RE: Mazda RX-8 PZ: PH Carpool
Discussion
I think the RX-8 has aged well, when they first came out I thought they looked a bit strange and bulbous but car design seems to have gone that way over the past few years so it doesn't look as odd anymore.
Mine at 70k has severe compression issues (bought it for cheap knowing so) and needs to be jump started to get going but once running is pretty sweet just annoying that not able to travel far due to fear of not being able to restart it again. Judging from the colour of the oil and the service history it looks like the previous owners didn't bother doing regular oil changes and used 0w30 when ideally the best oil to use is 10w40.
I made my own compression tester out of a cheap ebay pressure transducer and an arduino and the back rotor is shot compared to the front which still seems to have quite decent compression.
I'm in two minds whether to cut my losses, get a rebuild (and porting at the same time) or drop another engine in. I bought it knowing it had issues and intended on dropping the saab lump into it as it's been done before and costs only a bit more than a full rebuild but the saab passed its MOT yet again and in over ten years hasn't gone wrong once (apart from the bulkhead issue) so don't want to scrap it even though it's only worth £500 or so.
The rest of the RX8 is fine apart from some light rusting along the sills by the rear wheel that I'm gonna nip in the bud.
Tbh if it did another 70k again after the rebuild then I would be pleased, I know one person whose premixed with two stroke each fill up and they are on over 100k so I'm gonna pre mix as well if I get a rebuild.
This is the saab powered build that inspired me to buy the RX-8 in the first place http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=35&am...
Mine at 70k has severe compression issues (bought it for cheap knowing so) and needs to be jump started to get going but once running is pretty sweet just annoying that not able to travel far due to fear of not being able to restart it again. Judging from the colour of the oil and the service history it looks like the previous owners didn't bother doing regular oil changes and used 0w30 when ideally the best oil to use is 10w40.
I made my own compression tester out of a cheap ebay pressure transducer and an arduino and the back rotor is shot compared to the front which still seems to have quite decent compression.
I'm in two minds whether to cut my losses, get a rebuild (and porting at the same time) or drop another engine in. I bought it knowing it had issues and intended on dropping the saab lump into it as it's been done before and costs only a bit more than a full rebuild but the saab passed its MOT yet again and in over ten years hasn't gone wrong once (apart from the bulkhead issue) so don't want to scrap it even though it's only worth £500 or so.
The rest of the RX8 is fine apart from some light rusting along the sills by the rear wheel that I'm gonna nip in the bud.
Tbh if it did another 70k again after the rebuild then I would be pleased, I know one person whose premixed with two stroke each fill up and they are on over 100k so I'm gonna pre mix as well if I get a rebuild.
This is the saab powered build that inspired me to buy the RX-8 in the first place http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=35&am...
MDMetal said:
So what's the going price for a good one? The GF keeps banging on about wanting a BMW 1 series (coupe) or an A3 but we can't ever find any in her silly price range that are new enough (she buys cars for gadgets/looks vs anything else) I've always pondered her nudging her towards an RX8 but the fact that used ones are all 3grand makes me wonder what's wrong with them. The internet seems awash with RX8's and the fact you can't find a seemingly perfect one for 6-7grand always make me wonder what's wrong with them all!
Poor image from pub talk. Also The running costs including the tax, mpg and associated costs compared to other cars performance ratio isn't great especially for the traffic light GP fans. These people are missing the point though, as the car handles like a dream and is one for me to own at some point. I was too scared at their previous price.On the flip side, they are known for needing a rebuild, whether this is down to maintenance, or reliability is up for debate. I accept that they need a rebuild and visit the owners club site every now and then. (looking for a winning blue 231 with history/rebuild and no modifications) Some of the weak points were addressed in the R3 model (oil feed to the rotor tips? - I can't remember), it remains to be seen if these will need a rebuild like the earlier cars.
I've had my RX-8 for 2 years now and can honestly say that RX-8 ownership has brought joy to my life (does that sound sad?). There are some things to learn about looking after it but I found the most difficult part to be separating the facts from the pub chat*. Once you do, you can look after it properly and keep it running into 6 figures. The original plan was to keep mine for 2 years and upgrade but I have absolutely no intention of selling it now!
'*The RX8OC is great, there are some very knowledgable specialists in the UK and Mazda published several technical papers on the Renesis engine (which, yes, I did read) so all the info is out there. If anyone would like any info/advice don't hesitate to message me.
'*The RX8OC is great, there are some very knowledgable specialists in the UK and Mazda published several technical papers on the Renesis engine (which, yes, I did read) so all the info is out there. If anyone would like any info/advice don't hesitate to message me.
Loved my PZ. Yes they're expensive to run and they have their foibles but the balance of qualities the car has is unique and makes them an experience worth seeking out.
