RX8 Buyers Guide
RX8 Buyers Guide
Firstly it cannot be over emphasised that the RX-8 needs to be maintained correctly with particular attention paid to the oil level - this is the heart blood of the engine and if the supply is not correctly monitored and replenished then longevity of the engine may be suspect with the inevitable cost that will occur, a 12 monthly interval of Mazda service history is no guarantee that oil levels have been correctly maintained by the present/previous owner and as the RX-8 is designed to use oil in comparison to a piston engine which is designed not to use oil then you see the need to be vigilant in establishing that the correct levels have been maintained throughout previous ownership before you part with your cash.
Check the cars service record, the service interval is 12500 miles or every 12 months from the date of registration use the record to establish if the car has been serviced by a Mazda (preferred) or independent dealer. (A Mazda dealer service history may be looked at more sympathetically if any future problems arise)
In addition the bodywork inspection should have been carried out and book stamped accordingly, some dealers do this FOC in with the service, some only do it if requested and then make a charge for it.
Questions to ask the seller:
1. The Oil type that has been used which should be a 5W-30 and not a full synthetic. (Be aware that the Rotary engine is designed to use oil and Mazda claim a consumption of 0.25 litre per 1000 mile but consumption will vary according to driving style)
2. Has the starter motor been replaced, a modified motor was fitted on early cars which by increasing the engine spin speed improved starting but only if the owner made a complaint if the engine seems to be sluggish when turned over then the battery may also be suspect.
3. Has all recall work been completed which can depending on model year consisting of:
Concern : POSSIBLE CRACKING OF DYNAMIC DAMPER HEAT INSULATOR
Description : The dynamic damper heat insulator, which is installed on the manual transmission, may crack, causing abnormal noise. In the worst case, the insulator may become detached.
Remedial Action : Recall the affected vehicles and replace the insulator with a modified one.
Vehicle Id : JMZSE170000100090 to JMZSE170000101030
Concern : LOSS OF STEERING MAY OCCUR
Description : It is possible that cracks may occur in the ball joint socket of the lower suspension arm. Which under certain severe driving conditions, may cause the ball to separate from the ball joint socket, and a loss of steering may occur.
Remedial Action : Recalled vehicles will be inspected to ascertain if the lower suspension arm fitted is of the affected type. If this is shown to be the case, the part will be changed for a quality assured item.
Vehicle Id : JMZSE17**00100090 to JMZSE17**00113819JMZSE17**40100089 to JMZSE17**40113821
3. The following item is not subject to a recall but may be an issue:
Rust spots can appear on one or both sills in the area where the back door meets the front door at the closure point, the problem was due to the design of the back door seal which was modified in 2006, Mazda would deal with the problem by removing the rust and repainting the area and fitting a protective film – but only if the owner had raised a complaint about the problem.
4. Special Service Campaign.
This was not a recall as such but Mazda endeavoured to contact owners with a view to replacing badly corroded pipes as fitted to the engine oil coolers which are situated in the LH/RH front bumper openings, if sufficiently corroded the pipes could fracture and spill the contents of the engine oil supply.
At the same time modified front plastic wheel arch liners were fitted to counteract the possibility of salty water spraying on to the oil cooler pipes, in addition rear wheel arches were inspected for the presence of any corrosion and dealt with accordingly the rear arches should have sealer applied to further protect the area.
Vehicle inspection:
From cold the engine should readily fire up without struggling the battery may be suspect if not, at idle the engine tends to be a bit lumpy but should be super smooth and free revving at higher throttle openings with no rattles, any sign of a rattle from the exhaust may indicate a failed catalytic converter element. (aftermarket cat` circa £300) a slight backfiring or popping noise from the exhaust is usual and perfectly normal, it should be noted that it is important that the RX-8 engine should be checked for easy starting when the engine is @ normal temperature as an engine that struggles to start once warm may be a sign that there is a major problem so further investigation may be necessary to ensure that the engine is fault free.
The gearbox at idle can sound slightly noisy but should quieten down when the clutch pedal is depressed if noise increases this may be a sign that the clutch thrust bearing needs replacing.
A test drive should be smooth and fairly quiet on a stock exhaust with the engine pulling cleanly to maximum revs, a rev limit warning indicator in the form of a BEEP! will sound to let you know the engine is reaching that point, the brakes should be progressive and powerful with no sign of judder under braking, the RX-8 is not commonly known for rattles but the odd car may have a few with the steering wheel and vacant passenger seat being known causes - the drivers seat can develop a creak but all of these are easily dealt with.
