My girlfriend is looking for a car and has decided that she likes the 2nd gen RX-7s. We have found a couple that are in good shape but have somewhat high milage (90,000+). How reliable is the rotary engine? I was reading that they were good for about 100k then they need rebuilt.

The specific car that we are looking at has been babied very nicely and my gf isn't too hard of a driver, but she does need reliable transportation.

 

spankenstein,

There's been several threads over in the 2nd gen section on this as well.

Basically here's a quick rundown for you:

The 2nd Gens rx-7s (aka FC3S) are divided into 1986-88 and 89-92. The 86-88's have a bit longer engine life and the 89-92s have a bit more horsepower and look more modern.

Basically here's a general breakdown of models for the 2nd gen's and the normal miles before an engine rebuild:

SE - 86-88 200K mile drivetrains
GXL (luxury model) 88-92 - 200-250K mile driventrains
GTU, GTUs, Sport (sport model) - 180-230K mile drivetrains
Convertible 86-92 - 200-250K mile drivetrains
Turbo II - 140-220K mile drivetrains (depending on year & mods)

Of course there are 300K mile rx-7s out there. It always depends on the shape the car's in and the previous owner.

1st rule of buying any rx-7 - get a compression test on the motor. They can be very reliable cars so long as they were taken care of by the previous owner.

Note rotary car's love to be revved and can take more dialy abusive driving than most piston engines

And yes, there are ALOT of women 2nd gen rx-7 drivers.

Any more questions check out the 2nd gen section on this site or email me - vaughnc@earthlink.net

A few pictures for you:

My personal 1992 FC3S Turbo II rx-7



A sweet GTU with aftermarket bodykit:




Some nice convertibles:



A very expensive body convesion / kit:


Another sweet bodykit:

 

Hope your starting to realize - this is more than a car it's a bit of an obsession

 

Wonderful information and a great reply. Love the pictures. I am thinking that this 91 with 91k on it might be a great buy for her.

I fully understand the obsession. I also feel that way about my focus. It's not a sports car... but it's not far off.

I've always loved the small Japanese sports cars. Rx-7s, 280ZX, 300ZX, etc... I tried to buy a 79 Rx-7 as my first car but couldn't come up with the money so i got a Ford Fairmont (ick .

I'm hoping that she decides she likes this car. It would be very nice having an Rx-7 in the family.

 

Great. Pop by the 2nd gen section on this site and let us know how it goes.

Can't stress the compression test enough. There are plenty of rx-7s out there, so if the engine's results are low look elsewhere. Note the adds often say "new engine," "recent rebuild," or "low engine miles."

That would be the one I'd get vs one with medium-low compression #s.

Sounds like you said it's in good shape now, so hopefully you'll get the body & soul in good shape