Im very interested about the 2nd gen rx-7s maybe around a 1988-89 but im having mixed opinions because everyone i talk to is either saying that they break down alot and unreliable, or they dont last is this true also ,I want to get a 2nd gen turbo '88, is this a good car or do you have alot of problems with it. Im most likely if i do get one is keep most of it stock. maybe a better blow off valve or intercooler , does this sound good for a beginner turbo driver I need opinons pls reply thanks alot
rx-runner

 

any old car like this is going to need some kind of work eventualy, youl probably have problems unless you buy one that was well taken care of and all. same goes for you if you get one you will have to take care of it and do preventative maintnence(sp)

 

When cars get as old as that it's impossible to give a blanket statement of reliability. The history of the car (maintenance, milage, abuse, etc) plays a much bigger part in the reliability than what it is. If you want a relatively trouble free FC, then get an NA, the TII's are less reliable on average. If you can find one, get one with a recentlyrebuilt engine, that's what I did and I've had virtually no problems in the 3.5 years that I've had mine.

ALWAYS buy the best car (best condition) you can afford. It'll save you money in the long run. Mine was in great condition and it's been very reliable. My sister's ex bought an average '93 MX-6 V6 and has had way more trouble with it that I've had with mine. So even though it should be more reliable and so on, it wasn't. Condition plays a much bigger part than what it is.

 

if its daily, get a n/a. if its for fun/daily, get a T2. dont get me wrong though, u can still have fun with a n/a. also, like what keith sed, maintinence is the key. n/a engines last to 300k miles wid proper maintinence and turbos are about 120k - 150k. dont end up like me. i bought a 10th AE and it was very very clean on the outside but my engine blew at like 56k miles..... the previous owner obviously didnt take good care of it. but yeh, when ppl tell u that rotaries are unreliable, juss tell them, "at least my engine doesnt blow when i red line it" DD

 

lol ya go up to some muscle car and be like ok lets have a race to see who can get to 8K rpms the fastest!(more like who can even get up to 8k rpms without mechanical failure)

 

Why does it matter how high they can rev? They will make peak torque by 2krpms and have atleast twice the power a N/A does. And if its a built 350,LT1,LS1/2.. then they can easly get to 8k rpms with out mechanical failure once they get some better cams, valves, springs.


As for the orgina question, Like any old car your going to run into mechinical failures.. Most of which will be easy fixes, alt, coolant hoses, oi lines, etc.

N/A FC's will run trouble free well over 200k miles if you do proper maintance. T2's can easily get to 100k with proper maintance aswell.

I had my N/A FC for for 3 years with no major problems, just common stuff.. alt, water pump, coolant hoses.. etc. Nothing major.

Even once I supercharged it it will still reliable. It never left me stranded.


Hope that helps.

 

Too bad high revving isnt really a strength at all, more like a weakness... we rev them up because we have to to get decent power.

 

yea v8s make insane power at low rpms.

 

****** chill out i was just refering to his last statement "at least my engine doesnt blow when i red line it" DD

 

The RX-7's reputation for poor reliability comes from the 93-95 model. The 86-92 is quite reliable, relatively speaking, though you have to be very careful with all old cars and turbocharged cars.

Here's a buyer's guide for you:
http://www.rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide/bguide.html
Don't get a garbage RX-7 even if it's cheap. You'll pay much more in the long run.

The RX-7 has a multi-link rear suspension (modified long and trailing arm; the cheaper multi-link) and a 50-50 weight distribution for old-Porsche-like handling. It weighs about 2800lbs., making it as quick as a heavier car with 30 more horsepower. And it can be riced. You won't be disappointed .

 

Also be aware that the second gen RX-7 had a revision after 88 (S4), when a number of improvements were made. Go with an 89+ (S5) if possible.

 

although for race purposes, the S4 is the way to go haha much lighter, but a bit less power. I've owned and 88 gxl that i loved until my engine blew (sadly the previous owner didnt take care of the car so it had had a rough life when i got it.) I now own an S5 that im trying to get back together just so i can give it some friendly driving abuse at some auto crosses and drifting, but the S5 is nicer interior and exterior wise if you can find a clean one. i personally prefer the blue or the black interior.

as for reliablity, as everyone has says, with the proper upkeep you can have one of the funnest and most reliable cars.

bad thing is if your not one of those people who wants to work on your own car, most mechanics wont touch the engine.

 

You mean the Porsche has near 50/50 weight distribution for RX7 like handling?

 

There are also detailed buyer's guides in the FAQ which cover common problems.