I have been looking to get an rx8 for a while now. It is my favorite looking car, and the sound of the rotary engine drives me banannas. Unfortunately though, I do not have the budget that supports buying a brand new one.

At a local ford dealer near me (which rx8s are hard to come by by me.), there is a 2005 with 75k miles on it. The car only had 1 previous owner. The outside seems to be in very good shape, as well as the interior. But two things concern me. Number one is, I hear that these engines go bad fast, and theres virtually no way to pinpoint exactly when its going to happen. Realistically, I cannot afford a very expensive repair if something goes wrong right off the bat....

When I test drove it, it rode very very smooth. I dont know if its just me being paranoid, but 1st gear seemed to have a lot of oomf, where the rest i needed to give it quite a bit of foot to get it to go. Now thats pretty standard for a manual transmission car, but I heard some people say that this can mean your engine compression is going bad.

Also, I have test drove a 2004, as well as this 2005. The 2004 starts up real quick. This 2005, I remember both days i test drove it, it took about 3-4 seconds to fully start up.

Last issue is, the shifter vibrates a bit when it is in neutral, and 4th gear. I guess this isnt a big deal, but its kind of annoying when i have my hand on the gear.

While i obviously dont expect you to know the exact causes of the problems, it just worries me a bit because I would be in trouble if I had to start forking out thousands of dollars in repairs in the next 4-5 months.

I am taking it to the mechanic on Monday for him to check it out. And the dealer said he would fix anything that the mechanic finds wrong. Thats great, but my mechanic is not a mazda dealer. He is not going to 100% know everything about rotary engines, so that worries me a bit too. What kind of tests should I ask my mechanic to do? and what kinds of things should he check for ?

oh and one last issue! it whistles a bit (incoincidentely when my shifter vibrates.)


Any advice would be great. I really love the car, as the condition of the outside/inside looks fantastic, but like I said, I cant pay huge repair bills. A little extra here and there for more oil and premium gas is fine though.

Oh and the last question too. I contacted mazda but did not get an answer or anything. I heard there was a recall on some mazda engines, but they were replaced for free by mazda. (and im new to purchasing cars so please dont make fun), but will i be under any kind of warranty with mazda in case my engine fails? Can my mechanic check and have any idea of the condition of a rotary engine?

Thank you so much for the help. I fell in love with the car at first sight, but I also dont want to be homeless because of the thousands of dollars i payed in repairs, with a 5 year loan to pay too

 

Get an 06 or newer. Your not talking much price difference.

 

I would, and i would love to, but, ive expanded autotrader to 200 miles (kinda my limit), and theres only 04s, 05s, and 2010/2011 in my area, which is a big difference =(

 

OP, I have an '05 with 55k miles. It's a manual transmission like the one you are thinking of buying.

First, regarding the start issue, that could be a starter motor or battery problem.

You could ask the dealer to swap the battery (or ensure it's in proper spec) and see if it resolves the problem. There was a TSB on the starter motor for the 04 through 06 model years for precisely this reason.

I suspect it is in fact a battery issue, given my past experiences with many cars. I had my battery replaced in year 3 of ownership for precisely this reason, and it made a night and day difference.

As far as the vibration in the stick at idle, I don't have a point of reference, but unless it's abnormally volatile or something, a stick is going to have some minor vibration. It should not, and mine does not, in 4th gear, however. I'm not sure what the cause of that could be.

As for the power throughout the gears issue, the power you feel should correlate to RPM, and not whatever gear you're in. The 8 doesn't really open up on the 6 port manual motor until the mid 5k RPM level, so if you're feeling that it's lagging in any gear at that level of RPM (or higher), that could be indicative of anything from bad plugs/coils to clogged cat to a compression issue. One way to rule out the compression issue is to run a compression test at a competent place, but that will cost some money.

Take it for another drive after telling the dealer that you want them to ensure the battery is in spec, and then see how it feels at the mid 5k RPM range and up, in every gear. The power should be linear and pull consistently to redline.

If there is a compression issue, and since the car is an '05, the warranty on the rotary housing (compression issues) is 8 years/100k miles, so check and see how much warranty is left.

I have had zero problems with my 8 (Just had to replace the battery in year 3 due to slow crank starts).

 

thanks roto, that makes me feel much more relieved about it . I saw an 07 listed with 30k miles for 3k more $. but i just dont have 3k more to dish out.

