RX7 as a daily driver?
02-24-05, 10:19 AM
#26
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i have a 99 eclipse GST with a newly built motor for 9800.00 body has 80,000 miles on it silver, 5 speed looks sport and fun to drive. I put it up for sale when i bought my rx7
02-24-05, 01:55 PM
#27
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Your best bet is Civic Si if you are talking about $10k. If you can spend more, then get S2k or Integra TypeR. Sporty, no problems whatsoever, very good gas mileage...
I am driving Hondas for 9 years now and am talking from experience.
Currently my daily driver is an Integra TypeR.
I am driving Hondas for 9 years now and am talking from experience.
Currently my daily driver is an Integra TypeR.
02-24-05, 02:54 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
Well, I'm sorry to say that you really aren't going to get something "Sporty, good gas mileage, reliable, under 100k miles and less than $10,000". That would be a high school kid's dream.
If you want something sporty, decent gas mileage and reliable, the cheapest thing is going to be a used S2000, Miata or maybe an older MR2.
If you want something sporty, decent gas mileage and reliable, the cheapest thing is going to be a used S2000, Miata or maybe an older MR2.
Hahah, did you notice the irony in what you just said? :P
Good Gas mileage, Sporty, reliable, under 100k, and less than $10k not possible? Bah!
Look no further than the Toyota Mr2. It's more than "Sporty". Sporty is an integra (an economy car with some sports-like details). My Mr2-Turbo was no FD, but it was no slouch either.
I was at 14psi, getting 21-25mpg and you can get one with a JDM motor in it for under $10k.
02-24-05, 02:57 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by Bender
Whats the earlest year with a good body style on the MR2?
85-89 is the MKI, had a supercharged option.
I've owned one of both
. Check out www.mr2oc.com for more info/advice!
02-24-05, 03:10 PM
#30
Originally Posted by PhoenixDownVII
Hahah, did you notice the irony in what you just said? :P
Good Gas mileage, Sporty, reliable, under 100k, and less than $10k not possible? Bah!
Look no further than the Toyota Mr2. It's more than "Sporty". Sporty is an integra (an economy car with some sports-like details). My Mr2-Turbo was no FD, but it was no slouch either.
I was at 14psi, getting 21-25mpg and you can get one with a JDM motor in it for under $10k.
Good Gas mileage, Sporty, reliable, under 100k, and less than $10k not possible? Bah!
Look no further than the Toyota Mr2. It's more than "Sporty". Sporty is an integra (an economy car with some sports-like details). My Mr2-Turbo was no FD, but it was no slouch either.
I was at 14psi, getting 21-25mpg and you can get one with a JDM motor in it for under $10k.
02-24-05, 03:15 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
How, he also said under 100k in mileage. Most MR2's I've seen have had the **** driven out of them and a ton of miles. Not that an MR2 can't last a lot of miles, but he said he was looking for something with under 100k miles and under $10k.
I bought my 91 Turbo with some small mods in 2002 I believe for $8k with 94k miles I believe. And it was overpriced then.
I have seen in the recent past some with JDM Motor swaps going for ~$10k, and most rear clips come with 25-45k on everything, including motor.
Other Mr2-T's with sub 100k that are simply stock should be asking for something around $7k.
I knew the market a while ago but it's been a year or so since I seriously looked at Mr2-T's, doubt they all of a sudden got a markup of $3-4k. Just because some are asking rediculous prices doesn't mean they sell at that price, or at all ya know?
02-24-05, 03:25 PM
#33
Originally Posted by PhoenixDownVII
I have seen in the recent past some with JDM Motor swaps going for ~$10k, and most rear clips come with 25-45k on everything, including motor.
Originally Posted by PhoenixDownVII
I knew the market a while ago but it's been a year or so since I seriously looked at Mr2-T's, doubt they all of a sudden got a markup of $3-4k. Just because some are asking rediculous prices doesn't mean they sell at that price, or at all ya know?
There are a few listed around with less than 100k miles on them for just under $10k, but not a lot. The majority in that range have more than 100k mileage.
