Highlights
- Only 39,935 miles from new
- Engine completely rebuilt by Rotary Motion Performance (Stage 2)
- MOT until November 2025
- 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 39,609 miles on the clock.
The vendor tells us:
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 39,609 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 2025.
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.
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 2025
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 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
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