Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Place for discussions about the RX-8
hfitz
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 pm
Location: St Ives Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by hfitz »

Hey Guys,

After some opinion...

I'm off to look at an 04reg 231 RX-8 tomorrow that has done 40K and been dry stored for the last 9 years!

Dealer is asking 2500 pounds, she looks minty fresh in the pictures other than rusty disks.

Anything I should look out for? I get that standing around is generally not 100% ideal for machinery and that she'll need all fluids refreshed, and there may be a few perished bits along the way...

Many thanks in advance.

Hugo
2007 Galaxy Grey PZ
User avatar
Dazza44
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 2448
Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2017 12:35 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Winning Blue
Location: stamford lincs
Has thanked: 105 times
Been thanked: 46 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by Dazza44 »

Hi,even.though the mileage is low i would.be asking.for a compression test for that sort of money.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

User avatar
Nickp47
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 2255
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 9:00 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: Maidenhead
Has thanked: 174 times
Been thanked: 323 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by Nickp47 »

:whathesaid:

That is very strong money for a 54 plate RX8, though it does look very nice in the pics. A compression test is a must as it’s not something to take a flyer on at that money.

What tyres, brakes, ignition etc , are they the same that were in the car when it went in to storage?
hfitz
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 pm
Location: St Ives Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by hfitz »

So what's the best way to get a compression test sorted when buying?

ps This is the car.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 2114827233

Yep I'm guessing tyres brakes and ignition are the same. The story is that it belonged to a guy who worked in Dubai put his toys in storage in his garage including the likes of Aerial Nomad etc and then when he finally moved abroad 9 years later the RX-8 was one of the toys he didn't take.

It it likely to need new ignition packs if it's not been used?
Last edited by hfitz on Thu Feb 14, 2019 3:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
2007 Galaxy Grey PZ
User avatar
acegeezer
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 5843
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:40 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: East Coast - Lincolnshire
Has thanked: 101 times
Been thanked: 83 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by acegeezer »

Without a doubt new ignition system.. coils are only good for some 25kish mileage.. if you do buy it, don't be tempted by eBay fakes, for plugs, leads and genuine coils budget for another £300-£400 on top of the car price :thumleft:
... and the car requires a proper rotary engine tester, NOT a piston engine one, if you are looking for true readings.
Last edited by acegeezer on Tue Feb 12, 2019 8:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
John
R3-2009 "Sparkling Black" .. Gone but never to be forgotten 8)

New kid on the block .. Renault Megane RS 265 Diamond Black 2012 .. immaculate .. and quick :thumleft: Plus Honda CRV for the Dobermanns' :D
User avatar
mi60o0
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 1968
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2018 12:47 pm
Location: south east London
Has thanked: 38 times
Been thanked: 116 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by mi60o0 »

Since when oem coils are good for 24k?
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
User avatar
acegeezer
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 5843
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:40 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: East Coast - Lincolnshire
Has thanked: 101 times
Been thanked: 83 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by acegeezer »

Always OEM coils are recommended a change around 30k.. but quite a lot fail at or around 25k
John
R3-2009 "Sparkling Black" .. Gone but never to be forgotten 8)

New kid on the block .. Renault Megane RS 265 Diamond Black 2012 .. immaculate .. and quick :thumleft: Plus Honda CRV for the Dobermanns' :D
User avatar
qwakers
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Posts: 9053
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2017 4:56 pm
RX-8: Turbo
Colour: Nordic Green
Location: cornwall
Has thanked: 97 times
Been thanked: 539 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by qwakers »

if i where buying it for that money, id insist on a new set of tyres, a compression test and a warranty. id also supply (no point in trying to push their profit to zero) for them to fit (to avoid warranty issues) a set or ryan rotary performance coils and a new set of HT leads.

then, just enjoy :D
User avatar
Nickp47
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 2255
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 9:00 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: Maidenhead
Has thanked: 174 times
Been thanked: 323 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by Nickp47 »

