hus

1st). It depends on your relationship with your banker. Most bankers would probably do about 10k or 11k for the FD you're asking about. But there are alternatives...Capital One Auto Finance - they can approve you online. I did this with my current purchase of a 93 FD with 26,000 original miles and I paid 18k for it. Even my banker that I've dealt with for years wouldn't make that stretch. I used Capital One and got approved for 20k in about 5 minutes time. They sent me a blank check in the mail (I had to spend at least 7,500 and no more than my approved amount of 20k) and I just made the check out to the guy I bought the car from...easy. They APR is a little steep for a used car. Mine was set at 8.5%. I would check into that.

2nd) I'm a sucker for punishment and I like a challenge. I bought a 2000 Ducati 748 Superbike brand new in 2000 after everyone said Ducatis break down all the time. I've taken the thing 400 miles away to Panama City Beach, FL several times with my wife on the back and haven't had any problems. So I looked at buying an FD the same way. Things happen and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it, but mostly it's because people abuse things to the extreme before they learn how to take care of them. Learn the car and study, study, study the FD shop manual.

All that being said, as much as I would like for you to own a FD I would not have one as my only car. I am fortunate enough that I can afford to maintain one and I still would not have one as my only car. Plus, I just went to the RX7 Rally up at Deals Gap, NC this weekend and drove about 800 miles and got about 17mpg!! So you have to have a budget for gas to. This car sucks more gas than my 425hp GT that I just got rid of. You need a good backup budget and gas budget just in case. Just my .02. -Brad

93RX-7

Well with paying the car payment and insurance I should have extra cash but im not sure how much extra would be necessary for this car hehe. I would think if I set aside 200 a month I would have enough, right? This is after I do the basic stuff (change oil, change hoses, change fuel filter, etc).

Monkman33

iTrader: (28)

The best thing you can buy for your FD as far as reliabilityis concerned, is a daily driver...

93RX-7

AAAaaah! I want one so bad but cant afford insurance on both the cars and payments. I dont know what to do. There has to be something I can do... I gotta have one. I've dreamed of owning one for the longest time now.

SINxSELEKTAH

iTrader: (2)

general rule of thumb...if you can't afford it, don't buy it. i'm not trying to discourage you or anything...but do know what you're buying into

Monkman33

iTrader: (28)

realisticaly, if you can't afford the insurance and paymetns on two cars, you probably wont be able to afford the FD on it's own. FD's require alot more maintenance and when parts break, it is not cheap. if you do go cheap, then it will cost you twice as much in the future.

93RX-7

I can afford the car and insurance no problem. Im just having trouble judging how much trouble the car will actually be for me. I believe it is going to be completely random and I have no way of telling until I just try it. I think im going to try it and hope for the best. I really want an rx-7 bad and I know I can make payments and insurance with no problem. It should only be a little higher than my 2002 Civic Si. Im calling to confirm some stuff tomorrow and if the bank will allow me to borrow the amount I need im going to give it my all to get the car. I think if i treat this car well and actually use my brain while driving it then it will be ok. I tend to have a lead foot but with a car like this I believe I can hold myself back knowing that if I dont, I have no car. I appreciate all your comments on this.

hus

There's no set amount, but I would say that $200 extra per month put back and saved for a rainy day would be a great start.

Try looking at it this way...it's like gambling with a twist, the favor lies with the car. You put a buck or two into and it will "pay" out a little at a time with smiles on your face from the rush of the drive. But just as soon as you think you've got everything down pat and you've learn to beat the odds...you're sent home in a taxi and explaining to your wife/girlfriend how Christmas is gonna be tight this year.

93RX-7

the parts for my 2002 civic si werent cheap either because that isnt a popular car. very few of them actually sold. the koyo radiator for them were identical in price and the turbo kits for the rx-7's are actually cheaper. also, to replace the full engine is cheaper on the rx-7 than my civic si.

93RX-7

well im only 17. if all else fails and I cant afford to keep the car running, ill cancel insurance and just fix it. i will then sell it and be done. ill accept the loss of money and go back to a honda. i think that since i really want one of these i should atleast give it a shot. you only live once...why not take the risk and so what if i lose some money. its not the end of the world. i have no one to support other than myself.

SINxSELEKTAH

iTrader: (2)

then you shouldn't get one....
or if your parents really love you and are willing to take the financial head-ache of owning an FD... go for it

hus

/\ But the "need to" and "have to" are totally different issues. In other words you'd probably never need to replace or rebuild the engine in the Civic si but the chances that you'll have to in the RX7 are much much greater. Remember, race car vs. passenger car.

