I've loved the RX7 since the first time I layed eyes on it. This summer I might actually be able to get one for myself. Part of my mind says jump for it and a smaller voice is saying not to and play it safe. I'll start out by telling you all a little about myself and my lifestyle as it might pertain to owning a car.

I'm 21 and I goto college. I live in Louisiana but I goto school in PA which means I would have to drive the car back and forth twice a year. I don't claim to be a car expert but I can fix most nonsevere problems on my own. I learn pretty quickly and when it comes to something I'm interested in I learn extremely fast. I would use the car pretty much daily but not for very long.

My concern is that I've read a lot about RX7s needing tons of costly maintenance and engine rebuilds. I plan on getting one in good condition with less than 80k miles. As you may have guessed from the forum title it will be a 93-95 model.

My question is, is the RX7 completely incompatible with what I want from it? I'd do regular maintenance as needed (oil etc etc) and I can afford to pay for premium gas. I don't plan on racing really. Is this just asking for disappointment? As much as I'd love to hear that I should just go ahead with confidence I really need to hear an honest opinion on this. This car has been an obsession for the last couple of years and finally I might be able to get one. Otherwise, I'll probably end up getting a 300ZX or an MR2.

 

Get the car. I will never ever tell anyone not to get an FD for reliability. If you're not gonna race it it'll probably run forever. If you do plan on running it hard just work and save a bit of money...and keep the extra cash incase **** happens.

Personally I'm 19 and go to college in northridge california. I work at the automobile club and make 10.75 an hour. I know it's not much but i don't pay for insurance, nor for my car so i have no expenses. I just save up all my money and plan on using a credit card...why? i build credit and my car at the same time . It's doable man it's not hard. Just make sure you have a job...asking for money sucks.

 

Well, I've preached to college students before not to get one so I'll just say one thing. It snows in PA. Unless you put dedicated snow tires on for the winter, there is no way you will be able to drive an FD in a PA winter. Also, you will subject it to road salt and other abuse. Not to mention the risk of vandalism from jealous/drunk ********. That was only one thing right?

At 21, I'm assuming you're close to graduating. Just get a cheap reliable hold over car until you graduate and then get the FD.

BTW, my profile shows me from Cali but I grew up and went to school in the midwest. I drove a 79 RX-7 for four Indiana winters at college and I wished many times for a more practical, reliable car. Of course, I loved that car to death too, so don't listen to me.

Here's some good sites to check out.

http://www.rx7turboturbo.com/robrobinette/
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/index.html
http://www.k-rad.com/3genfaq
http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide3g/bguide3g.html

Good luck.

 

Test drive. I guarentee you will buy one.

 

This is my second winter hear and the snow doesn't seem to be a problem. The roads here are usually cleared really fast (with salt). still bad idea huh?

 

You will be suprised how reliable the third gen can be. This requires that you buy a GOOD one and HIGH maintanence, both of which I assume you plan to do. My FD is by far the most reliable car I had (but the others were RX7s too hehehe). I say go for it, just watch out for jealous ******** that will never have an FD. And whatever you do keep your RX7 away from snow and salt. I have an RX7 that's originally from Chicago, and man it is a rustbucket. I had to change the brake and fuel lines they were so badly corroded they were leaking. The salt they use to melt the snow really does a number on your underbody and will start eating your fenders from the bottom up. Good luck!

 

Bro, where in New Orleans are you getting snow. Or are you talking about PA?

 

I think you should get the car. Make sure to get a compression test and take it out for a really long test drive. Also, take it to a rotary specialist like www.kdrotary.com to look over the car for you. My FD has been extremely reliable and only broke down once. I have owned it for 4 years and it was one of the best things I have ever owned. The good thing is that it was not expensive to fix, however, you really do need money when it comes to owning an FD.

Here is a website that will help you out.

http://www.robrobinette.com/index.htm