Ecconomical "sporty" cars

rxbren

they have their faults they have oil metering problems and blocked/cracked pipes at one point mazda had replaced nearly a third of all rx8 engines

jaydeeuk1

From the countless hours of reading/research over the last few weeks, the main killer for the RX8, is lack of checking oil, and the fact that coil changes were not part of Mazdas service schedule. Misfires from shot coils and flooding from cold shut downs/crap starter motors on pre 05 cars meaning unburnt fuel filling the chambers damaging the seals, and the cat becoming blocked again causing further damage.

And what is it with rx8 alloys?! Everyone under £4k I've looked at looks like they're rotting away. Did they blow the budget on the doors?

Edit - almost bought one a few days ago, wish I did now as it was the best one I saw so far. Salesman tried to start his usual patter, but I knew exactly where the problems on this car would be. Pointed out the rust on bootlid, crap alloys - other than that immaculate. Went to check the oil, just to make sure it was ok before I took it out for a blast, but there was all white froth on the stick. In most other cars, this would be a major concern but not in the mazda. Salesman saw this and his face dropped and said 'oh no, its the HG' (!). Played along and said how its fatal on these cars, new engine etc etc... listed at £4500, offered to take £2000 off without me even prompting! No hot start issues but for some reason I walked away as it was first one I looked at... And annoyingly its now sold....

almillar

Nice! Yeah, unlike every single other engine, the 'Mayonnaise' in the oil is normal.
You seem to have done your research anyway, so you're going in with your eyes open. DO NOT buy any RX8 that you haven't started when the engine is warm.
You'll know by now that rotary engines have to turn over a few times to start, so you'll be familiar with how long it takes. Combine this with not amazing starter motors in the early ones (some of which were replaced) and it can seem like a poor starter. A knackered engine can start just fine when cold, and can take an age when warm (like stopping at a petrol station).
You'll already know about the vital resource rx8ownersclub.co.uk I'm sure.