Things to consider when buying an used 3rd-gen. RX-7
 

Hey everyone,

I'm currently considering buying an used 3rd-generation RX-7, and would like some advice/opinions about doing so. I was previously set on buying a new BMW 325Ci or an used Acura NSX, but recently decided to transfer from a public school to a private school, thus taking a bit of a step back financially. Since RX-7s are considerably more affordable (at least in terms of initial cost) than either the 325 or the NSX, that has become my new obsession.

However, one major thing bugs me about RX-7s - the reliability issue. I've heard and been told a lot about the expensive maintenance, as well as the somewhat less-than-stellar reliability. Can anyone here give me some details regarding upkeep (i.e. scheduled maintenance, common problems) of a 3rd-gen. RX-7? Also, really how reliable are the motor and turbos? I've heard a lot of conflicting information from various sources, and I figure you guys (mostly being owners) would be the best to ask for accurate first-hand accounts.

Also, what kind of preventive maintenance should I do (and roughly what price range it will cost) if and when I do purchase the car? Should the motor or turbos need replacement, how much does that typically cost?

Although I have enough money to very comfortably afford the car itself, and cover for major repairs (at least anything short of catastrophic) won't be a problem if necessary, the cost of ownership is still a concern, and something I would like to find out more about. I do plan to keep my current car as a backup, but I am hoping to drive the RX-7 as much as possible, so reliability is an important consideration for me as well. I really appreciate any input/feedback you guys can provide.

Finally, I realize this is a question that has probably already been asked to death, so if someone could point me to a few existing threads about it, I'd be happy to read up there rather than bug you folks again.

Thanks again.

It sounds like you have enough money to buy an FD in excellent condition and then maintain it. If you shop around, you can find a low mileage, well-cared for FD for about $17k, then set aside $10k for when stuff goes wrong, that should cover you for quite a long time, as long as you don't need mods :D . The main deal is when stuff breaks, it can take a long time to fix because RX-7s are so specialized, there aren't many good rotary shops. I'm not sure what part of CA you're in, but there are many good ones in CA, just prepare to wait. Compared to an NSX or BMW, the cost shouldn't be that much. I heard BMW dealerships charge an arm and a leg for regular service anyway, so while they may not break much, it balances out somewhat. Main thing is check the compression of any RX-7 before buying it.

I'm in the Bay Area (just moved up from West LA), and there are three reputable rotary shops around where I live that I know of. I've been looking through various classifieds, but it seems that low-mileage 3rd-gen RX-7s are few and far-between. Trying to be patient, though.

Anyway, thanks for the input. I plan to have a rotary mechanic check out any car before I make the final purchase, so hopefully I'm covering all the major bases.

And yes - scheduled maintenance on BMWs is fairly expensive, as it is on NSXs. A BMW oil change alone typically runs $80-$100. And the major service on the NSX is on the order of $500-$700.

As for mods, I'm definitely hoping to get some done. Given the variety of attractive RX-7 performance packages there are to choose from in the $5K or below range, it's just too enticing to pass up.

I am also in the process of buying an RX7. I have been researching on the car and have talked to quite a few people about them. Just remember that any RX7 you buy, make sure it has all the TSB (reliablility mods) done to them, that the engine has good compression. You WILL eventually need to replace or rebuild the engine if it hasn't had one done yet and it has high miles. There are also numerous websites out there that tells you what to look for when buying your 7. Do some research and talk to people who have the car or call up the mechanics of rotary shops and hopefully learn as much as you can before you truely decide to get the car.

Hope this helps,
-Matrix

Bmw OIL CHANGES are free the first few years...just wanted to clarify....

Personally, I would buy a cheaper more reliable car like an Accord or something.

dood, out of curiousity...where does a student get enough money to afford a new 325??

MAVrick -
I am a software engineer and go to grad school part-time.

frank69m -
Why recommend against a RX-7 and suggest an Accord?