{"id":11722,"date":"2026-06-30T09:29:38","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T08:29:38","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-06-30T09:29:38","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T08:29:38","slug":"buying-guide-to-the-mazda-rx8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/micksgarageblog.org\/buying-guide-to-the-mazda-rx8\/","title":{"rendered":"Mazda Rx8 Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is a follow up blog to part 1 <\/a>where the basic workings of the rotary engine were explained. As mentioned there, the engines have gotten a somewhat undeserved reputation for being complex and unreliable. Yes, there are some imperfections in the design but, as explained there are some very simple things you can do to counteract these and ensure that you get a long and healthy life from your Rx8 \u2013 naturally when considering whether or not to buy one, these tips should also act as a buyers guide to make sure that you are getting a well-cared for example.<\/span> For more general tips on buying a used car you can check out this post here<\/a><\/span>   \"Mazda<\/a> <\/p>\n

What engine oil for the Mazda Rx8?<\/h2>\n

As mentioned in part 1<\/a>, oil is hugely important to the smooth and healthy running of an Rx8 \u2013 yes they are designed to burn oil, No, they don\u2019t guzzle gallons of it (or shouldn\u2019t anyway!) Use a mineral oil or mineral based semi-synthetic oil most enthusiasts opt for 10W40<\/a> with others using a heavier 20W40 for extra protection under heavy driving. Mineral oil burns cleaner than synthetic meaning less carbon in the engine and, as a result, less wear on the apex seals and longer engine life.<\/span> As mineral oil degrades quicker than synthetic oil, you will need to change it more often (about 5l every 5,000kms is recommended) with a new oil filter every second change. It is also highly recommended that you add about 250ml of good quality two-stroke oil to your petrol tank every fill \u2013 this provides additional lubrication and cooling and will ensure that your engine stays healthier for longer.<\/span> When viewing cars, ask the owner what oil is being used, how often its changed and are they premixing with two-stroke. If they can\u2019t answer these questions, it\u2019s not a good sign and you should probably keep looking!<\/span> \"Mazda<\/a> <\/p>\n

Mazda Rx 8 Ignition<\/h2>\n

Again, in part 1<\/a> of the blog, I mentioned the heat generated by the rotary engine, it\u2019s worth noting that when fully opened up to the 9,500rpm redline, the renesis engine is completing 19,000 ignition phases per minute! That\u2019s 316 explosions every second!! That, naturally, creates a hell of a lot of heat. Unfortunately, Mazda decided to place the ignition coils of the Rx8 quite close to the engine block which had an unfortunate outcome. The coils began to fail prematurely from the heat which resulted in poor spark to the engine, in turn leading to unburned fuel stripping some of the lubrication from the combustion chamber, washing into the catalytic converter, melting it and in some cases, ultimately leading to engine failure. The ignition system is of huge importance to the Rx8 and should not be overlooked. Make sure that, at the very least, genuine Mazda coils are being used (preferably the most recent \u2018revision C\u2019 variant) ideally, upgrade to fairly easily available D585 coil set which uses the ignition coils from a Chevy Yukon truck!) these will generally last a lifetime and give you better performance. Whilst not cheap (up to \u00a3400 for the full kit including coils, bracket, harness and leads) they are a really worthwhile investment. They do come up for sale second hand from time to time or, if you\u2019re at al mechanically minded you can head over to <\/span>www.irishrotary.com<\/span><\/a> for advice and links on how to build your own set for around \u20ac200.<\/span> Spark plugs should be changed at around 20,000kms and there are 4 in total (two leading and two trailing ones) at about \u20ac100 for 4, they\u2019re not cheap either but are essential for engine health and performance. Finally, it\u2019s advised to upgrade the ignition leads for thicker magnecor ones which ensure that your coils transfer maximum firepower to your plugs.<\/span> Please, please don\u2019t buy cheap Ebay coils leads and plugs no matter how attractively they\u2019re priced \u2013 they will almost always fail very quicky, cause you issues and cost you more in the long run!<\/span> When viewing a car, ask about the ignition components in detail, what is being used, when they were changed, where they were purchased. If you don\u2019t get good answers or if you draw a blank stare \u2013 again, could be best to walk away. If you can, pull the plugs and check their condition \u2013 if they\u2019re badly fouled you could be asking for trouble further down the line.<\/span> <\/p>\n

Rust Issues With The Mazda Rx 8<\/h2>\n

Rx8\u2019s in Ireland and the UK are prone to rust \u2013 please make sure you check the sills, wheel arches and around the centre brake light for signs of corrosion. Quite a few cars have had NCT failures as a result of this and repairs can be difficult and costly. <\/span>