Non-Porsche question about an RX-7-Would you?

[blue2000s]

I've owned 2 Rx-7s. I know these cars pretty well. The engines on the FD (3rd Gen) Rx is under alot of temperature and stress. They usually last for about 40-60,000 miles before heat takes it's toll on the vacuum hoses, rotor housings and apex seals. The 3rd engine may be about middle aged. They aren't expensive engines, but if you're not a diy'er, you'll have to find one of the rarest of rare automotive mechanics, the rotary engine specialist. Most mechanics won't touch a rotary engine, which is silly because they are soooo simple, but they are afraid of what they don't know.

160k is high mileage for these cars. The bodies are thin so they'll ding easily and the paint wasn't great. The interior plastics are fragile, lots of parts break here and there. If you get 20mpg, you're doing well and it will consume about a quart of oil every couple of thousand miles.

So those are the down sides. On the up side, it's a fantastic car to drive. They have very honest handling and steering. Very high limits, and a fantastic engine and transmission. The suspension is all adjustable aluminum double wishbones, beautiful.

$8k is too much for a car with that many miles and the third engine, even the R1, which is more desireable. It's a $6k car.

[desert_porsche]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

I've owned 2 Rx-7s. I know these cars pretty well. The engines on the FD (3rd Gen) Rx is under alot of temperature and stress. They usually last for about 40-60,000 miles before heat takes it's toll on the vacuum hoses, rotor housings and apex seals. The 3rd engine may be about middle aged. They aren't expensive engines, but if you're not a diy'er, you'll have to find one of the rarest of rare automotive mechanics, the rotary engine specialist. Most mechanics won't touch a rotary engine, which is silly because they are soooo simple, but they are afraid of what they don't know.

160k is high mileage for these cars. The bodies are thin so they'll ding easily and the paint wasn't great. The interior plastics are fragile, lots of parts break here and there. If you get 20mpg, you're doing well and it will consume about a quart of oil every couple of thousand miles.

So those are the down sides. On the up side, it's a fantastic car to drive. They have very honest handling and steering. Very high limits, and a fantastic engine and transmission. The suspension is all adjustable aluminum double wishbones, beautiful.

$8k is too much for a car with that many miles and the third engine, even the R1, which is more desireable. It's a $6k car.

All of this.

I had a friend buy the same RX-7 a few years ago with about 45,000 miles. He only got 5,000 miles out of it before it started leaking copious amounts of oil. He was not a DIYer and searched far and wide for a rotary engine mechanic to no avail. It has been sitting unused in his garage ever since.

I wouldn't touch an RX-7 with a 10-foot pole unless I had large amounts of time and disposable income. It's about the worst car I can think of to try to "flip" for profit

[jb92563]

I'd say buy the RX-7, get that novelty out of your system and when you find yourself wishing for the Boxster again, sell the RX-7, then take the money and UPGRADE to a Boxster S and never look back.

Its win-win that way, and there are always enough Boxsters for sale that you can wait and get what you want within a 6 month period or so.

[Melach22]

Just curious on what your decision was in this situation. As I read the posts here it seems to be a mix of advise. I've been looking for an Rx7 mainly but am considering the 01 Boxster as well. What did you decide and did you drive the Rx7? Comparison to the Boxster? Appreciate your thoughts on this.

[ProjectM96]

Originally Posted by Melach22

Just curious on what your decision was in this situation. As I read the posts here it seems to be a mix of advise. I've been looking for an Rx7 mainly but am considering the 01 Boxster as well. What did you decide and did you drive the Rx7? Comparison to the Boxster? Appreciate your thoughts on this.

Ummm. During my decision process, the RX-7's engine blew. So I stuck with the Boxster and forgot about getting an RX-7. The owner ended up selling it for $3000 to a kid who believed he can put in a new engine cheap. Some rotary shops in the area quoted $6000 parts and labor for a used engine.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Melach22

Just curious on what your decision was in this situation. As I read the posts here it seems to be a mix of advise. I've been looking for an Rx7 mainly but am considering the 01 Boxster as well. What did you decide and did you drive the Rx7? Comparison to the Boxster? Appreciate your thoughts on this.

I always wanted a 91+ RX7 from the time I 1st saw one but by the time I could afford a used one I was afraid of the reliability concerns. (transmissions & engine)
Boxster S made me forget about RX7s. Recently I was cruising in my Box S w/rebuilt engine & a man in his 40's was taunting me in his RX7tt w/blowoff valve. What happened next shocked & depressed that man.