Mazda99Nikon

I need some opinions. I bought a rather perfect 94 RX-7 last May. Ran it as a daily driver all summer and fall and it's sitting in the garage with snowflakes on the street. The car has operated flawlessly and now has about 47,000 miles on it - compression is roughly 100+ on all rotor faces. No cooling issues. All reliability mods have been done, except for the Miata switch.

Now, my wife and I are contemplating a long trip this spring, about 4,000 miles round trip, between Chicago and Phoenix and back. Last night she said, "Why don't we take the RX-7? We could do some Route 66 style sightseeing."

Interesting idea, I said. But then, it could get a little expensive if we blow up the engine. The route through Tulsa and New Mexico is relatively flat. No mountains to speak of. What do you think the odds of that 13B surviving the trip and getting us back home without a major breakdown?

artowar

iTrader: (1)

The Magic 8-ball says: Your chances look good.

Tuan7

I wouln't do it.

impactwrench

It's not a space shuttle,relax

ijneb

Take the car if you dont need more than 2 shirts and a pair of pants and a shoe.

I hope your wife doesnt pack heavily because there wont be room, and this car is not comfortable.

DamonB

It's sad that people are so gun shy of this car. The car is in good shape and runs great. Why NOT drive it long distance? I do in mine all the time.

TwinTriangles

You will be too sore to even move after that trip. But it would be worth it...

1RevvinFC3S

I myself not being an FD owner, I must first say that I don't know FD's first hand, but considering the pros that you've listed concerning said machine, I'd say there is a very very high probability of it making it without any issues with the exception of oil and fuel consumption. My N/A FC made a 1800mile trip from Florida to Texas in upper 90*-lower 100* weather with little more than 178,000 miles on what I believe is the original engine and she performed meraculously, with the exception of the rough ride which was set on "Sport" and left by accident and crappy(a.k.a. nonexistant) A/C. You should be fine.

kuroi FD

its seems to be in good shape i would say go for it but its true this car sucks for long trips its not very comfortable

kuroi FD

i would say go for it but this is not a comfortable car for long distance

kuroi FD

its seems to be in good shape i would say go for it but its true this car sucks for long trips its not very comfortable!

1RevvinFC3S

If I can be of aid, what kuroiFD is trying to elaborate is that this car sucks for long trips and is not very comfortable .

J.S.J

Take a long day trip about what the average daily distance you would do on your trip. See how it feels. Evaluate the car and how you both feel afterwords.

cloead

I drove 1000 miles this past saturday in my fd. 17 hours straight. Car did fine..I did not.. my back hurts and the car smells like hot sauce (my genious friend spilled some on my carpet)


It IS a car people, I think it was made to be driven.

Juan

iTrader: (28)

I drove my car from texas to california and it gave me no problems. Your car is probably in better shape than mine. It was a nice drive and the car got good gas mileage on the freeway. I also vote for taking it on your trip.

DGblk93

sicass7

i think it is worth bringing your rx-7 on a trip, push through the little bit of uncomfort, it will be a great time

jimlab

It only takes breaking down in the middle of nowhere once to cure you of that kind of slap-happy mentality...

DrunkenBowler

It's a car, so drive it. Why would you own a beautiful car and not drive it.

Rx-7Addict

iTrader: (2)

If your back can take it, I say go for it.

sounds like the car is mostly stock so it should not be painfully loud during the trip.

turbojeff

iTrader: (30)

Freeway driving is easier on the car than city driving.

The FD motor's failure mode typically is coolant seals. Coolant seals going bad usually are a progressive failure not a "it quit on the road" failure. The engine runs the COOLEST on the freeway at speed. It runs the hottest in stop and go traffic.

Drive it and have fun!

Meiogirl

iTrader: (2)

do eeet those turnpikes in OK, especially off 44, are a blast. i drove mine from San Antonio to St Louis with 5.8 compression and she was fine.

apex_sideway

AAA dude, AAA and you have no problem.

StealthFox

iTrader: (2)

imo its not a good roadtrip car, its a high performance sports car(or most of them are tuned for that purpose) and you would be better off with a more daily driver type car

Juan

iTrader: (28)

Not if he has a touring model