Ok. So here's the deal. I am in love with the FD, and I've come to a point where I believe that I can afford it.. However, I'd like to hear from all you owners whether or not you think that the car will fit what I want.
The first thing is probably gonna get a lot of responses: reliability... I want a car that I can be comfortable to drive on the weekands and on the track, which will be mostly night racing on a few roads our team has picked out to practice on in addition to our racetrack training. (We're hoping to start taking the racetrack courses and getting sponsorship sometime this summer). I'm not planning to modify the car, the FD's fast as it is (unless I end up buying a modified one), I want to perfect my racing technique on a slower car before I decide to upgrade anything (I'll probably buy a low mile fd, or one with a rebuild from a good shop, definately with stock turbos). If I do end up modifying anything it will come down to reliability mods and possibly suspension. My requirements are reliability, at least somewhat affordable, fast, and nimble handling. (looks arent that important, I am however in love with the 7's styling) What are your average costs on repairs per month? If the car is kept completely stock cept for about 1k on reliability mods what kind of servicing should I expect? Thanks for your input guys.

btw i have been searching the site for a few weeks now looking up different issues with the fd, so telling me to search wont help much.

 

"My requirements are reliability, at least somewhat affordable, fast, and nimble handling. (looks arent that important)"

With those requirements, I'd suggest a Miata with a Flyin' Miata Turbo Kit.

Inexpensive, fast (about 230rwhp in a very light car), near perfect handling, and very reliable.

 

^^doubt it. anytime you double a car's HP rating, you are asking for trouble.

 

A modded Miata is not as much trouble as an FD, if you ask me. It's a much simpler system, and it does have a reputation for being a tough little car. The FD is baked, brittle, dried out, and old. So even stock with low miles, things will happen.

Modified FDs are tougher maintenance yet, avoid them since reliability is a major issue for you.

I spend about a thousand a year on 'real' reliability mods and stuff, but I don't put more than 5k / year on my car. I do the work myself - paying someone else will easily double the annual investment.

Dave

 

I'd put my money on a FMII Miata up against an RX-7 (with all of the reliability mods) for which one will have the least amount of problems and the most amount of miles without major repairs.

The FMII kit is very well thought out and engineered for a good amount of power without sacrificing much reliability. Beyond the 230rwhp in a Miata, you'll start breaking other stuff (like the stock diff & clutch). The motor is extremely stout and takes 12psi rather easily with engine management (provided by Flyin' Miata).

 

Are you serious? You haven't heard of a company called Toyota I suppose....

 

Are you sure you know how to use the intraweb then?

I was in your situation, but found almost everything I could know searching Rx7club and other enthusiast sites

Everyone's in a different financial situation. It's hard to tell you if you can afford it financially or not. So just keep in mind (and research) the cost of a good FD, insurance, gas, oil changes, how much *oh ***** money you have, availability of shops to fix it, availability if it breaks (Daily driver), etc.

If you are racing this car as a street racer or a track car, why would you leave it stock? You'll need power mods to keep up with other high end imports, and you'll need better cooling mods, tires, brakes to track it often and enjoy it I'd say...

 

I'd have to agree with the consensus. The FD is not for everyone. You really have to be a die-hard RX-7 enthusiast to bear the pain and joy that comes with owning this car. It takes a lot of money and time to take care of this car, so if money and reliability are your major issues, get a miata.

 

Well, heres the thing: I'm currently a college student, so I dont have a full time job during the school year, However, I'm getting a free ride, so I dont have to worry about money regarding housing, schooling, food etc, all the money I make would be going into racinging and free time. My plans are to buy a fd and then get used to racing it at the edge, get good to the point where I can take most people in the turns, then upgrade once I'm outta college. I'd be saving up the extra money I dont spend on maintenance for mods or a 20b, then put it all together once I graduate and have a more stable job situation.
The miata is a good car, but I'm not one for removable tops, and as I said, I wont be modifying the car until I have a higher budget to do it right without any worries. A miata wont be anything on the track vs other high end imports when stock.
As for being a die hard enthusiast, I am at the moment, but I'm not completely sure due to the horror stories I've read. I've done a lot of research on the car, bought every magazine just for a gilmpse of a nice fd, including one with a third gen buyers guide. The rotary sound is to die for.. I'm just trying to be realistic. If the FD is a death trap then I will avoid it, If its something that just needs a little more care and pampering then it's fine.

dgeesaman if thats true and you only spend 1k a year, then that is perfectly reasonable for my budget.

 

DrunkenGimp,

First off, no one is suggesting a "stock miata". The Flying M's are damn nice cars. It's going to be cheaper to make a track ready Miata than a track ready FD, plain and simple.

As for a yearly budget of owning an FD? There are too many variables there to put a price on it. The harder you drive the car, the more wear you put on parts. Someone who AutoX's will put more wear on the car than someone who just drives it to work... i.e. someone who tracks their car will put more wear than someone who AutoX's...