Hugo, if it is of interest I know of a very nice 08 plate 231 with 31300 miles only, in black with D585 coils and Pettit Racing exhaust fitted by Rotary Revs. Only a bit more than the one you have seen although being 08 is the higher tax. Perhaps worth considering alongside the grey one?
User avatar
bigpete8
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Posts: 2492
Joined: Wed May 17, 2017 12:27 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Sunlight Silver
Location: Tyne & Wear
Has thanked: 150 times
Been thanked: 162 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by bigpete8 »

Take it you have the reg to check mot history?
For me id've thought air-conditioning is likely to be problematic.... As needs to be used to be lubricated
Sunlight Silver 231

Pete/Peter him/he/hrh couldn't really care as have 3 siblings and was lucky not to get called by the dogs name.

Living with a rotary - 7 Years in
viewtopic.php?p=1105043#p1105043
hfitz
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 pm
Location: St Ives Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by hfitz »

The
Nickp47 wrote:
Tue Feb 12, 2019 8:28 pm
Hugo, if it is of interest I know of a very nice 08 plate 231 with 31300 miles only, in black with D585 coils and Pettit Racing exhaust fitted by Rotary Revs. Only a bit more than the one you have seen although being 08 is the higher tax. Perhaps worth considering alongside the grey one?
£2500 is the top of my budget and I'm keen to keep in the lower Tax bracket to be honest.

Thanks for the thought though.
2007 Galaxy Grey PZ
hfitz
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 pm
Location: St Ives Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by hfitz »

bigpete8 wrote:
Tue Feb 12, 2019 8:34 pm
Take it you have the reg to check mot history?
For me id've thought air-conditioning is likely to be problematic.... As needs to be used to be lubricated
Not got the reg yet but will check the MOT history and great point about the aircon!
2007 Galaxy Grey PZ
hfitz
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 pm
Location: St Ives Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by hfitz »

qwakers wrote:
Tue Feb 12, 2019 8:20 pm
if i where buying it for that money, id insist on a new set of tyres, a compression test and a warranty. id also supply (no point in trying to push their profit to zero) for them to fit (to avoid warranty issues) a set or ryan rotary performance coils and a new set of HT leads.

then, just enjoy :D
It's got 12 month warranty, how do you organise a compression test?
Ryan rotary ignition packs look quite expensive, how much is it for the standard OEM ones?
2007 Galaxy Grey PZ
User avatar
qwakers
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Posts: 9053
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2017 4:56 pm
RX-8: Turbo
Colour: Nordic Green
Location: cornwall
Has thanked: 97 times
Been thanked: 539 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by qwakers »

standard ones are more than ryan rotarys :D

as for the compression test, you need to find someone with a rotary compression tester (quite a few people on here have one) or take it to a specialist on the test drive if you have one near you and you can persuade the seller to let you.
User avatar
Nickp47
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 2255
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 9:00 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: Maidenhead
Has thanked: 174 times
Been thanked: 323 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by Nickp47 »

Rotary Revs are only 9 miles away so dealer may consider taking it there?
User avatar
qwakers
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Posts: 9053
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2017 4:56 pm
RX-8: Turbo
Colour: Nordic Green
Location: cornwall
Has thanked: 97 times
Been thanked: 539 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by qwakers »

sounds like a plan :D
hfitz
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 pm
Location: St Ives Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by hfitz »

Does sound like a plan!

Whats the going rate for a compression test?

Google says 23 minute drive to rotary revs :-)
2007 Galaxy Grey PZ
350matt
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 3158
Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 9:09 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Strato Blue
Location: Northants
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 327 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by 350matt »

when it comes to coils don't be tempted by the ebay knock off's as you can buy them for £20 apiece but they are usually rubbish and may also damage the cat and then damage the engine.......

