I want to buy a used RX-8, 2005.

What should I look for in terms of possible defects and recalls?

Is it worth buying a used one, or should I go for another car to save me from headaches?

 

I typically buy used cars, but I look for very low mileage, like under 10k. IIRC, the most important flash was in August 2006. If an RX-8 had a lot of miles put on it before that flash, you might want to consider a compression/vacuum test, but that's not as simple of a test as on a piston engine.

 

Save us all the headache and use the search function in this forum...
Get the VIN of the car and call Mazda, they'll be able to tell you if recalls have been done. Do your own research to find out if its worth it.

 

Mazda Customer Support at 1-800-222-5500 can give you this information on any car.

 

Take a Auto shop class. you need to add oil to keep the Apex seal lubed.

 

save yourself

 

Define "worth it".. these cars lose value quickly, so you could score one with low miles for half the price of new.

As far as what to look for, firstly take a good hard look at the previous owner. See if he knows to keep an eye on the oil level, do his fluid changes religiously, warm it up completely (not just until the temp gauge gets to middle), not turn it off when cold, knows not to flood it, drive it hard (this is a good thing.. if these engines are babied they tend to get bored and die), and is generally a rotary enthusiast, then you probably have a good lead.

As far as the car, aside from verifying the recalls have been done, see when the coilpacks and spark plugs were last changed (much above 30k?), check the clutch pedal for creaking and excessive side play (the bracket is known to fail), check the coolant reservoir for leaks and cracks and check for rust at the door sill where the suicide doors close. Oh, and ask if the headlight auto-leveling error light has ever come on while driving, there is a TSB about this.

 

since this is the first thread I've ever seen asking this kind of question, I'm going to have to say get another car.

 

My 2005 (bought new March '06) has about 25k miles on it now and runs like a champ. Of course I've kept up on all TSBs/recalls, change the oil every 3k miles, pre-mix, over maintain 'plugs/coils/cables/filters, etc.

Make sure you get a good owner service history and combined with the Mazda VIN insight you should be fine. 2005's are significantly devalued now so a real steal (my Shinka is probably only worth ~$12K these days).

Aside from checking the oil level a little more often (apex seal lubrication) they really don't require any more service than any other vehicle, but again timely and regular service is the key.

 

Buy a Civic.

 

its worth it to me. Had my 05 (and owned other rotaries) since new and never tire of it. Sounds like you have alot of research yet to do.

 

We love our 05. Had superb history, all TSB's done, low miles and looked like it had never even seen a raindrop when I bought it. Also passed the VINCheck (CARFAX) with flying colors.

 

If you have to post a thread and ask that question now. Don't buy an RX8.

 

^ Agree.