I'm interested in a 2008 Mazda RX-8...

I'm interested in a 2008 Mazda RX-8 with 30k miles on the clock. Advice?

Maggie Hogan (Limerick)

Dec 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Maggie,

We do love a good rotary engine, and the RX-8 was one of Mazda’s best spinny-spinny efforts. Good looking, surprisingly practical and great to drive. The first thing to look for is a full service history, and preferably one from a Mazda main dealer or specialist. If it doesn’t have a full history, don’t buy it. The next thing to look for is excessive smoke on start-up — that means the rotor seals are knackered. Then check carefully for accident damage — they’re tail-happy in the wet and plenty have been binned by less-than-skilled owners. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe