Car Advice: 2006 Mazda RX8 That Has Done around 110k

enzioFirenze on 04/04/2016 - 21:21
Last edited 10/04/2016 - 23:28

**UPDATE: I found a Skyline GT350 I like and has done around 80k on the clock. Looks like it's well maintained. Thinking of going for it.

Alternative Recommendations-: Nissan Skyline GT350/GT370, Mazda 3/6 MPS, Impreza WRX, Nissan Silvia, Honda S2000, Mitsubishi Lance Ralliart. Ideas and advises are welcome!

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at a 2006 Mazda RX8 that has done around 110k, engine hasn't been replaced but has been well maintained with service records. I'm just wondering whether it's a good idea to buy a RX 8 that's done 100k+ as it has a rotary engine. Anybody here have/had RX8? How is the car?

Any advise is appreciated.

PS: I'm interested in this specific car because it's available for a sweet price :)

Automotive Mazda

Comments

    • enzioFirenze on 04/04/2016 - 21:46

      but there's a lot of comments about rotary engines being worn out sooner than the regular ones :S

      • airzone on 05/04/2016 - 02:14

        The seals man… Piston engines only have the rings to worry about, but you will have apex, end seals, and after getting that far I said stuff it and bought a skyline.

        • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 13:58

          did you buy a skyline 350/370GT?

        • airzone on 05/04/2016 - 14:30

          @enzioFirenze: Nah, r33.. Bear in mind that this was 15 years ago and I was looking at an rx7

        • fillit on 06/04/2016 - 09:06
          +1

          @airzone: the rx7 would be worth a pretty penny now though, whether FC or FD

        • HerpinDerp on 06/04/2016 - 17:39

          @fillit:
          Nah, not really.

          I'd only one that's been rebuilt by a reputable shop.

      • PVA on 06/04/2016 - 17:41

        not 100000km though.

    • wtfnodeal on 07/04/2016 - 00:40

      Why is his comment negged? If it is only 110km that's pretty much brand new unless OP meant 110,000km, which I think this is the case.

      • tomleonhart on 07/04/2016 - 06:18

        Op wrote 110k not 110kms

        He got negged because He can't see the difference betwee the 2 :P

        • wtfnodeal on 07/04/2016 - 08:17
          -1

          110k..m? Or 110k..km? You know the k stands for kilo right? And 1000m = 1km right? Unless you couldn't see he was half being sarcastic and half trying to be funny. Otherwise OP should be more specific about the unit of measure which is 110k km not 110k m.

        • tomleonhart on 07/04/2016 - 08:23

          @wtfnodeal: k stands for 1000. kms stands for kms. But yeah PVA was trying to be funny and OP didn't specify a unit of measure.

          I didnt neg you btw

        • Lucky13 on 07/04/2016 - 08:44
          -1

          @wtfnodeal: kg stands for kilo just fyi

        • wtfnodeal on 07/04/2016 - 10:29
          +7

          @Lucky13: kg stands for kilogram FYI

        • Lucky13 on 07/04/2016 - 20:37

          @wtfnodeal: a kilo is a kilogram, main definition https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=… or if u press the down arrow u get the less known greek version derived from khilioi meaning 'thousand'

        • dsp26 on 08/04/2016 - 09:01

          since we're on the topic of units of measure… do you guys remember, back in the day you could install altezza clear lights and it was good for 50kw at the lights?!

  • idjces on 04/04/2016 - 21:35
    +6

    Wouldn't buy a rotary unless you are an enthusiast. I own a few 90's rotaries, and they're a pain in the ass (though these are turbo rotary engines - an rx8 has an easier life being N/A).

    • enzioFirenze on 04/04/2016 - 21:46
      -4

      I like the RX8 so I guess I'm an enthusiast in that perspective.

      • idjces on 04/04/2016 - 22:59
        +11

        I mean more in the sense of hands on pulling things apart, knowing them inside and out. As Google Chrome mentioned below, an engine being replaced twice is not uncommon.

        You'll need 2 of the 3 following. A ton of $, a ton of time, or a ton of first hand experience with rotary engines.

        There's a reason my daily mazda is running a Toyota 1jz in place of it's rotary. Love the cars, but rotaries are a c**t.

        (I have a longer term rotary project - which naturally isn't running).

        Have you heard of mad mike and his red bull sponsored rotaries? The engines get pulled down pretty much every event he goes to.

