Is an RX-8 right for me?

Place for discussions about the RX-8
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

Hi guys,

New member here (I've posted in introduction page too! :D )

I'm selling my current motor because, frankly, i'm bored as hell with it! (it's a Mondeo - need I say more?)

I'm Looking to find summat that is actually FUN to drive. I will be using it as my daily car, with a commute of about 25 miles each way. I understand about the need for oil, and i'm prepared for a hike in Road Tax and Fuel consumption.

My two questions are these;

1. - Is it pointless/ detrimental to the car to be doing this short a distance?

2. - My budget will be £1400 - £1800. Can I expect to get a decent one for this money, or am I dreaming?

All advice welcome, thank you! :)
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: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Dazza44 »

Hi there,a 25 mile commute each way is fine,very short journeys without them.being completely warmed up isn't good.
On that budget the higher end of it that is, you should be able to get yourself quite a reasonable s1, but you should ask for a compression test(if said car doesn't have a recent one), and also have a good look round the car may look nice and pretty from.the outside,but they can suffer from.the dreaded rust underneath particular around the sills areas
Also ask about ignition,coils leads plugs,but defiently coils as genuine ones are only good for about 25k or so.
Good luck with your search.


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

These users thanked the author Dazza44 for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:38 pm)
njkmr
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 12644
Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2017 7:08 pm
RX-8: Kuro
Colour: Kuro Black
Location: Lancs
Has thanked: 54 times
Been thanked: 51 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by njkmr »

25 miles should see it warmed up properly
Your budget should get you something fairly decent. Good compression is what you want ie, mid 6,s really or above.
Bodywork is probably just as crucial. You don't want a rot box if you intend keeping it for a while.
Good luck in your search. You may find a nice one for sale on here from one of the traders.
These users thanked the author njkmr for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:38 pm)
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: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Nickp47 »

25 miles each way will be fine for the car as I imagine there will be motorways or A roads involved so you can rev it fully at points.

£1400-1800 will buy you a nice example if you choose carefully, personally I think you are better off looking for as late a car as possible and accepting the higher tax bracket but condition is the biggest factor over age now with these cars.

Just be fully aware of the fuel consumption, 50 miles a day commute will likely mean filling up every week at least and that’s before considering personal mileage.

In terms of fun though, you won’t find much funner!
These users thanked the author Nickp47 for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:38 pm)
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

Thanks for the replies guys, that's good news! :)

I had 3 cars in mind which I thought ticked my boxes; the RX-8, the Audi TT and the Saab 9-3 2.0 convertible (which I've had before)
The Audi TT is less suitable as there are 3 of us in my family, and the 2+2 I think may be a bit too small. The Saab I've had before, and for this price I can get a reasonable one with 220hp; its fun, but I have had one already and I'd prefer summat new.
The Rx-8 just looks gorgeous I think, and as most of my journey is A roads with a few twists, I just like the sound of the RX-8! :D
Just need shot of the Mondeo first, and then I can look in earnest.

Again, thanks for the advice!
dac69er
Non Member
Non Member
Posts: 402
Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2016 2:25 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: Suffolk
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 18 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by dac69er »

i thought anything around the £1500 range was likely to be a dog?

can you not stretch a littel further with the money you want to spend? when i was looking, anything around £2000 was rough imo. i paid a little over the odds for mine (well probably alot tbh) but its been faultless so far!
These users thanked the author dac69er for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:37 pm)
User avatar
Delanor
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Posts: 12403
Joined: Mon Jun 28, 2004 11:38 pm
RX-8: 40th Anniversary
Colour: Crystal White
Location: In the land of the big cat!
Has thanked: 41 times
Been thanked: 224 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Delanor »

Although price is of concern it is important when buying an RX-8 that the selling owner is clued up on all aspects of ownership ie someone who is aware of what is required to keep the car in good condition with respect to quality of oil & oil changes and how important it is to an RX-8, ignition components again avoiding the use of cheapo parts, quality of tyres, body/underpinnings condition, check the MOT history that should give an idea how well it has been kept etc etc.

*
*
Del.
These users thanked the author Delanor for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:37 pm)
1st Brilliant Black 190. 2nd Brilliant Black PZ. 3rd Strato Blue 230. 4th Crystal White 40th Anniversary.
Rotary FX fender grills, Japspeed stainless exhaust, Cosworth Air filter, Kinetix slotted & dimpled discs, EBC Red stuff pads, Ryan Rotary MK11 coils, Magnecor leads, Stainless front & rear grills, HID main beams, LED tail lights, front side lights/front fogs.
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

Thanks again for the tips and advice!