Check the oil level – in low temperatures the dip stick may be covered with a gooey mayonnaise type substance this is perfectly normal (it is basically emulsified oil) but it may take a couple of goes to get a true reading - get in the habit of checking the oil level when the engine is nice and hot as the build up of mayo` will be less.
Check the sump for corrosion as it is known weak point.
Check headlight leveling sensors are functioning correctly on the 230 BHP model as these are expensive to replace, the 190 BHP car has a manually adjusted system.
Check brake discs for corrosion a more caring owner will have painted them.
Check the alloy wheels around the hub centre bore for corrosion the wheels should be replaced if the car is under warranty.
Check tyres for wear and ideally they should be the same brand on all wheels the standard fitment is 225/45 x18 Bridgestone REO40 - having odd tyres front to back (definitely not on the same axle) does not suit the excellent road handling that the RX-8 displays especially if some of the cheap tyres available have been fitted.
Check for possible rust (not very common) in the area of the boot lid brake light aperture.
Check the rear lights for internal misting of the lenses again this should be dealt with by the warranty but new seals will be needed if not.
Check if fitted the optional Mazda Strakes (on front wheel arch grills) and front crest (V on front bumper) for corrosion these items were plated aluminium and as such were susceptible to corrosion, replacement polished stainless steel items are now available.
Check the condition of the oil cooler heat exchangers (radiators) and Air Condition heat exchanger in the front bumper for damage as they can get well bashed by road debris, if protective grills have been fitted by a caring owner more the better.
Check the front suspension anti roll bar drop links as they may be broken it will not be immediately noticeable on a test drive so check – it is not dangerous and they are not expensive to replace but be aware they can break, with the engine running the electric power steering should be light to turn from lock to lock with no hard to turn points.
Check the handbrake rubber gaitor as a section of the moulded gaitor that fills the handbrake aperture when the handbrake is in the on position can break off and leave a hole under the handbrake, a new modified handbrake should have been fitted under warranty but only if the owner at the time raised a complaint.
Check for wear on the drivers leather seat side bolster stitched seam and the plastic front seat backs as they can be damaged by the seat belts.
Check for full function of the excellent BOSE Radio/CD player as it forms an integral part of the fascia and as such is expensive to replace although an aftermarket kit is now available to enable the fitment of a standard DIN radio/CD player as a cheaper or preferred option.
Ask if the water overflow reservoir has been replaced as the sensor on this can become faulty and cause the warning light to appear on the dashboard. New one costs over £200 plus fitting.
Disclaimer. This guide is to assist potential owners of the RX-8. Any inaccuracies or misrepresentations are unintentional. The author or the OJC cannot be held liable or responsible for any actions or consequences that may result from reading this guide whether consequence is resultant directly or indirectly. In any doubt always consider the services of a reputable vehicle inspector, UK Mazda Dealer or reputable Rotary & RX-8 expert notwithstanding any further liability shall rest with 3rd parties and not the aforementioned disclaimed parties.
Cheers
Bobby
Shy boys don't get sweeties.
This is a guide for the potential RX-8 buyer which will highlight some of the points that should be of concern when viewing a likely specimen of the marque areis based on information from various sources and my own experience in addition to information that has been collected on the various RX8 forums since the inception of the RX-8 in the UK in late 2003.
Firstly it cannot be over emphasised that the RX-8 needs to be maintained correctly with particular attention paid to the oil level - this is the heart blood of the engine and if the supply is not correctly monitored and replenished then longevity of the engine may be suspect with the inevitable cost that will occur, a 12 monthly interval of Mazda service history is no guarantee that oil levels have been correctly maintained by the present/previous owner and as the RX-8 is designed to use oil in comparison to a piston engine which is designed not to use oil then you see the need to be vigilant in establishing that the correct levels have been maintained throughout previous ownership before you part with your cash.
Check the cars service record, the service interval is 12500 miles or every 12 months from the date of registration use the record to establish if the car has been serviced by a Mazda (preferred) or independent dealer. (A Mazda dealer service history may be looked at more sympathetically if any future problems arise)
In addition the bodywork inspection should have been carried out and book stamped accordingly, some dealers do this FOC in with the service, some only do it if requested and then make a charge for it.
