself with so they know that you know what you're talking about when it's time to deal.
03-08-2014, 06:08 PM
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https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...4/#post4533735
I am buying it! What should I address first? (Updated October 25th 2013)
Generally, the more history on these items you can get from the prior owner, the better. These are all RX-8 specific. They are in addition to typical items like brakes and tires. Every item on this list is on it because it either fails regularly OR a failure of the point will result in significant cascading damage and costly repairs.
This is also the long term recommended maintenance list from us here on RX8Club.com.
Car mileage over 30,000:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
Car mileage over 60,000:
...all above, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
Car mileage over 90,000:
...all above plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
Obviously if you get information about any of these items already addressed, it will help to reduce the list / cost. Get as much certainty as you can though! All cooling related items can cost you your engine! Even as soon as the same day you take the 8 home with you. It has happened more than once. The rest can be just as critical in how much it can cost you.
Note: This isn't a dealer's maintenance list that is filled with questionable fluff. Every single one of these items is something that typically fails in that mileage range, and for each item, if it fails it will either A) strand you, or B) cause significant and costly additional damage.
Generally, the more history on these items you can get from the prior owner, the better. These are all RX-8 specific. They are in addition to typical items like brakes and tires. Every item on this list is on it because it either fails regularly OR a failure of the point will result in significant cascading damage and costly repairs.
This is also the long term recommended maintenance list from us here on RX8Club.com.
Car mileage over 30,000:
- Replace Ignition coils
- Replace Plug wires
- Replace Spark plugs
- Clean MAF (mass air flow sensor)
- Clean ESS (e-shaft sensor)
- Reset ESS profile
- Clean power steering connections
- Clean battery terminals and clamps
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace coolant (Mazda FL-22 is highly recommended)
- Replace air filter
- Replace brake fluid (fluid in the brake lines AND the clutch line)
~$300 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
Car mileage over 60,000:
...all above, plus...
- Clean all chassis electrical grounding points
- Replace accessory belts
- Clean OMP lines
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Replace thermostat
- Clean / Straighten AC condenser fins
- Clean / Straighten oil cooler fins
- Inspect catalytic converter
- Clean / Inspect intake valving
- Consider / inspect all points in 90,000+ as well, many items fail early
~$130 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
Car mileage over 90,000:
...all above plus...
- Replace coolant bottle
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace radiator
- Replace front O2 sensor
- Replace motor mounts
- Inspect clutch pedal assembly for flex / weld breaks
~$900 USD in parts if you shop smartly.
Obviously if you get information about any of these items already addressed, it will help to reduce the list / cost. Get as much certainty as you can though! All cooling related items can cost you your engine! Even as soon as the same day you take the 8 home with you. It has happened more than once. The rest can be just as critical in how much it can cost you.
Note: This isn't a dealer's maintenance list that is filled with questionable fluff. Every single one of these items is something that typically fails in that mileage range, and for each item, if it fails it will either A) strand you, or B) cause significant and costly additional damage.
03-08-2014, 08:33 PM
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You don't know typically, so this is the recommended list of maintenance items to address anyway:
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...4/#post4533735
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-f...4/#post4533735
That would make it about halfway through to being a brand new car.
03-08-2014, 08:57 PM
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03-08-2014, 09:12 PM
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The dealer can do it, but you will pay through the nose for the labor and parts. Those prices are for parts from Mazmart, who sources OEM dealer parts for 50-70% of what a dealer will charge you.
You don't need a rotary mechanic for any of them, none of that stuff is unique to a rotary.
Many people on the forum, myself included, had no experience working on cars before we bought the 8, but the high cost of labor on this car prompted us to start learning. And then to our surprise, we found out how ridiculously easy this car is to work on. For example, a dealer will charge between $300 and $1,300 in labor to replace the coils, plugs and wires. I could replace them on a 8 in about 10 minutes. Paying for it isn't worth it in nearly every case.
You don't need a rotary mechanic for any of them, none of that stuff is unique to a rotary.
Many people on the forum, myself included, had no experience working on cars before we bought the 8, but the high cost of labor on this car prompted us to start learning. And then to our surprise, we found out how ridiculously easy this car is to work on. For example, a dealer will charge between $300 and $1,300 in labor to replace the coils, plugs and wires. I could replace them on a 8 in about 10 minutes. Paying for it isn't worth it in nearly every case.
