Alright. I came across these forums yesterday when I was trying to figure out what was up with some of the wierd names I've stumbled across for the second generation RX7, and through searching I found what I wanted. I also found a whole lot more interesting information by doing some searches on other things and reading the stickies. And it got me thinking about things.

I'm in the market for a car. My current car is really more of a light-truck dressed up as a sportscar, and while it's reliable and predictable enough for a first car, I'm ready to move on to something else, having driven the thing since high school. I've been looking at 240SXs and the occasional Corolla GTS (I learned stick in a 1986 Corolla and the thought of consistent 20 mpg tanks makes my wallet cream itself) as they seem to be regarded pretty highly in terms of their reliability and handling, while making frequent appearances in the sub-$7,000 range. I've also done some reading about drifting, and might like to try that in a couple years when I move into a reasonable income-bracket, and these cars are popular in that game too.

But between reading some of the things said here, and seeing little things like an old article that actually went so far as to compare the n/a RX7s with the n/a Porsche 944, I'm starting to consider a second generation, n/a RX7 as well. Especially since they apparently like to be driven, a welcome change from my car which only likes to pretend to like to be driven (damn S-10 drivetrain).

So what I'm asking, really just general advice. Should I pursue this "FC" business further? Or would one of the others be a better idea? Or, hell, is there some third reasonably accessible rear-driven car with IRS that I should be looking for? I don't need or want transmission-vaporization levels of horsepower, nor am I inclined to purchase or install a new turbocharger in anything, so I have no real interest in the TIIs. I just want something that will enjoy my driving style and feel a little bit classier. (and yes, the Corolla is classier than my current car. Don't ask, just trust me).

 

Yes, get an FC I have a 90 vert and would never get anything else, I love it.

 

Ah hum, Is there a car other than RX7?

 

i've had my TII a little more than a year now, and even though i've had some difficult times with it, i wouldn't get anything else. RX7's are extremely fun to drive, turbo or not, and the balance of the car is great. You won't be disappointed. A lot of my friends have 240's and they always jump at the chance to ride somewhere with me. Get one.

 

they're the best value, period. more reliable than any comparably priced sports car.

that said, use the same common sense you'd use if you were buying any used car. look around for a while to find a real gem (like mine).

 

Can't beat the rotary. Why do they make those other engines anyway??

 

he might not know about some of the mecanical problems with the car. i guess most of them are easy fixes but he should probably read about that stuff before buying one.

im looking for one myself. not much luck but im trying.

 

Only way to find out is to test drive a few.

 

You seem to have done your research, so you probably know what you're getting in to. Just keep in mind that these lovely RX-7's of ours do require lots of tender loving care, and frequent maintenance, but there is NOTHING out there in any price range that is as fun to drive.

Get behind the wheel of one. Instant love.

 

From reading the stickies, it seems that little problems with switches in the cabin are common, and from listening to muscle-car nuts bash the things, I know that the apex seals tend to go. But the thing I'm unsure of on that part is how easily, because I've heard conflicting stories. Some people say they go almost every other month, others say if you keep enough oil in it (as the engine is specifically designed to burn oil rather than burn the seals) there shouldn't be too many problems. I figure the reality is somewhere in between. I really like the idea of only having a handful of actual moving parts, though, as compared to a piston engine.

Mind you, I'm not done researching, I'm asking whether or not I should pursue the matter further, before I waste time and effort doing further digging. Something I haven't heard so far are comparissons between the cars I'm considering. I'll do some digging on that, but if anyone wants to be nice and throw some experience onto the table and maybe whether or not any disparities are easily fixed, that would be pretty much rockin'.

::added:: Oh, I should look up clutch and transmission issues as well, I suppose. But things like that and suspension I wouldn't mind as long as they break a couple months apart from eachother so that I can afford to replace them with well-reputed 3rd-party components.

 

My last car was an AE86... and let me tell you, going from it to the FC RX7, it was like going from a bicycle to a luxurious fighter jet. It's not blisteringly fast, but it's nowhere near the slow department. It's not the most luxurious, but it's not exactly the least luxurious either. Depending on which model/year you end up with, you can have yourself quite the little box rocket. As for styling, what more can you ask for? Pop-up headlights, low, wide sportscar stance, and fender lines that look like a guy named Ferdinand had something in on it. Gas mileage is average, similar to the small displacement Corollas, except when you decide to tromp it a few times. These rotaries are not known for good gas mileage, but if you don't fly everywhere, you'll be alright. I suggest that you do indeed pursue this further, but the most important factor about which car you choose is which car suits you. 240s, depending on the year, have a tendency to be more luxurious, while AE86 Corollas tend to be less than average in that department. I like the FC because it seems to hug you into the seat and place everything you will ever need within arm's reach. Oh well, I'll shut up now.

