What can you guys tell me about the RX8?

"Trunk Impaired 318" (matteocscaptura)
10/02/2015 at 10:49 • Filed to: None

Probably going to look at an RX8 today but Im not exactly an expert on them. I see a lot on craigslist that are not running and was wondering if there was any way you could tell an engine was on its way out? Ive been poking around the RX8 forums but figured Id see if you guys had any advice. Thanks!

DISCUSSION (25)

bob and john > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 10:54

try starting it when its HOT. like turn the engine off for a 1 or 2 (like you getting gas) if it doesnt start up very quickly, apex seals are on their way out

georgechristensen > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 10:55

Apex Seals

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 10:55

Everything you need to know, right here in convenient video form.

Trunk Impaired 318 > bob and john
10/02/2015 at 10:59

This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. So basically drive around until the engine is well up to temp, stop and try restarting in 1 minute or two?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:03

I was seriously looking at buying one in 2009, I ended up buying a Mazda3 instead. Pros: 1. I LOVED the interior and styling. 2. I loved the brakes, stearing, and handling. Cons: 1. the AC button is right in front of the shifter so I kept hitting it with my thumb when going to 3rd and 5th. 2. THIS CAR HAS NO TORQUE. I was expecting a sporty drive but with the utter and complete lack of torque it would have been a crappy daily driver. It really doesn’t have any power until you are > 6,000 rpm. I had a stop and go commute so that wasn’t going to work very well for fuel economy or clutch wear. My comparison is to a Nissan Z, have driven/owned both the 240 and 350, both would smoke an RX-8 off the line to 40 or 50 mph 3. That stupid rotary engine. Yeah they rev to heaven but they are as reliable as republicans backing a welfare bill in the senate.

Overall I’m gald I did not by an RX-8, the Mazda3 has been 90% of the RX-8 100% of the time while being the most reliable car I have ever owned.

MultiplaOrgasms > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:04

If its cheap the engine is blown. If it is expensive the engine will be good.

spanfucker retire bitch > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:04

You will pray at the Altar of Apex Seals.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:04

I believe, despite looking real cool, the engines were on their way out as they were being installed.

Maybe do an LS swap for some reliability haha

Steve in Manhattan > georgechristensen
10/02/2015 at 11:05

That was my thought - also that you have to do an engine overhaul every so often. If you’re interesting in one, get the service history and check the message boards to see what owners say.

DerW220 > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:05

Carry spare oil in the trunk.

Steve in Manhattan > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/02/2015 at 11:07

maybe this is where I saw it - you can’t valet park the car for some reason I can’t recall.

Arrivederci > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:09

Zackly - this is about the best test. Also, might ask the owner or salesman to drive it around (once warm) and get on it to see if it’s burning anything. Well-maintained, they can be great cars.

FazeRacer > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:13

Make sure to get the maintenance records before making a decision. Chances are the engine is on it’s last days due to lack of maintenance.

Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:13

Honestly, asking anybody here for rotary advice is like expecting a politician to build a wall for you. Follow the RX-8 owners since they’ve experienced the cars themselves. Everyone here just has internet based “facts” and has derived an opinion from them.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:13

It’s a wankel. They are always on their way out. Depending on the previous owner, the engine will go between 60 and 80k before it desperately needs a rebuild/replacement.

That said, the engine blocks are so small and light that if you’re good with a wrench it shouldn’t take more than an afternoon to swap one out. My buddy with the FBs claims they’re also pretty cheap. Almost like a maintenance item.

You don’t simply drive a rotary - that’s the problem with all these people trying to sell them - you have to love living the wankel life.

and 100 more > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:16

Replace engine every 40k miles, and you should be alright.

From everything I’ve read (because I don’t own one... but I have a friend that keeps his in a garage!), the engines are really hit and miss, quality-wise.

Also, not fuel efficient at all.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
10/02/2015 at 11:22

That’s the thing: An RX is like a sport bike with four wheels. You deal with the engine because it weighs practically nothing, which is why it handles so well. If you really need or want practicality and fuel economy, you don’t drive an RX.

It is the perfect second/third car, not a daily driver.

Chariotoflove > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 11:29

If its an early model (2004-6), make sure the engine was replaced under the warranty. Those early engines had problems with compression, and you had until 8 years or 80,000 miles for them to manifest. Since you’re out of that period now, I’d make sure the car already got that engine replacement so I don’t have to worry about it.

Also, take it to a Mazda dealer and have them test it. If it passes those tests, I’d buy with confidence in the engine. I bought my ‘04 new, and I’ve daily driven it ever since. Great car.

Also, don’t turn off the car cold. Always warm it or else rev the engine to high rpm if you have to turn it off before it’s completely warmed up. You don’t want excess fuel in the chambers eating away at those seals.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD
10/02/2015 at 11:29

Ive got a few good tips but for the most part all ive got is the “apex seals go boom” crowd. Yes, I know they do, but Id like some real advice and not common knowledge, haha.

Sweet Trav > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 12:35

Rotaries are terrible engines.

Plan an LS swap if you buy it.

Firewrx234 > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 12:44

Kinja'd!!!

Friend has owned 2. He said that 1) they eat oil (yeah rotary) so understand that you will top it off 2) they eat batteries (their ecu doesn’t have the ability to go into sleep mode like modern cars so if it’s untouched for an amount of time, be prepared to jump it, especially winter) 3) stick shift is the way to go as they come with more hp than the automatic

Overall he loves them and said he will keep his forever.

bryan40oop > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 13:00

Don’t expect it to be a primary source of transportation.

Khalbali > bob and john
10/02/2015 at 14:39

Came here to post this. See:

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/how-to-hit-the…

bhardoin > Trunk Impaired 318
10/02/2015 at 18:28

A compression test will at least tell you if the motor’s gone, but not really give you a timeline on how soon they are to go. As a rule, I’d say to just expect a rebuild at 100k miles. That should be part of your purchase price.

SkyNet > Trunk Impaired 318
12/04/2015 at 11:13

So did you end up pulling the trigger?