Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
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Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Hi Guys, Great to be part of the Forum!! I am in the process of buying my first RX8, and I'm really looking forward to owning one. The dilemma I find myself in is whether to go cheap ( bad compression, needs TLC blah blah blah) & pay good money for a rebuild or, try to to find a great car thats ready to go & pay more.
Im torn, and could really do with some guidance. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Mark
Im torn, and could really do with some guidance. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Mark
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Hello and welcome!
I'd say cheap.
Got mine for £400. I've put a lot of work into it. Including swapping the engine out for a low mile example.
Between getting to know the car inside and out I now know what is on the list for future work that needs keeping an eye on.
This works for me because I wanted to learn and do the work my self.
If your paying a garage to do the work you may be best going directly to a specialist and looking at what they have for sale. Could cost more but should get you a good example without hidden issues.
Keep a close eye out for rust on any example. While sills can be replaced it's often cheaper to buy another shell.
Where are you based? Club members in your area may know some good examples and be able to show you what to look for etc.
I'd say cheap.
Got mine for £400. I've put a lot of work into it. Including swapping the engine out for a low mile example.
Between getting to know the car inside and out I now know what is on the list for future work that needs keeping an eye on.
This works for me because I wanted to learn and do the work my self.
If your paying a garage to do the work you may be best going directly to a specialist and looking at what they have for sale. Could cost more but should get you a good example without hidden issues.
Keep a close eye out for rust on any example. While sills can be replaced it's often cheaper to buy another shell.
Where are you based? Club members in your area may know some good examples and be able to show you what to look for etc.
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- Doran78 (Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:19 pm)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Get a decent example ( no or very minimal rust ) with a dead or dying engine and get it rebuilt.You'll have more options than just a stock engine plus you'll know exactly what you have as opposed to buying what you think might be a good engine but could go tits up ten minutes down the road.
With a rebuild you can get it ported giving you the mid range power that the renesis lacks,you can decide whether you want a street port,a half bridge or a full bridge port ( personally I'd go for the full bridge ) and as it's being rebuilt you can replace the ignition system with top quality coils from Ryan Rotary Performance.
For me it's not even a debate,Talk to Carl at RRP or Ben at Rotary Revs,both are fine specialists who offer great customer service too
With a rebuild you can get it ported giving you the mid range power that the renesis lacks,you can decide whether you want a street port,a half bridge or a full bridge port ( personally I'd go for the full bridge ) and as it's being rebuilt you can replace the ignition system with top quality coils from Ryan Rotary Performance.
For me it's not even a debate,Talk to Carl at RRP or Ben at Rotary Revs,both are fine specialists who offer great customer service too
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- Doran78 (Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:28 pm)
R3 GONE, FUN WHILE I HAD HER BUT NOW LOVING MY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MX5
Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS
Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT
Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS
Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Hi Mark & to the RX-8OC
<<<<<< Please put your Location in your Profile Box, it will help us to know where you are, if required any help in the future
Please check out the EVENTS SECTION's for anything coming up soon in your area
Events Team
<<<<<< Please put your Location in your Profile Box, it will help us to know where you are, if required any help in the future
Please check out the EVENTS SECTION's for anything coming up soon in your area
Events Team
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- Doran78 (Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:31 pm)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Whilst either option is a good option, if your budget will allow I think finding a low mileage, clean example with a bona fide compression test is the better route.That is unless you want to end up with an engine running some sort of porting.
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- Doran78 (Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:33 pm)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
You might be lucky and find a clean example with a recently (still with transferable warranty ) engine and quality replaced ancillaries (engine mounts, coils etc)
Just consider every car on its own merits and the asking price.
As others have said, serious rust can cost more to fix than an engine.
Also don't be totally put off by a cat N insurance write off.
The book value means that deep scratches to say a front wing and door would be enough to qualify, given the cost of new parts and labour.
However there's lots of used parts available and the wing just bolts on....
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
Just consider every car on its own merits and the asking price.
As others have said, serious rust can cost more to fix than an engine.
Also don't be totally put off by a cat N insurance write off.
The book value means that deep scratches to say a front wing and door would be enough to qualify, given the cost of new parts and labour.
However there's lots of used parts available and the wing just bolts on....
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
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- Doran78 (Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:25 pm)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Thanks for the welcome, really appreciate it. Thanks for the advice too, It's really good to hear real owners experiences. Im based in Chorley Lancashire, so if there are any local members, who can point me in the right direction, I would be grateful.Vj4sothername wrote: ↑Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:12 amHello and welcome!
I'd say cheap.
Got mine for £400. I've put a lot of work into it. Including swapping the engine out for a low mile example.
Between getting to know the car inside and out I now know what is on the list for future work that needs keeping an eye on.
This works for me because I wanted to learn and do the work my self.
If your paying a garage to do the work you may be best going directly to a specialist and looking at what they have for sale. Could cost more but should get you a good example without hidden issues.
Keep a close eye out for rust on any example. While sills can be replaced it's often cheaper to buy another shell.
Where are you based? Club members in your area may know some good examples and be able to show you what to look for etc.
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Thanks Dave, great advice. I will be starting to shop for my car in the next week or so, I will no doubt be asking for lots of advice!warpc0il wrote: ↑Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:58 amYou might be lucky and find a clean example with a recently (still with transferable warranty ) engine and quality replaced ancillaries (engine mounts, coils etc)
Just consider every car on its own merits and the asking price.