        • nomoneynoproblems on 04/04/2016 - 23:20
          +7

          This so much. You only go a rotary if you're really an enthusiast. No offense to the OP, but 'liking the RX8' isn't really enough to justify it.

          To me its obvious the guy selling it, realises that the rebuild is coming and he wants to offload it.

          Stay away unless your pockets are deep or willing to spend another couple of thousand to rebuild the motor.

        • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 00:04

          @nomoneynoproblems: Thanks for the comments guys, I do understand buying a RX8 entails a lot of baggage along with it. It's a beast of a car though ;)

        • BartholemewH on 06/04/2016 - 19:03
          +4

          @enzioFirenze:
          Not being a smart arse, but what is beastly about an RX8? They are only 177kw iirc and were bagged for lack of power on release.

  • Google Chrome on 04/04/2016 - 21:44
    +2

    My friend had a rx8 and during the time he had it (~7 yrs), the engine was replaced twice. What's the offer price?

    • enzioFirenze on 04/04/2016 - 21:47

      these are the kinds of comments that worries me, I've seen too much of these comments unfortunately :S Thanks Chrome for your input, appreciate it, I could probably get it for around 8k with rego till end of December.

      • Google Chrome on 04/04/2016 - 22:06
        +1

        Also I have to add, that you will become good friends with the petrol station if you do get the rx8. Otherwise, I think 8k is quite a good deal. Have you had a look at the s2k?

        • enzioFirenze on 04/04/2016 - 22:11

          oh yeah, I've heard about fuel efficiency but I have an Impreza that does around 12-15L on average now so I'll kinda be indifferent to that ;) S2000 is a beautiful machine but I generally don't like convertibles and it's a bit out of my price range as well.

      • chartparker on 05/04/2016 - 08:40

        My colleague has an RX-8. He hasn't driven it in months because of engine issues. Something to do with a vent getting calcified that then gets stuck open when venting during high temps? Either way - he's had nothing but trouble with his car, and getting Mazda to fix the issues would've cost him $2k+

  • nocure on 04/04/2016 - 21:47
    +1

    it's available for a sweet price :)

    And a sweeeeet sound 😎

    • enzioFirenze on 04/04/2016 - 21:48
      +1

      oh yeah, one of the sweetest :D

  • pointless martyr on 04/04/2016 - 22:01

    As long as the price very good go for it - keep in mind that you will have issues that pop up in future as, many of these things have been flogged by kids in stop start trafic all their lives

    If you dont have a few thousand $ in the bank after purchase for inevitable repairs, look at a more sensible model

  • victorwilson on 04/04/2016 - 22:27
    +19

    Finally, an Ozbargainer buying an interesting car. Great choice OP.

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:06

      it is, I loved the drive but if it entails a lot of repairs, I might skip it for now.

      • victorwilson on 05/04/2016 - 14:34
        +2

        Good luck with the purchase mate. You could also consider the AWD Mazda 6 MPS if you're looking for a less needy performance Mazda than the RX-8.

        • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:53

          that's actually a good suggestion, thanks :)

    • goingDHfast on 06/04/2016 - 19:21
      +10

      What's uninteresting about the `96 Toyota Camrys we all drive? Its a freaking perpetual motion machine!!

    • JV159 on 07/04/2016 - 08:34

      That's right, and this thread was a good read too :)

  • oscargamer on 04/04/2016 - 22:37

    would be very cautious of a rotary of that age, many many delicate seals inside the engine that are expensive to replace

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:05

      unfortunately, I think you are correct about that!

  • tomleonhart on 04/04/2016 - 23:29
    +1

    There is no free lunch. Why is the price sweet ?

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:05
      -1

      because it's somewhat below market price and of good condition for age.

      • tomleonhart on 05/04/2016 - 14:16
        +12

        yeah that's not what i meant though. Normally things are cheap for a reason. You better figure out what that is :D

  • Master Bates on 04/04/2016 - 23:45

    Mate had one when they first came out and he noted it eats a lot of oil. If you don't regularly check the oil level and top up, that may be why so many have engine replacements.

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 00:03

      Actually the Renesis engine in RX8 is a total loss system so it's supposed to burn oil, but yeah, if the owners don't top up oil every now and then, that's one way path to engine trouble :S

    • idjces on 05/04/2016 - 00:39

      Rotaries have this brilliant feature where they require injectors to inject oil from the sump, straight into the combustion chamber.