PL06CYP_4 by giveitfish, on Flickr
PL06CYP_4 by giveitfish, on FlickrLoved my 231. It didnt use as much oil as the hype on forums say and yes the MPG was crap but we all know that.
One of the best handling cars I have owned but could also handle long trips with ease and family duties too.
The only thing I never knew was the problem with coil packs and CATs. The day I sold mine the coils packed up for the new owner, luckily it was sorted by the extended warranty I had with the car. I heard from the owner that the CAT packed up during his ownership too.
You really need to fit a Borla, they sound brilliant
One of the best handling cars I have owned but could also handle long trips with ease and family duties too.
The only thing I never knew was the problem with coil packs and CATs. The day I sold mine the coils packed up for the new owner, luckily it was sorted by the extended warranty I had with the car. I heard from the owner that the CAT packed up during his ownership too.
You really need to fit a Borla, they sound brilliant
If I were you I wouldn't buy the K&N Typhoon induction kit. As a member and regular visitor to the RX8 owners club forums, I've seen many tales of people buying induction kits that subsequently impair performance and even potentially cause problems. The K&N is a regular offender in this regard.
If you want to go ahead with one, I would suggest the Racingbeat REVI kit or for a bit more noise, an AEM induction. They get good reviews, although any power gains are negligible as no one has managed to improve greatly on the stock airbox.
Hope that helps.
If you want to go ahead with one, I would suggest the Racingbeat REVI kit or for a bit more noise, an AEM induction. They get good reviews, although any power gains are negligible as no one has managed to improve greatly on the stock airbox.
Hope that helps.
ianwayne said:
The jump to £500 VED for 2006 onwards will be a killer of these cars.
True but its one of those costs if you think outside the box isn't such a big deal - so in reality that equates to a couple of tanks of fuel over the cheaper tax band - big deal for what the car offers over a year. Its a bit like the petrol v diesel running cost issue - often SH the purchase price of the derv car far outweights any fuel saving advantage unless you cover over 35k per year.
Back to the OP - gerat start to the Article in true PH style slating his Audi - if you buy a motorway rep spec car - thats what you'll get.....
I owned a PZ for about a year before a move to London forced me to sell.
You need (and can) be very picky when buying one, there's no doubt there are significantly more 'dogs' about than other makes of cars. If you find a good one that's been loved - mine had a record of service every 4k! - then you're on to a winner as they are absolutly fantastic cars. It just loves B roads and begs to be taken right up to the 9k RPM limit. Nicely equipped too with Bose Cd, leather and climate/cruise as standard.
The PZ is definitly the one to go for, it sounds, drives and looks so much better than the standard car IMO.
Surprised the OP didn't change the tires over immedietly on purchase. Personally i'd never take a chance on a RWD car with anything but recommended brand tires.
Josh
You need (and can) be very picky when buying one, there's no doubt there are significantly more 'dogs' about than other makes of cars. If you find a good one that's been loved - mine had a record of service every 4k! - then you're on to a winner as they are absolutly fantastic cars. It just loves B roads and begs to be taken right up to the 9k RPM limit. Nicely equipped too with Bose Cd, leather and climate/cruise as standard.
The PZ is definitly the one to go for, it sounds, drives and looks so much better than the standard car IMO.
Surprised the OP didn't change the tires over immedietly on purchase. Personally i'd never take a chance on a RWD car with anything but recommended brand tires.
Josh
Looked at these for some time after selling the previous car & tested a couple including the PZ and the dressed up Evolve, loved them! Eventually though, the concern of buying a very second hand RX8 put me off mainly because it would have been hard to ascertain just how well it had been looked after, and with one of these, that matters more than most cars. Also the lack of willingness to have the car compression tested was a concern too.
In the end I plumped for another RWD coupe car with a 9000rpm limit - the S2000. The honda being well known for the opposite engine characteristics - a little rough but crucially much longer lived. For piece of mind and for the fun both on and off the track it's given me, I'm glad I did!
One option I'd have entertained if I had the time and inclination would have been to buy a dead car and had a new, warrantied engine installed. Then you'd be good to go for another two years of happy wankel'ing!
PS didn't Dan Trent (?) have one which let go while on the ring?
In the end I plumped for another RWD coupe car with a 9000rpm limit - the S2000. The honda being well known for the opposite engine characteristics - a little rough but crucially much longer lived. For piece of mind and for the fun both on and off the track it's given me, I'm glad I did!
One option I'd have entertained if I had the time and inclination would have been to buy a dead car and had a new, warrantied engine installed. Then you'd be good to go for another two years of happy wankel'ing!
PS didn't Dan Trent (?) have one which let go while on the ring?
I had a 192 from brand new in 2006 for three years. I did 60k miles in those three years and the car was faultless and it offered one of the best driving positions I've ever experienced.
It was my first time coming out of a company car scheme and dipping my toe in personal leasing and compared to the boring cars I had previously driven it was a revelation.
