Long time Rx8 admirer - serial MX5 owner

[rs48635]

Always wanted the RX8 but didn't work out. Bumped into car plus two guys on Trackday and re-ignited my interest.
They are all 'getting on a bit now' so will do some careful looking. Always drawn to special editions and of course the 230PS engine.
Is the uprated suspension still a useful feature? Thinking that all cars might benefit from suspension refresh for spirited driving.
Perhaps buying the nest condition car in nice colour is the way to go. Is the suspension readily swapped out and served by aftermarket?

[rs48635]

hmmmm. just read thread on PZ suspension group buy. Seems the original stock is depleted.
Going for a drive-by of RZ for sale near me in Leighton Buzzard. Could be a bargaining tool?

[GreySilver Beast]

Hi & to the RX-8OC

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[ChrisHolmes]

Hi, and welcome to the forum

You mentioned bumping into some RX-8 owners at a trackday - can I ask which one? Were you at the recent 4 Dec Brands day by any chance, as there were loads of us there?

Firstly, have you seen the buyers guide? viewtopic.php?f=25&t=24047

The PZ is great if you are thinking of trackdays. If the suspension is tired then, sadly, the club stock is gone, but there might still be members on here that bought a set, but have changed their plans and might be willing to re-sell. Otherwise, there are plenty of aftermarket options out there; Tein, Miester, Ohlins, BC, etc.

The critical issue now is becoming rust, so look for a good shell, as most other things can be more cheaply/readily fixed, Rear sills and wheelarches are usually the areas to go first.

The engine is the other critical factor in the price you are paying. Look for a car that has had a recent hot compression test with even numbers on all 6 readings, preferably in the 6's all round (high 6's even better). A strategy for many buyers now is to seek a car with a good shell and knackered engine. They can be bought for as little as £500. Then factor in a rebuild of the engine, from around £2,500 for a basic rebuild.

The "poor mans' compression test is to go for a spirited drive to get the engine hot, then switch it off, wait 10 minutes for heat soak to do its work, then re-start. It should start without any signs of struggling.

Also, have a look at the cars for sale on this forum. There are often some great, well looked after, examples for sale on here. If I didn't already have one (and 2 RX-7's!). I'd have snapped one up myself. Have a look here: viewforum.php?f=145

There is currently an absolute bargain PZ listed there (£1500), a sale forced by the unfortunate death of it's owner. I can vouch that the owner was a knowledgeable enthusiast so the car would have been well cared for.

There are some other stonking looking cars in the listing too!

Good luck, keep us updated on your quest

[SmuttyHutty]

There is currently an absolute bargain PZ listed there (£1500), a sale forced by the unfortunate death of it's owner. I can vouch that the owner was a knowledgeable enthusiast so the car would have been well cared for.

There WAS a PZ for sale but it is now in my driveway!

viewtopic.php?f=204&t=82867

The car is due a major service and BigPete and I are doing that this weekend. It has some dreaded rust and I have got to take it to a local body shop to get it checked out. Whatever the cost, I will bring this back to good order.

[SmuttyHutty]

I read your post about buying that PZ but promptly forgot! I have now added a note to say "SOLD" on the for sale topic.

[SmuttyHutty]

Hahahahaha It happens to the best of us.

[rs48635]

Thanks for the welcome. Was at Brands yesterday Tuesday 9th December so missed the gang of you lot. Will catch up one day soon. So far have only booked one more 16th jan 2021 at Bedford.
Have got the general idea now will start visiting the local ones for sale. Nearby seen PZ that doesn't start but does have rust. Going to see standard car in MK that might be a project, advertised at 1300?
Good luck SmuttyHutty with that PZ. It was not meant to be for me.

[Shagrington]

Hi and rs48635. Happy hunting and good luck

[rs48635]

Just back from one test drive and heading out to second.
This car drove well, brakes execellent, steering good and nice taut ride / handling. Slight stutter or hesitation going up the revs 5k or 7k but went past that point okay. Parked up and let it stand a few minutes while checking other stuff. Started okay twice more so some re-assurance about compression ?
Guess that any ignition components might cause stutter OR maybe it needs a longer run.
Any advice in case I go back for the longer drive the garage offered?

[79398]

Just go with your gut feeling and be prepared for an initial spend of around £700 to replace all consumables and coils ect just so you know it's all fresh and you have peace of mind, factor that in with the cost be prepared for it and off you go.
So many people buy without thinking of what's needed to eliminate future issues and regret it

[rs48635]

Thanks Simon.
Much like regular reciprocating engines, where sensible to budget for the cambelt change.
Been to see a "cheap one" that wouldn't start, 2006 evolve model near Milton Keynes via autotrader https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 9qd&page=1

[SmuttyHutty]

Thanks Simon.
Much like regular reciprocating engines, where sensible to budget for the cambelt change.
Been to see a "cheap one" that wouldn't start, 2006 evolve model near Milton Keynes via autotrader https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 9qd&page=1

I saw that a while ago on Autotrader but couldn't find its MoT history online

Screenshot 2020-12-10 at 20.20.32.png

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

[casey]

I'm guessing it's a private plate that's been "removed" from the car?