      One of the many potential problem areas an owner can look forward to :)

  • Big Trev on 05/04/2016 - 08:04

    A workmate is into cars, and him and a mate bought one used RX8 each. They've also come to an agreement whereby they're going to share the costs on building up a spare motor for whichever one blows up fisrt.

    As others have mentioned unless you're an enthusiast who can do the work yourself, or you have piles of cash, you're probably best off walking past this "bargain".

    That said, if it really makes you feel funny in your special place, buy it anyway. But don't say you weren't warned.

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:04
      +1

      yeah walking past this seems a sensible choice :S

  • zenzeninbox on 05/04/2016 - 08:07

    What would an RX8 engine rebuild cost (drive in drive out) and who does them these days? Most of the rotary workshops in Melbourne from the 90s/2000s closed down.
    I built a 13b in the mid 90s it was about $2k in parts/machining so I guess now for someone else to do the work it would be about $6-8k?
    Are RX8 engines friendly to low cost mild modifications? (porting etc)
    Cheers

  • assetcollector on 05/04/2016 - 08:46
    +2

    I have just sold a 2004 RX-8 for $2900.
    Needed a new engine. Low compression.
    Lots of interest but buyers wary of future costs.

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:03

      darn for $2900? well I don't want to do that so I guess this really isn't a good option for me.

    • mousie on 06/04/2016 - 08:18
      +10

      You should change your name to Assetliquidator

    • PVA on 06/04/2016 - 17:44

      how many KM did it do?

  • WT on 05/04/2016 - 08:51

    Firstly this is the wrong forum to ask.

    There are probably a few on here that can give you general info but i doubt there are many with first hand experience with a rotary let alone an rx8.

    There is a reason they are cheaper then rx7s. In na form they are crap. If you compare them to a run of the mill car they are good, but compared to the s6/7 they are a novilty.

    I havent owned an rx8 but have owned a couple of turbod rotaries in the past and 1 na 13b bridgeport which i prompty sold.

    All i can say is 110k klm you would be up for a rebuild soon and if you done your research you would know its better to rebuild before it dies otherwise you basically have to atleast double the rebuild cost if housings or rotors are scored. Min cost would be about 1800 for just a seal kit and apex seals if you dyi, and its not exactly an easy dyi since some specialty tools are required. Its been a while since i have been into them so prices might have changed.

    Basically its a gamble, cheap vs fresh. If its been babied and shifted at 2k rpm the motor might be good for another 40k+. Becuase they have zero torque its not likely.

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:03
      +1

      thanks for the reply. Yeah I'll have to anticipate the subsequent costs if I'm going to buy one so now I'm having second thoughts!

  • Darron65 on 05/04/2016 - 13:40

    If you want a great driving rwd Mazda, get an MX-5. I had one (2nd gen) for 7 years, my daily plus I autocrossed about 40 weekends each year. Super reliable, would not hesitate to buy another. And lets not forget cheap to run and maintain.

    • enzioFirenze on 05/04/2016 - 14:02

      MX5 seems to be sound advise but it's a convertible and only has two seats which is a bit of an issue for me.

      • Mikinoz on 05/04/2016 - 14:39

        Get the hard top, rx8 rear space is minimal if you have 2 adults in the front

      • TheOneWhoKnocks on 09/04/2016 - 06:11

        sound advice

        Any advice is good advice mate, these people are taking the time out to assist you. Darron was merely giving you an alternative.

  • ijd on 06/04/2016 - 00:03
    +5

    Rotor is love, Rotor is life. As people have said the a rotary engine is really for enthusiast and most of them would choose the RX7. Rotary engines don't last as long a spiston engines & they have worse fuel economy than a LS1. A 350Z or equivalent year Skyline would probably be the RX8's direct competition and I'd rather the Nissan.

  • Bammers on 06/04/2016 - 07:23

    Go to Ausrotary.com and ask the questions and get real answers from real rotary drivers / enthusiasts.

    They are the guys with the product knowledge you seek - on another note (shameless plug) if you want to buy a genuine Rx3 coupe with a 12aTurbo fully engineered drop me a PM ;)

  • mousie on 06/04/2016 - 08:35

    I would love an rx7 but petrified of the ongoing total costs of ownership. Don't see too many rx8s or 7s on the road. How much is this hobby worth to you? If you can provision 8k a year in total ownership costs you should be fine. Maybe talk to a rotary specialist and see if they have any ex project cars you could take off their hands.