02-24-05, 06:17 PM
#34
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I currently use my 93 touring as my daily driver, but it has been far from reliable over the last 4 years. I would advise against anyone trying to buy an RX-7 for a daily driver. I have replaced the motor twice, and had various problems pop up once in a while. I have finally paid off the car so am looking to buy a much more reliable daily driver. I have considered a lot of cars in the $15k range that still have a factory warranty. I have narrowed it down to a 02/03 VW GTI 1.8t. They are fairly good on gas, and come with 180hp/173tq stock. Add a chip and it easily adds 30+ hp/tq. There are many around that are selling from $13k to $15k and still have a year or 2 left on the factory warranty. Imo this seems like a good daily driver for myself and I will probably be buying one in the near future. I will finally have the freedom to take the time and work on the RX-7 and do some track events without the risk of being stuck without a car. An RX-7 really needs a lot of time and money put in to it, but it makes it all worth it when its running good.
02-24-05, 10:18 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
Gas mileage: You'll have a few people claim higher, but typical gas mileage of a 93-95 RX-7 is about 13-15 mpg.
Insurance: Same thing. The money you put in it, won't really be reimbursed.
Daily driving: Keep it close to stock and there's not really a lot of problems with it (as long as you aren't trying to drive it in winter weather).
Insurance: Same thing. The money you put in it, won't really be reimbursed.
Daily driving: Keep it close to stock and there's not really a lot of problems with it (as long as you aren't trying to drive it in winter weather).
Its been years now since owning my first one which was a daily driver. Sure they can be drivers, but I prefer a beater to commute and run errands in.
02-24-05, 10:27 PM
#38
Originally Posted by technonovice
They get much better than that on the HWY unless they are not tuned properly at cruising.
However, most people don't live on the highway so IMO it's not best to quote highway mileage.
02-24-05, 10:35 PM
#39
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
Yes, but that's like saying "Hey, I just bought my '95 FD for $10k with 30k miles on it. If anyone else pays more than me, they are getting ripped off".
There are a few listed around with less than 100k miles on them for just under $10k, but not a lot. The majority in that range have more than 100k mileage.
There are a few listed around with less than 100k miles on them for just under $10k, but not a lot. The majority in that range have more than 100k mileage.
In response to that first bit; matter-of-factly, the opposite happend! I bought mine on "Impulse" after a long/hard struggle to nab a MKIV TT Supra. I went to sell my Mr2-Turbo and notice soon after that there were several $6-7k Mr2's with under 100k, and usually more updates/mods as well!
But, I don't think it's THAT hard to find something somewhat decent as a sports car for under $10k. When you start limiting the year or mileage it gets tougher of course.
02-24-05, 10:35 PM
#40
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Unless you want to spend BMW/Porsche maintenance dollars on your daily driver I wouldn't get a FD. If you'd like the most performance per $ spent the FD is a great choice (the MKII MR2 Turbo is probably the only thing that comes close and I can't get a set of golf clubs in one 
so I'm driving a FD ).
For a sporty DD if you already have your "sports car" I'd recommend the Integra Type R. Its great handling, reliable as an Accord or Civic and it has a nicer sports interior than the entry level Hondas. The Prelude SH are also good though not as good on tne mileage as the Type R.
As far as FD mileage goes I got ~19mpg in my Stock Motor/DP/CB/CAI/M2 Stage III ECU in the year or so I DD it. In my current FD I'm down to 14mpg or so (porting = bad mileage ).
so I'm driving a FD ).For a sporty DD if you already have your "sports car" I'd recommend the Integra Type R. Its great handling, reliable as an Accord or Civic and it has a nicer sports interior than the entry level Hondas. The Prelude SH are also good though not as good on tne mileage as the Type R.
As far as FD mileage goes I got ~19mpg in my Stock Motor/DP/CB/CAI/M2 Stage III ECU in the year or so I DD it. In my current FD I'm down to 14mpg or so (porting = bad mileage
).
02-24-05, 10:38 PM
#41
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Originally Posted by TracyRX7
Unless you want to spend BMW/Porsche maintenance dollars on your daily driver I wouldn't get a FD. If you'd like the most performance per $ spent the FD is a great choice (the MKII MR2 Turbo is probably the only thing that comes close and I can't get a set of golf clubs in one so I'm driving a FD ).
