I have been enjoying this site for some time!!! The amount of info here is incredible.

Due to life, I can't afford a brand new 8, but I am looking forward to buying a gently used one in the future.

I have used the search button and have found great info on the break in proceedure. I have not found the answer I am looking for (pls no flaming)

Is there any way to tell if an 8 has been broken in properly? (beside owner feedback)

Thanks

 

No there isn’t.

There are some clues that can indicate the owner cared about the 8 and most likely did the right thing.
Do they have copy of EVERY service record showing regular oil changes at no more than 5,000 miles? Plus any TSB’s done?
Do they use this board?
Do they have the owner’s manual and does it look like it’s been opened at least once?
If you can see where the 8 been parked, does the owners garage look like a shrine to care products?
All the above would show me that the owner is into cars and would have most likely broken it in correctly.
Also talk to them about basic rotary engine / RX-7 / 8 stuff, if they know some background about the car they most likely would have taken good car of it.

 

engine oil analysis

The old standby's are pedal wear, tire wear, thorough suspension inspection, brake pad inspection, body and frame damage inspection, etc.

If you don't know how to do these things yourself, hire a mechanic to do a 100 point check.

 

You might have an abused engine if you noticed that you have alot more oil smoke come out the exaust. Especially after redlining it and letting of the gas quickly in gear. Some oil smoke is ok, not enough to see a cloud. Change the oil every 3k.

 

Try getting the VIN# and going to a local Mazda dealer's service center. They should be able to pull up the vehicle history as far as recall and possible service history if it was taken to a Mazda dealership for service check-ups. I know the vehicle history reports from Mazda give personal info so they may be reluctant to actually hand you the report, but if you told them your intentions, they may be willing to at least give you a snap-shot of where the car stands.

 

There is really no way to tell if a car was broken in properly. There are ways to tell if the car and engine are in good working order. The most important concern is probably the health of the engine. Before agreeing to buy the used car, have the compression checked by a Mazda dealer and have the tech explain the results to you. It will be worth the cost to your peace of mind, whether the readings are good or bad. It the readings are questionable, look elsewhere, realizing that the money you spent for the compression check probably saved you a bundle in the long run.

 

Thanks for all the great info...it will be very helpful when I'm shopping for my "new" ride.