Possible purchase. Need advice please.

Dave993T4 · Post by **Dave993T4** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 4:54 pm

Hi.
I’m new hear, only joined today.
Am thinking of getting an RX 8.
Just wanted peoples advice on a couple of cars I’ve seen advertised. Not sure what I should be paying for age and mileage.
I know you need to be aware of compression readings, are these readings stated ok.
Any help would be great.
Thankyou.

Sorry if this is in wrong section.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... n=standard

Also, this one.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... n=standard

Second one is twice as much, what do people think.

BigPete · Post by **BigPete** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:40 pm

I have these for sale:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254779054164
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264973438432

Markl17 · Post by **Markl17** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:49 pm

The r3 looks lovely and is probably one of the last ones,ask who did the compression test as it can be fudged.
Good luck and welcome.
Mark

Nickp47 · Post by **Nickp47** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:57 pm

Just an observation and not meant to dissuade you but the R3 has been on sale a long time now so I wonder if there is a reason for that.

79398 · Post by **79398** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:59 pm

Very hard to give advice without seeing and testing the car, however Bigpete is highly respected here and although I have never met him or bought from him my gut feeling would be to look at anything he has on offer first.

Rafael · Post by **Rafael** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:13 pm

Yeah, Bigpete have really nice limited editions for sale, especially that Evolve

GreySilver Beast · Post by **GreySilver Beast** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:14 pm

Hi Dave &

to the RX-8OC

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Please check out the EVENTS SECTION's for anything coming up soon in your area

Events Team

Post by **HarSc** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:17 pm

The second one is over double the price as it is the R3 model and there were only 800 total originally imported to the UK I believe, which included many upgrades over the S1, and the changes are explained elsewhere in the forum.

Thiss is by no means concrete, but from what I've seen in the market over the last few months, good quality series 1 (pre 2008/9) tend to be around £2k+ for good compression up to £4k for a recently rebuilt one or a special edition such as PZ, Kuro, nemesis or evolve. The main thing to look for is compression and rust - but then again, at a few thousand, having to buy new tyres and redo the ignition system / fix some other little things soon adds up, so I'd check for that too. If you're looking at a series 1, be aware of the tax band change, 2006 and up have higher road tax, so something to keep in mind too.

If you are wanting a Series 2/R3 (2009-10) these are more expensive. Generally looking at over £6k for good compression or fresh rebuild at 35-55k miles. Higher mileage expect to pay around 4-5k and maybe lower depending on condition and compression. As others have said, buying from a reputable rotary trader like bigpete or a rotary specialist garage is a good idea, as you'll be in the know about any possible faults.

I get the feeling that bigpete's blue evolve won't stick around long as it's well priced imo hah!

Dave993T4 · Post by **Dave993T4** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:19 pm

Thanks for the warm welcome peps.
Will checkout what big Pete has to offer.
I’m reading about all their problems, putting me off a bit I must say.

Also, will put in my area details.

Cheers.

Dave.

Dave993T4 · Post by **Dave993T4** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:22 pm

Do you have a link for bigpete please:-)

LOL, the links were with message...!!!

GreySilver Beast · Post by **GreySilver Beast** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:26 pm

bigpete

Post by **HarSc** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:26 pm

I would say, if they haven't been maintained, then people will see the bad side. It's a must to keep on top of the ignition system components and oil, but if it's sorted and kept up to date with maintenance, it's pretty much just checking the oil more often than other cars, not revving crazy until it's warmed up properly, and then enjoying it when you drive

I'm sure most people can't deny it takes a bit more to take care of a rotary, but not by much at all

hope this helps - but if in doubt, have a look around in the forum sections as there's a wealth of information about what to look for and little tips too!

79398 · Post by **79398** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 6:54 pm

Dont be put off, but be aware that these cars are generally owned by enthusiasts who, using the knowledge on the OC and specialists, maintain their cars for the love of them, if your not in the market for a car that is both expensive to maintain (premix, oil change every 3K, plugs leads coils ect) and running cost comparable to much more exotic cars then I would look elsewhere to be honest, they are cheap to buy but thats where the "cheap" ends.
Stick with it they are worth all the effort, but that's just my opinion.

