Going for the Mazda Rx8... what should i look for???
Discussion
Hey guys, looking at buying my first coupe. My budget is £6000 and a friend has offered me his Rx8 for 5900... bargain i think?
Just looking for some tips from folk who own or have owned this car in the past. Anything major i should look out for? Should i keep some money in the bank for spares?
Im going to be doing trips from Germany to Scotland about 3 times a year as im in the Army based in Germany. 2000 mile trip, does it have issues with long cruises and fuel for that type of journey? Still low mpg?
Also, anyone who knows where to buy Xenon Continental headlights would be great.
Cheers guys for any advice
Just looking for some tips from folk who own or have owned this car in the past. Anything major i should look out for? Should i keep some money in the bank for spares?
Im going to be doing trips from Germany to Scotland about 3 times a year as im in the Army based in Germany. 2000 mile trip, does it have issues with long cruises and fuel for that type of journey? Still low mpg?
Also, anyone who knows where to buy Xenon Continental headlights would be great.
Cheers guys for any advice
Take it easy on longer trips and you can get 250-300 miles form a tank. It's not impossible.
RX8OC website is excellent but, basically:
Make sure the heat shield, oil cooler pipes and front suspension recalls have been done on older cars.
Check for wheel arch corrosion and signs of corrosion on the sill where the two doors meet. Check the bootlid on 56/07 reg cars for paint blistering, there was a faulty batch made.
Check the drivers seat for squeaking-most do, a piece of cardboard under the front left bolt works! Check the rear screen for squeaks, the centre bolt sometimes needs retightened.
Check the service schedule is up to date and that coil packs are changed around 30,000 miles.
Don't worry about mayonaisse on the dip stick as moisture condenses in the tube.
CHeck the performance is as expected and there is no flat spotting in the lower rev range (means the cat is collapsing) and that, on the 230, when it hits 7500 revs that there is a slight increase in induction noise and more performence up to the red line. The third inlet port actuator can stick closed and they'll go flat above 7500 in that case. Also check the headlight self levelling works as they can be bloody expensive (£600 from Mazda, I believe).
For any RX8 out of warranty , I'd HIGHLY recommend getting a compression test prior to buying.
If I can remember anything else I'll add an edit.
RX8OC website is excellent but, basically:
Make sure the heat shield, oil cooler pipes and front suspension recalls have been done on older cars.
Check for wheel arch corrosion and signs of corrosion on the sill where the two doors meet. Check the bootlid on 56/07 reg cars for paint blistering, there was a faulty batch made.
Check the drivers seat for squeaking-most do, a piece of cardboard under the front left bolt works! Check the rear screen for squeaks, the centre bolt sometimes needs retightened.
Check the service schedule is up to date and that coil packs are changed around 30,000 miles.
Don't worry about mayonaisse on the dip stick as moisture condenses in the tube.
CHeck the performance is as expected and there is no flat spotting in the lower rev range (means the cat is collapsing) and that, on the 230, when it hits 7500 revs that there is a slight increase in induction noise and more performence up to the red line. The third inlet port actuator can stick closed and they'll go flat above 7500 in that case. Also check the headlight self levelling works as they can be bloody expensive (£600 from Mazda, I believe).
For any RX8 out of warranty , I'd HIGHLY recommend getting a compression test prior to buying.
If I can remember anything else I'll add an edit.
Edited by Ali_T on Thursday 15th September 15:00
All good advice above and Id add to that an excellent warranty. My FSH 38,000 mile example needed a new cat, 2 new headlamp levellers ( £500 each ), couple of O2 sensors, new engine, a new fuel line and a new power steering loom. In that order and all within the first 14 months.
The single biggest worry is loss of compression and a compression test is the only way to be sure. When my engine went the give away was an unwillingness to start when it was good n hot and had been left for a few minutes. Typically after filling up with fuel which was embarrassing.
Luckily I'd bought from a main dealer and had a Mazda warranty which covered pretty much all of it.
Having said that I do like the car, its comfortable and fun and due to the fact its now worth buttons I cant see me getting rid any time soon.
With regard to fuel its not good, 22 average but on a light footed decent run I get around 26. Last month gentle cruising round the quiet roads of northern France I got 28.
The single biggest worry is loss of compression and a compression test is the only way to be sure. When my engine went the give away was an unwillingness to start when it was good n hot and had been left for a few minutes. Typically after filling up with fuel which was embarrassing.
Luckily I'd bought from a main dealer and had a Mazda warranty which covered pretty much all of it.
Having said that I do like the car, its comfortable and fun and due to the fact its now worth buttons I cant see me getting rid any time soon.
With regard to fuel its not good, 22 average but on a light footed decent run I get around 26. Last month gentle cruising round the quiet roads of northern France I got 28.
Yip, one with a Warranty is a good idea. However, at your budget I’m not sure they’d be much about with sensible mileage.
If only you could find one with a Mazda Warranty privately. Mmmmmm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3216441.htm
(Shameless plug)
If only you could find one with a Mazda Warranty privately. Mmmmmm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3216441.htm
(Shameless plug)
McSwerve II said:
Yip, one with a Warranty is a good idea. However, at your budget I’m not sure they’d be much about with sensible mileage.
If only you could find one with a Mazda Warranty privately. Mmmmmm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3216441.htm
(Shameless plug)
I'm getting it at mates rates as my friend is getting out the army and won't be able to run it.If only you could find one with a Mazda Warranty privately. Mmmmmm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3216441.htm
(Shameless plug)
20500 miles on a 57 plate (registered jan 2008). He was the only owner and has full Mazda service history. Just fitted new tyres on the rear and disc and pads all round, well looked after. Sold for £5900... Bit of a steal really
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