Questions to ask the seller:
1. The Oil type that has been used which should be a 5W-30 and not a full synthetic. (Be aware that the Rotary engine is designed to use oil and Mazda claim a consumption of 0.25 litre per 1000 mile but consumption will vary according to driving style)
2. Has the starter motor been replaced, a modified motor was fitted on early cars which by increasing the engine spin speed improved starting but only if the owner made a complaint if the engine seems to be sluggish when turned over then the battery may also be suspect.
3. Has all recall work been completed which can depending on model year consisting of:
Concern : POSSIBLE CRACKING OF DYNAMIC DAMPER HEAT INSULATOR
Description : The dynamic damper heat insulator, which is installed on the manual transmission, may crack, causing abnormal noise. In the worst case, the insulator may become detached.
Remedial Action : Recall the affected vehicles and replace the insulator with a modified one.
Vehicle Id : JMZSE170000100090 to JMZSE170000101030
Concern : LOSS OF STEERING MAY OCCUR
Description : It is possible that cracks may occur in the ball joint socket of the lower suspension arm. Which under certain severe driving conditions, may cause the ball to separate from the ball joint socket, and a loss of steering may occur.
Remedial Action : Recalled vehicles will be inspected to ascertain if the lower suspension arm fitted is of the affected type. If this is shown to be the case, the part will be changed for a quality assured item.
Vehicle Id : JMZSE17**00100090 to JMZSE17**00113819JMZSE17**40100089 to JMZSE17**40113821
3. The following item is not subject to a recall but may be an issue:
Rust spots can appear on one or both sills in the area where the back door meets the front door at the closure point, the problem was due to the design of the back door seal which was modified in 2006, Mazda would deal with the problem by removing the rust and repainting the area and fitting a protective film – but only if the owner had raised a complaint about the problem.
4. Special Service Campaign.
This was not a recall as such but Mazda endeavoured to contact owners with a view to replacing badly corroded pipes as fitted to the engine oil coolers which are situated in the LH/RH front bumper openings, if sufficiently corroded the pipes could fracture and spill the contents of the engine oil supply.
At the same time modified front plastic wheel arch liners were fitted to counteract the possibility of salty water spraying on to the oil cooler pipes, in addition rear wheel arches were inspected for the presence of any corrosion and dealt with accordingly the rear arches should have sealer applied to further protect the area.
Vehicle inspection:
From cold the engine should readily fire up without struggling the battery may be suspect if not, at idle the engine tends to be a bit lumpy but should be super smooth and free revving at higher throttle openings with no rattles, any sign of a rattle from the exhaust may indicate a failed catalytic converter element. (aftermarket cat` circa £300) a slight backfiring or popping noise from the exhaust is usual and perfectly normal, it should be noted that it is important that the RX-8 engine should be checked for easy starting when the engine is @ normal temperature as an engine that struggles to start once warm may be a sign that there is a major problem so further investigation may be necessary to ensure that the engine is fault free.
The gearbox at idle can sound slightly noisy but should quieten down when the clutch pedal is depressed if noise increases this may be a sign that the clutch thrust bearing needs replacing.
A test drive should be smooth and fairly quiet on a stock exhaust with the engine pulling cleanly to maximum revs, a rev limit warning indicator in the form of a BEEP! will sound to let you know the engine is reaching that point, the brakes should be progressive and powerful with no sign of judder under braking, the RX-8 is not commonly known for rattles but the odd car may have a few with the steering wheel and vacant passenger seat being known causes - the drivers seat can develop a creak but all of these are easily dealt with.
Check the oil level – in low temperatures the dip stick may be covered with a gooey mayonnaise type substance this is perfectly normal (it is basically emulsified oil) but it may take a couple of goes to get a true reading - get in the habit of checking the oil level when the engine is nice and hot as the build up of mayo` will be less.
Check the sump for corrosion as it is known weak point.
Check headlight leveling sensors are functioning correctly on the 230 BHP model as these are expensive to replace, the 190 BHP car has a manually adjusted system.
Check brake discs for corrosion a more caring owner will have painted them.
Check the alloy wheels around the hub centre bore for corrosion the wheels should be replaced if the car is under warranty.
Check tyres for wear and ideally they should be the same brand on all wheels the standard fitment is 225/45 x18 Bridgestone REO40 - having odd tyres front to back (definitely not on the same axle) does not suit the excellent road handling that the RX-8 displays especially if some of the cheap tyres available have been fitted.
Check for possible rust (not very common) in the area of the boot lid brake light aperture.