For a sporty DD if you already have your "sports car" I'd recommend the Integra Type R. Its great handling, reliable as an Accord or Civic and it has a nicer sports interior than the entry level Hondas. The Prelude SH are also good though not as good on tne mileage as the Type R.
As far as FD mileage goes I got ~19mpg in my Stock Motor/DP/CB/CAI/M2 Stage III ECU in the year or so I DD it. In my current FD I'm down to 14mpg or so (porting = bad mileage ).
so I'm driving a FD ).For a sporty DD if you already have your "sports car" I'd recommend the Integra Type R. Its great handling, reliable as an Accord or Civic and it has a nicer sports interior than the entry level Hondas. The Prelude SH are also good though not as good on tne mileage as the Type R.
As far as FD mileage goes I got ~19mpg in my Stock Motor/DP/CB/CAI/M2 Stage III ECU in the year or so I DD it. In my current FD I'm down to 14mpg or so (porting = bad mileage
).How bad can a Prelude SH be to a Type R gas mileage-wise? Both are vtec honduh 4 cylly's....?
02-24-05, 10:45 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
Every car gets better gas mileage with highway driving than stop & go city driving.
However, most people don't live on the highway so IMO it's not best to quote highway mileage.
However, most people don't live on the highway so IMO it's not best to quote highway mileage.
02-24-05, 10:46 PM
#44
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Miata...don't laugh. They are fun as hell to drive, good mileage, and generally cheap. Even if/when you add a turbo, they are still pretty darn reliable. A well driven Miata can easily frustrate even an average driver in an FD on a tight course.
The thing about FD's is that they are getting old. They require more vigilant care than ever before. Their heat bakes harnesses with crispy and brittle. Wiring is easily damaged while working on things, but that means it needs to be replaced anyway. I look mine over pretty closely nearly every weekend. As I see little things here and there, I take care of them...hoses, wires, clamps...whatever.
The thing about FD's is that they are getting old. They require more vigilant care than ever before. Their heat bakes harnesses with crispy and brittle. Wiring is easily damaged while working on things, but that means it needs to be replaced anyway. I look mine over pretty closely nearly every weekend. As I see little things here and there, I take care of them...hoses, wires, clamps...whatever.
02-24-05, 10:53 PM
#45
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
Every car gets better gas mileage with highway driving than stop & go city driving.
However, most people don't live on the highway so IMO it's not best to quote highway mileage.
However, most people don't live on the highway so IMO it's not best to quote highway mileage.
02-24-05, 11:21 PM
#46
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Originally Posted by PhoenixDownVII
Type R for under $10k? LOL. They are REALLY saught after (I.E. STOLEN) which doesn't help either.
How bad can a Prelude SH be to a Type R gas mileage-wise? Both are vtec honduh 4 cylly's....?
How bad can a Prelude SH be to a Type R gas mileage-wise? Both are vtec honduh 4 cylly's....?
02-24-05, 11:36 PM
#47
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Originally Posted by SamuraiSam
The later gen Preludes are 2.2/2.4L compared to an ITR at 1.8L. An ITR is NOT going to sell for under 12k unless it has major problems. I would definetly reccomend a 99/00 Civic Si or suby 2.5RS. Something that's AWD or FWD so you could drive it in crap weather (Good luck doing that with an FD).
02-25-05, 09:12 AM
#49
Originally Posted by technonovice
but I've seen poorly tuned cars not do any better than their in city performance.
Originally Posted by technonovice
In my opinion, its best to state both.
02-25-05, 09:54 AM
#50
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Mahjik-
I agree with your vision of providing realiistic information. Kudos to you. Thats what I'm about as well. Perhaps I should have said a car in a poor state of tune instead?
Guys-
Here is a list of stuff I've done to my BB 93 FD since 2004. This is a weekend/track car. A friend & I have done most of the labor. Its been pretty reliable, but these cars really seem to suck up time and money regardless. The stock turbos are the largest liabilty. I've seem low mileage turbos so far out of spec they would be considered toast. I'll be going single in the coming months.
