Hello Im New and have some questions!

[Dent]

Hey there!
Im in the market for an RX8 R3 after staring longingly at them for a while Ive decided I should take the plunge and just get one.

Ive had a look through the buyers guide but it seems geared slightly more towards the non-R3 version so was wondering if there is anything I should keep an eye out for when viewing any potential R3s other than just making sure I can get a compression test done since the hot start test doesnt work as well on them.

Few other things too, Im in Scotland and it would be great if anyone knows a decent rotary specialist or just a garage with some experience in rotaries and RX8s near Glasgow now that it seems the Motherwell one is no longer touching rotaries, the garage I used to go to has since shut down and I could do with another good one to visit when I need to. Im still wondering about premixing with a R3, is it needed or recommended? Cant seem to find a good consensus on it.

Struggling to find a decent R3 near me (one in Glasgow but mileage is getting a bit up there for me and not a big fan of the silver) so if anyone knows of a R3 ideally black or blue going closer to Scotland than the ones around Luton/Kent ive seen on autotrader Id appreciate the heads up.

Hope to get one of these beauties in my drive soon so I can enjoy it over the summer and get some pictures posted up here.

[acegeezer]

As far as I know you will have to travel for a specialist, but there are some members in Scotland that may be able to help out.
The R3 is pretty much in the same mould when looking from the buyers guide viewpoint, you may find less rust (if any) than the S1 and quite a few improvements over the older model, but the basics are the same.. good luck
R3's are getting rarer to find as there are fewer of them, but you will likely need to travel for good one
I've had my R3 5 years and never premixed, compression higher now than when purchased, there isn't a real consensus, if I had an S1 I would premix

[Shagrington]

Hi and Dent and Ben (minisaki on here) is in Paisley and is very helpful - if he is too busy I'm sure he will know anybody else up your way that could help you out. You could send him a PM (he doesn't post on the forum now but I think he still visits and should see your message) or you may be able to contact him easier on Facebook - he runs the Scottish RX-8 owners group https://www.facebook.com/groups/407026602828955/

[Dent]

Im more than happy to travel for a car or specialist, just hoped there would be someone up my neck of the woods if anything was needing looked at or fixed quickly.
Was hoping a r3 would show up in a dealership nearish so I dont need to go 7 hours just to test drive but looking like that might be whats needed.

Ill drop Ben a message to see if he knows anyone around.

[GreySilver Beast]

Hi & to the RX-8OC

Please check out the EVENTS SECTION's - Events Team

[Shagrington]

.... just hoped there would be someone up my neck of the woods if anything was needing looked at or fixed quickly.

Ill drop Ben a message to see if he knows anyone around.

Ben is that someone, if he is free/has time (he is a busy man though) he can help you out with fixing stuff etc.

[warpc0il]

Was hoping a r3 would show up in a dealership nearish so I dont need to go 7 hours just to test drive but looking like that might be whats needed.

Reputable non-specialist dealers won't sell RX8s retail, as they don't understand the technology and can't afford the warranty requirements.
Even if they take one in as a part-exchange, they will sell it on through the trade. This includes Mazda-franchised dealerships.

This means that, for a non-private purchase, you have the choice of a true rotary specialist, who tend to be few and far between but can be trusted, or the sort of used car dealer that can't be trusted and will sell you a bag of sh*t, given half a chance.

It's theoretically possible that a used purchase from a random dealer may have been looked after by the previous owner and the dealer hasn't done enough to it to wreck it, but any warranty will be worthless and you will have paid 40%-50% more than buying that same car directly from the previous owner.

[Dent]

It's theoretically possible that a used purchase from a random dealer may have been looked after by the previous owner and the dealer hasn't done enough to it to wreck it, but any warranty will be worthless and you will have paid 40%-50% more than buying that same car directly from the previous owner.

Didnt even consider some dealers might accidentally wreck a rx8 or provide a horrid warranty.

Is there a list anywhere of known good rx8 specialist dealers? Can only find the one for garages.

Does however look like a couple day trip is needed to get my hands on one that ticks my boxes. Going to wait a bit however and see if one will show up in the north of England to save me some journey time.

[warpc0il]

Most of these occasionally sell complete cars, as well as servicing and repairs
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36531

[Dent]

Just firing another message in here since I think I found a RX8 which suits me. What are some good things to ask before going to see the car to make sure I know exactly what Im getting in to? Hopefully soon Ill be picking up my membership if this deal ends up good.

[Shagrington]

I'd think the usual stuff about what oil they use, how often do they check/top it up and change it. Where has it been serviced and how often. Has there been a recent compression test done, if not will they be willing to have one done.
I'm sure someone will come up with all the things I've missed or forgotten ...

[Ainmhidh]

Have they replaced the ignition coils / plugs - if so, where from?