BlindLogic

As of now I drive a **** brown '85 camry, and I'm interested in an FC. I've lurked this forum for a few months now, and I believe that i'm able to properly care for such a car. I'm looking N/A because i'm 17 and wouldn't be able to afford insurance on a turbo.

I was wondering what you guys think about this FC

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...item=597611283

If everything he says is true, then it looks like it could be a great deal (providing I can get it for <2500). This is pretty local so I am able to check it out, but haven't yet. Tell me what you guys think.

vaughnc

BlindLogic,

Personally I'd look for an 89-92 GTU, GTU-S. The insurance shouldn't matter between the GXL, SE, sport, GTU, GTU-S, or base model.

Tell you the truth, I don't think progressive insurance has mine listed as a Turbo II. I just gave them the VIN # and didn't say anything Being 17 though you probably don't want to pay the overall premium the TII runs over the base model though.

I'd be suspicious on why the blinker and reverse lights don't work. Yes you have 168K body miles, so it might not be out of the ordinary. He should have some idea of what's going on there, so I'd use the "ask seller a question" option on ebay. The wheels are definitly nice and having low engine miles is good. Just be sure to get that compression test done by Mazda before seriously considering it.

You've been on the forum a while, are there any other questions you might have? Have you seen all the cool picture's we've been posting lately of OEM and bodykit upgraded 2nd gens?

RxSeven1

iTrader: (2)

yea make sure u do a compression test.....im gonna be 17 in 3 monthes and called up my insurance company about a 87 t2 i may be getting. Of course i didnt say it was a t2 and i didnt say it was red....they quoted me $950/ half year.....i can live with that i feel its worth it since i love rx7s so much

PaulC

Hell I bet the rims are worth what the current bid is ($1500+). And the body looks straight. So if you want a project..... could be a decent deal.

BlindLogic

Thanks for your answers guys. I'm planning on going out there this weekend if it doesn't meet the reserve price and offering a hundred or 2 above the high bid. But I've run into one problem, the parents. I've got the money (~$20/hr delivering pizza) so that's not a problem. But they're worried parents and are afraid that i'm going to kill myself in it. I know that today there's a thread about FD safety but what about FC...how safe are they, and is there any data i can show them.

Maybe I can make a late night kinko's run and give them a good presentation.


Thanks
-Matt

...hopefully driving a FC soon.

BlindLogic

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vaughnc
[B]BlindLogic,

Personally I'd look for an 89-92 GTU, GTU-S. base model.

QUOTE]

Well, chances are that my information is wrong, but I was led to believe that the GXL was the "Luxury" model, with leather seats, power sunroof, power everything. I have also heard that the GTUs was loaded with all the TII options minus the turbo, but I'm not quite sure of what those are. I really do love leather seats, and power accessories.

vaughnc

BlindLogic,

I think leather was a dealer option on the GTU and possibly the GTU-S.

Yep, the GXL is definitly the luxury model but (correct me if I'm wrong people) the gearing does not allow for the fastes 0-60 times compared to the GTU. I think in the 89-92 years though the gearing ratios are the same.

The GXL DOES make a great daily driver, but you might prefer the stick vs. the auto.

If they're worried about the fast car/teenage combo, then just tell them the HP numbers (not the 1/4 mile times).

As far as safety, they're comperable to the 2 door preludes of the same years. Rear wheel drive is not the best on ice & snow, but so long as you keep a good amount of tread on those tires, good shocks, and don't drive insanely you'll be fine.

Truthfully I had "low speed" accidents as a teenager always with people in the car. Turning left wasn't my specialty

You do have a blind spot, so tell them you'll put those mini-bubble mirrors on your side mirrors to help.

I'm assuming you're not planning to "play" in traffic with other cars, drive 85MPH+ on backroads, drag everyone you can find, weave dangerously, pass without checking your blindspot, and all those other ways of easily killing yourself.

Main thing is just don't try to impress your friends with maximum speed and max acceleration. That's probably the #1 killer

hypntyz7

2nd gens, especially 89-91s(which had chassis reinforcements) are very safe cars. They out handle most anything, meaning that in a tight spot if you react the wrong way it wil forgive you to a large amount. I got hit once in my 89 gtu, doing like 60 down the road, rammed in the *** from behind, these ******** were doing like 70. IT knocked my **** sideways(at 60!) and my speaker box up to my seat, but I gained control. It hit so hard that I expected my car to be totalled, the bumper rubbing on the wheels. I got out, and there was not a freakin scratch on her. Un believeable. Ive also bumped into stuff with the front, at less than 10mph, with no damage whatsoever. They are WELL built cars, especially for the money and the age. They ride better and feel better built then most any car from that time period Ive driven. I used to be die hard chevy, then toyota, and I rode in an FC and they are so well built.

rx7_ragtop

They are very solid and well built. My convertible prevented me from having an accident before, because it's responsive. The lady behind me driving the big american car wasn't so lucky- she hit the car sitting sideways in the highway at night that I avoided... they took her to the hospital.

You WILL have little annoying problems from time to time, mostly electrical. Learn to work on the car, ask questions here, and NEVER make the mistake of taking it to a Mazda dealer for repair. First, because they will ***-rape you on prices, and second because they will probably screw up more than they fix. Buy parts there, but don't let them touch it!

If I had a 17 year old son/daughter, I wouldn't hesitate to let them drive a 2nd generation NON TURBO RX-7. The car is still "peppy" (About the equal of the average modified Civic or just a hair slower than a stock Civic SI, for a LOT less $$) and handles better, is cheaper to fix or modify, and more fun to drive. It IS NOT going to do well on gas mileage though... be prepared for 16-18 mpg, especially if you have a heavy right foot.

Check the oil frequently- the rotary engine burns oil like a 2-stroke does. It has a system that injects crankcase oil into the combustion chambers to lubricate the apex seals, so you DO have to add oil. 1 or 2 quarts, depending on driving style, between oil changes- and always change the oil at or before 3000 miles.

Most of all, enjoy having a unique, fun to drive, stylish car.

Brad

Icemark

Ebay sellers can sometimes be difficult, I always try to email or contact the seller on cars as well.

For example last night On Ebay there was in Los Angles a 89 GXL with no reserve auction ending, so I email the guy for the vin. Well he gets all snotty about it saying I haven't bid what the car is worth, yet and when I do then he will give me the Vin or pictures or more info on the car.

So I figure if this moron wont even give me the VIN whats gonna happen when I give him 2 grand or so cash for the car. Would I ever see the Pink slip or will he thrash the car before delivering it to me?

I let the thing go for $1400 thinking that I didn't want to be involved with that seller. But the moron still cancelled the auction even before it ended, I guess he didn't like not getting 5 grand for the car.

SureShot

As with any car you are new to, take it easy as you get used to the handling. For example if you try a quick lane change at 65 without practicing first at lower speeds, the rear steer will be a big surprise. Few cars have a 50/50 front to rear weight balance, so most drivers don’t know what to expect.