the price of the RRP items is a bargain for what they are and the have a lifetime guarantee don't forget
These users thanked the author 350matt for the post (total 2):
New Duke (Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:16 pm) • hfitz (Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:30 pm)
goodeggbob
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 16885
Joined: Sun Feb 18, 2018 1:12 pm
RX-8: Kuro
Colour: Kuro Black
Location: oswestry shropshire
Has thanked: 219 times
Been thanked: 347 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by goodeggbob »

hi mate ,in my experience,cars that have been stored for a great length of time can suffer from binding brakes,cracked tyre walls and perished rubber bushes etc etc. however,in this case ,the fact that it has 12 mths mot should mean that all those items are ok. there are far more knowledgeable people on here that can best advise on how much a long lay up can affect ignition,and electrics generally.as for a comp test,with rr so close,it would be a mistake not to. also ,find out in detail what is covered by the 12 mths warranty. in theory the body work should be in excellent condition given its mileage and dry storage,but do check the usual places for evidence of corrosion,because if any is found it is very over priced,also check recall history ,particularly lower arms which are crazy money. good luck,rob.
These users thanked the author goodeggbob for the post:
hfitz (Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:30 pm)
Rob :thumright:
User avatar
warpc0il
Spin Doctor
Spin Doctor
Posts: 32532
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:56 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Lightning Yellow
Location: Groomsport, Co Down, NI
Has thanked: 444 times
Been thanked: 2080 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by warpc0il »

As an '04 it will (almost certainly) need all the recalls, including the lower arms.

However, with luck it shouldn't be too rusty underneath, so that shouldn't be an issue, and Mazda will pay regardless.
These users thanked the author warpc0il for the post:
hfitz (Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:30 pm)
Dave
The Spin Doctor ™
uǝǝɹɔs ɹnoʎ ʇɹǝʌuı ǝsɐǝld :ɹoɹɹǝ
User avatar
New Duke
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 3387
Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2016 8:38 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: Colchester, Essex
Has thanked: 691 times
Been thanked: 558 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by New Duke »

Also, don't take on face value that it has been in storage without proof. Dry storage is an easy sales line to spin for cars known to suffer from rust.
These users thanked the author New Duke for the post:
hfitz (Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:30 pm)
hfitz
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 pm
Location: St Ives Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by hfitz »

Very good point about dry storage New Duke
2007 Galaxy Grey PZ
untakenname
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 959
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 10:18 am
RX-8: 231
Colour: Kuro Black
Location: London
Has thanked: 71 times
Been thanked: 90 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by untakenname »

Just because it's been dry stored doesn't mean much tbh if the cars still been driven in the wet.

I've seen some really rusty cars that have been garaged, imo it's worse then outside if you don't have a dehumidifier, especially in winter.

There's some rust showing on the engine open shot and this looks like the start of corrosion on the sills to me:
Screenshot_2019-02-13-12-53-19.png
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
Azimuth
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 633
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2016 8:54 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Winning Blue
Location: Somerset
Has thanked: 84 times
Been thanked: 20 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by Azimuth »

They've done a great job of cleaning the car prior to the photos, but those spots pointed out by untakenname are a bit of a surprise if it really has been "dry stored". Mine lives outside and is only slightly worse than that.
But the bodywork does look pretty immaculate, and hopefully those spots can be sorted fairly painlessly. The key is really the engine. Get Rotary Revs to check the car out and see what they say. If the engine is good and there aren't any horrible points not clear in the photos then I think paying that much over the odds isn't completely insane. If the 12 month warranty is legit and covers everything then that is worth quite a bit on it's own.
The other thing to consider is that you will want to spend upto a few hundred getting all the fluids, filters and plugs done and potentially the coils too, depending on their age.
Personally if I was buying again with that budget I would be looking for a great shell with a reasonably newly rebuilt engine within warranty, or a great shell in need of a rebuild (there are lots of these around!).

Is that garage the GREYEST showroom you've ever seen?

EDIT - I think there is some rust coming through on the third tail light too?
User avatar
MARKTHOMASBRAND
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 15345
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 1:29 am
Has thanked: 301 times
Been thanked: 253 times

Re: Advice Required - Buying a dry stored RX8

Post by MARKTHOMASBRAND »

Just get the Milano Red Civic FN2 Type R in the corner...it has the rare 19" Rage alloys :lol:

Regards,Mark.
Mark's : 2023 Misano Blue BMW M135i XDrive.

Mandy's : 2019 30th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 RF # 1761/3000.