Doriya

Hi guys,

As the topic says, I want an fc. I'm pretty set on getting one, I just don't want to be ripped off.

I see from various threads that people are paying less than $4k USD for one on average. I am from Australia, and the conversion rate isn't THAT different, but I find most FC's (with road worthy certificates) are around $12~13k AUD. It would probably be cheaper for me to import one (if it weren't for the fact that you guys drive LH vehicles).

So basically, should I not buy one for this price? Is it too much? And also, what should I look for if I'm ever to inspect one?

I've recently come across one, looks very clean inside and out, 12.5k$, and 89,000km (1.125miles = a kilometre i think). This is fairly low mileage, but I asked the driver and he said the engine has never been rebuilt, and I read somewhere that the fc's need an engine rebuild every 100,000 km's to keep them running.

What are your thoughts, what else should I ask for before buying one? And how much should I spend?

Thanks.

MidnightOwl

A kilometer is roughly .62 miles. So it's got 55,000 miles on it. Since the dollar is becoming weaker, $12k AUD is about $11k us currency. There are a few guys on this forum from Australia, so they would probably know the going rates for FC's over there.

There is an FAQ at the top of the main FC page which has a "buyers guide" if you will, to finding an Rx-7. It covers stuff that you need to look for when buying one.

100k on a motor is a common myth, but many, many FC's live to see more than that, even up past 200k, on the original engine. Like any other car on the road, proper maintenance goes a long way.

Doriya

When do you usually go for a rebuild though? After the engine breaks down? Or do you need to do it as regularly as a service? (Regular being in 100km intervals, not everytime you service).

I'll have a look at that buyers guide, thanks.

And aussie fc drivers, let me know what you think of the recommended price atm.

satch

iTrader: (1)

A rebuild would be necessary usually when the engine seals fail which will eventually lead to the damaging of the rotors,housings etc. The compression level of the engine rotors is a very good indicator of the health of the engine. I had my compression checked at the dealership last week and the front rotor had a 120 psi while the rear rotor had 115psi. This was on an 86 with 98k so my engine "appears" to not be in need of an overhaul anytime soon. Also,my car does not emit any smoke out of the exhaust which could give an indication of a failed water seal. So compression level,certain exhaust smoke and specific starting problems are good indicators of an engine in need of rebuilding.

RB_eater

iTrader: (1)

Poor maintenance leads to frequent rebuilds. Otherwise an engine can easily last 200k.

Can;t you guys in australia import from japan? FC's should be dirt cheap there.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

import it from Japan. Why would you want a ragged out lefthand drive car from the US?

MonkeyPuzzle

Quite simply they are more common in the US than in Aus so they are cheaper there. People in the US talk about going to wreckers to get bits for their 7s, good luck finding any in wreckers yards here . I paid 12 grand for my 1990 turbo (jap import) which i think is about average over here, it had a recently rebuild engine (bout 15,000 ks on a 120,000k chassis), full suspension, exhaust and a haltech computer. Hope that gives you a bit of an idea of what to expect for your money.

Doriya

Thanks for the advice guys. Where can I go to search for a jap import? and the problem with a jap import is that it will cost a lot to get it over here (but much better than having to rip up an american one and make it rh drive). Another problem is that I wont actually get to test out the car before i buy it, and the language barrier makes finding out about the car a bit hard... anyway, will look into it, cheers.