03-08-2014, 09:47 PM
#12
You gonna eat that?
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The key word is recommended.
I am torn on this, I can see this car becoming a burden for you. I would hate for that to happen.
These cars are perhaps not the best for young, inexperienced drivers. It could be a very risky proposition. A normal, economical, dependable vehicle may be the wiser choice.
However, not knowing your mechanical aptitude, financial situation, time constraints, or anything else really, it's difficult to offer any advice one way or the other.
You might buy an 8, learn a lot about it, how to work on it yourself, and have an amazing experience with everything that goes along with it.
You could buy it and have nothing but problems.
That's why the new owner stickies are so important.
Read thoroughly, and decide. Only you can judge if it's worth it.
I can tell you they are fairly easy to work on, and you may be willing to invest the time and money and become a very competent Rotary mechanic.
I bought my first car in 1976 and had nothing like this forum for guidance. Just about anything you want to know is here.
I'm no expert. It is without a doubt a very nice car to drive.
I would avoid an auto transmission though, manual is way more fun.
03-08-2014, 11:08 PM
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The dealer can do it, but you will pay through the nose for the labor and parts. Those prices are for parts from Mazmart, who sources OEM dealer parts for 50-70% of what a dealer will charge you.
You don't need a rotary mechanic for any of them, none of that stuff is unique to a rotary.
Many people on the forum, myself included, had no experience working on cars before we bought the 8, but the high cost of labor on this car prompted us to start learning. And then to our surprise, we found out how ridiculously easy this car is to work on. For example, a dealer will charge between $300 and $1,300 in labor to replace the coils, plugs and wires. I could replace them on a 8 in about 10 minutes. Paying for it isn't worth it in nearly every case.
You don't need a rotary mechanic for any of them, none of that stuff is unique to a rotary.
Many people on the forum, myself included, had no experience working on cars before we bought the 8, but the high cost of labor on this car prompted us to start learning. And then to our surprise, we found out how ridiculously easy this car is to work on. For example, a dealer will charge between $300 and $1,300 in labor to replace the coils, plugs and wires. I could replace them on a 8 in about 10 minutes. Paying for it isn't worth it in nearly every case.
I would think you could almost buy a new car if you were to pay a dealer to do all of those things for you.
The key word is recommended.
I am torn on this, I can see this car becoming a burden for you. I would hate for that to happen.
These cars are perhaps not the best for young, inexperienced drivers. It could be a very risky proposition. A normal, economical, dependable vehicle may be the wiser choice.
However, not knowing your mechanical aptitude, financial situation, time constraints, or anything else really, it's difficult to offer any advice one way or the other.
You might buy an 8, learn a lot about it, how to work on it yourself, and have an amazing experience with everything that goes along with it.
You could buy it and have nothing but problems.
That's why the new owner stickies are so important.
Read thoroughly, and decide. Only you can judge if it's worth it.
I can tell you they are fairly easy to work on, and you may be willing to invest the time and money and become a very competent Rotary mechanic.
I bought my first car in 1976 and had nothing like this forum for guidance. Just about anything you want to know is here.
I'm no expert. It is without a doubt a very nice car to drive.
I would avoid an auto transmission though, manual is way more fun.
The key word is recommended.
I am torn on this, I can see this car becoming a burden for you. I would hate for that to happen.
These cars are perhaps not the best for young, inexperienced drivers. It could be a very risky proposition. A normal, economical, dependable vehicle may be the wiser choice.
However, not knowing your mechanical aptitude, financial situation, time constraints, or anything else really, it's difficult to offer any advice one way or the other.
You might buy an 8, learn a lot about it, how to work on it yourself, and have an amazing experience with everything that goes along with it.
You could buy it and have nothing but problems.
That's why the new owner stickies are so important.
Read thoroughly, and decide. Only you can judge if it's worth it.
I can tell you they are fairly easy to work on, and you may be willing to invest the time and money and become a very competent Rotary mechanic.
I bought my first car in 1976 and had nothing like this forum for guidance. Just about anything you want to know is here.
I'm no expert. It is without a doubt a very nice car to drive.
I would avoid an auto transmission though, manual is way more fun.
I love manual, it's just that it's really hard to find one in the bay area. I've seen one but it's price is close to buying a new 2013 car with less than 60k miles.
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