3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

RX-7 1st car?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-26-02, 11:08 PM
  #1  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: alabama
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
RX-7 1st car?

Well i'm getting my license in a year and a half. I have been reading stories and tech. info on RX-7s. It seems like a very nice and high performance car. I will have the money for the car, but I am worried about parts/enigine failure. I wouldnt want to be car-less waiting for a part I ordered. And as far as the engine goes, it seems there not very dependable after 100,000 miles. So i'm looking for people's opinions on getin a 7 for my first car. Like I said parts instaltion/minor mechanic work not a problem. I also want an automatic, cuz hey im not just gonna be racin' or nothin,just rding back and forth and maybe trips on weekends. I also live in NorthWest Alabama. So whats your opinion and if ya want can ya tell me a little about when you got your 7 and what problems you've encountered? Thanks and please don't cuss me for lack of expierence,youve been young and eager to learn too.Plus i've been readin text on 7's for awhile now,so dont say search to find your answers. By the way,I am wanting a 93' touring package.
Old 06-26-02, 11:10 PM
  #2  
FOR SALE

 
ijneb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
no, get a honda and learn how other people drive before you ruin a rx7.
My thoughts,
Ive been driving a 94 accord around for two years.
Old 06-26-02, 11:14 PM
  #3  
***Moderator***

 
neo_omega's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First car should be a car easy to handle. Something that you can build your skill. High performance RWD car is not a good choice for a driver with limited driving experience. A car with less power will be a better choice.
Old 06-26-02, 11:20 PM
  #4  
Full Member

 
NickSimcheck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: South Lyon, Mich
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank the lord for a newbie with brain cells! Glad to hear you've been reading up on them, honiesty that's the best thing one can do when first learning about rotaries. I think your pretty much in the same shoes as me (April '87) I know everything I know (not bragging of course) about RX-7's and Rotary engines from experince and reading... All I can say is if your not lazy and check your oil every 200 miles and watch your water temp and just baby the car and give it a good hard run once in awhile to burn the carbon deposits you shouldn't have any problum owning an FD. IMO what I think I would do if I was you is do the same thing I did but don't sell the god damn car! I had a '93 touring without an engine and was going to swap an LS-1 into it. Well two weeks later I got offered 2 grand more then what I paid for it and sold it. My point is get one in nice shape (wreaks might be cheaper at first but in the end you'll pay more for little this and that then if you got a nice one in the first place) without an engine... and buy a new 13B.

Any questions feel free to PM me, always happy to help somebody my age that doesn't want an accord with NAWS and altizzda's... and of course the 6' alum spoiler.
Nick

Last edited by NickSimcheck; 06-26-02 at 11:31 PM.
Old 06-26-02, 11:26 PM
  #5  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: alabama
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Nick,you're just what I needed. Tired of bein told I couldn't drive/maintain a 7,but I still would like to know of peoples problems and prices of repairs.
Old 06-26-02, 11:47 PM
  #6  
Full Member

 
lawn boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: washington (pittsburgh), pa
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cool

im 15 and im about to buy a vintage red 93 5 speed touring. It's all in what you think you can handle. Also, you MUST have cahs set aside for the inevitable repairs. Goodluck (i hope youre not a F&F wannabe )
Old 06-26-02, 11:50 PM
  #7  
Senior Member

 
martini's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Bellingham, WA
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I cringe at the though of a new driver owning an FD.
Old 06-27-02, 12:03 AM
  #8  
Full Member

 
shaun.sheldrake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wellington - NZ
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Obviously cars are wonderfully cheap in the US .. can't imagine a newly licensed driver being able to afford a 3rd Gen here!

You lucky B'Stards! ... maybe I should move to San Fran, looks like a great city ..
Old 06-27-02, 12:11 AM
  #9  
Full Member

 
lawn boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: washington (pittsburgh), pa
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by shaun.sheldrake

You lucky B'Stards! ... maybe I should move to San Fran, looks like a great city ..
watch out for your cornhole there
Old 06-27-02, 12:21 AM
  #10  
Full Member

 
777rx777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: san diego
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yeah man, if you get an RX-7 when you turn 16 that would be cool.

