Is an RX-8 right for me?
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Is an RX-8 right for me?
Hi guys,
New member here (I've posted in introduction page too! )
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!
New member here (I've posted in introduction page too! )
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!
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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.
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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.
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:38 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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.
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.
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:38 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!
£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!
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:38 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!
Just need shot of the Mondeo first, and then I can look in earnest.
Again, thanks for the advice!
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!
Just need shot of the Mondeo first, and then I can look in earnest.
Again, thanks for the advice!
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!
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!
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:37 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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.
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:37 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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?
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?
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
Not stupid at all, on road performance there is virtually no difference and even on track it is barely noticeable.
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:03 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
I like my 192 I had 231 before not big difference 192 seems cheaper
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:03 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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.
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.
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- spb2002 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:03 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!kopite72 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 12, 2019 2:50 pmIf 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.
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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
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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
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
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!!
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- kopite72 (Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:11 pm)
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
If you buy the RX8, they'll have to syphon your fuel tank to get at your disposable income.
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
Nerdstrike wrote: ↑Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:33 pmIf you buy the RX8, they'll have to syphon your fuel tank to get at your disposable income.
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/mazda/mazda-r ... 1348071875
Any thoughts?
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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.
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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.
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!
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!
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Is an RX-8 right for me?
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
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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
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
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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!
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
Good point. I do 34 miles per day and average £60/weekAzimuth 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!
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Re: Is an RX-8 right for me?
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
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