Check the rear lights for internal misting of the lenses again this should be dealt with by the warranty but new seals will be needed if not.
Check if fitted the optional Mazda Strakes (on front wheel arch grills) and front crest (V on front bumper) for corrosion these items were plated aluminium and as such were susceptible to corrosion, replacement polished stainless steel items are now available.
Check the condition of the oil cooler heat exchangers (radiators) and Air Condition heat exchanger in the front bumper for damage as they can get well bashed by road debris, if protective grills have been fitted by a caring owner more the better.
Check the front suspension anti roll bar drop links as they may be broken it will not be immediately noticeable on a test drive so check – it is not dangerous and they are not expensive to replace but be aware they can break, with the engine running the electric power steering should be light to turn from lock to lock with no hard to turn points.
Check the handbrake rubber gaitor as a section of the moulded gaitor that fills the handbrake aperture when the handbrake is in the on position can break off and leave a hole under the handbrake, a new modified handbrake should have been fitted under warranty but only if the owner at the time raised a complaint.
Check for wear on the drivers leather seat side bolster stitched seam and the plastic front seat backs as they can be damaged by the seat belts.
Check for full function of the excellent BOSE Radio/CD player as it forms an integral part of the fascia and as such is expensive to replace although an aftermarket kit is now available to enable the fitment of a standard DIN radio/CD player as a cheaper or preferred option.
Ask if the water overflow reservoir has been replaced as the sensor on this can become faulty and cause the warning light to appear on the dashboard. New one costs over £200 plus fitting.
Disclaimer. This guide is to assist potential owners of the RX-8. Any inaccuracies or misrepresentations are unintentional. The author or the OJC cannot be held liable or responsible for any actions or consequences that may result from reading this guide whether consequence is resultant directly or indirectly. In any doubt always consider the services of a reputable vehicle inspector, UK Mazda Dealer or reputable Rotary & RX-8 expert notwithstanding any further liability shall rest with 3rd parties and not the aforementioned disclaimed parties.
Cheers
Bobby
Shy boys don't get sweeties.
Couple of things to add from me once you get your car.
Invest in a set of lockwood grills for the front of the car, very easy to fit (need to remove front bumper but so easy to do) and once fitted protect the 3 rads at the front of the car which are normally totally exposed to stones and other things that could destroy them.
Watch out for the coolant light fault, the sensor is inside the coolant bottle and is know to go faulty, £230 fix as the whole bottle needs to be replaced.
Cats can fail, especially if the previous owner has subjected the car to flooding.
HT leads aren't the greatest and know to fail, can be bought from the states way cheaper than the UK.
I think it's only fair to point out that these are potential faults and not something to put you off the car, the RX-8 is a great car and the fact that all this info is available only makes it an easier buying experience IMO.
Also bear in mind that half the stuff you read on the internet warning you off these cars is just plain pub talk and internet rumours, the engine is good for well over 100k.
Toyota Altezza Z Edition.
![[Image: sig.jpg]](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y196/todd69/sig.jpg)
Excellent write up, covers everything for the prospective buyer.
Couple of things to add from me once you get your car.
Invest in a set of lockwood grills for the front of the car, very easy to fit (need to remove front bumper but so easy to do) and once fitted protect the 3 rads at the front of the car which are normally totally exposed to stones and other things that could destroy them.
Watch out for the coolant light fault, the sensor is inside the coolant bottle and is know to go faulty, £230 fix as the whole bottle needs to be replaced.
Cats can fail, especially if the previous owner has subjected the car to flooding.
HT leads aren't the greatest and know to fail, can be bought from the states way cheaper than the UK.
I think it's only fair to point out that these are potential faults and not something to put you off the car, the RX-8 is a great car and the fact that all this info is available only makes it an easier buying experience IMO.
Also bear in mind that half the stuff you read on the internet warning you off these cars is just plain pub talk and internet rumours, the engine is good for well over 100k.
Toyota Altezza Z Edition.
Again every car has its faults so dont let these put you of the RX8
Cheers
Bobby
Shy boys don't get sweeties.
Agree with your additional comments Todd (I had mentioned the coolant light as I just replaced the reservoir/bottle), another good one to ask is if the coil packs had been replaced and uprated, again I did this along with plugs and leads. The Pz version already has decent grills fitted :thumbup1:
Again every car has its faults so dont let these put you of the RX8
Cheers
Bobby
Shy boys don't get sweeties.
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