You are also looking at a car that is 10 years or more old. Unless you get one that has already had a lot things replaced (i.e. bushings, springs, shocks, etc), then you'll be spending money on those just due to normal driving wear on an older car.

The FD is the kind of car you "just want". There is no rationalizing it, you just want it because if you rationalize it; it doesn't make sense to own one.

 

Miata LSDs don't last 10+ years stock let alone at higher HP and while the trannies feel wonderful, at 230 HP they are stressed. Tops either. 2 of my buds with mildly modded Miatas have some minor issues with the tranny and other age related items.

Much like the FD, Miata is still at 10+ year old car and will have some issues. Unlike the FD, they are much easier and cheaper to work on and the motors in NA form are dead reliable - much like an NA rotary

I'm not trying to bash the Miata as I've contemplated it often, but you can't assume you are not going to have issues.

If you are college, don't buy this car. While you might be able to spend 1k a year in maintenance, what if **** hits the fan and your car has a bad year and it's 4k?

Plus maintenance will only cost you 1k a year if you start with an excellent platform - meaning spending probably over 17k for an FD in excellent shape now. Cheaper ones often require many thousands of dollars in maintenance. Just read some of the posts on here about people who have bought them cheap.

My .02 pesos

 

It's a great fun car, don't get me wrong, but make sure you can afford the payments on it let alone the maintenance. I ran into that problem and am selling mine right now until I can buy one cash. Shouldn't take too long but would aleviate (sp?) a lot of the hassles i have now with a car payment, insurance, and maintenance costs.

 

Here's a guideline to the $$$ you'll need per year to own an FD (in addition to the initial purchase price of 12-17K for a good car):

(1) $1,000 for parts (reliability items, maintenace items, broken pieces, special tools) provided you can perform all of the maintenace yourself. This may vary greatly from year to year.

(2) $1,000 - $3,000 in mechanic's labor if you can't do the maintenance yourself. Rotary specialists aren't cheap, and doing work on these cars isn't easy like changing the plugs in the old man's Chevelle.

(3) $2,000 (roughly) for insurance - FD's aren't cheap for single males < 25yrs old

(4) $1,000 for just gas based on driving ~5K miles per year

(5) $5,000 - $8,000 slush fund set aside in a bank account for when you lunch the motor and turbos (it will happen, only a question of when)

(6) Multiply everything by 2 if you decide to track the car on a regular basis


Bottom line: FD's aren't cheap, reliable, or easy to maintain. To own one and keep it up properly, you need a DD and a pretty sizeable amount of "disposable" income (or a big bank account). Moderate to advanced mechanical skills are a huge plus when it comes to owning this car too.

< Cost estimates are based on my FD ownership experience, others may differ greatly >

 

If I do end up buying an fd, once again, I would be looking to buy one in almost pristine condition, then adding reliability mods (including basic as well as cooling upgrades).

It seems the consensus here is to buy something different. Any suggestions? I would like to keep the car street legal unfortunately, otherwise I might consider a 240 with a sr20det. Originally, my list of cars that I was considering were the fd, the fc, 240 (hopefully not truck engine..), 944 turbo, 968, or the mr2. I decided that I wanted the FD the most, but if everyone here thinks its a bad choice then I will reconsider.

Any thoughts about the mr2 or the 240? I like the mr2 a lot however I hear they're hard to tune due to the small engine compartment. I like the 240 a lot but like i said the sr20 will make it illegal, especially in cali. The 944 turbo and the 968 are more like the fd when it comes to performance and handling, but there arent many mods available for them, and when there are any they are very expensive... (although it seems that the fd is as well). Any suggestions?

I might just go ahead and get an fd then see what happens when the dust settles lol. I took a test drive, absolutely loved it... I've heard from many people that the 7 can be very reliable if its well taken care of.. Is that a myth? Thanks for all your input guys

 

My experience is that my FD has been more reliable and easier to work on (with exception of vac system) that my previous almost new BMW.

Porsche parts/labor are more expensive than FD RX7 parts/labor.

If you got the cash and know what you are getting youself into, then buy it.

I still regret not buying this car brand new shortly after I graduated college. I was being too responsible back then. Could have gotten a red R1 for $25k and could have been enjoying it all these years instead of wasting money modding/fixing and driving other cars wishing it were an RX7. Cars are rarely a rational decision, eh?

Good luck.

 

I totally agree, no sports car is a "rational" decision. The only way I can rationalize buying an FD is that I WANT one. No matter what car I try and compare it to, performance wise, they always come out short. It's a lightweight, powerful, and exceptionally handling machine for far less than the price of a new car in a similar category. I just dont want to dig myself into a financial hole and have to call on my family to fish me out.

When it comes to working and learning about the car, and taking care of it, I am more than willing. Personally I believe the rotary has a lot of unlocked potential, both as a gas powered engine as well as a hydrogen or alternative fuel powered engine, and it should be further developed.

on a side note, our team organizer has told me that due to current circumstances, we will no longer be training on the streets, so all you anti-street racers out there wont have to worry about us..

 

From a physics standpoint, the piston engine is far more efficient. In both gasoline and hydrogen forms. Who cares if they polute though, they sure are fun!

