Buying an RX-8 Checklist
 

OK, so a very close friend of mine is seriously looking into getting an RX-8. His budget is pretty low (under 9k) so its going to be 05-06 and pretty high mileage.

The main thing I want is any and all known issues and things to look for when he/I start going out and looking at cars.

I understand the fundamentals of the Rotary, but when it comes to things to look/feel for we are both pretty clueless. So even if it seems obvious go ahead and list it out so we can get a good base list set up.

Thanks guys!!

Here is mine for sale. You said the two keywords, cheap, and high mileage.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1878799202.html

I have two people actually coming to see it today.

The things to look for are the same as most other cars. One thing to check is that it starts when the engine is hot. Check clutch engagement, the pedal assembly can crack easily. Check that all the buttons and switches work, even though it has high miles, the car is not old, so they should still work.

Check the coolant for 'champagne' bubble when you start it cold.

Otherwise, but mine.

The coils tend to go out often so you would want to find out if they were replaced recently. Most important is no accidents, you always get alot of problems with a car that has a decent sized accident.

Yeah, check the coils, plugs, wires. The plugs are super easy to change, and so are the coils and such. I just replaced all of mine, and they were ALL the original part numbers (which have been superceded around 4 times).

All is well now.

i just want to emphasize this. consider them to be normal wear items like tires or brake pads. you have no idea the world of hurt in which these bloody (~$25 each) items can put you. many people have documented that the major symptom is a decrease of power, but that will be subjective and relative to the particular car. as for my experience, my car felt the same from the day i bought it to the night everything came to a head. i would say a flashing CEL would be a more objective sign, but i would tend to think that unless you notice the stumble that sometimes comes along with it, you can miss the flashing CEL, too. anyway, the point is keep the coils in mind for any Rx-8 you buy, and if there's any question about their status, get new ones. it's ~$100 for a set or you could consider upgrades out there, if you wish. BHR (i've never dealt with them) is the only name that comes to mind readily.


also look for oil under the engine cover and around the front parts of the engine (alternator, pulleys, etc.). i don't know statistically how common this is, but my car needed a new front main seal at around 40,000 miles.

I have the BHR coils. I've had no problems since I bought them. They're basicially adapted LS1 coils. I recommend them, but they're $500.