Hello! I have been a big fan of these cars for a while, and have at some point owned many of its contemporaries: Supra, 3000GT, Miata (kind of?).

I've decided to take the plunge and see if I could find an FD for myself, it's my dream car and I can possibly afford one at this point in my life.

Nice to meet this community!

STEP 1
dont buy an fd priced below 30k

unless youre handy or looking for a project, it seems the sub 30k cars all need some sort of something to be enjoyed properly. get a sorted car and enjoy life. once you start messing around in the engine bay, things can get out of hand REALLY fast

I appreciate that feedback!

I am looking to spend up to 45, that would need to be a really clean example though. I am battling being patient vs. wanting the car asap

I am handy, but don't have the tools or knowledge to pull motors or anything advanced like that. I can do most general maintenance myself though, and have the spare time for it.

My main goal is to get one that I can DD and do some basic mods, perhaps have a shop do a single turbo. I drive like 4-5k miles a year.

If you intend on it being your forever car then modding it would be great so long as you have a dedicated shop that knows what they're doing with an FD. If you ever intend on selling it, dont mod it should you find an all stock example. Your budget will get you a good car. All stock examples are appreciating aggressively and should you mod one, that appreciation can flat line.

If you have intentions to mod and one day resell, get one that's already somewhat modded so you dont have to worry about the value too much.

Perhaps the most rational approach would be to aim for an OEM+ approach? Keep things original where it makes sense, fix things with better parts where the originals have known issues.

For example, Silicone vacuum lines with Viton check valves, silicone radiator hoses and coolant lines. All-aluminum radiator and AST (Air Separation Tank), polyurethane bushings, R1 dual oil coolers, you get the idea. Parts that allow the remaining original stuff to perform at its best

Appreciate the insight.

I have been keeping an eye here, BaT, Autotrader for examples. If there are other good venues for sellers/buyers I appreciate any advice.

Welcome and all the best on the FD quest.

I'm unfamiliar with any Austin rotary shops. Have you considered a concurrent search for when you acquire the new rotary toy? I guess if nothing else, Houston is a not too distant alternative.

Welcome to the forum! Best of luck in your search for the perfect RX-7!!

Yeah I've been looking. I have no issue making a pilgrimage to Houston or Dallas every 6 months or so to get it tuned up.

I'm looking at a mildly modded clean 93. I'm hoping it will be good for 4-5k miles a year without to much drama. Some premix, treat it well when starting it up, and no insane boost should hopefully give me a reliable semi- DD!

Welcome to forum

Welcome aboard