 

It's good that you're thinking ahead here.

If you're worried about the finances, do a little test. Find out what the FD would cost you,whether you're planning on buying one outright or making monthly payments. Call your insurance person, find out what your rates would be. Find out what gas would cost. The FD needs premium fuel, and you can expect to get 15-20mpg. Don't forget maintenance. Change your fuel filter, air filter, accessory belts, brake & transmission fluids the month you purchase the car, unless you know when they were last changed. Oil change every 2-3k, spark plugs every 5-10k.

$100/month in maintenance is about right. In 2004, I spent $1300 on maintenance, new tires, and a downpipe. I skimped on a few things that should be replaced but aren't absolutely necessary yet, like shocks, bushings, and a few other little things that effect how the car drives, but aren't likely to cause a failure if I put them off for a few months.


Add up your possible expenses, and then put that much money in a seperate account for a couple months. See how comfortable it is.


Personally, I think the FD is a bit pricey for a first racecar. If you're bent on driving a rotary, a 1st- or 2nd-Gen will be cheaper and still give you the rotary sportscar feeling, which will allow you to spend more time & money racing.

If you're serious about race driving, you need to get into gokarting. It's all about driver skill there. I've asked many pro race drivers, and most of them recommended karting as a first step to a racing career.

-s-

 

100% with you all the way Mahjik,cthomp21, well more or less all of us here. I'm in that sort of position now. After spending heaps on the engine to keep we both running now, the car and me running in tight budget :p. Everyday I linger...hmmm....what to do AFTER I got the extra money to spend on the car..mechanically,vacuum hoses or pillowball then exteriorly..new paintjob/the rattling windownoise and side mirror,scratches. Scratched panels, broken door handle, smelly old car, dim lights,hole on carpet on the interior side..and the list goes on .

A$23,000.00 for the car, another 5 grand to fix the engine and change some other worn parts...a total of almost A$2800-A$2900....Might as well buy a used s15 which is only about 3 or 4 years old with far lower milleage in the something thousand km range on the clock rather than my 115,000 km car, 13 years old (yep..it's a '92 japspec) with that annoying 'clunk', 'dunk','bunk' sounds everytime I drive.All sorts of sound. You name it, she got it.

But why did I even bother to buy the mind-burden car? I can't answer that either. The shape of the car(once the exterior's fixed). the uniqueness, the sound, the design..there's this unexplaind 'thing' reason that didnt make me regret buying it eventho people all around me basically said it's a '**** car'. Call me crazy but everytime I see her, my heart goes joy. I dont know what kind of 'joyness'. Joy of buying the car with my own money? Joy to finally own what I want so badly? Joy of the car itself? It's just unexplainable if you consider a car that's not 'joyable' to drive in terms of comfortness and of peace of mind.

In terms of reliablity...I'm 50/50 just like the weight distb. of the FD . The car runs fine so far after spending A$4000 for the engine (servicing,dyno,fix and replace worn parts,etc)...at least for a couple of weeks until I found out an oil leak that's supposedly fixed. But the car runs everytime i switched it on. No weird smoke nor hesitation watsoever.So my point is, even when you think you can save up to do another mods/repair, other problems that you didnt expect might happen which requires you to use the money you've been saving so far to get rid of that ****. Say like me, I thought I can have some savings for my living till June, but after ended up paying the A$4000 which I didnt expect to be that much, I'm flat broke. I used all my money on the car. Who knows next time my engine blows and I get to the point where I wont have the cash to fix it.

A good advise which I'm sure others will agree is to use the FD as a 2nd car. So just incase my FD's F*d, i still have the other reliable car.Better, comfier and doesnt make my heart pound all the way of any insecurities that the car would break down.

If you've realize and the consequence of owning an FD as what others have said here and willing to go for it, then go ahead.

If you think FD is your way of life...why not

Yans

 

Death trap dude.

 

If you are really thinking about putting an FD on the track, you should read this thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/fd-road-racers-only-your-upgrades-your-rationale-136678/

 

Thats actually part of the plan. When I said "training" I meant both karting and in our own cars. I was considering an fc as well, but the fd is my dream car, and I believe I can afford it, although the fc is not out of the question. How does it compare to the fd handling wise? I had a ride in one and it felt quite a bit more soft suspension wise, but then again the 7 I tested was an r2...

 

Thanks Mahjik, I appreciate the link

 

Stock for stock, the FD has a wider track and better suspension geometry (FC has macpherson strut, while the FD has double-wishbone, I believe? Search the suspension section, Damon B and howard coleman know a lot, and there are plenty of others whose screennames I can't remember right now). If you're going to be modifying them both, the FC can be very fast also, there's a guy Carl Byck on these forums with a very nicely modded FC, and if you know much about autocross, ask around about Steve O'Blenes' old FC, the yellow & red one that won BP a few years ago.

The first-gens have their own spec-racing class, which makes them pretty desireable in my book.

-s-

 

is the flyin miata 230 rwhp?