Hi everybody...

[RockStarPunk]

Hi all.

Just wanted to introduce myself as a newbie, I have been reading several of the posts and really enjoying all of your interactions. So I thought I would get involved.

I do not yet own an RX-8 although that isn't through lack of trying, very nearly walked away with a 40th anniversary edition this evening but was outbid at the last minute.

The hunt continues though. If anyone sees a decent one for sale please feel free to drop me a shout. Hopefully I can become a fully fledged member of the club before to long.

All the best,
RSP.

[Ainmhidh]

Hi RSP and welcome.
Good luck with your hunt - if you add a location to your profile we might be able to help with stuff in your area, or take a look at the selling section as cars frequently come up on there.

[GreySilver Beast]

Hi & 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

[RockStarPunk]

Hi Ainmhidh.

Thanks for the welcome. I will update my profile now, and will certainly keep my eyes peeled on the selling section.

I think I am going to need some luck. I keep checking all the usual places, eBay, Auto Trader, etc hoping something will magically appear lol.

Genuinely gutted to have missed out on the 40th I was bidding on. Despite it being a 3 hour drive away, she looked worth it.

[RockStarPunk]

Hi and RockStarPunk Happy hunting and good luck

[350matt]

Hi Ainmhidh.

Thanks for the welcome. I will update my profile now, and will certainly keep my eyes peeled on the selling section.

I think I am going to need some luck. I keep checking all the usual places, eBay, Auto Trader, etc hoping something will magically appear lol.

Genuinely gutted to have missed out on the 40th I was bidding on. Despite it being a 3 hour drive away, she looked worth it.

Try the rx8 facebook group and facebook marketplace

[RockStarPunk]

Thanks 350matt,

I have been looking on there. Facebook, Gumtree, eBay you name it.

Frustrating as before I had the money together there seemed to be 3-4 decent examples dotted about, now I have the money none that look to be a good buy.

Should probably mention my budget is 2.5k-3k and ideally I would prefer a 231. Unless the guys and girls on here think there isn't much between the 192 and 231.

[RockStarPunk]

Welcome to the forum! 40th in white is the best edition not biased I promise.

There's a couple 40th editions in white on Auto trader at the moment from private sellers but I think they are slightly above your current budget I got mine for £3,999 3 months ago now with 89k on the clock (Engine rebuilt 26k ago)

Have you had a read through the buyers guide on the forum? Really helped me to be confident in the car I was buying when I viewed it.

[RockStarPunk]

Hi Nanotrox.

To soon lol, lost out on a 40th anniversary edition in white by £50, absolutely gutted me lol. was Friday evening.

It went for £2800 so was in budget but wasn't fast enough to get a final bid in. I have seen the ones on Autotrader and they are just over my budget unfortunately.

I have literally just arranged to go and look at a standard 231 in black tomorrow morning. Is it against forum rules to post a link and ask for peoples opinions on the car? The ad says it is a 2005 with a mk2 engine, would I be right in thinking that has been swapped in for the original?

Any help greatly appreciated.

[RockStarPunk]

if they have fitted a r3 engine they've gone through a lot of trouble and Huge expense to make a car worth less than a standard one.

i would doubt that anyone has ever done it...

[RockStarPunk]

Hi qwakers.

Thanks for the reply. Forgive my ignorance but could you elaborate, why would it be less valuable than standard?

Do you mean it would make the R3 less valuable?

Cheers.

[qwakers]

it would be hard to insure to start with.

[RockStarPunk]

it would be hard to insure to start with.

That is a good point, would that be something I would have to declare under a modification?

Again please forgive my ignorance, never had a car that has not been bog standard.

Cheers.

[Nickp47]

Post the ad/link up, it usually results in some good feedback

[RockStarPunk]

Hi guys.

Quick update it is a standard engine not an R3. Seller has messaged the following:

"They changed the engine at end of 2005 as the early 03/05 engine were bad
It’s the same engine that goes in later models there much better but the the tax is the killer"

Does that sound right?

Thanks again for all the help. Getting closer to becoming a fully fledge member

[RockStarPunk]

Post the ad/link up, it usually results in some good feedback

Thanks Nickp47.

Was just waiting to hear if that was allowed.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 4868310198

There is the link the seller is being very communicative and seems to have an interest in cars in general.

Thanks again

[RockStarPunk]

The cars had the same engines in both the 192 and 231 since the car was released. Just with obvious revisions to engine mounts etc... Theres nothing different mechanically between an 04 engine and an 06 engine.

[RockStarPunk]

The cars had the same engines in both the 192 and 231 since the car was released. Just with obvious revisions to engine mounts etc... Theres nothing different mechanically between an 04 engine and an 06 engine.

Thanks for the reply Yorindesarin.

Do you think the seller is talking the car up then? Should this be a warning sign?

Sorry for all the questions everyone just desperate to get into an RX-8 and not waste money doing so.

[RockStarPunk]

Either talking it up or not really understanding things. £2k for a series 1 is in the middle of pricing for a good example. For that amount Id expect little to no rust on the bodywork and under the car... Imo rust is a bigger killer than a dead/dying engine. I'd also suggest not buying without a compression test completed by a specialist! That way you best know what you're getting into.

Asking questions is THE best thing to do before buying one of these cars. So don't worry about it.

[RockStarPunk]

I have asked if he has a compression test, but as with 95% of the ones I have enquired about he hasn't.

At least I can eyeball the rust issue. I have seen a Kuro on AutoTrader with a comp test done at Essex Rotary I believe. That is going for £2500 If i remember correctly. Would that be a safer bet in your opinion?

Thank you for the reassurance. I am completely obsessed with getting one so being guided to make sensible choices is really appreciated.

[New Duke]

Welcome to the forum buddy. As hinted above the seller for the one you linked to is either pulling a fast one, or knows sod all about the car. Neither should fill you with confidence. I'd dodge that one.

Generally private sellers on Facebook and eBay are the bottom of the pile and don't want to pay for an ad on Autotrader. (I've probably offended someone there but... meh)

If I was looking for an RX8 on a budget I wouldn't buy from the general public, that's waaay too high risk. I'd only look to buy from a car trader (so you have more rights as a buyer) and I'd start by calling around all the rotary specialists and asking what they have for sale, or if they could contact me when something comes in.

EDIT: link to our list of rotary specialists: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36531&p=1285568#p573949

[Harrizone]

I have seen a Kuro on AutoTrader with a comp test done at Essex Rotary I believe.

Essex Rotary are a trusted trader on here and the owner Aston will guide you correctly and a Kuro is a good model with only minor cosmetic differences to a standard 231.

[RockStarPunk]

I would be 1000% more confident buying like Duke said from a trader and with a compression test.

I actually just checked out the Kuro you mentioned on auto trader and looks like it's compression test was a month ago so at least it's a recent test, and being done by Essex Rotary gives it more credit, also noticed a club key ring so somewhere along the line a member may have owned it. looks in nice condition cosmetically anyway.

[RockStarPunk]

Thanks so much guys.

Think I will cancel the planned visit to look at the standard 231 tomorrow. Although it looks in good condition it seems its just not worth it without a compression test.

The kuro might be a better bet as although its private it does have that recent comp test and mentions Aston in the ad.

I can swallow the extra tax for peace of mind over the engine

[RockStarPunk]

Id give Aston a ring and see if he can tell you about the car. Though he has been very busy lately so he may not be able to give you as great detail as you'd hope.