atlienkid

I'm currently leasing a 07 bmw 335i and I'm coming up on the end of the lease soon. I decided that paying for a expensive car just wasn't worth it so I've been looking for a fun but fairly cheap car(money wise, not saying the rx7 is a cheap car in any way) to replaced it with. I came across a 1993 rx7 that seem like a pretty good deal so i'm considering but wanted some advice/help before buying.
A little background:
The rx7 and supra was one of my childhood dream cars and I still admire them to this day. Now since I have the chance to own one I really want to jump on this deal. I've been big on modding cars but now that I'm getting older I rather have something more reliable and just fun to drive. I'm actually a Honda technician and know my way around piston engines but have no clue when it comes to rotary engines. So here's my dilemma.
Background of the car:
Its a 1993 rx7 thats been sitting for 3 years. Apparently its been sitting so long that the inside of the gas tank is rusted. The person that worked on the car recently basically told me that he got it started but hasn't driven it yet. I believe he flushed the tank and replaced the fuel pump but still advised me that it'll probably need the tank replaced. From what I saw, the car is completely stock other than a hks intake. Other then that I have no other information about the car regarding the engine. The body is in good condition other then small cosmetic imperfections.
So here's where I need the help/advice:
A friend of mine that is pretty familiar with the FD pretty much told me to stay away so I'm taking his word on it for now but I would like to hear from you FD owners. Is there any possible way the car will run without a engine rebuild? If a rebuild is needed, is this something a normal technician can rebuild himself or do I need to take it to a rotary specialist? Any other problems I should be concerned about when a FD's been sitting so long?
Any help or info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Danny

farberio

iTrader: (7)

If the car runs it runs you might not need a rebuild, but you won't really know until you buy it and let it run for awhile, compression test it and whatnot. If it does need a rebuild you will be more then able to do it yourself. Furthermore, you will be amazed at how easy (and expensive) it is.

But since you are looking for a reliable car as a DD there is no way I would recommend picking up an FD.

canonize-ryda

do it. once u have one 7 u must have another... and another.... and so on. i bought my 86 for 1200(it had a brand new crate 13b in it) other than that it needed new paint and all and in the 3 years ive owned it ive never once regreted it. there definetly fun, has amazing grace and will turn heads left and right. not saying i havent replace a part here and there but it was well worth it.

atlienkid

Okay, I got a chance to drive the car yesterday. It runs fine on the road until you hit about 3k rpm's and it bogs like the fuel or ignition is being cut. I'm guessing its fuel related due to the gas tank being rusted out but could that also be a sign of needing a engine rebuild? What signs indicate that the engine needs to be rebuilt? I didn't notice any misfires at idle or anything which makes me believe that the compression should be fine but i'll have to do a compression test to be sure.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

I've never heard of an FD tank rusting.

There are many good FDs for sale that run and don't have problems. If you aren't the fix it yourself type of Joe that can do the research and understand how to diagnose and troubleshoot, buy a car that runs correctly to begin with. If you want a project that you'll have to spend time, money and aggravation to get to work right, then you might consider that car.

I'd find another.

By the way, read the buyer's guide in the 3rd gen FAQ thread before buying or going to look at an FD.