  • DiscoJango on 06/04/2016 - 08:46
    +1

    its cheap for a reason…

  • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2016 - 08:53

    The RX8 is notorious for flooding

    • WT on 06/04/2016 - 12:39

      …with awsome sounds

  • roguescholar on 06/04/2016 - 09:55

    Do it once and do it right with the engine replacement, put a big v8 into it.

  • mp3police on 06/04/2016 - 09:58

    i had an RX8 and sold it for almost nothing the car had only done less then 100K and it was ruined would have needed an entire new engine housing.
    the inside of the car is beautiful i love it but if it had a normal piston engine would be much more worth it :P

  • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2016 - 10:11
    +1

    This is your best bet.

    http://www.rx8club.com.au/forum/

    Take some time to learn about the car from a group exclusively made up of RX8 enthusiast owners.

    We're a bunch of tightarses (at least before someone decided to claim that name).

    • enzioFirenze on 07/04/2016 - 23:30

      yeah I did crawl through the forum, thanks for the tip mate :)

  • Cluster on 06/04/2016 - 10:43

    I know someone who has an RX8 and he just nods with a sheepish grin when I ask him if he's had any problems with his 2004 car. He loves the fuel economy too. 14L/100km of premium unleaded. Wow.

    RX8 is a fun car, but it really cannot be your sole vehicle.

    • JimB on 06/04/2016 - 15:14
      +7

      Only 14L/100km????

      What's the point of owning a rotary if you're not going to rev it?

  • Jase_ on 06/04/2016 - 11:08
    +1

    I was considering the RX8 until my cousin had his and had engine problems (06).
    I decided I'd go for the 6MPS instead, more piratical,faster and feels much more 'solid'.

    • roguescholar on 06/04/2016 - 15:32
      +6

      more piratical

      RrrrrrX8 me hearties!

      • Jase_ on 07/04/2016 - 09:24

        ROFL good catch
        * Practical

  • NachoCheese on 06/04/2016 - 11:48

    brapppp brappp
    Wouldn't drive it as a daily. Maintaining it is hard enough being a rotary. But if you like it, get it. Each to their own.

  • JimB on 06/04/2016 - 15:12
    +1

    At least with a RX8 that you'll know that you need major engine overhaul every 100k.

    A shame as it's a great handling car.

    Like an one european car, the initial purchase price is just the deposit, the real cost comes maintaining it.

    • Serapis on 06/04/2016 - 22:31

      its more like 40-50k kms

  • sabzor on 06/04/2016 - 16:05
    +8

    I apologise for the grammer in advance.

    Hi Mate, I owned a rx8 2006 for 3 and a half years. I bought the car for 18,500 used with 71,000 kms and sold it at 105,000kms for 12,000. Whatever you do make sure it has full service history and they have to be serviced every 5000kms for optimal engine health and longevity, even if the book shows every 10,000kms. The engine was still going strong no sign of it needing an engine rebuild but these cars are very expensive to maintain. I prob spent over 15,000 just in maintenance and repair costs and general wear and tear items in the time I owned the car, but I am a fastidious owner. They use more fuel than a V8 and have to be driven hard to get any performance out of them. You have to check the oil often and top up as necessary which is fun at first but becomes annoying and expensive as you have to keep buying oil and mazda's own oil at that just to be on the safe side. The engine was still running strong but thats because I had serviced it serviced every 5000kms at a rotary specialist. I actually advice taking it to a Mazda service centre as I went to for the last few services as they actually will charge you a fair price and they are cheaper and more thorough than the Mazda Specialist I took it to atleast, which was Maztec in Melbourne. Also the spark plugs need replacing every 1-2 years and they cost 80-90 for a spark plug and they have 4 so they aren't cheap. They are reliable but they have to be really looked after and an engine rebuild is around 6-8k. I have since moved onto a 98 wrx subaru which mine is way more powerful, cheaper to run and a lot more fun. I don't regret selling the rx8 at all. Let me know if you want any more answers. Cheers.

