I'm pretty new to the whole world of the rotary . I'm considering buying a '86 RX7 with no power steering. It's got 140k on the body and about 42k on the factory rebuilt engine. Heres some of the stuff thats wrong...
-possible oil leak?
-Hail damage to hood
-Paint is cracked and faded red
-interior a little rough (clock and dummy lights cut)
-tires gone
-exhaust leak
What I really want to know is that this thing will be a good and reliable daily driver. Like i said, I am used to playing with chevy blocks and am new to rotarys. Not really sure if i could fix a major engine problem if and when it comes up. Let me know your opinions and what you think you'd pay for a car like this. Thanks!

 

Since you are self admitted newbie, I would read the FAQs at the top and make use of the search button at the bottom.

A rotary, properly maintained will last as long as a piston engine. They do need special care though. Some examples: the oil needs to be changed religiously, keep the oil level up in general, stay away from non-clean burning synthetic oil. Come to think of it, a lot of the care revolves around oil.

They also have some weird quirks, but what car does not? If you stick around and read the forum enough you will become well aware of these.

Oh yeah... welcome.

 

Beings it's a rough car and you want to get into the rotory scene I think it'd be a great started. How much are they asking for it? A ratted out 86 should run about $1000 if it runs half *** decent. I wish my first seven had been a ratted out one, prolly would have save me a lot of trouble in the very beginning.

 

I wouldn't pay a grand for it in the shape you described. If it actually has 42k on a proper rebuild and has had its maintence kept up the engine shouldn't give you any problems. You just have to be sure to change your oil often. And if you can rebuild a piston engine, you can rebuild a rotary. Much less complicated. And atkinsrotary.com even sells a video showing you how.

 

The manual rack is better anyway.

Where? BTW, normal consumption is about 1 quart every 3,000 miles.

Good used steel hood = $50
Good used aluminum hood = $250
New budget CF hood = $550
Current hood that I'm sure still works despite the dings = $0

Welcome to the 17 year old RX-7

Ouch $

Where?

If you want something reliable, buy a new RX-8 with an extended warranty. Nothing this old is going to be reliable without a complete restoration.

 

I would be worried about the disconnected dummy light cluster. Maybe it could be cut intentionally to hide all kinds of problems. The owner probably got so annoyed of the warning lights that he cut them. I would steer clear if it was me. You have no low coolant light, redline buzzer, or other potentially serious warning lights.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome! He started at $1500 but I'm gonna low-ball him cuz I know I can get him down to at least $1000. Car is fun and drives real nice but, I know winter will suck ***. The dummy lights were supposedly cut cuz of the clock, and I'm sure he wouldn't screw me cuz he knows I'll break his knee caps. The only reason I'm considering this is b/c I'm sure I can get cheap paint/body work and I used to work at Just Tires so I can still get in there and get discounts. I know cars have their problems, I just wanna make sure this thing will last me a at least through winter. I also think I should check the compression ay?

 

Or you could buy my real nice black/black S5 $850 and find a long block for $750-1000 and have a sweet clean ride.