Just out of interest... performance wise is there much between the 190 and the 230hp versions? I know that sounds stupid and obvious.. but I mean in reality, on the road?
User avatar
Harrizone
Founder Member
Founder Member
Posts: 7123
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2003 5:23 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Winning Blue
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Has thanked: 12 times
Been thanked: 45 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Harrizone »

spb2002 wrote:
Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:37 pm

Just out of interest... performance wise is there much between the 190 and the 230hp versions? I know that sounds stupid and obvious.. but I mean in reality, on the road?
Not stupid at all, on road performance there is virtually no difference and even on track it is barely noticeable.
These users thanked the author Harrizone for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:03 pm)
Now a distant memory unfortunately.
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: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by mi60o0 »

I like my 192 I had 231 before not big difference 192 seems cheaper
These users thanked the author mi60o0 for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:03 pm)
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
kopite72
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 13210
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:30 am
Location: Cork Ireland
Has thanked: 144 times
Been thanked: 282 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by kopite72 »

If you can up your budget to say 2500-3K then it puts you in a great position because you could buy a non runner and get it rebuilt by a top specialist like Rotary Revs or Ryan Rotary Performance.

You could pick up a non runner in very good shape body wise for somewhere between 500-800 quid, maybe even cheaper.You could then get a ported rebuild that would you give you extra power and you'll have the peace of mind of a warranty,you can even buy an extended warranty for further peace of mind but that's entirely optional.

Tbh it's what I would do, for me it's a no brainer if I was buying all over again but it's your decision, best of luck ;)Just to add, rotaries are not cheap to run and maintain and the first thing you'll need to do is replace coils,leads and plugs if you do not know the history of any potential car you may buy. Go for the upgraded coils like the D585'or 969 or Ryan Rotary Performance coils.Youll Nedd to budget about 400 quod all in for the plugs, leads and coils.
These users thanked the author kopite72 for the post:
spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:03 pm)
R3 GONE, FUN WHILE I HAD HER BUT NOW LOVING MY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MX5

Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS

Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

Harrizone wrote:
Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:44 pm
spb2002 wrote:
Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:37 pm

Just out of interest... performance wise is there much between the 190 and the 230hp versions? I know that sounds stupid and obvious.. but I mean in reality, on the road?
Not stupid at all, on road performance there is virtually no difference and even on track it is barely noticeable.
Okay.. thank you! I HAD been looking at just the 232's, but if i'm not likely to notice a difference, i'll start considering the 190's too! :)

Cheers!
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

kopite72 wrote:
Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:50 pm
If you can up your budget to say 2500-3K then it puts you in a great position because you could buy a non runner and get it rebuilt by a top specialist like Rotary Revs or Ryan Rotary Performance.

You could pick up a non runner in very good shape body wise for somewhere between 500-800 quid, maybe even cheaper.You could then get a ported rebuild that would you give you extra power and you'll have the peace of mind of a warranty,you can even buy an extended warranty for further peace of mind but that's entirely optional.

Tbh it's what I would do, for me it's a no brainer if I was buying all over again but it's your decision, best of luck ;)Just to add, rotaries are not cheap to run and maintain and the first thing you'll need to do is replace coils,leads and plugs if you do not know the history of any potential car you may buy. Go for the upgraded coils like the D585'or 969 or Ryan Rotary Performance coils.Youll Nedd to budget about 400 quod all in for the plugs, leads and coils.
Hi Kopite... I Wish I had that sort of budget, but unfortunately I don't... I'm reliant on selling my Mondeo first, and using the money from that. realistically, i'm looking at £1500, with a possible stretch to £1800. I do like that idea though!
User avatar
kopite72
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 13210
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:30 am
Location: Cork Ireland
Has thanked: 144 times
Been thanked: 282 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by kopite72 »

Can you hold off a bit and save? It's not a huge leap from 1800 to say 2800.Good things come to those who wait ;)
R3 GONE, FUN WHILE I HAD HER BUT NOW LOVING MY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MX5

Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS

Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

kopite72 wrote:
Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:07 pm
Can you hold off a bit and save? It's not a huge leap from 1800 to say 2800.Good things come to those who wait ;)
Haha... I wish I could! Saving has never been a strong point of mine! Doesn't matter where I hide my money, my wife or son always seem to find it!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
These users thanked the author spb2002 for the post:
kopite72 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:11 pm)
Nerdstrike
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 2636
Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:47 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Location: Cambridgeshire
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 13 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Nerdstrike »