    • enzioFirenze on 07/04/2016 - 23:33

      thanks mate for the comprehensive answer, that goes in line with all the advises I've been getting :)

  • sabzor on 06/04/2016 - 16:07

    Also they depreciate like crazy and are very hard to sell even mine which was in excellent condition. I had only 1 person come and look at it in the 3 months I had it for sale but they bought it as soon as they saw the condition it was in.

  • rx8geek on 06/04/2016 - 16:42

    I have a 2007 Rx-8, owned it since brand new. It has half that mileage about 60,000km, I cycle a lot so it doesnt get driven much but its a fun car when I do drive.

    Its not a cheap car to run, thirsty on fuel. Oil is consumed but mine has never been excessive and I have rarely needed to add any between servicing. I think they should be fine if they're looked after.

    No major issues with it, only two things I'd say came close. Front headlight leaked and got damaged, cost a bit to replace that. Also the first battery failed and it also seemed to take out my ignition coils, cost a bit to get it all fixed.

    There is a risk of flooding the engine so if you start it let it warm up.

    To answer the question "Is it a good idea to buy an Rx8?" I'd have to answer probably no. But if you drive one and decide you really like it then why not!

    • enzioFirenze on 07/04/2016 - 23:35

      I did like it when I test drove one but I'm not in a position to have a handsome contingency fund for the car so looks like I have to leave it for now. May be Mazda's new rotary engine that's supposed to come in 2017 will be better? :D

      • WT on 08/04/2016 - 11:33

        Most engines are better turbocharged.

  • aussieprepper on 06/04/2016 - 17:27
    +1

    Why not! buy it if its a second car?

    Do not buy it as a daily driver!

    No matter what car you buy as a second car or hobby car or show car you will spend a lot of money on it trying to make it the way you like it.

    At least you can find after market parts for this car! still got heaps for sale in japan…

    http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/all/all/?eid=1&fd=rx8

  • love2buy on 06/04/2016 - 18:52

    After reading the comments, i wonder is there anything good going for this car?

  • 00 on 06/04/2016 - 20:41
    +2

    Get a BRZ or 86

    • enzioFirenze on 06/04/2016 - 20:43

      a bit too out of my budget! :(

      • mmd on 06/04/2016 - 23:04

        Judging by the comments here bout engine builds and what not, you might end up with more money overall

        • User166092 on 06/04/2016 - 23:39
          +2

          A BRZ would be the cheaper car in the long run after rebuilds and fuel costs for the RX8. Get an R33 or WRX if you want cheap and sporty! There's a heap of other options that won't be as risky with your pennies.

        • mmd on 07/04/2016 - 00:48

          @User166092:
          Yep, OP can even consider a Supra/S15 depending on his/her budget.

    • Marcsie on 07/04/2016 - 10:24
      +2

      Totally agree, I used to have a 86 manual when it first came out in 2012,beautiful car,love it :)

  • tonyjzx on 06/04/2016 - 20:46

    If you have to ask, its not for you. You have to a be hard core rotor fan to buy these.

  • Hieu Le on 07/04/2016 - 03:29
    +3

    I have an 04 RX-8. Daily driven and 179xxx on original motor. Runs like an absolute dream. In a nutshell, they're brilliant cars to drive - a good balance between comfort & performance. Handles great in hills and tight corners. Not so great on a straight line but what do you expect from a N/A rotor… Fuel consumption varies a lot between owners but I get about 500-550km to a 60L tank with mixed driving. They're great cars if you can keep up with maintenance and drive it like you stole it.

    No problem with getting an RX-8 with over 100k on the clock. Make sure you get a compression test done before you buy so you know what condition the engine is in. If it's not possible then a good way to tell if the engine is on its' way out is if it has trouble starting on a warm start.

    Good luck.

  • Gershom on 07/04/2016 - 04:11
    +1

    The engine designer was an absolute Wankel.

    (C'mon, someone had to say it).

    • enzioFirenze on 07/04/2016 - 11:31

      this is Renesis though ;)

  • Lucky13 on 07/04/2016 - 08:50

    My grandma bought one of these for her Sunday drives lol. You definitely dont buy a car like this and not drive it crazily. Sounds like itd be an expensive investment but saying that they do have that nice engine purr. Low kms sounds good tho. Just go for it, but factor in upkeep etc

  • Lucky13 on 07/04/2016 - 09:13

    Some nice cars out there. What price were you looking at? - http://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?sortby=~Price&offset…

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