Buying an RX7
 

Im seriously considering buying an RX7, but i dont really know to much about them. If someone could give me some info on what to look out for when buying one. Also ive heard that the engines generally last around 80,000 to 100,000 miles is this correct, if the engine does go how much roughly is it for a good rebuild? Also what is the availablity of parts like in the UK? Does anyone know any good Rotarty specialists in the UK?

Sorry for all the questions,

Thanks

A good place to start your research is at the top of the 3rd gen section in the stickies. You'll find a lot of the info you're looking for there. The price of the rebuild can vary anywhere from 2300 to 5000 or more depending on what you have done. I'm not familiar with any specialists in the UK but it might be a good idea to look in the regional specific forum.
-Nic

I would suggest either a low mileage car with the original motor, or a higher mileage car with a rebuilt. I wouldn't buy one that was over 65k on the original motor, or you'd probably be stuck with a $5000 bill when the engine died.

Be prepared, though. The 3rd gen RX-7 is a purpose-built, purebred performance machine. They can be finicky, and costly to maintain. The trick is to buy one that was well taken care of by the previous owner/s. Service records would be a must, imo.

Hi scottwood

I have some experience in buying FDs as I imported mine from Germany to Switzerland. I also have been writing a buyer's guide for the FD in German, based on own experience.

If you are able to understand german, this is the way to go:

http://www.rx-7-power.de/Kaufberatun...a_rx-7_fd.html

Or, if not, consider the buyer's guide @

http://www.robrobinette.com/buyaused.htm

It has been "tested" by me and corresponds quite perfectly to what I have written (without copying it, of course!). It is the most comprehensive buyer's guide ever written for a FD.

And yes, try the European forum as I know that there are some UK guys around...

cheers
Patrick

My suggestion is that you purhcase one with lower miles on original motor, around 60,000 and fewer. Another thing you have to keep in mind is maintaince. Maintaince is one of the key things to owning a Rx-7, They are worth the upkeep, but expensive. Always ask for service records and ask what kind of oil did they use. This is key, If they used synthetic, stay away, the synthetic oils eat ways at the apex seal. And when you get yours I suggest Castrol gtx 20w-50!

My suggestion is that you purhcase one with lower miles on original motor, around 60,000 and fewer. Another thing you have to keep in mind is maintaince. Maintaince is one of the key things to owning a Rx-7, They are worth the upkeep, but expensive. Always ask for service records and ask what kind of oil did they use. This is key, If they used synthetic, stay away, the synthetic oils eat ways at the apex seal. And when you get yours I suggest Castrol gtx 20w-50!

Ty

Scottwood, there are a lot of '92 & '93 RXs being imported from Japan at the moment (cars over 10 yrs dont need SVA ing). The only advice i can give is dont expect to buy the first one you test drive... Check Robrobinettes excellent web page (as mentioned earlier)for buying advice.

There are a few UK specialists, namely Jimmys (Norwich), WGT (Cheshire) & Hurleys (Coventry), all able to supply rebuilds & parts etc. I can forward you the web addresses if you need.

Buy a good one and never look back, they are fabulous cars...