That-Guy

Hey everyone,

Well I'll get straight to the point, I am turning 16 in 2 months ( let the flames begin! ) and as you probley have already guessed, I am looking into the Second Generation RX-7 as a first car candidate. I have been working for 8 months and have $6100 saved up so money is a factor. I am looking at posibley a 89-91 non-turbo. How is maintance on the non-turbo RX-7's? I dont mind having to do basic maintance and such, but I would like to avoid major repairs often if posible.

My dad worked as a Service Advisor for Mazda for 23 years and used to own a 88 RX-7 so he is somewhat knowlagable. I am just looking for a fun-driving car at a reasanable price and I have always eyed the RX-7 with intrest. What is your guys opinion on this?

Thanks!

KompressorLOgic

iTrader: (6)

NA rx7 seem to be just as reliable as any other car that age.

I would recomend a NA as a first car, as it is easy to mod a turboed car improperly and blow the motor. The na motors seem to last longer as well( alot less stress).

look for one thats been well taken care of, and then id recomend getting a compression test done on it just to make sure its healthy.( you can have somewhat low compression and the car will still run and drive normal)

rotorymanincraig

Hell ya go for the Rex, just check over the car well to make sure you don't get a lemon. I have a 90 vert, and the maintenance has been fairly easy. The work has consisted of oil changes, a brake job, and the front control arm bushings. Since it's an n/a the car is less work. But I would go for it if I were you.

cbrinega

Yes, these cars aren't any worse than any other of similar age, and the previous owner's treatment can have a lot of side effects. Check out the "how to buy an RX-7" on Aaron's site:

http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/tech1.htm

The FAQ and archive here have good information about models, options, maintenance, and modifications. You should plan on spending some money initially to do a tune up and any major things that you want like exhaust/intake/wheels/tires/ignition/interior/stereo/paint.

A compression test by a Mazda dealer is a good idea since they can tell you the compression on each rotor face. I've never needed any major repairs, and my car has about 165k miles on it. It did need a totally new exhaust and the auxillary ports were stuck closed when I got it though. These cars do have a lot of electrical doodads that can be broken (wiper switch, seat belts, etc), so watch out for that.

The non-turbo FC is a good car to start out with in the RX-7 family. You might want to price out insurance on it and check into some track driving schools or autocross to get the enjoyment out of it on the track. $6100 is more than enough to get a nice non-turbo and keep it in good shape.

Most importantly you want a car that was well taken care of. Also, you want to have your expectations in the right place. The non-turbo is no drag car, but it is a great all around sports car.

NJGreenBudd

iTrader: (1)

dude, nice choice to go with an N/A first, you might be able to score a nice GXL or GTU or something that will be real nice to drive without the hassle/ worry of driving a old turbo car. I had an '88 GXL for my second car and it was the best car ever. These are such nice rides for being 20 yrs old, its amazing...... anyway just make sure it's not leaking coolant or smoking bad/running like **** and ask for any service records, look for rust under the car, bottom of doors and fenders tend to rot out, watch out for heavily corroded enhine bays and overall beaters. Good luck and drive safe.

wankelme!

gee,for 6100 you can probably buy 4 or 5 n/a's and stil have enough to insure the one that runs best!

Rocky071

You're in Florida... so do it!

My first car when I was 16 was an NA S4 FC. Fun car. Learned a lot (some the hard way) but it was a really good experience and it really hooked me on rotary. Turbo's and FD's are a lot more hassle, but an NA with proper care and knowledge can be quite a reliable little thing. My FC never had trouble starting even in really cold weather, and besides needing a new radiator and a new starter, I never had technical troubles (2 years of having it).

As people have said, if you do plan to do this, know NA rotaries strongly before going looking for one. Know all the tests, write up a checklist to take with you when looking at cars, and arm yourself with the basic knowledge so you can keep an FC3S running solid.

That-Guy

Thanks guys! Some awsome advice here!

Now one of the things the old man is worried about it saftey on a 2 Gen that is at least 15 years old. I know it's not going to be like a Volvo or VW if I were to get in a accident, but am I going to be able to walk away from a roll over or am I straped into a death-trap?

I know cars are made safer now than 15 years ago ( in most cases ) but i'm making a effort to live past 18