Hello, I might get flame for this, but i am a college student who is in need of a car. My parents said i have a limit of $10,000. I found a nice FD for $12,000 and my parents were fine with that. But the thing is other than the car payment itself, is the maintenance affordable? I do not know much of the rx7 but how much would you say the montly charges be to maintain this car? How much is insurance?

 

one word: NO

(search before you post...and read the FAQ at the top of this section)

 

+1, you should buy another vehicle, fd isn't fit for your situation.

 

How many more times before the end of the universe will this question be asked?

 

realistically you want closer to $20k to even think about it

 

These cars are like finding that really beautiful hot chick, puts out until the money gets to low then leaves you for another sucker$$$$$ I feel like im just renting with no one to mow the lawn.

 

I'm 28 now. Got my Brand new 95 FD when I was a senior in High School in 97 . Took it to college with me like your planning on doing. The way gas is these days your gonna need to have a good source of income. I can't recall the exact dollar amount over the 4 years but your gonna need the $$$.
Not Logical....oh still have mybaby....still ponying up the $$$
Good Luck

 

xD nice analogy. i think xD

yeah FD as a students car, not a good idea... your gonna put atleast 5k into repairs and maintainance pretty damn fast id say.

 

i think that all sports cars are going to be expensive to maintain, fix, insure and buy. Get civic if you dont was expense.

 

The insurance for my FD is more than my other two vehicles, one truck and a Tercel. Even though its listed only as a "recreational" use. I maintain it myself so little is spent on labor, but the replacement parts aren't cheap.

It will run well, but need to be maintained and treated like a high performance car which it is.

Take our advice and finish college, than find a high paying occupation and get a FD that has been rebuilt.

 

I disagree... its more like $25k

 

Unfortunately, I have a slightly different opinion about this. Basically, if the car is near stock (bigger intake/exhaust, fuel pump, bolt on ECU like Petit is fine) and isn't about to break down (need rebuild) you should be fine as long as your a responsible owner. Let the car warm up for about 5 minutes and don't push it to hard until it reaches full operating temperature, check the oil routinely (IMPORTANT) etc. Also very important is finding a mechanic who knows the car and won't rip you off. Also, if it ever overheats (the temperature gauge moves above horizontal, it happens fast, you'll know), pull over immediately. While I was in Florida my radiator cracked with a hole big enough to drain the whole tank in like 30 seconds. I pulled over instantly, called a tow truck and got it replaced with a better aftermarket rad (Koyo) and no damage done, still running as if nothing happened.

Now the other important factor in this. If you go into this and want to consider it affordable. You cannot want more then what the car currently has. I bought my FD planning only on doing a repaint. Then it turned to body kit + repaint, and before I knew it it went from planning on spending $3000 for a repaint to a $25,000 rework and I think I haven't ended yet....

So basically if the engine is in good shape and you focus yourself on not doing anything to the car except maintaining it you will be fine. However, given the price of the FD, I would make sure to find the mechanic first, and pay to have the car checked out before you buy it.

*I used my FD as a student car, it only got expensive once I decided to do stuff to it.

thewird

 

i do also agree with the above post

 

thewird is correct, however he seems to be forgetting the fact that a $12,000 FD almost always needs a few grand dumped into it right away just to get it to tip top shape. You may find a "deal" for $12k, but it's still going to need some stuff(clutch, hoses, vac lines, etc).

He also leaves out the fact that the stock rad and AST will crap out no matter how modded the car is. if this goes ignored or if you don't notice until the stock gauge starts to go up, then you're hosed for an engine build.

I'd say it's possibly doable, however you'd be rolling the dice big time. There's no reason to be financially tied to a car when you're still a student. Wait it out, give it a few years, get one when you have a stable income...

 

i agree with the above more

 

Don't listen to these guys.... they're just jealous cuz yo momma iz buyin u one yo! Get dat ****!

Buy a Civic, get a degree, make money > FD. FD should not be your priority. I'm going back to school and I'm trying not to make it mine!

 

I did scratch those issues somewhat. I did mention because of the price he should have the car checked out first by a mechanic that knows the FD. Also, I did replace my AST when I replaced my rad as well.

So yah, basically check the car out thoroughly and know what you need to do to it before you buy so nothing is unexpected. Some of this stuff is already done on a lot of the FD's I've seen.

thewird

 

if you buy it college you will drive it for a bit then it will break and you will either go into big debt fixing it or you will pay on the car while it sits idle because you cannot afford to fix it. take it from someone who just had the money to fix thiers 2 years after it broke because i was a student.

 

I say noway! these cars money pits. you'll spend over 10g or more in repairs. if you have to have sports car than look for nice used S2000 or other cars. rx7s are very expensive to maintain. My rx7 is more expensive to maintain than my 1000hp viper.

 

it would of been different back in 1995. if you bought the car new and had 3year warranty than you'll not have much problem owning one as student long as you have afford one new.

This is what i did back in 94 but like i said car had 3 year warranty and it spent lots of time in the shop.

 

I could of bought whole new rx7 back in 95 if i add up my repair bills from this year. I paid $27000 for brand new R2 out the show room door.

 

i wouldnt do it

 

yeah its a bad idea. i bought a stock one with only 52k miles on it and i've put around $1200 so far(only been 6 months). i pretty much have the most reliable setup you could have, and i keep up with maintance and fluid levels

 

Don't do it out of respect for your finances and the needs of a fantastic sports car. I have had mine for 12 years. In my oppion it is very reliable, just high maintanance.