I not trying to discourage you either but I'd hate to see someone of your age on this forum talking about how they wish they could be driving around with their friends on Friday and Saturday nights but they're waiting on the rebuild to become complete and don't have a backup ride. What are you like 18 or so? I was 15 when the 3rd Gen came out in 93 and just bought my first one this year. If you buy one, GREAT! But don't rush into anything rash...you've got plenty of time to own a nice FD. Good Luck Man.

93RX-7

they will co-sign for me but i must pay everything for it. i work 37 hours a week and i believe that since i work that much and attend school full time and everything i deserve the car i want. seems fair to me.

93RX-7

Ive been through a POS car before. i owned a 2000 zx2 once. I did 2 engine rebuilds, front right cv axle, 3 transmissions, 2 clutches, and normal maintenance. there is no way the rx-7 requires that much work. all of this happened in a years time...

SINxSELEKTAH

iTrader: (2)

we're about the same age...and i've said it once, and i'll it again...now that i'm older, more knowledgable with rotary turbo engines, financially stable, and SINGLE , i've taken the part of actually owning an FD.

my friends say "you spent 13k on a used car? and it was broken? WTH is wrong with you!?" or "your FD's gonna break down in 20-30k miles" or "$13k + $5500 for a rebuilt engine? and all that is CASH? you should've gotten a 350z or a G35"
i must say that they just don't understand. sure i could've gotten something NEW with warranty... but hey...the first car i ever liked was an 87 T2, then eventually an FD when they first came out...

93RX-7

sorry guys if it seems im being stubborn or ill with you. i know what you are trying to do for me. you thinking of what all i could lose from this and you've probably been in this situation before yourself. Its just after so much work and effort you kinda want the reward sooner or later. you get tired of promises or hope.

hus

/\ Well then go fo it! Just read the 3rd Gen Faq thread completely first before you make a final decision. Once again Good Luck! -Brad

3rd Gen Faq:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/faq-3rd-gen-other-useful-links-68640/

93RX-7

Exactly! My parents are telling me im crazy for wanting to buy a car that is 11-13 years old and paying so much for it. They say I should get something new. I understand that and all but thats not what I want. Im willing to make the sacrifice I believe. I absolutely love the FD's. I would take one over a skyline anyday. I would take one over supras, 300z's, corvettes, vipers, etc. This car is just something i really want. In the end I believe "the juice is worth the squeeze."

SINxSELEKTAH

iTrader: (2)

+1

take in all that you must...

hus

I hear ya. The Financially Stable Part: I'm married and have two sons (2year old and 11 week old) and I was always told that if you're waiting to have kids until you're financially stable you'll never have kids. Well that maybe be true but it damn sure doesn't hurt to have a little money for diapers, formula, food, clothes, bottles, carseats, bibs, doctors, medicine, toys and etc. I guess the same applies to FDs with: ASTs, turbos, intakes, hoses, valves, solenoids, downpipes, exhaust, boost leak here, boost creep there, boost spike everywhere It's all good though.

SINxSELEKTAH

iTrader: (2)

ha! you live the life i want... wife, kids, FD

hus

Listen, you sound like you're a pretty smart guy so I'm sure you'll make the best decision that fits you...it's not like you're deciding on whether or not to be a Professional Base Jumper or a guy that makes pocket protectors for a living. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's just a car

Anyway, make sure your parents understand this car as well. Yes it's a 13 year old car but made with today's technology in mind. The problem is, there just wasn't enough technology available for what Mazda wanted the car to be back then. Today, all that technology exists. You can upgrade the FD to be one of the best sport cars on the road. Far better than Vettes, 350z, Supra, and all the German and Italian supercars. You just have to study...which by the way I'm in the process of doing and have a long way to go.

hus

It's great! It can be hard but I love it. My 2 year old has to go out in the garage every night and sit in the driver's seat and turn the steering wheel....the other night he even made the "phish" sound mocking the BOV.

SINxSELEKTAH

iTrader: (2)

now that's the coolest thing i've read in a long time
i hope my kids are like that in the future

93RX-7

I just wanted to put in that a daily driver for me consist of the max of possibly 60-100 miles a week at the absolute max. Then there is the occassional out of town trip which is actually only 35 miles from my house. This trip takes place once to twice a month. The car wouldnt be driven a lot and the traffic here is minimal. I live in a very small town. Didnt know if this would possibly help my situation or not.