Hi, I'm going to be upgrading from a first gen RX-7 here pretty soon and I figured I'd ask you guys on your opinion. What model, year, condition, or troublesome things should i look for? Any help would be appreciated because i only have about 7,000 and I don't want to get taken. Thanks in advance.

 

$7,000 is more than enough for a 2nd gen, you should have money to spare afterwards.

My opinion is to get an S4 Sport model or 87 TII depending on if you want turbo or not. Try to get one from someone who is the 1st or 2nd owner, less owners usually means less issues (hopefully). Try to get from someone with paperwork for maintenance. Do a compression check, drive around (obviously) to make sure it doesn't stall, idle weird, etc. Possibly find a rotary mechanic around you to do an inspection on it.

 

lol..to each their own......... i personally dislike the sport model (im a power windows kinda guy Ddub)

your best bet is to do some in depth research on the models and thier options before deciding.....this site is loaded w/ all the info you'll need!

personally, id go w/ an s5 (89-91) turbo 2...... hard to find, but well worth the money! they go for $3500-5000 depending on the condition...... and you'll have money left over to put a few good mods on it!
-full exhaust
-intake
-720 secondaries
-apexi s-afc2
-fuel cut defensor
-boost controller

 

Yah everyone has their taste, that was just my opinion. I personally prefer s4's over s5's because Mazda cut too many corners on s5's and used cheaper components. The s5 engine is better, and lots of people prefer the body. But remember, s5 body components and engines CAN be installed in s4's

Plus the s4 is lighter.

 

This could get into a pretty heated debate, just keep in mind that opinions are like ********, everyone has one and they stink .

Personally, if you like the s5 body more than the s4, then go for the s5. I know I do. On the other hand, I am totally not opposed to getting a clean s4.

Also, are you keeping the 1st gen? If I were you, I'd get a turboII. Hell, if I had $7k, I'd look for a clean 10th AE, but thats just me.

 

ah yes, very good point. I've taken my light, manual windows, locks, etc., 86 base model and i'm working on putting an S5 T2 engine/drivetrain and S5 body conversion on it. the best of both worlds..

 

just save another 3000 grand and buy a simple fd

 

I second that.

 

yeah, but the maintnance. and the 7,000 is the max. i was looking to spend more around 5,000. some day i'll get the FD. thanks for all the help.

 

I am only in the second gen section to research the TII engine; however, if you are only looking at 7 grand then go TII. Does it not make more sense to get the best possible car you can with the limited amount of cash you have? I can understand not wanting a turbo as well, though.