The handling and braking were excellent and with a longish early morning mixed commute into work including a good hoon around the Milton Keynes grid system, I generally averaged around 25 mpg.
Yes the oil consumption was a consideration, but I always bought this when it was on a deal somewhere and over the ownership period spent around £30.00 each year.
If you can find a well maintained one they are so cheap that the fuel/tax/oil costs are generally covered by the low purchase price.
It was my first time coming out of a company car scheme and dipping my toe in personal leasing and compared to the boring cars I had previously driven it was a revelation.
The handling and braking were excellent and with a longish early morning mixed commute into work including a good hoon around the Milton Keynes grid system, I generally averaged around 25 mpg.
Yes the oil consumption was a consideration, but I always bought this when it was on a deal somewhere and over the ownership period spent around £30.00 each year.
If you can find a well maintained one they are so cheap that the fuel/tax/oil costs are generally covered by the low purchase price.
I've owned mine for four years and overall it has been a good car. They do get a terrible press and much of that is not deserved. The fuel costs are high and at 23ish mpg the cost is about 30p per mile. Many of the direct alternatives to this car are not that much more economical and have a far higher purchase cost.
The engine is the other big issue. Yes, they will probably run for high miles if they are looked after, but most are not. Previous owners will often use the wrong oil and change it at Mazda's suggested 12k interval rather than 6k which is what is really needed. Spark plugs, HT leads and coil packs all need regular replacement and again many are not. This leads to starting issues the fuel not burning cleanly and the cat being damaged. Fuel consumption becomes insane and the engine dies.
You really need a rotary engine specialist nearby, like WGT, Rotary Revs or many others to look after these cars properly. If the worst does come to the worst and the engine dies, a full, proper rebuild will cost about 2k which is actually very cheap. The Cayman, that the author is interested in as a next car can also have engine problems and you will probably spend 10k + to rebuild one of those properly.
The engine is the other big issue. Yes, they will probably run for high miles if they are looked after, but most are not. Previous owners will often use the wrong oil and change it at Mazda's suggested 12k interval rather than 6k which is what is really needed. Spark plugs, HT leads and coil packs all need regular replacement and again many are not. This leads to starting issues the fuel not burning cleanly and the cat being damaged. Fuel consumption becomes insane and the engine dies.
You really need a rotary engine specialist nearby, like WGT, Rotary Revs or many others to look after these cars properly. If the worst does come to the worst and the engine dies, a full, proper rebuild will cost about 2k which is actually very cheap. The Cayman, that the author is interested in as a next car can also have engine problems and you will probably spend 10k + to rebuild one of those properly.
JTN358AT said:
They do get a terrible press and much of that is not deserved.
The Cayman, that the author is interested in as a next car can also have engine problems and you will probably spend 10k + to rebuild one of those properly.
The first part of that statement is one of the reasons I bought mine, sometimes you find everyone raves about a certain car, which can be only a bit above average yet it pushes prices artificially high beyond what you get, whereas those prepared to spend a little time establishing the truth can drop on a very well priced and capable car due to terrible press.The Cayman, that the author is interested in as a next car can also have engine problems and you will probably spend 10k + to rebuild one of those properly.
On the second part, the amount of Porsche engine problems that occur is what put me off a 996 911, as you say it's 2k to rebuild a rotary and many times that for a Porsche engine.
I owned an Evolve for a smidge under 2 years.
It had a rebuild and fitted uprated D585 coils. I bought a lemon but as there was only 100 made I had to take the chance.cobra exhaust, mazda aerokit and grid rotas made the car look stunning. Running on AD08s made it handle dreamly.
unfortunately the 17mpg didnt equate to fun. I started doing more miles and it just lost its fun.
I spent just under £9000 over 2 years. Got £2925 for it rebuilt at Rotary Revs with 9k on the rebuild and 72k overall.
Bought a Megane 250 full fat with all the trimmings and it was the best move ever. RX8s are bombing in price. Even the R3 now. Its alot of spec for the money but you can get similar power for half the running costs elsewhere. Depends on whether your one of those 'wrong wheel drive' imbeciles.
It had a rebuild and fitted uprated D585 coils. I bought a lemon but as there was only 100 made I had to take the chance.cobra exhaust, mazda aerokit and grid rotas made the car look stunning. Running on AD08s made it handle dreamly.
unfortunately the 17mpg didnt equate to fun. I started doing more miles and it just lost its fun.
I spent just under £9000 over 2 years. Got £2925 for it rebuilt at Rotary Revs with 9k on the rebuild and 72k overall.
Bought a Megane 250 full fat with all the trimmings and it was the best move ever. RX8s are bombing in price. Even the R3 now. Its alot of spec for the money but you can get similar power for half the running costs elsewhere. Depends on whether your one of those 'wrong wheel drive' imbeciles.
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