 

I think it's all hit or miss on these cars. I had an 04 with 136K on the original engine and the sucker ran like a champ. The only thing that is odd is the slow start issue. My 04 started right up, just like a regular car when cold. Once it was warmed up it took about 3 seconds to start.

 

As Roto says, you should get a compression test. On a rotary that takes special equipment that you're not likely to find outside a Mazda dealer or a rotary specialist.

Ken

 

It seems like you cannot afford the car, or that you are in a situation in which you can barely afford the car. And that's not good. You should not want to max out all of your finances in just purchasing/financing the car. but that applies to any car not just a rotary.

Would this be your one and primary vehicle? If yes, I would then look for something newer with less miles and perhaps a pre-owned warranty. Another option would be to purchase an extended warranty from Mazda (which you can purchase at any dealer, but have to pay them to "inspect" the car first, LOL)

Buying used cars is always a gamble unfortunately. However, I did buy my RX-8 used (granted, with very low miles and an extended warranty) but it was not going to be my primary mode of transportation either.

But if you need the car to go to work and everything else in your life, you definitely want something that will give you a little more peace of mind.

Sorry for being so direct, but I'm giving you advise other RX-8 owners gave me when I was in your situation. It is very easy to fall in love with this car and rush into buying something that might not be the best fit for you.


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More likely, your "mechanic" that you mentioned above will not have the right equipment nor expertise to properly inspect the car. At a minimum you should take the car to Mazda for a compression test. Other things like testing for emissions can be done elsewhere. Maybe you can take the car back to your mechanic for a full inspection after Mazda does the compression test.

 

[quote=pistonhater;4203774]It seems like you cannot afford the car, or that you are in a situation in which you can barely afford the car. And that's not good. You should not want to max out all of your finances in just purchasing/financing the car. but that applies to any car not just a rotary.

Would this be your one and primary vehicle? If yes, I would then look for something newer with less miles and perhaps a pre-owned warranty. Another option would be to purchase an extended warranty from Mazda (which you can purchase at any dealer, but have to pay them to "inspect" the car first, LOL)quote]

Im sorry Pistonhater, I didnt mean to exaggerate it so much. Its not so much the price that worries me. Its just how many unknowns there are. I do not have the most extensive knowledge in car purchasing, and online I have heard many horror stories about the lemons you can end up with. THAT what I am trying to prevent.

It will be my daily driver, but I have a backup if something happens. Also, my backup is front wheel drive which is why im keeping it. I live in NY and in case we get hit with a lot of snow, I'd probably feel better in that. I understand what you are saying though. Half of my stress as well is that: There are only a few RX8s that are in my area, all of which that are in the 75k mile range. But on autotrader, I see all of these lower mileage ones that are 100-150 miles away. Its an inconvenience to have to travel that far to get it because I work during the week. and if something is wrong i have to drive alll the way back to the dealer, etc. It just seems more convenient to go with the one here if there are no issues with it. Its a tough decision for me.

 

Just be sure before you buy about all your getting yourself into with this car, bud. She's a bitch; she's beautiful, shell get you lots off attention (some you want, other that you don't) but she's a fun car. And all that and more, does not come for cheap. Routine maintenance alone is pricey on the car, then you add spirited driving and it gets more expensive (tires, tickets, lots of gas). Whatever you budget for your car, double it and see if you can afford it and then you know you'll be "comfortable" financially driving it. I think you should go for it, just don't go in to it blind. You will never get what you put into it out of it, but you'll never drive another car with so much soul.

Best advice, read your *** off through all of the threads on this site, and go from there.

 

Well here can I pick your brains about one more thing?

I hear that the apex seals are very important when it comes to rotary engines... being it a 75k mile car, can Mazda check the condition of the apex seals? Or are they too inside the engine that they cannot check the condition?

 

Apex seals on a rotary are the equivalent of piston rings on a regular car. That's what the compression test checks.

Ken

 

ok, thank you. I really appreciate every ones' comments. I really am excited for getting this car. But like every one told me, I am getting into something that could possibly be a lot more than i bargained for. I will see how it goes. I have owned 3 cars previous to this, but this will be my first car I am paying for individually (I am a bit younger so I used my families' hand down cars for 5 years, a lot cheaper than an rx8 i hear!), so I just am trying to do my research, and get as much ammunition I can, to use at the dealer, and in the future for if something goes wrong =]. thank you very much guys

 

be patient, i waited and shopped around for about a year and a half. end result was i got a 06 with less then 15k miles and was super happy. don't fall into the impulse buy... patience is a virtue they say.

