New here - buyers advice needed

[Nareik]

Hi all,
I've been looking at RX8's for a few years, I nearly purchased one a while back, but settled on a mk1 mx5 instead. This isn't a decision I regret, but the want for an rx8 definitely hasn't left me the R3 model is very much out of the question, however earlier models still seem quite cheap and I'm quite wary that I'll have to buy soon or the prices will soon rise like the mk1 mx5 and I'll never be able to afford one.

I have done some research and have a basic understanding of what to look out for when buying etc, however, I'm unsure which route to take. My budget is around 2-2.5k. I've seen on Facebook groups that "decent" cars are available for this price, seemingly with good compression etc. However, would it be better to buy a low compression car and then get it rebuilt and ported etc? I'm just worried that going this route will end up costing significantly more and I'll have a dead car sitting on the drive for ages. I'm looking to keep the car long term.

I also have a couple more questions. Am I correct in thinking that the 231 version is superior to the 192?

And catalytic converters seem to cause issues on these cars? How many people fit decat pipes and how easy would it be to swap it for an MOT? this is all hypothetical of course...

I know these questions are probably asked all the time, but I've spent the last couple hours going round in circles on different forums etc

Any other advice is of course welcome

Thank you!

[GreySilver Beast]

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[350matt]

I'd agree that for 2.5K you should be able to get a good car
I'd 1st focus on rust as this is killing more cars off than a duff engine
they rust from the rear arch tops this then finds its way between the skins and then rots out the bottom corner of the sill
subframes can also get a bit scabby but its rare to have one so badly corroded it needs repair or replacement

most cars will no longer be on the original cat , if you do find one don't just scrap it off as its pretty valuable (£500) with a fair few cars having them stolen
and yes a compression test is always nice and you should expect numbers in the 6's for most cars and even on all 3 faces for each rotor they were 8 bar when new but its rare to find a car up there
look for signs the ignition parts, coils, plugs and leads have been changed from original

as to 192 or 231 then most will tell you the 192 isn't much slower in the real world but personally I prefer the 231 with its higher levels of kit and more revs from the engine

common failures are worn out engine mounts, rusted solid headlamp adjuster sensors, and rusted out oil cooler lines

[Nareik]

Thanks for the quick reply! Rust was also a concern of mine, owning an mx5 I know the pain!

Thanks again for the advice its very much appreciated

[HarSc]

So a couple of points to go at there:

First things first -

231 vs 192 - now this one is more or less personal difference. The power difference in the real world is slight, 5 speed on the 192 not 6 and having halogen headlights not HIDs (so no headlight washers making the front bumper look strange ). The main gripe people seem to have on the lower power variant is the gearing between the 3rd and 4th gear, the rev drop is quite significant between the two, but cruising at 70, the 5 speed actually keeps a lower RPM than the 6 speed on the 231

Catalytic converters causing problems is mostly either through age of the cat and it's just had it, or because the ignition system had not been maintained and kept in good order, leading to poor running and hence blocking the cat over time. Cats failing or blocking badly are known to cause engine damage, so it's a definitely "do not drive" on a blocked cat. As you know, most go for decats or sports cat - reduces the exhaust restriction.

For £2-2.5k, you will not really be in the realm of rebuilding one after purchase, as it'll normally run about £3-4000 to do it that way (buy broke, rebuild and fix).

I'd personally say buy a known good one with decent compression or a relatively recent rebuild and you'll be off to the races, they do come up as good deals around that price for some good cars that'll suit you well

For compression testing, if you have a specialist close by or even a member with a tester (there are a few) they can potentially help out and look at a car with you if you ask nicely and they're local

As said above, other than compression & rust - engine mounts are prone to collapsing, especially driver's side from the exhaust heat - oil cooler lines, coolant tank sensor, the ignition system itself can prove to be on the expensive side for a quality replacement if they're bad (and you definitely do not want to cheap out on ignition for RX-8's!).

Give the buyers guide on here a read if you haven't already, but I'm sure you should be able to find a car to suit your needs

[Shagrington]

Hi and Nareik and

[Cscameron]

Hello and welcome

Just want to wade in on the 192 Vs 231 question

I drove both before settling on Flos and it comes down to personal preference. Power wise there isn't heaps of difference as others have said - she can keep up with a 231 quite happily. For me it was the gearbox. I much preffered the way the 5 speed felt. The 3-4 change is a bit irritating at times but who needs 4th anyway Best thing to do is drive both and see what feels right for you and your driving style

So in answer to you question, the 231 is absolutely not superior IMO

[79398]

There is a good 192 for sale near me for 2495 at a dealer.
Very good body, slight judder on Clutch which suggests a new one may be imminent, that aside couldn't fault it.
May be worth a look
Pm me if you need more details
On the opinion regarding 192 v 231 (I have had both) 231 is IMO quicker.

[Ainmhidh]

So in answer to you question, the 231 is absolutely not superior IMO

The R3 is though

[Ainmhidh]

Without a hint of bias there Drew. (Can't argue with you though! )

[HarSc]

The R3 is though

Awwwwwwh yeah

[79398]

Deluded