Healing

First off, hi. Stumbled upon this forum when researching the RX-7, and seems to be a great resource to all who seek its knowledge.

Well, I've got a little dilemma here. Found a really nice 1988 RX-7 SE for sale; clean as hell. 70k on the odo, clean inside and out, 1 owner, and just freaking gorgeous. Price is pretty good too, it seems. $3500. I checked it out, and then came home and immediately started doing some research on the RX-7. Basically, I'm looking for a reliable daily driver to basically get me to school and back, and work. But then I stumbled upon this beauty, and it really got me thinking...I mean I know the RX-7 doesn't get the best gas mileage ever. And just all the little things involving maintinance, care, and upkeep of the car makes me think that maybe this isn't for me. I know, it sounds real dumb, but I'm in need of an opinion. Anything helps. Is the RX-7 a worthy daily driver? Or should it be left if not in the garage, on the track?

Thanks a lot for any input.

Kory_yahi

answer me this. How many cylinder/pistons are in a rx-7? If you know then go ahead and buy it. Offer him a little less though, it's only an SE.

rrx777

its ok to rip on sombody who thinks they know what there talking about but this guy is saying" hey i dont know help me" oh and about the car, there great buy it if its clean. for the basics on the seven try the search feature.

staticguitar313

iTrader: (2)

sounds liek a good deal, snap some pics and post them here and we'll tell you, sounds like a good deal htough, browse the FAQ section posted at the top on the 2nd generation section, that should help you with most (if not all) of your questions about the car

WonkoTheSane

iTrader: (2)

I don't know your level of technical prowess, espeically since you only have one post Rx-7s are just as relaible as any other car, especially if maintained properly (as this one sounds like it has been). The problem is, that any other properly maintained car to compare it to is ALSO 17 years old.

So the questions you should be asking yourself:

Can I deal with the normal problems of a 17 year old car? (This will involve replacing all of the hoses/rubber components, vacuumm tubes, making sure you keep your fluids in check/cycled, wear components replaced as needed (ball joints, wheel bearings, etc, etc, etc))

Can I deal with fixing the minor things as they come up? (Can you change brakes as they are needed, can you change your vacuum lines yourself, or can you at least learn. This forum will answer all your questions, you just need the courage to do it).

Is a (assumed reliable) 17 year old car as reliable enough for my daily driver? (How important will it be if you don't make it somewhere because you have a coolant hose break because it's 17 years old, can you keep up with the preventative maintenance before it becomes a problem?)


Rx-7s are a great car, extremely easy to work on yourself, and also extremely reliable if taken care of properly. Like any other car, especially one that is 17 years old, it WILLhave problems. The real question is: Are you ready to learn how to fix the problems when they arise?


Welcome to the club.

Illyont

I would not pay that much for it. I'm paying 4 000$ for a 91 RX-7 T2. Give they guy 3 000$ and be done with it. Low milage and good condition is one thing, but this car is old after all.

Also I'm not sure if I would have used it for my daily driver if you don't have any experience with a rotary yet. How many times can you use the "car broke down" excuse at school and/or work before they get mad? (I'm not saying that the car will break down 4 times a year, but it CAN break down and you should be prepared).

I use a 99 Toyota Celica as a daily driver. Those are reliable way beyond any 17 year old car no matter what type or brand and work perfect as a daily driver. The RX-7 will simply be my project car/weekend warrior toy.

Bottom end it's your decision and nobody elses, but just my 0.2 cents.

homebrewer

Look elsewhere or we'll probably find you posting a complaint about the poor fuel economy if you do buy the car.

nopistons

One thing these cars are known for is having a glitch in the engine computer regarding a cold start up and then a quick shut off. Basically, if you start the car from cold, and say, back it out of the garage into the driveway and shut it off, there's a possibility that it won't start the next time you get in. You can use the SEARCH feature on this site to find the explanations and "fixes," but it's something to be aware of if you want to use this car as a daily driver. There are some other well-known electrical/electronic problems with the FC's, also. Mechanically, they're as tough as old boots, but the electrical problems can be a PITA until your aware of them.

vicious525E

silly, theres no pistons on a rotary, just a hampster that wissles all day to me. and some times goes psssshhhhhhhhhhhhh

Impreza2RX7

You can fix the flooding due to the car not warming up by replacing the injectors, at least that helped for me.

Tessai

For what its worth, bought a decent quality 1990 for my daily driver... previous owner beat the **** out of it, but the owner before HIM took great care. I've only owned it for a year, but I've never missed a day of school or work because the car wouldn't start up in the morning.

bigturbo

I dont think youll have many problems and thats a good mileage and if the car is clean I would buy it. But I would never pay 3500 for an 88 SE. I would offer 2500 and if he wont take that look for another 7 in your area. If your going to pay 3500 you should at least get a GXL or TII or a vert. Though thats just IMO as I bought a 87 TII with 105k for 1000 bucks. And as far as the flooding issue(if cleaned or replaced injectors doesnt help) hook up a kill switch for the fuel. IT takes 15 mins and maybe 10 bucks worth of materials.