[SmuttyHutty]

Yeah I did wonder that. You'd think the trader would put the original plate on the car so this info could be found.

[79398]

My advice would be to wait and buy off the club, unless you know the cars well, which I don't think you do, or ask someone to look over one, the more you read on here the greater your knowledge and confidence in buying one will be, lots of info on here.

[rs48635]

Thanks Simon.
Much like regular reciprocating engines, where sensible to budget for the cambelt change.
Been to see a "cheap one" that wouldn't start, 2006 evolve model near Milton Keynes via autotrader https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 9qd&page=1

I saw that a while ago on Autotrader but couldn't find its MoT history online
Screenshot 2020-12-10 at 20.20.32.png

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

Wouldn't start - even with booster pack plus donor car jump leads.

The car is LR06 CMK Same advisory since 2017 radiator warning light on /coolant light on. Unloved

[SmuttyHutty]

Might be worth a punt with a daft offer and see if they'll take it - if the shell is sound.

[rs48635]

Might be worth a punt with a daft offer and see if they'll take it - if the shell is sound.

Been thinking that too, about more than one car. Would need to arrange transport unless they get it started.
The dealer seller in each case confidently reported "started and drove really well when it arrived in part-ex". No reason to doubt them, but engines can expire at any point.

[bigpete8]

Thanks Simon.
Much like regular reciprocating engines, where sensible to budget for the cambelt change.
Been to see a "cheap one" that wouldn't start, 2006 evolve model near Milton Keynes via autotrader https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 9qd&page=1

I saw that a while ago on Autotrader but couldn't find its MoT history online
Screenshot 2020-12-10 at 20.20.32.png

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

Wouldn't start - even with booster pack plus donor car jump leads.

The car is LR06 CMK Same advisory since 2017 radiator warning light on /coolant light on. Unloved

Wouldn't worry about coolant light, it's a common fault as the sensor fails. Only fix is expansion tank replacement hence lots don't.

[Nickp47]

I would bet at least 50p that Evolve is just flooded . Dealers who aren’t familiar with RX-8s shunt them round the yard quickly without realising they need to run for a little while, I remember it happening at the compound of the main dealer I used to work for.
If you could get it for around £800 that’s worth a punt IMO, assuming you are prepared for all eventualities of course (low compression etc)

[rs48635]

I would bet at least 50p that Evolve is just flooded . Dealers who aren’t familiar with RX-8s shunt them round the yard quickly without realising they need to run for a little while, I remember it happening at the compound of the main dealer I used to work for.
If you could get it for around £800 that’s worth a punt IMO, assuming you are prepared for all eventualities of course (low compression etc)

Thanks Nick. Beginning to get a feel for the market now. Good cars with proven history and details of work are 'real money' in the thousands.
Everything else is a 'project' where I start assuming the engine might be ruined so worth hundreds of pounds. Basically the price of the car broken for parts.
Seen the same happen to Alfa 166 in the past, which is not pleasant. Wish I had kept my 3.0 V6 manual car but hey ho.

[Nickp47]

Alfa 166, now there’s a lovely car, some cars you remember driving just from having spent a short time doing so, the 166 V6 was one of them for me - think it was a 3.2 though

[SmuttyHutty]

I would bet at least 50p that Evolve is just flooded . Dealers who aren’t familiar with RX-8s shunt them round the yard quickly without realising they need to run for a little while, I remember it happening at the compound of the main dealer I used to work for.
If you could get it for around £800 that’s worth a punt IMO, assuming you are prepared for all eventualities of course (low compression etc)

Thanks Nick. Beginning to get a feel for the market now. Good cars with proven history and details of work are 'real money' in the thousands.
Everything else is a 'project' where I start assuming the engine might be ruined so worth hundreds of pounds. Basically the price of the car broken for parts.
Seen the same happen to Alfa 166 in the past, which is not pleasant. Wish I had kept my 3.0 V6 manual car but hey ho.

Might be worth looking in to. Compression numbers look good....

[rs48635]

I would bet at least 50p that Evolve is just flooded . Dealers who aren’t familiar with RX-8s shunt them round the yard quickly without realising they need to run for a little while, I remember it happening at the compound of the main dealer I used to work for.
If you could get it for around £800 that’s worth a punt IMO, assuming you are prepared for all eventualities of course (low compression etc)

Thanks Nick. Beginning to get a feel for the market now. Good cars with proven history and details of work are 'real money' in the thousands.
Everything else is a 'project' where I start assuming the engine might be ruined so worth hundreds of pounds. Basically the price of the car broken for parts.
Seen the same happen to Alfa 166 in the past, which is not pleasant. Wish I had kept my 3.0 V6 manual car but hey ho.

Might be worth looking in to. Compression numbers look good....
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 6705082295

Saw that on Ebay - MOT checker does not find J555 KLF so guess it was on private plate.