Hey all,

I will be buying myself an RX7 in the near future and I just want some advice like what to look out for. Ideally I'd like a Pure White Type R with little to no mods so I just want to know if there is anything I should ask when buying one etc.

1. When does the engine need rebuilding?
2. Any good insurance companies out there?
3. Any other advice you want to offer...

Many thanks.

 

1. In terms of lifespan, it depends greatly on what type of RX-7 and what has been done to it. Basically, the more boost (if any) the shorter the engine life. In terms of diagnostics, if the engine has good compression and the coolant seals are not leaking it's good.

2. I'd ask in the European/UK subforum about that. This forum is heavy with US readers, so this thread might not get read by anyone on your side of the pond. Hopefully I'll be proven wrong.

3. Read the FAQ for info on the RX-7 you're interested in. I'm a 3rd Gen guy and unless a "Type R" is an overseas designation for a 1st or 2nd Gen, it's not making sense to me. You can find info on 3rd gen model types here: http://www.turborx7.com/efinirx7.htm

IMHO, the model types don't mean a whole lot unless you're going to keep it all stock and sorta collectible. Aside from sunroofs and body color, you can easily trade out parts from the various trim packages sometimes more easily than trying to find the exact model with features you want.

If it's a 3rd Gen you're after, take great care. It's very expensive to fix a lot of things and there are many things that like to break. If you're importing a car that you can't inspect prior to shipment you need to have protection against receiving a lemon. There are a lot of 3rd Gens on the used market that have major unfixed problems, and there are enough buyers out there who can't recognize them that lemons get bought and sold regularly. It's painful to watch; try not to be part of it.

Dave

 

wrong thread sorry

 

whats the normal lifespan on a gen 3 if it hasnt really been abused and maintained properly for the most part?

 

Define lifespan. You can keep rebuilding engines and replacing stuff almost endlessly.

If by lifespan you mean nothing other than oil changes and gas, they're all dead.