 

Did I see you mention 5 year loan and new york? Im assuming you're paying any where from 13k to 15k for the car with 75k on it? If so, may want to rethink your purchase!

Look, like the other guys said, if you don't get an extended warranty you can get ready to fork out tons of monies for repairs man, if you had to create this post then you do have some common sense and should probably get another vehicle. Extended warranties can run you another 1500-3000 depending on where you live (not quite accurate but close enough). You will have to become a DIY-er with this vehicle and if you don't have some skills under the hood can be quite hard. i can tell you first hand because it took me a while to learn how to change my plugs/coils without a hard time lol.

Im Just looking out for you man, ive seen guys on this site say owning an rx8 you almost need to have at least $3000 sitting on the side just for your rx8 just in case something goes wrong. I can personally say this is true! With this car you just never know. I don't want to make it seem like i don't love my 8 i really do but man if i didn't own this car since 2008 im sure id have an extra 9-10,000 in my pocket since 08 (gas, insurance, repairs, etc).

Last, ive never been to NY and I don't know where exactly you are but if its anything like I imagine then you don't have much open road to redline and go on long spirited drives. I'm imagining your engine not lasting very long from all the short trips and bumper to bumper traffic, unlike where I am in Texas which mainly has freeways and open roads so im sure you get what I mean. No matter what you go with i wish you the best of luck bud!

 

Thanks, I appreciate all the advice I can get.

As far as the driving goes, I am not in New york city. I am in the suburbs with plenty of open road! But, my drive to work isnt exactly long either. Its about 10 miles. Only 2 lights, not a lot of traffic. Theres not a lot of stopping where I am. I also go on frequent 2.5 hour trips to where my girlfriend lives as well, so theres plenty of highway!

But, i understand what you are saying about the 13-15k and yes that is right. I'd be paying 12.5k after he brings the price down. And I totally agree with you, I've seen some cheaper ones, but unfortunately not where I live. They must just be in demand or rare in this specific area so they jack up the price. The body of this car however is flawless to my eye. But only mazda will be able to tell me how the engine is!

 

If you have a backup, then that gives you additional peace of mind in case something happens.

Do not let distance be a deal breaker. 150 miles is not that much at all if you find the right car for you. You could easily go pick the car up during the weekend when you are not working.

You mentioned not having much knowledge in car purchasing. This would be my advise: check loan interest rates with SEVERAL banks beforehand (this might require you running a credit check, but you don't have to do that with every bank you apply). Just don't go with what the dealer offers in case they offer financing services there (most do). Also,get SEVERAL car insurance quotes!!! This is very important as seems like you are on the younger side of life.

Also, ask the dealer to show you a copy of the invoice before you sign the deal. Car dealers are notorious for making extra money by coming up with all kinds of hidden fees. All you should see on that invoice is the price of the car obviously, taxes, NY state inspection, lic plates and registration (unless you are transferring plates from your other car) Some dealers will charge you some sort of "documentation fee" also. This where they start playing tricks as it goes anywhere from $25 to hundreds of dollars. Do not let them rip you off with that fee. Negotiate. A "documentation fee" is nothing more than the fee they charge you to push the paperwork - including saving you a trip to the DMV to get the plates and registration.

Anything else you see the like "storage fee," "inventory control fee", or whatever term they come up with is total bull ****.

Sir, you are a bit geographically challenged Look at a map!! NY state is huge. Most people seem to believe NY State is the same as New York City. We have plenty of highways and open roads here too

Man, once again, do not let distance be a deal breaker. It's not that you are buying a car in Washington state, LOL. A few hundred miles might be worth it for the right deal. I know you are blinded by the one nearby, but be patient. Rushing into a car purchase is the first mistake in buying a car.

Also, what part of NY do you live?

 

Im in upstate, so about 3.5 hours north of NYC.

 

Wow.... Delivery went awesome... I brought the rx8 to a mazda dealer and they recommended against a compression test (why i dont know). They replaced the motor under recall though.

