Robert_TSI

I plan on buying a 93 "r1 Rx-7" (brownsmodesto.com) But before I do I would like to know if they are expensive to maintain? Or to repair?

stevensimon

iTrader: (11)

yes

racer1

Yes they are.

Robert_TSI

But do they break down often?

XSTransAm

haha
umm yeah they break down all the time. I cant even get mine to freakin start

johnchabin

iTrader: (2)

Yes, but not relative to a Ferrari Enzo.
(See above)

arutha

iTrader: (2)

Fairly expensive parts and finding a good mechanic isn't easy unless you plan on doing it yourself. If this is going to be your primary car I would say dont' do it.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Check this thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...hreadid=251252

rod

yes, but also it depends on what/how many mods you are planning to do to your car.

Robert_TSI

Don't plan on doing much more than intake, downpipe, exaust, boost controller. In that one post with the poll most of those looked like modification costs. Still considering whether or not to buy this car. I currently have a 96 talon TSI. When the guy took me on a test drive when the car would accelerate from like 2-4k rpm the engine sounded like it was making a loud vibrating noise is this normal?

diablone

iTrader: (2)

Many of the mods are done to replace stock parts that are in need of repair.

Take note of where most of the votes went.
$3000-$5000_________31____16.94%
$5000-$10000________48____26.23%
$10000-$15000_______24 ____13.11%
$15000+_____________25____13.66%

While some of those are including expensive single-turbo setups, most aren't.

Robert_TSI

Is it really that expensive?? I don't plan on doing any "major" mods to the car. Or are they just not quality cars?

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

The quality is fine, durability is not. Mazda engineers made a lot of things on these cars using racing-style parts, and after 10 years they need replacing. They're not durable and overbuilt like Civics, it's part of the reason they go so much faster. FDs are manageable, but just require a lot of maintenance. Perfect 2nd cars.

Dave

diablone

iTrader: (2)

Some people have had great luck with not having to do much for upkeep on these cars, while most havn't. If you are looking for something fairly trouble free, you need to look for something else. You cannot roll these into a stanard Mazda dealer and have it fixed by noon.

zmarko

Greetings. It depends on the noise. The rotor engines are quite different sounding than a regular piston engine. So it could be just that you're not used to the "sound" the engine makes.

Again, if this is going to be your only car, I'd have to agree with the statement above and say don't do it. I also have a Talon (95 TSi AWD), and these cars are typically not as reliable as the DSM's (never thought I'd ever hear that). Maintenence and preventative maintenence is key with the rotary powered cars. They are VERY costly to maintain properly. If you're not maintaining your Talon correctly, or are having trouble affording the maintenence on that, then DO NOT buy the RX7. I'll repeat that. DO NOT buy the RX7.


Are you on any of the DSM boards? (dsmtalk, dsmtuners, Mach V?) What's your SN there?

MR_Rick

iTrader: (7)

first. don't buy from a dealer. They have no idea on the history of the car. RX-7 is a car that you want to know the history.

second. they will surprise you. they are very moody and when they break, they break. is not like oh is got this problem but I can drive like this.

third. if you do buy that one first thig you need to do is get rid of the lip. they will give you a lot of problems. When you do this and then you find out that you don't want to have it laying around send it to me and I will help you out

mad_7tist

You must love the car. it's that simple. you WILL spend money on it. sometimes it will suprise you other times it will dissapoint. if getting it wil;l stretch your personal budget Do Not Buy It. it will only bring pain in that situtaion.

Robert_TSI

So i'm still undecided. Are you guys telling me that if i buy this car drive it about a year (or less) without modifying it at all, things will just go wrong with it?

chazzy

Robert,
I am also looking into buying a RX 7. Go here:
http://www.rx7turboturbo.com/robrobinette/
it is a general help site and modding site for RX 7's. I just got done reading the general info about definitions and the how to for buying a used RX 7. and what to look for to tell if it is good or not, and also the preventive maintenance. It should tell you some.

Chazzy

TracyRX7

Not knowing the status of the motor I'd recommend if you buy it that you purchase an extended warrenty (if you can't get one from that dealer search the web). You can get a 1 year - 12k mile on one with 97k miles for probably $1000-1500.

Drive the car for a while and get used to it and see if something obvious breaks. While its still under warrenty head down to one of the many Bay Area rotary specalists and get the car checked out.

If you blow the motor you're looking at minimum of $3k or so for a rebuild. I'd agree on the costs in last year. A lot of the people that hang out here are addicted to modifications...just like doing drugs to your wallet but better for your health.

Robert_TSI

Yeah I thought about the extended warranty, and thanks for the article chazzy. : )

Jay7 Nyc

iTrader: (3)

From what i've read on this forum and learned from talking to other FD owners. Its all about how much TLC you give your car. Some guys I've met have daily driving FDs running fast 1/4 mile times. Others have FDs giving them nothing but problems mainly do to the lack of TLC or wrong management. I've had my FD for just about 2yrs now. Been working on her lately since I saved up enough cash to invest into her. She started up for the first time in 2yrs last Friday the March 26th 2004. After pooring down a bottle of marvel mystery oil inside her shes cranked up without a problem. I knew she was gonna crank right up after sitting for 2 years just cause of the TLC i'm giving her. Its funny to say but any car is just like a baby. Show her love in the right ways and she'll love you right back. If you intend to buy this car for a daily driver. I would suggest reading as much as you can about getting the "Necesary" reliablity mods you would need to invest in.

( IE:
New Radiator, AST, Boost guage, DP, maybe going non-sequential, Intercooler, maybe investing in some nice aftermarket oil coolers. )

All in all, the car is beautiful im sure she can give you a real headache but in my opion its well worth it. The car draws so much attention and is a one of kind automobile. Read as much as you can about FDs before just jumping into an FD. If your on a tight $$ budget then maybe this isnt the car for you as a daily driver.

InsaneGideon

Or have it fixed EVER.


Robert_TSI, no offense, but the fact that you're asking whether an FD (aka. Financial Disaster) is reliable or not indicates that you need to do some research before making this commitment.


As for this particular car, it seems to have an aftermarket knock sensor on it. It's great if the car was always stock and the previous owner was being cautious (although the original AST is there). It may indicate the previous owner tried cranking the boost, experienced knock, and added the sensor later. Who knows. It's stuff like this that's important to know, and a dealer likely cannot provide. There's also, what seems to be, a ground "kit" installed. Was the car hesitating at all under WOT and/or partial throttle?

edit:
Read this sticky. It's been like 3rd post from the top in this forum for a LONG time now.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...threadid=68640

Robert_TSI

Ok I decided against the rx-7, I just couldn't part with my dsm. : ) Thanks for all the advice.

zmarko

Good move. I still have my Talon TSi AWD. What is your SN on other boards (like I asked before)?