If you buy the RX8, they'll have to syphon your fuel tank to get at your disposable income.
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

Nerdstrike wrote:
Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:33 pm
If you buy the RX8, they'll have to syphon your fuel tank to get at your disposable income.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
spb2002
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 9:24 am
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Has thanked: 30 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by spb2002 »

Not sure If you are allowed to do this, but I've seen this one for sale that looks pretty spot on to me?! -

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mazda/mazda-r ... 1348071875

Any thoughts?
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: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Dazza44 »

The comp test is well out of date tbh,
And writing uprated srarter so no hot or cold start issues would concern me
As uprating the starter(which isn't uncommon)
But if the car had any hot start issues some people try to hide this by upgrading the starter
Also no talk of when the ignition was changed out.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

User avatar
Ollie
Committee Member
Committee Member
Posts: 5274
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2019 6:40 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Custom
Location: Cider Country
Has thanked: 11 times
Been thanked: 280 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Ollie »

Looks good. I'd be asking for at least an up to date compression test. But going to go and see it wouldn't do any harm so you can get a general idea of how things should look/drive. Though with that high mileage I'd be enquiring on how the engines been looked after. What oils have been used etc, premix and the likes. Because otherwise you might be in for a rebuild sooner than you'd hope for!

Also 50 miles a day commute will likely require two petrol stops a week. I average 180 miles on a 5 day work week and thats my petrol gone. Admittedly little back scottish lanes and getting stuck behind traffic etc. But its totally worth it!
Club Treasurer

Kentaro The Red - Sadly fallen...
Star Platinum - Work in progress


For whats pending... See here: viewtopic.php?f=204&t=86071
User avatar
GreySilver Beast
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 64961
Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:57 pm
Location: Somewhere in the UK
Has thanked: 1581 times
Been thanked: 365 times

Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by GreySilver Beast »

If you are on Facebook consider contacting Luke Murdoch as he would be willing to look at your choice of RX-8 on your behalf to check if it's OK before you go along to buy it =D> =D> =D> =D>

Murdoch's Rotary Specialist
GreySilver Beast-Test Drives Unlimited (Nigel)
Club Member from 2006 - present
Events Team from 2015 - 2024
Events Coordinator from 2017 - 2023
Administrator from 2012 - present RX-8 Owners Club UK
Tesla M3LR AB 363 AWD " Blue Beast "
User avatar
SprintRX8
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 575
Joined: Sat Dec 15, 2018 8:47 pm
RX-8: 231
Location: Sutton Surrey.
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 50 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by SprintRX8 »

Is that the Kudos model are they meant to be rare.
Supposed that’s in the high road tax bracket 07 plate.
98k has the engine been rebuilt in its life
Need’s a compression test to see how strong the engine is.
Has it been premixed

It’s on SORN
But didn’t have a MOT in 2018
13BLT Renesis Rotary powered Dolomite Sprint in the making😏.
Balanced Lightened and Tweaked.and Supercharged.
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: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by Azimuth »

It has been mentioned but I think it's worth stressing that petrol costs on a 50 mile a day commute are going to run close to £100 a week. I only daily my 8 because I work from home!
User avatar
sKenDread
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 761
Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2016 12:30 pm
RX-8: R3
Colour: Aurora Blue Mica
Location: West Midlands UK
Has thanked: 112 times
Been thanked: 74 times

Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by sKenDread »

Azimuth wrote:It has been mentioned but I think it's worth stressing that petrol costs on a 50 mile a day commute are going to run close to £100 a week. I only daily my 8 because I work from home!
Good point. I do 34 miles per day and average £60/week
Kia-ora!
'09 R3 Aurora Blue Mica
Pioneer AVIC Z-830DAB | PAC RP4-MZ11 Interface
Fusion Signature Series Monoblocks | Ground Zero 12" Subs
Toshiba LTO Batteries (80AH) | Assignable LEDs on Beauty Panel
Tein MonoSports | Tein EDFC Active Pro
Rebuild by Mick at Hurley Rotary
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: Is an RX-8 right for me?

Post by mi60o0 »

Put it this way I do 200 miles top most of the time 170 180 per tank alot of motorway but u don't hand around once warm I stay above 4k revs most of the time
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