I bought the car, and went to pick it up tonight. What happens? Took a 4 second crank to start it up, left it idle for about 5 minutes, RPMS started dropping below 1000 and then kept revving itself back up. Then the check engine light started flashing on. After it came on, I tried just driving to their garage. It shifted into 1st gear really hard and barely moved. Then I turned it off. Then I tried to start it again thinking it was a fluke, and now the car cant be started and its in the Ford dealer's shop.

Awesome

 

That sucks.

Not to go off tangent on something after the fact, but I didn't even realize you had bought it, given that most of us told you to hold out on this purchase.

On the bright side, since they replaced the motor, there's a good chance something went wrong in the installation or there was a problem with the remanufactured one, and they will get it worked out.

One thing I do not understand: You bought the car, and then what happened in between the purchase and the apparent decision by Mazda to replace the motor?

I'm somewhat confused on that point.

 

well what happened was I told the seller (Ford) that id buy the car if it checked out at my mechanic. So I had (Ford) drive the car down to the mazda dealer, and I spoke with the mazda dealer service rep. He charged me a used car inspection fee (about $100) to check everything on it, test drive it, check fluids, check tranny, and everything like that. They replaced the recalled motor as well. They just kinda did it on their own and told me about it after. However there were still issues such as an airbag light and a tire pressure light on on the dash.

When it was brought back to (Ford), they said they were going to fix the tire pressure light and the airbag light. A part for the airbag light comes in Thursday but they replaced an aftermarket tire pressure sensor so that light went away.

Then I tried to start it at Ford, and thats when the RPMs thing happened and then it wouldnt start. My first thought was, somehow a gas line went bad or something like that, but what the heck were they doing around gas lines? I dont know, was really strange. Im so glad I left it idle there for 5 minutes though, otherwise I might have broke down on the way home!

but man... for those couple seconds inside that awesome car... I felt like a king... lol, its just too bad I couldnt move it haha

 

They DONT just replaced the recalled motor on "THEIR" own I dont think.... and it is not a quick process, usually they have to submitt paper work , wait to get it approve and then wait forever for remain motor to show up....

 

Im sorry, maybe I misheard the mazda rep. I thought he said he replaced the motor. On the writeup that he gave me he said he replaced an EFsomething Flash.

 

Ive been arguing with the dealer all day. They say they are going to fix everything but I really dont know if they are even looking in the right place. Its just so weird that this issue only happened at the time of delivery.

However, during the test drive, and im sure the time within them bringing it to mazda and everything, we did not let the car just sit and idle for 5 minutes. Because the car was fine sitting there for like 2 minutes, but once I got in and shut the door, I saw the RPMs start to tank, and rev itself up. It looked on the tach like a ghost was hitting the gas pedal!

Anyways, the dealer said that it was bad spark plugs that caused the stalling and check/engine light. Does that sound right to you guys?

Theyre replacing an oil pressure sensor, wiring unit for the airbags, and then new spark plugs which they SAY will fix the idle/check engine. When I go there today I am going to start it up and let it just sit there for 10 minutes idle and see what happens.

I tried to tell them to check for a vacuum leak because thats what mazda said it sounded like, but they did not agree I guess.

 

Well I finally got it. They replaced the spark plugs and oil pressure sensor, and it seems to be good to go now. Dont get me wrong it still has its issues, and hopefully they will fix them for me.

Yesterday I took it on a 2.5 hour drive through a snow storm, and I started hearing on the way home, a weird sound (like that of boiling water) coming from inside the airbag compartment on the passengers side. They just replaced a wiring system in there, I dunno if thats what caused it. May even just have had something to do with water/snow on the hood/engine of the car or something, im not sure. It would happen for like 30-45 seconds then go away.

The only other weird thing that happened was, when I was trying to speed up on a highway ramp, 4th, 5th, and 6th gear in the lower RPMs (like 2000-3000rpm) did not have any power. It was weird, it felt like the engine was revving but not delivering any power until I would kind of feel a pull of the car when it decided it felt like going. It was really strange. But maybe that is just how this car is.

Any input on either of those things?

(on a side note, oh man this car rocks LOL. I love it so much, and even the gas mileage on my trip was great)

One other thing I'd like to ask too was, I was researching which oil I should be using and heard that the manual says 5w-20. I ordered premix from idemitsu (because I heard thats good to use too), and noticed that they do not offer a 5w-20 for sale. I ordered some 10w-30 from there because it was the thinnest they had. Is this going to be too thick for my rx8? I dont want to damage the car, I want to give it the best of everything that I can.

Thanks guys!