12/03
Oil Change 12/03/03 - 113366
Recover driver seat
Change brake fluid
Change Differential fluid
Change transmission fluid...found leak.
02/04
Replaced (for fifth gear) 17-411J, 17-522, the spring and ball in the shift rod and holds it in gear
Replaced rear main seal
Replaced rear main bearing
Replaced rear counter bearing
Reseal transmission to stop leak
Replaced clutch, pilot bearing and throwout bearing
Replace more turbo hoses with silicon
Install M2 ss downpipe
Fixed climate control ****
Change oil and filter, Feb 28
Install new ss Racing Beat dual tip catback
03/04
Innovate LM-1 wideband with analog gauge
Added dual gauge pod and wired boost gauge light
Fixed clip on turbo control
05/04
Change oil and filter, 117,000 miles
Adjusted shifter
Waxed
06/04
Fixed Cruise Control
07/04
New tires: Avon Tech M500 245/45/16 $439.54 shipped
(.7% too large: at 60 mph actual speed is 59.6 mph
08/04
Change Oil and filter, 119,000 miles
Convert a/c to 134A, replaced dryer
jumped a/c relay for manual switch to activate compressor
09/04
Change Oil and filter, 121,000 miles
Replaced check valve to pressure tank
Cleaned K&N air filter
12/04
Replaced leaking o-ring in oil filler neck
Installed better silicon coupler from IC to intake elbow
Replaced stock AST with aluminum AST
Installed AFR gauge
Installed Datalogit
01/05
Replaced fuel filter 123,100 mi
Oil and Filter change 123,100 mi
Replaced hatch lift struts
Replaced 1 inch hose from Y-pipe to CRV
02/05
Resecured loose vacuum hose to rack
Replaced plugs, wires & ignition harness 123,900 mi
Polished
I agree with your vision of providing realiistic information. Kudos to you. Thats what I'm about as well. Perhaps I should have said a car in a poor state of tune instead?
Guys-
Here is a list of stuff I've done to my BB 93 FD since 2004. This is a weekend/track car. A friend & I have done most of the labor. Its been pretty reliable, but these cars really seem to suck up time and money regardless. The stock turbos are the largest liabilty. I've seem low mileage turbos so far out of spec they would be considered toast. I'll be going single in the coming months.
12/03
Oil Change 12/03/03 - 113366
Recover driver seat
Change brake fluid
Change Differential fluid
Change transmission fluid...found leak.
02/04
Replaced (for fifth gear) 17-411J, 17-522, the spring and ball in the shift rod and holds it in gear
Replaced rear main seal
Replaced rear main bearing
Replaced rear counter bearing
Reseal transmission to stop leak
Replaced clutch, pilot bearing and throwout bearing
Replace more turbo hoses with silicon
Install M2 ss downpipe
Fixed climate control ****
Change oil and filter, Feb 28
Install new ss Racing Beat dual tip catback
03/04
Innovate LM-1 wideband with analog gauge
Added dual gauge pod and wired boost gauge light
Fixed clip on turbo control
05/04
Change oil and filter, 117,000 miles
Adjusted shifter
Waxed
06/04
Fixed Cruise Control
07/04
New tires: Avon Tech M500 245/45/16 $439.54 shipped
(.7% too large: at 60 mph actual speed is 59.6 mph
08/04
Change Oil and filter, 119,000 miles
Convert a/c to 134A, replaced dryer
jumped a/c relay for manual switch to activate compressor
09/04
Change Oil and filter, 121,000 miles
Replaced check valve to pressure tank
Cleaned K&N air filter
12/04
Replaced leaking o-ring in oil filler neck
Installed better silicon coupler from IC to intake elbow
Replaced stock AST with aluminum AST
Installed AFR gauge
Installed Datalogit
01/05
Replaced fuel filter 123,100 mi
Oil and Filter change 123,100 mi
Replaced hatch lift struts
Replaced 1 inch hose from Y-pipe to CRV
02/05
Resecured loose vacuum hose to rack
Replaced plugs, wires & ignition harness 123,900 mi
Polished