Make sure you do all the safety mods to it.

1. Adjust the valves
2. New Head Gasket
3. Vtec controller
4. Type R badges
5. Piston seals
6. Carbon Fiber Racing Rods
7. New timing belt
8. Powered by Rice sticker

That should get you started. Just follow those 8 steps and you will have the coolest rx-7 in your highschool parking lot.
Old 06-27-02, 12:27 AM
  #11  
Newbie
 
Eagle Eye's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am also 16 and thinking about getting one.

I was about to buy a 1996 Supra this morning, but they notified me they had sold it

I found some nice Twin Turbo's, but they already have over 100k km on them, so I am scared to get them. I hear they need to be rebuilt after 100k km.
Old 06-27-02, 12:32 AM
  #12  
Perpetual Project

iTrader: (4)
 
dclin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I don't care how old you are when you buy a FD (or any car for that matter), but do me and everyone else on the road a favor and keep the TFATF antics on the track (or on PS2, whatever). This goes for the 'seasoned' drivers too.

I have no pity for new drivers doing stupid things and getting hurt - I worry more about the potential innocent victims.
Old 06-27-02, 12:32 AM
  #13  
Full Member

 
777rx777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: san diego
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
because daddy's money is free money..

hey aint life great, he buys me all the things that i can't appreciate.
Old 06-27-02, 12:32 AM
  #14  
Full Member

 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Saint Louis, Mo
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm 16 1/2 almost 17, been readin up on the RX for over 7 months, and i feel that i am just ready now to buy one.. being my 2nd car and driving since 15... 1.5 years of experience, and now im ready. just dont be in a hurry, and you shoudl be ok IMHO.
Old 06-27-02, 12:54 AM
  #15  
Perpetual Project

iTrader: (4)
 
dclin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
You young'uns want a bit of advice? The moment you think you can 'handle' a high horsepower rear wheel drive car is probably the moment it turns around and bites your ***.

I'm not trying to pick on anyone here, or put any one on the spot (heaven knows, I was 16 and 1/2 once with 1.5 yrs drving experience), but believe me - 400K miles/15 yrs from now you'll look back and wonder how you made it out.

Respect the car, and it'll respect you. Best of luck.
Old 06-27-02, 12:58 AM
  #16  
Newbie
 
Mazrx7tt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Damn, lots of New Drivers i see. My .02 would be to get something not so fast, to get your feet wet. I've had my GS-R for 2 years now and i love the **** out of it, but i've always loved Rex's, I've saved all my money for the past year so i finally will have the cash to get it once i sell my car. I've been doing the same crap ya'll have done by watching all the talk and mods that people have on their FD's. Just stay within your limits b/c as of now you dont know your's, being a new driver and all. If you do decide to get The RX than my advice would be not to talk it to its limits b/c your limits and the cars limits are completely different. Or just rip it a third turbo if you can handle it buddy.
Old 06-27-02, 01:56 AM
  #17  
Junior Member

 
ClitCommander's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Harston
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Damn I wish my mommy and daddy bought me a car when I got my license. Buy a beater man, I don't think RX7s, Supras, nor Zs are good first cars.
Old 06-27-02, 03:30 AM
  #18  
Senior Member

 
futurerexowner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First off, gotta respect the name, Commander.

But as far as getting into the world of Rx-7's why dont you get an FC. Find yourself a nice 92 ALOT more common and cheaper than an FD. Save the world the burden of another totalled Rx in the mazda recycling lot. Having this much Hp on a RWD car is more than you can handle, trust me. I, and I am sure others, have been in situations where the rear-end feals like it is laying down black-ice as it goes, and had I not practiced controlling my ***-end in my 3-Z I probably would have had trouble recovering in my rex. I dont like drifting in my rex due to the risks involved but, frankly, sometime it seems that it wants to on its own, and it does. My advise would be to by an FC or maybe go my route and get an N/A 300Z and learn how that ***-end wants to act. Also not to rule out the fact that initially, if they havent already been done, there is around $1000 that should be invested in reliability, assuming it hasnt been done and you arent doing everything yourself.
Old 06-27-02, 03:45 AM
  #19  
For Sale

iTrader: (6)
 
mazdaspeed00's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Irvine
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i second that why not get a FC first.....get the feeling of a RWD turbo sports car first....then after u get use to get then go ahead and get the FD....the FC will be cheaper to maintain and you will run into less problems....
Old 06-27-02, 03:50 AM
  #20  
Full Member