 

Do your research well. I am bias as I have been into these since the RX2. Its a fun car and has its quirks. Apex seals tend to last as long as the owner allows. what I mean is proper maintenance and upkeep will let them last 200K + miles. Unfortunatly, your looking at a cr that is between 12 and 17 years old with more than one prevoius owner in most cases. Its hard to understand the prior maintence practices.

I usually look for cars with a motor that is toast. i have rebulit 100's so for me its a benifit. I know that 500-700 later I have a car with a fresh rebuild (and a few little tricks inside).

Good luck and welcome to the club.

 

I love my 'vert. I bought a true lemon, to be honest. Its been nothing but hell, broken parts, broken engine, etc... since I bought it. But all of that was due to abuse by its former owners (and me, but I was expecting it to break anyway). Since it really crapped out though, I've actually gotten up the money and the determination to do a full Turbo driveline swap, in my garage, with one or two friends who know less than I do about cars to help. But its entirely doable, and a very fun (in general terms) car to work on. And to be completely honest, after all this mess, I still love my car, and still won't consider trading it for anything else, particularly after the work I've put in to it. It's no Ferrari, and its no BMW, but its a lot more fun than either (the fear of breaking a $100k+ car immediately downplays any fascination with actually driving a Ferrari) and I've had no inferiority complex about it whatsoever, despite living in an area entirely populated by Infiniti, Lexus, Porsche, and BMW (all of whom I look upon as missing a crucial but very simple element: a rotary engine). For an 80's car, its gorgeous, fast, sexy, and you can do a lot with it if you ever want to (and believe me, you'll want to). But if you want sport, get a turbo right off. The NA's are fun, but they are underpowered IMO. Granted, you can do a lot with them. They are as fast or faster than most comparable vehicles, but still, compared to the newer sports cars coming out now, they are left somewhat behind. That's why I've done a TII swap. But there are some people who are tremendously happy with their NA's, and I don't blame them one bit either -- just to say if you are looking for performance, a Turbo is more likely what will make you happiest. And no, they aren't much worse reliability-wise. You just need to treat them right (very much like the Ferrari, actually). This forum will teach you how.

 

hell with turbo

streetported supercharged is the way to go
start with an n/a cause they are MUCH more reliable and easo to work on then upgrade to the supercharger on the N/a motor. no lag.

 

take them for a test drive..they dont drive like a piston engine they have an even acceleration. the sound of them at red line is much different to so it takes time to get used to, but i think it is well worth it. start with an n/a because they are the lightest, insurance is cheaper, and they are easier to upgrade in my opinion

 

I've barely begun work on my fc, and i can already tell you that its easier to work on that most any piston engined car out there. IMO of course

Apex seals will go, yes, but as previously stated if you take care of the car, everything will last. From my brief experience i've learned two things:

1. The cooling system is very important on ANY car...but 100x more important on an rx-7. So dont cheap out on cooling system parts.

2. Oil can go everywhere, even in your gas tank

This car drives like no other, feels like no other, and can reward you like no other. N/A fc's can be as reliable as any other car (including honda civics)...as long as you take care of it. Just a little dedication and elbow grease is all it takes really.

But see i'm obviously biased...so the decision is yours

 

Don't spend too much time overanalyzing the issues. Throw aside your fears and drive a couple. You might be surprised how easily you will be influenced by the machine. Good luck.

 

i WISH i could think like this. wait untill i get money to spend it on my car comfortably

but go ahead, any of the cars youve choses will do what you want them to do. but in order to make any power in the 240, your easiest option is a motor swap. and in the rx7, your only ganna need exhaust/intake/fuel pump/fcd, to make it decentley quick, considering you get a Tii, if you get an N/a to make it fast you put a Tii motor in. in a corolla gts, just bolt on a turbo kit but there FUN little cars to fling around. ive picked up 2 seperate ones for under a grand. just dont buy them on ebay.

 

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/why.htm

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/bu1.htm
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/bu2.htm