I'm going to look at a 1988 RX-7 Convertible for my son.
What should I look out for??
How expensive is it to maintain one??
Thanks~~

 

I don't own a vert (wish)

I do own an 88 SE.

Look out for any smoke coming out from the exhaust. Also, make sure it is running nice and smooth. A little rough idle can be fixed w/ some cash invested. Check the coolant lines, all of them. One blows out, engine overheats once and it will most likely blow sky high. I have read to check the top for tears, because they can get expensive to replace.

These motors are just as reliable as any piston-based machine out there, but the rotary is more finicky over what crap it will take. They don't like neglect (I avoid the word "abuse" because redlining the engine isn't harmful unless held there for way too long). Just keep the oil changed, plugs being replaced roughly 10k miles, and keep a regular maintenance schedule.

Is this a first car for him? If so, make sure you teach him how to handle a car like this before letting him go too far away with it. These cars are alot faster than you might expect.

happy hunting.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

I was reading some information on the rotary engines...

What is the maintence schedule on them??
I think I read somewhere and it said that a tune up should be done every 10K miles. Is that true??

On the convertibles, are the tops power??

Where do you buy parts for the RX-7?? dealership??

Thanks~~

 

Yes all the tops are power.

Mazdatrix for most parts is cheaper than the dealer. Some parts can be found at liquidators like http://www.mazdasurplus.com/. There are also an amazing amount of everyday parts (like plugs, brake pads, clutch, etc) at most local auto parts stores.

Another thing to look for on 'verts is the condition of the top and seals. if there is any question, pull up the drivers and passengers running boards (6 screws) and look under the carpet for water damage.

As with all Rotary cars have a compression test done, and I always recommend a smog check as well, to see how the engine is really running.

The oil should be changed every 3k to 5k miles (at the most), but other than that the only real tune up is changing plugs, and fluids like radiator/coolant and clutch/brake fluid every 15k to 20k miles.

I do agree with Audiofight, in that IMO (In My Opinion) a performance oriented sports car (even as slow as the verts are) may not be the best choice for a first or second car. You didn't mention the specifics of why you are buying him an car, but from my own history I can say even though my parents thought me extremely reliable and a good kid, I was hell on cars until about 25.