 
Rexafied's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW, ABQ, FLA...
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
**** Commander....hillarious alias.

I think a less powerful car would be a good first car.
Old 06-27-02, 07:14 AM
  #21  
Rotary Freak

iTrader: (6)
 
Section8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Kudos for doing your research first, but I feel like I should put in my .02 as well, and advise you NOT to buy any high powered RWD car for your first car. I had been driving for 4 years when my dad bought an 84 944, so I thought I would be fine driving it, but I was wrong. I didn't wreck it (thank god) but I did manage to put her in the ditch trying out a high speed 90 degree left hander. And the 944 isn't even close to being as fast as an FD. At that moment, I put off buying an FD, and I bought a truck. that was 5 years ago. I honestly think if I'd bought an FD then I'd have killed myself.

Please take a hard long look at yourself and try to be subjective enough to to say "Can i really handle this car"

Best of luck
Old 06-27-02, 07:27 AM
  #22  
It's never fast enough...

 
Flybye's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Miami - Given 1st place as the POOREST city in the US as per the federal government
Posts: 3,760
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
It's wonderful to have new car drivers with minimal driving experience own a 180mph (with bolt ons)capable car

It's funny though.......
Ive noticed most teenagers have the ballz to buy an FD, but don't have the ballz to tell their parents about the capabilities of an FD.

Last edited by Flybye; 06-27-02 at 07:30 AM.
Old 06-27-02, 07:54 AM
  #23  
meh...

 
drewroman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Columbia, MD
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd say start off with a 1st gen, they're light, handle well and can be made more powerful as your skills improve, an FC would be good also, just not my personal choice

Insurance would be quite a bit cheaper too... you get an insurance quote for one yet?? I'm 31 with a super clean driving record, making a good bit of money and I still feel like I'm getting robbed when the insurance bill comes in.

Regardless of what you do, respect the road and the power of the vehicle you'll be driving...

drew
-----------

smackfu.net
Old 06-27-02, 08:06 AM
  #24  
Senior Member

 
RedFD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Manassas, VA
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ok......... no 15 year old is going to be able to take care of this car. Im sorry. Im 18(not much room to talk) with a full time job and I still find it hard to take care of the car, mod it, and have fun with my life all at the same time. This should NEVER be a first car. I dont care if youve been reading about rotaries since you were born. You are going to get loads of tickets or end up wrecking it. Then you will realize how fast they are.... just like the 21 year old that bought my old 3rd gen off of me and totalled it in 5 days. "Wow that thing IS powerfull" is all he had to say while he and my dad were checking out the damages. This cars capabilities are really amazing and scary all at the same time. Be carefull out there.

BTW: A first or second gen would be the way to go
Old 06-27-02, 09:30 AM
  #25  
Newbie
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Houston Tx, Melbourne, Fla. Soon
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm 18 and planning on getting an FC or FD whichever I can afford first. Not b/c i can't drive but b/c I'm broke as hell. You do not need a sports car PERIOD. Just b/c you have a liscense DOES NOT mean you can drive. I'm not trying to burst your bubble or anythign I'm just trying to keep you from getting yourself (and that beautiful 3rd gen ) in trouble. Take a few years and learn to handle it then go for it. An FC is perfect because you can learn to drive it and get initiated into the strange realm or rotaries. I should be heeding my own advice but I know exactly what I'm getting myself into and plan on attending a (or several) NASA racing school(s) before I even think about pushing it hard. Anyway good luck in whatever you decide.


Quick Reply: RX-7 1st car?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:55 AM.