Highlights

Only 40,300 miles from new
Engine completely rebuilt by Rotary Motion Performance (Stage 2) at a cost of over £3k
MOT until November 2026
Desirable colour combination: red exterior and black leather interior
New clutch, catalytic converter, and other components installed

The Appeal

Credit where credit's due, Mazda took a huge risk bringing the RX-8 to market. Its engineers could have played things safe, recognising the inherent challenges of the rotary engine design and opting to replace it with something more conventional. But Mazda persevered, and we're so glad it did.

With a 50:50 weight distribution, the RX-8 is superb to drive, and that innovative Wankel engine offers power in a way no other powerplant can emulate. Engineering aside, the svelte sports car bodywork cleverly incorporates four doors without compromising its coupé-esque lines.

Here we have a cherished example with a mere 40,300 miles on the clock.

The vendor tells us:

"I bought the car on the 18th December 2023 and since then I have driven 3,232 miles, mostly motorway driving and the car has performed faultlessly and is a pleasure to drive. However, I am selling now as I broke my back in 2024 and I now find it too low. In my ownership it has always had high octane fuel and it has been kept in my drive.

It has red pearlescent metallic paintwork with only minor marks and an unmarked black leather interior with a Bose sound system

The RX-8 was last serviced in November 2024 at 29,734 miles and long MOT to November 2026.

The previous owner had the engine completely rebuilt ( Stage 2 ) by Rotary Motion Performance as well as a new clutch, new plugs, new HT leads, new battery and new catalytic converter at a cost of £3,170 at 36, 204 miles.

The car runs exceptionally well and I am not aware of any mechanical issues. It was serviced in November 2024 and the engine was completely rebuilt at 36,204 miles by a rotary specialist.

I have always adhered to the correct running and driving procedures for a rotary engine, notably, leaving the engine warm up before use, not driving a very short distance and always revving the engine to 2/3,000 revs to remove any excess fuel in the chamber before turning off."

As the above account attests, the vendor has taken a great deal of care of this Mazda. if you've always fancied an RX-8, now's the time to get your hands on this lovely example.

The History and Paperwork

192 PS model
Five former registered keepers
UK market RHD example
Acquired by the vendor on 18th December 2023
Driven 3,232 miles since purchase, mostly motorway driving
Always used high-octane fuel and kept on the owner's driveway
Serviced in November 2024 at 39,734 miles
No service history prior to the engine rebuild, but an invoice for the rebuild is available (£3,170)
Previous owner had the engine completely rebuilt (Stage 2) by Rotary Motion Performance
Long MOT valid until November 2026

The vendor tells us:

"Main Mazda main dealer history to 13,632 miles. These were carried out at 7,054, 14,380 and 14,632 miles. Between then and the engine rebuild at 36,204 miles the history has been lost. Service record book and all brochures included."

The Condition

Car is in the preferred colour combination of Red pearlescent metallic paintwork over a black leather interior
Bose sound system
Bodywork looks in very good order with only a few minor scratches noted by the vendor
The alloy wheels all present well with minimal signs of wear
Black leather interior presents well throughout, with virtually no use of the back seats
Plastic seat adjusters on the driver's seat sometimes come off, but both are available; a more permanent solution may be needed to keep them in place
Cabin electrics reportedly in good working order

The vendor tells us:

"An O/S/R light cluster has been ordered to replace the current one which has a leak."

The Mechanics

1.3L rotary engine
Rated as equivalent to a 2.6L engine by DVLA
Five-speed manual gearbox
The vendor informs us that the car runs exceptionally well with no known mechanical issues
Some MOT advisories to note
Engine rebuilt to Stage 2 by Rotary Motion Performance at 36,204 miles
New clutch, new plugs, new HT leads, new battery, and new catalytic converter installed at the time of the aforementioned engine work
The vendor chose to buy this car due to its full engine rebuild by a rotary specialist, new clutch, and catalytic converter
The vendor informs us that the car drives faultlessly and is a pleasure to drive with plenty of power
The owner has always adhered to correct running and driving procedures for a rotary engine, including allowing the engine to warm up before use, avoiding driving very short distances and revving the engine to 2,000-3,000 revs to remove excess fuel in the chamber before turning off

BEFORE YOU BUY

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