MRX_Rotary

I would like some advice please...

I've been thinking about getting an FC. Probably an N/A S5. I will be 16 (or 4, heheh) years old this upcoming 29th. My parents are making me pay for my own car. So, I will hopefully get my restricted liscence and driving by myself by the time I'm a Junior in high skool.

My dad was one of the guys that pre-ordered a 2004 RX-8. This pretty much sparked my interest in rotary engines.

I'm worried about getting an RX-7 for several reasons. Like insurance and mileage. Also, I have so far had about 15 minutes of practice time on a manual. I know about the flooding problem, and I was wondering if I should first learn manual on a piston engine first.

So, if you were in my shoes, would you get an FC? Also, any advice on what I should or shouldn't do would be greatly appreciated.

J-Rat

iTrader: (2)

Read the FAQ.

and your asking a bunch of rotary people, if they would buy an FC if they were in your shoes.. Seems like a forgone conclusion, doesnt it?

krazykoncepts

Get the fc...greatest car....just dont rice it out

Peruvianrx7

iTrader: (25)

In my opinion , do not buy one. Save get a more reliable car.

MRX_Rotary

Haha, I guess you're right.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

If you find a nice one with low miles, or one with a rebuid in "mint" condition (They are hard to come by) go ahead and purchase it. You'll learn how to drive a manual without any problem. Mileage will be around 20 mpg, not like a Civic though. Don't forget, your looking at a car that the newest version ('91) is 13/14 years old.
Biggest question-Who would you have work on the car?
Rotaries are unique and not too many mechanics know much about them.

WAYNE88N/A

DUDE, I was begging my dad for an rx7 when I was 16 (back in'81)...and you're wondering whether to get one or not?????

MRX_Rotary

I guess I'd go get it fixed wherever my dad would get his RX-8 fixed.

MRX_Rotary

BTW, my uncle races an RX-7 in the SCCA GT2 class. He also got me to love rotaries.

bcool

Sounds like your uncle would be an excelent candidate to work on your car then

krazykoncepts

ive had my car for only a year..and time to time consider selling it...but when i think about there is no car i would rather have then my second gen...(in the price range)

MRX_Rotary

Well, I was thinking the same thing, but he lives in Seattle.

rosey

iTrader: (1)

I got an FB(13b GSL-SE) when I was 16, great car to learn on, not to much power, but quick enough to be fun.

I had/have enough money to buy a nice TII and put some money away in case something goes wrong, and do some modding, but I drove some and they seemed like alot of car for me, also alot of problems to deal with over a N/A

I've been working on my FB since I got it, and its not too hard, you always have forums with knowlageable people to bail you out.

I think a N/a FC would not only be a good first sports car, but I can't think of much else that would be more approprate, considering your enjoyment of the rotary.

As for me, I plan to enjoy the FB for at least one more summer, then sell it and look for a TII.

If you do find an FB in your area, don't hesitate to check it out, there great little cars, and I would bet there every bit as fun as any n/a FC, plus a little more rare and unique.

Anywho, good luck, have fun.

RETed

Get a 1990's Toyota Corolla.
You're going to get into an accident with the FC.



-Ted

andrew lohaus

yeah as much as it hurts me to tell you this, dont make an fc your first car. you need to cut your teeth on a car that is more forgiving and less tempting both mechanicaly and performance wise. learn how to wrench on and maintain a cruddy honda first. its what i did and i came to apreciate that experience now that i have a more demanding car. 75% odds are that you will get in a least a fender bender or a few close calls with it in your first years driving. trust me youd feel much worse wreking a cherry FC than you would some beater.

im glad i learned how to be more responsible car owner/mechanic/driver on a lesser car than an FC.

Russ

i have a fc and im still 16 with my permit. if your going to get a fc at 16 get a project car and pay for everything yourself. im not saying this because i do it im saying it because i know for a fact you'll respect the car that much more and you'll learn alot and have fun along the way

MRX_Rotary

I was thinking of doing that too. I might just get an FC that needs a little TLC for cheap, buy the parts I need, and my dad and I can fix it up. Luckily we have a good RX-7 store fairly close by.

RETed

That's the problem...
It's going to cost a significant amount of money to get the car fixed to good, running shape (unless the car has been taken care of meticulously prior).  I warn all potential buyers to have at least $1,000 to fix all the little things - $1,000 is a LOT of money for most people.

The limits on the FC is not very forgiving, unless you're a very talented driver.  If I had my FC when I was 16, I would be dead right now.



-Ted

Russ

its deff worth it, i got my carr off a member here for 1300. bad fender, brakes needed redone, and no seats. the things been a joy to work on just dont rush anything because when you go two fix something odds are you'll find something else that needs replaced. my aim is pennpanther27 hit me up if you ever wanna talk

88turbotime

You should definately get it. I am 17 and have an 88 turbo II. I dont know how it is where you are, but at my high school when I tell people I have an rx7 they suddenly become my best friend and start kissing my butt for a ride in it. Its not the easiest 5 speed I've driven, but you'll get used to it. whatever you do, be careful- they are fast cars.

Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

Im not sure Im exactly clear on your definition of "forgiving", but I think an FC is very forgiving and easy to drive. The rear end can come around past 45* before I would think to call it an "uncontrollable" slide. Although the ability for the car to go apeshit shouldnt be taken lightly..Ive had a few occasions where the car really suprised me,and I almost lost it.

Overall I think an FC (in N/A form, anyway) is a good place to start for a beginning driver that is mature enough to be responsable with it. They dont have too much power, but enough to be quick , fun, and give some RWD experience. IMO if a person is going to be stupid and drive like an ***..they will do it no matter what car they are driving. On the same token, a higher HP car (Turbo2, etc..) is a little too much , just because of the lack of experience. My Turbo2 would kick sideways under even 1/2 throttle under the right conditions..

PHATFC3S

i dont recommend an fc as your first car. i did that and it spoiled me so to speak. theres not many cars out there that can compare to the rx, especially in the same price range. you just wont be happy with much anything else afterwards. at least i wasnt and since ive owned an 89 iroc z camaro with a 350, a 94 accord ex coupe 2.2v-tec, a 94 grand am gt coupe 3.1 v-6, a 91 mustang gt 5.0, 89 lincoln mark 7 lsc 5.0ho, 74 chevy nova fairly modified with a .040 over 350, 86 mazda b-2000 cab plus, 00 ford focus 2.0 zetec, and 2 90 rx7 gxl's 2 89 gxl's and an 89 GTUs. none of the cars could compare to my rx7's

trainwreck517

iTrader: (1)

I got a fc for my first car, and it has been great. Be good to her and she will be good to you. N/A are really reliable and if you get a S5 89+ You won't really have to worry about flooding problems as they are more common in S4 cars.

Well have fun if you get the FC.

88turbotime

No, on second thought, you should not get an rx7. Like I said, they are fast cars, and I am 17, and I wrecked mine last saturday.

Erk

FC's are great.... but i wouldn't start with any sports car.

Get a honda, wish i had.

First car was a camaro, and got ride of that for an FC...