Hi there, I am an MR2 tuner. I love MR2's, absolutely infatuated with them due to there high build quality, cheap quartermile et-dollar ratio, as well there out standing performance on track as well as autocross.

Currently I have one as my daily driver since I can only afford one car. Its got a 96 JDM 3rd gen 3sgte, gets about 23mpg city, it has a dpipe, IC, intake, walbro 255 and mbc @ 18psi, about $500 in engine bolt ons. It also uses FD Rims and a 6puck clutch so about $1150 in mods altogether, my estimates are about 330hp in a 2600-2650lb chassis. It ran a 12.8@109mph on a 90 degree day on crappy street tires (1.96 60ft). I expect to trap 115mph and a mid-low 12 with some DR's and a line lock on a cooler day.

Anyways, Ive been looking into maybe finding a different car for my Daily driver as I have already owned 2 mr2 turbos. The 3rd gen RX7 peaked my interest when I noticed how light my stock FD rims on my MR2 NA to T were. I understand also has excellent weight distribution due to its engine sitting behind the front axles setup, similar to MR.
Ive also heard its a common notion that they dont make good daily drivers, are rather unreliable, and get bad gas mileage, and its hard to find people who know how to work on there motors.

I was wondering, if any of thats true and do they make good daily drivers? -like hows the gas mileage?
reliable? expensive to maintain?
Ive heard engine replacements are quite common.
Are they hard to work on or find someone who could help me understand a rotary?
How easy and cheap are they to make fast? I thought the 3rd gen 3sgte gave me a pretty nice bang for the buck.

any input would be thankful, oh and any defects to look for in a 3rd gen?

 

Search...this is asked weekly

 

I drive mine daily... you treat her right, she will treat you right. Read the facts and understand how the rotary works and the way to maintain them specially under heat. I'm yet to spend any money in regards to maintenance. But so read the facts.

Dennis,

 

I am unfamiliar with forums and am not yet sure how to "search" as you so speak. Could someone just answer my questions based on first hand knowledge?

 

If you can't figure out how to read the FAQ sticky thread and to use the search function (located at top right of forum), then this isn't the car for you anyway.