Had an 87 RX7 which I drove to over 120K miles (bought it used with under 20K miles), and after than many cars, including an M3 I had for 4 years. But even while I had the M3, I test drove a S1 RX-8 and loved it. Since then, several cars more "responsible" for my growing family, I still miss the RX-8!

Today I drive an almost paid 2010 Acura TL and my wife a 2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan, which I will not sell/trade - this extra car will be "my" car, more of a daily, fun car, with the RX-8 the one my heart tells me I should buy.

Of course if you research the RX-8 you will hear about "relatively" low engine life, some die within the first 20-30K miles, some don't even make it to 100K miles, etc. - clearly owners that don't know enough about rotaries. BUT, since I am buying used, I worry about getting an used RX-8 with "little" life left in the engine.

Although the RX-8 would be my dream, I am also considering two more options with a manual transmission: Lexus IS 250, and 2007+ G37 Coupe. The rear seat for my 10 and 12 year kids is perfect, although of course, as they get older (and longer/taller) the RX-8 might be a little bit less ideal. Good thing is that I am not in a hurry - I have a car to try today.

Budget at this point is allowing me to consider between $10-15K to purchase an used RX-8 (I know, not a lot to work with), so I have been looking, learning, researching. Of course the majority of cars through the Internet are on dealers, with little/no chance of knowing how the car has been maintained (given the unique nature of the Rotary engine), so I am naturally worried about buying one and not being to find out about part history/records/etc..

Common sense tells me buying from a private party could be safer than a dealer, plus I might be possible to even do a compression check on the engine (which of course I would gladly pay/cover on my own), but again, not a lot of these for sale given the "relatively" low sales numbers for the RX-8.

From my brief research so far, there appears to be a good RX-8 mechanic/shop in Garland TX (I live close by, in Richardson), so that is a good thing for stuff I can't fix/update/maintain at home.

So, given my "situation", any advice/tips you can give me?

William

 

Actually, it sounds like you have a pretty good budget.. You should be able to get a Series 2 with that.. Actually, a pretty good condition/low mile S2! Sure they look different -- love it or hate it. Looks are subjective. But - They're more reliable (than an S1). Oh and for sure about buying from private. Dealers don't know a thing about the cars they sell. A private seller will be able to answer any question you may have!!

Good luck man!

 

Thanks much Eric. So far I have found a 2010 R3 about 3 hours away from me that looks tempting, with about 40K miles on it.

A naive question, but with the VIN, how do I verify that it is in fact an R3 model?

 

R3's (in 2010), only came in two colors.. Blue and Red. So that's the first thing to look at. Things like gunmetal wheels, side skirts, spoiler, aggressive front bumper, and Recaro seats are also dead giveaways (as far as the looks go).

Actually, theres a VIN decoder on here. It's up under the 'Tools' tab at the top.. But here you go: VIN Decoder - RX8Club.com

Hope that helps!

(If you want, you can post a link of the listing, and people can give their opinions on it).

 

Eric, thanks much. Sure enough, once VIN was checked (and looking at the pictures, now that thanks to you I knew what to look for), it was NOT an R3 after all.

The search continues

Will

 

I plan on getting a used one in a couple months too...good luck on your search wquiles

 

Thanks man. To make things more interesting, my buddy is trying to make me consider an used Boxster as well!

Will

 

The thing is you actually have to want a rotary engine, if you don't then you have many options...I want one lol

 

LOL, very true. I am keeping options open, and I do hope to test drive a couple of cars over the next week or two, so that I can finalize and pick "the one".

Will

 

Now that's crazy
Depending on year, they go through engines not unlike the RX series, but definitely more expensive. Something about intermediate shafts.

 

Yup, here is the "full" story:
IMS Bearing - The Full Story | Oregon Region Porsche Club of America

Since it is a well known/documented problems, most used Boxsters have either failed by now (and have been repaired), or have had the preventive bearing replacement ($750). Once that is covered, they are not too bad to own/operate, if you can do basic maintenance (instead of paying the stealer $$$ for trivial stuff like oil changes, brake jobs, etc..).

I am hoping to finally get to test drive a couple of cars this weekend and see what "feels" right behind the wheel. The RX-8 sets a pretty high bar, so it will be interesting for sure.

Will

 

I agree with the comments on a S2 Rx8, your budget is pretty decent for one.

Lexus may not cut it for you, G37S coupe is another beast in its own :-). You will have debate between the 37 and rx8.


test drive a few rx8's to get a better feel, and a compression test is a must :-)

My 04Gt died at 284ish k on its original motor, now my 06 GT is close to 200k.
It may sound funny, but both my rx8's have been by far the most reliable cars I have ever owned lol
my 04 was a daily through winter storms, heat strokes, rain, regular days, never left me stranded except that one day my she decided not to start anymore :-)

 

I bought a 2011 GT with about 17,500 miles on it in July last yr. Drove from the border of illinois/Wisconsin down to memphis to pick it up paid 16,000.
I really have no idea if i over paid. Just knew i have always wanted one and i had a buddy that would be super jealous. Have not been disappointed in
the car at all. Most fun I've ever had in a car and i had an 86 300zx turbo that i thought was a blast to drive

 

Wow, only 17K miles - that was a great find

 

2011 was the last year in the US, and only 759 were brought over as per another post; sounds pretty special to me. Less than 20K miles. Sounds like a fair price, if the compression test was done and passed. I recently got mine, 2009 with 27K miles and good compression test, for $13K. Enjoy your ride!

And best of luck to the OP on his quest to scratch his itch!

 

Here's my opinion. I would research the colors and options you want and find the cleanest example you can find. Go see the car in person and do the compression test yourself or take the car to a dealer and have them perform one and make it conditional with the buyer that the car pass a compression test before purchase. You may be better off finding one here on the forum or finding one that is enthusiast owned. Look the car over thoroughly and purchase one that you are in love with. So what if the engine can fail early, the car is worth buying as it is one of the finest and most unique cars you'll ever drive. I have an 04 6spd base model in my garage that I'm putting an engine in. I bought it last year and the engine went on me after 7 months of ownership. I was upset but I won't sell or part the car out. It has parameters that were met before purchase. Completely rust free southern car with an interior that was never smoked in and the car had not been abused and was adult owned. Great starting points for my taste. So the car is awaiting its new engine, as I am awaiting the gasket set for said engine.