One for the RX-8 experts here

[NarrowBandFtw]

In what year was RX-8 sales officially stopped in South Africa? Trying to figure out whether or not the 2nd generation RX-8 was ever sold here (i.e. 2009 model year onward), the one with a third oil injection port added for each rotor housing?

Still can't shake a fascination with rotaries after decades of trying, but never owned one

From what I gather the 2nd gen RX-8 was pretty reliable, but I fear it was never sold here.

 

[$m@Rt@$$]

From what I can gather is that they were sold here until 2008 - but I am by no means an RX-8 specialist

 

[animal531]

I test drove the standard and high models back in the day, they were amazingly smooth. But in the end the poor 2nd hand value put me off of buying one.

 

[NarrowBandFtw]

in the end the poor 2nd hand value put me off of buying one

It's exactly that which makes me interested in buying one ... 2nd hand

I just know they need diligent owners that take good care of them or they will develop problems, the models produced from 2009-2011 were a bit more robust.

 

[kripstoe]

My then BIL had one. Was nice/different to drive, but seemed unreliable.

 

[Pitbull]

It's exactly that which makes me interested in buying one ... 2nd hand

I just know they need diligent owners that take good care of them or they will develop problems, the models produced from 2009-2011 were a bit more robust.

Those engines are amazing (Rotary) Apex seals, Apex seals and Apex seal. Learn what they are, how much they cost and how long it takes to replace. But if you look after the engine you will be fine. Pretty easy to work on yourself also. It's not a complicated engine.

If you buy one, have someone replace the existing apex seals and you will have it for a very long time still.

 

[NarrowBandFtw]

Learn what they are

Got that bit covered, I already know what they are:
[video=youtube;sd6pJtR4PaY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd6pJtR4PaY[/video]

how much they cost and how long it takes to replace

I'm totally clueless on those though, but I know the 2nd gen RX-8 engine was more forgiving in terms of maintenance in that it had more oil injectors and thus kept the apex seals better lubricated where in a 1st gen engine some still recommend mixing oil into the fuel directly to perform the same function.

 

[Pitbull]

Got that bit covered, I already know what they are:
[video=youtube;sd6pJtR4PaY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd6pJtR4PaY[/video]


I'm totally clueless on those though, but I know the 2nd gen RX-8 engine was more forgiving in terms of maintenance in that it had more oil injectors and thus kept the apex seals better lubricated where in a 1st gen engine some still recommend mixing oil into the fuel directly to perform the same function.

Even 1st gen RX8 will be fine, you get after market Apex seals. Just replace what is I there. Rx 7 Rotaries all all over SA and they are running fine. Don't worry yourself too much with 1st or 2nd gen. Just put in aftermarket Apex seals and you will be good to go. Just a side note. These vehicles are K@K heavy on fuel , keep than in mind. They not heavy on fuel they are K@K heavy!

 

[NarrowBandFtw]

They not heavy on fuel they are K@K heavy!

From my BMW driving days I learned never to look at the playa-hata (i.e. fuel economy) needle and the electronic one I switched to just show me how many km I have left in the tank.

Fun comes at a cost, that's fine. Driving a rotary is unfortunately on my bucket list I reckon

 

[Pitbull]

From my BMW driving days I learned never to look at the playa-hata (i.e. fuel economy) needle and the electronic one I switched to just show me how many km I have left in the tank.

Fun comes at a cost, that's fine. Driving a rotary is unfortunately on my bucket list I reckon

Looks like you did your homework. Buy it and enjoy it. Nothing like a high pitch, high reving engine that backfires and spews flames. You will have a blast!

 

[Epic Computers]

From my BMW driving days I learned never to look at the playa-hata (i.e. fuel economy) needle and the electronic one I switched to just show me how many km I have left in the tank.

Fun comes at a cost, that's fine. Driving a rotary is unfortunately on my bucket list I reckon

If talking about L/km comes naturally then you won't have a problem

They are great cars to drive though.