Dave993T4 · Post by **Dave993T4** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 8:00 pm

Thanks for all the new replies chaps, very informative indeed.
The £6995 car, the chap has rung me and decided to keep it, don’t blame him really.
I think it’s the best if not one of the best for sale at the moment.
Really nice guy.

Back to square one

Thanks again.

BigPete · Post by **BigPete** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 8:20 pm

So the Kuro is in very good condition all round with good compression results. The Evolve is cheaper due to needing some work on the exterior which is why I’ve kept the price down. The engine again has very good compression. I do the compression tests here. Your more than welcome to come and have a look round and a chat if you want. Here’s my post code PE202NZ

Regards Pete

SmuttyHutty · Post by **SmuttyHutty** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 9:03 pm

bigpete wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 14, 2020 8:20 pm
So the Kuro is in very good condition all round with good compression results. The Evolve is cheaper due to needing some work on the exterior which is why I’ve kept the price down. The engine again has very good compression. I do the compression tests here. Your more than welcome to come and have a look round and a chat if you want. Here’s my post code PE202NZ

Regards Pete

That Kuro is a really good price - especially as it has been checked over by a specialist. When is it next due a service?

BigPete · Post by **BigPete** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 9:08 pm

SmuttyHutty wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 14, 2020 9:03 pm

bigpete wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 14, 2020 8:20 pm
So the Kuro is in very good condition all round with good compression results. The Evolve is cheaper due to needing some work on the exterior which is why I’ve kept the price down. The engine again has very good compression. I do the compression tests here. Your more than welcome to come and have a look round and a chat if you want. Here’s my post code PE202NZ

Regards Pete
That Kuro is a really good price - especially as it has been checked over by a specialist. When is it next due a service?

Has done around 150 miles since I serviced it.

SprintRX8 · Post by **SprintRX8** » Mon Dec 14, 2020 10:15 pm

My advice would buy the best you can afford.
Buy with a compression test (That shows the true state of the engine).
BigPete shows the test results

Give it a good road test from cold taking it up to temperature and restarting..

There’s loads of tips to keep them running sweet.

Post by **Shagrington** » Tue Dec 15, 2020 1:09 am

Hi and

Dave993T4.

Looks like you have had good advice already (and I would seriously consider getting one from bigpete in your position). When you have one just look in most of the 'hello I'm new' threads and you will find my short list of tips for keeping it running sweetly.

350matt · Post by **350matt** » Tue Dec 15, 2020 7:03 pm

that Big Pete evolve is keenly priced and I'd go for that in your position

Dave993T4 · Post by **Dave993T4** » Tue Dec 15, 2020 11:13 pm

Thanks for replies guys.
So much good info.
Cheers.

Dave993T4 · Post by **Dave993T4** » Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:06 pm

Evening all.
Just seen this one.
What are your thoughts on this please.
Thanks for any help.
Regards.
Dave.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... n=standard

Post by **HarSc** » Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:21 pm

Looks good condition body-wise, outside, and driver's bolster looks good. Even though it's an R3 and a later model, it's still 11 years old and susceptible to rust so that's still a lookout. I'd ask for who did the compression test (Mazda or rotary specialist, if so who?) and the exact values of what the results are/if it's been rebuilt (I'd assume not but still worth an ask), and ask for more info on the service history like when the ignition coils have been changed or as much information as you can get about it. (I see it has spark plugs changed and 4 new tyres 225/40, which is good)

No big MOT failures apart from tyres but they're changed so that's N/A. I think it's still a little on the high price side for 45k miles, but that might just be me comparing it to what I bought. Looks like a good R3 as long as the underside, rear arches and sills are clean. If you're really looking into it, get a HPI and see it in person if you can, or get a pre purchase inspection if you're not sure - always better safe than sorry!

Just my two cents, but hope it helps

Nickp47 · Post by **Nickp47** » Wed Dec 16, 2020 7:58 pm

If the compression test checks out and underbody condition is good that’s a good buy, looks like it has a Pettit exhaust too which is a bonus.

Dave993T4 · Post by **Dave993T4** » Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:49 pm

Great replies guys.
Who would be good to do an inspection if I wanted that done.

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