I'm away to see this tomorrow...any advice appreciated

[m3tiko]

As title says....

Going to see this tomorrow, however know little or nothing about the Mazda marque. All I know they are rotary engines, heavy fuel and oil users. However, is there anything else I need to know before I go to view.

Car in question http://pistonheads.com/sales/1016382.htm

Thanks in advance


Tiko

[ajbruce]

dunno about them like but give us a bell when ur kicking about the 'burgh

[Grizzle]

yeh they need to be revved when switching off apparently or you risk flooding the engine, dont think they are that bad on fuel, nice cars

[sjj84]

I would say with that milage it's a little over priced. Bloke at work got one a couple of weeks ago, 35,000 miles for 7k. Nice cars though, a little thirsty perhaps, but I wouldn't say they're too bad really.

[Black Sabbath]

Not a highly thought of car in the trade I dont think.You know about the oil consumption,be aware resale value may be an issue the older it gets,good luck with your viewing

[Hserce]

yeh they need to be revved when switching off apparently or you risk flooding the engine, dont think they are that bad on fuel, nice cars

Thats when its Cold, when that car is warm its fine......

The car looks really nice with the sat/nav and stuff but as they said the milage is little high, but on the rx8 owners club forum theres rx8's with 110k on the clock ??
1 thing i will tell you is that GET WARRANTY!!!! just incase because there has been low compression ones and that leads to engine failure...? iv got the 192 one and its give's me 250miles full tank in london, on the motorway you get around 300miles...? i dont think its bad..
Check if the car has been rag'd too much, and take the car for a LOOOONG DRIVE i.e 30 minute's and rag it abit because after you do that some rx8's sound different and it may lead to problem, i.e engine rattle....
oohhh and 1 last thing call mazda if it has had a new engine + if it has had the recall's done to it..
as for the price, i do think its slightly high...? theres ones out there with like 30k-40k for that price maybe 2-3 hundred higher but worth it...



This should help you...
Vehicle inspection:
The engine should readily fire up without struggling the battery may be suspect if not, at idle the engine tends to be a bit lumpy but should be super smooth and free revving at higher throttle openings with no rattles, any sign of a rattle from the exhaust may indicate a failed catalytic converter element. (aftermarket cat` circa £300) a slight backfiring or popping noise from the exhaust is usual and perfectly normal.
The gearbox at idle can sound slightly noisy but should quieten down when the clutch pedal is depressed if noise increases this may be a sign that the clutch thrust bearing needs replacing.
A test drive should be smooth and fairly quiet on a stock exhaust with the engine pulling cleanly to maximum revs, a rev limit warning indicator in the form of a BEEP! will sound to let you know the engine is reaching that point, the brakes should be progressive and powerful with no sign of judder under braking, the RX-8 is not commonly known for rattles but the odd car may have a few with the steering wheel and vacant passenger seat being known causes - the drivers seat can develop a creak but all of these are easily dealt with.
Check the oil level – in low temperatures the dip stick may be covered with a gooey mayonnaise type substance this is perfectly normal (it is basically emulsified oil) but it may take a couple of goes to get a true reading - get in the habit of checking the oil level when the engine is nice and hot as the build up of mayo` will be less.
Check the sump for corrosion as it is known weak point.
Check headlight levelling sensors are functioning correctly on the 230 BHP model as these are expensive to replace, the 190 BHP car has a manually adjusted system.
Check brake discs for corrosion a more caring owner will have painted them.
Check the alloy wheels around the hub centre bore for corrosion the wheels should be replaced if the car is under warranty.
Check tyres for wear and ideally they should be the same brand on all wheels the standard fitment is 225/45 x18 Bridgestone REO40 - having odd tyres front to back (definitely not on the same axle) does not suit the excellent road handling that the RX-8 displays especially if some of the cheap tyres available have been fitted, tyres vary in price from £50 - £200 available in 3 categories: 1. Cheap and nasty (Generally known as Ditchfinders) 2. Budget 3. Premium - the RX-8 is a finely balanced sports coupe remember that when considering tyres.
Check for possible rust (not very common) in the area of the boot lid brake light aperture.
Check the rear lights for internal misting of the lenses again this should be dealt with by the warranty but new seals will be needed if not.
Check if fitted the optional Mazda Strakes (on front wheel arch grills) and front crest (V on front bumper) for corrosion these items were plated Aluminium and as such were susceptible to corrosion, replacement polished stainless steel items are now available.
Check the condition of the oil cooler heat exchangers (radiators) and Air Condition heat exchanger in the front bumper for damage as they can get well bashed by road debris, if protective grills have been fitted by a caring owner more the better.
Check the front suspension anti roll bar drop links as they may be broken it will not be immediately noticeable on a test drive so check – it is not dangerous and they are not expensive to replace but be aware they can break, with the engine running the electric power steering should be light to turn from lock to lock with no hard to turn points.
Check the handbrake rubber gaitor as a section of the moulded gaitor that fills the handbrake aperture when the handbrake is in the on position can break off and leave a hole under the handbrake, a new modified handbrake should have been fitted under warranty but only if the owner at the time raised a complaint.
Check for wear on the drivers leather seat side bolster stitched seam and the plastic front seat backs as they can be damaged by the seat belts.
Check for full function of the excellent BOSE Radio/CD player as it forms an integral part of the fascia and as such is expensive to replace although an aftermarket kit is now available to enable the fitment of a standard DIN radio/CD player as a cheaper or preferred option.

[m3tiko]

Thanks for your prompt replies lads and especially to Hserce.

Unfortunately, I decided to give this particular one a miss. Spoke to a mate of mine who has bought 06 plate in red for same money!!!

Still looking but personally I'd prefer a nice mk1 TT in that price band. Audi reliability and looks.....can't be beat. However, I'm not looking for myself and car is for a female mate of mine. Just helping her out...


Tiko

[Hserce]

Thanks for your prompt replies lads and especially to Hserce.

Unfortunately, I decided to give this particular one a miss. Spoke to a mate of mine who has bought 06 plate in red for same money!!!

Still looking but personally I'd prefer a nice mk1 TT in that price band. Audi reliability and looks.....can't be beat. However, I'm not looking for myself and car is for a female mate of mine. Just helping her out...


Tiko

if you want 4 seats + looks go rx8.. but im thinkin of a audi tt 3.2 dsg now.. the only thing thatg is puttin me off is that its only a 2 seater YES it does have 4 but no 1 can sit there!
i found a '04 TT DSG 40k red leather looks beautiful for £10k