As others have said, serious rust can cost more to fix than an engine.
Also don't be totally put off by a cat N insurance write off.
The book value means that deep scratches to say a front wing and door would be enough to qualify, given the cost of new parts and labour.
However there's lots of used parts available and the wing just bolts on....
Cheers Mark
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
kopite72 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:25 amGet a decent example ( no or very minimal rust ) with a dead or dying engine and get it rebuilt.You'll have more options than just a stock engine plus you'll know exactly what you have as opposed to buying what you think might be a good engine but could go tits up ten minutes down the road.
With a rebuild you can get it ported giving you the mid range power that the renesis lacks,you can decide whether you want a street port,a half bridge or a full bridge port ( personally I'd go for the full bridge ) and as it's being rebuilt you can replace the ignition system with top quality coils from Ryan Rotary Performance.
For me it's not even a debate,Talk to Carl at RRP or Ben at Rotary Revs,both are fine specialists who offer great customer service too
Thanks for this, top advice. I suppose it's better the devil you know. Really excited about getting mine now
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Thank you for the warm welcome I will update my location , and I look forward to being a part of the communityGreySilver Beast wrote: ↑Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:26 amHi Mark & to the RX-8OC
<<<<<< Please put your Location in your Profile Box, it will help us to know where you are, if required any help in the future
Please check out the EVENTS SECTION's for anything coming up soon in your area
Events Team
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- GreySilver Beast (Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:54 pm)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Doran78 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:30 pmNo worries,now get it done!!kopite72 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:25 amGet a decent example ( no or very minimal rust ) with a dead or dying engine and get it rebuilt.You'll have more options than just a stock engine plus you'll know exactly what you have as opposed to buying what you think might be a good engine but could go tits up ten minutes down the road.
With a rebuild you can get it ported giving you the mid range power that the renesis lacks,you can decide whether you want a street port,a half bridge or a full bridge port ( personally I'd go for the full bridge ) and as it's being rebuilt you can replace the ignition system with top quality coils from Ryan Rotary Performance.
For me it's not even a debate,Talk to Carl at RRP or Ben at Rotary Revs,both are fine specialists who offer great customer service too
Thanks for this, top advice. I suppose it's better the devil you know. Really excited about getting mine now
- These users thanked the author kopite72 for the post:
- Doran78 (Thu Jul 30, 2020 9:00 pm)
R3 GONE, FUN WHILE I HAD HER BUT NOW LOVING MY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MX5
Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS
Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT
Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS
Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
as others have said both of the approachs have their merits
it really depends on what cars are available to you and how far you want to travel
as rexis are generally pretty cheap most folks tend not to want to travel 300 miles to see one
but for 3-4K you can get a nice example with either low mileage or a rebuild
there's 1 here in lockerbie so 100 miles from lancs
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... ars&page=1
42k miles 231 model and £2700
it really depends on what cars are available to you and how far you want to travel
as rexis are generally pretty cheap most folks tend not to want to travel 300 miles to see one
but for 3-4K you can get a nice example with either low mileage or a rebuild
there's 1 here in lockerbie so 100 miles from lancs
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... ars&page=1
42k miles 231 model and £2700
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- Doran78 (Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:35 pm)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Thanks Matt, that's a real help. Im gonna check out this one. Cheers
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Was going to say be extra wary of rust as every RX-8 I have bought from Scotland has had rust issues but the MOT history beat me to it...
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- New Duke (Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:02 am) • Doran78 (Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:08 am)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
What is your budget and what you are after modded or standard etc
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- Doran78 (Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:14 am)
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Done exhaust and work wheels
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Jessy’s Jaguar xkr 4.2 supercharged for fun family days
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Bigpete have lovely example for sale with good compression.
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- Doran78 (Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:21 am)
LEXUS LS430 4.3 v8 family car
Done exhaust and work wheels
Mx5 nd soul red Mike daily and work horse
Jessy’s Jaguar xkr 4.2 supercharged for fun family days
Done exhaust and work wheels
Mx5 nd soul red Mike daily and work horse
Jessy’s Jaguar xkr 4.2 supercharged for fun family days
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Hi and Doran78. Nothing to add to the advice already given, just saying hi.
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- Doran78 (Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:22 am)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Assume you've seen the red one on AutoTrader with just 9k miles. Should be like a new car, but £6,995.
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- Doran78 (Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:23 am)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
got a link and the one for big pete?
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- Doran78 (Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:25 am)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Thanks Nick, well spotted. Will be passing on this example.Can be a problem with Scottish cars. I am leaning towards going cheap & going for a rebuild at the moment. The thought of having an RX8 with a fresh start mechanically really appeals.
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Hi, Looking for a 231 standardish. I am going to spend on mods mechanically, but visually going to keep it relatively low key. Just wheels, coilovers, maybe some very minor styling changes. Moneywise, circa £4k for a cheap starter car and the mods.
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Shagrington wrote: ↑Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:00 amHi and Doran78. Nothing to add to the advice already given, just saying hi.
Hi to you too. Everyone has been so welcoming. Thank you, had some great advice already, and people just saying hello.
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- Shagrington (Sun Aug 02, 2020 12:05 am)
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Yeah scouring Autotrader all the time. I was looking to keep some money back for mods & unexpected mechanical gremlins!!
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Re: Go Cheap, and spend on Rebuild? Or, Pay more for good example? HELP!!!!
Fix that for you
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