Reliable Gen 2 RX-7?

[the_mad_scientist]

I've spent the greater part of the last hour searching for information on the Gen 2 Rx-7's, but I haven't really seen my questions answered yet.

I drive a '90 Honda Accord..a beater. I hate it. I can only keep it running for maybe two weeks at a time. This is one reason I want to sell it and buy an RX-7. I've been looking through AutoTrader magazine for a few weeks now (as well as the website) for an fc. I found one just yesterday that I thought would be reliable. It's an '86 GLX 5spd, N/A with 100k, only 15k since rebuild for $1600.

The big issue I'm looking at is reliability. I'm going to graduate high school in about a month, and soon after I'll be moving. After I move, I'll have neither the time, the money, nor the tools/shop to work on it, and I really don't like getting overcharged by a mechanic for what I can do myself. Granted, I've never owned a rotary before, but I like to think that if need be, I could fix it.

I haven't looked at the car nor have I test-driven it. The only thing I know about it is what I've seen in the ad. If anyone could help me out on this, I'd appreciate it.

P.S. I have a '90 Honda Accord EX for sale :P

[NoXferCase]

Originally Posted by the_mad_scientist

The big issue I'm looking at is reliability. I'm going to graduate high school in about a month, and soon after I'll be moving. After I move, I'll have neither the time, the money, nor the tools/shop to work on it, and I really don't like getting overcharged by a mechanic for what I can do myself. Granted, I've never owned a rotary before, but I like to think that if need be, I could fix it.

Let me start by saying I that I am a big fan of the rotary engine. I currently own 2 2nd gens. An '86 GTU and a '90 convertible.

IF... the engine is in good shape, it is extremely reliable. The big word over there is "if". There's nothing any of us here can do to guarantee you that is the case. You have to know who you're buying from or know someone who can check the car out for you.

And like everything else, the rotary has its "cons"...

You absolutely must NOT overheat a rotary. That means keep the cooling system in good shape, and if the temperature gauge EVER starts to climb on you shut it off NOW! I don't care if the gas station is 1/4 mile up the road.

There are a few little "quirks" like starting the car, moving it into the street, shutting it off, washing it, and then it won't start. You need to learn about these and the best place I know of is http://members.ij.net/mrmazda/cfaqmenu.html

A good car will last you for years and they are a blast to drive! Stuff like water pumps, plugs, and routine maintenance are just like a regular car.

The bottom line is, I would recommend an RX-7 to you. What I can't do is recommend the particular one you're looking at. Only because I don't know it. There are quite a few cars out there. If you're not sure about one for any reason, I'd say keep looking.

[the_mad_scientist]

Awesome. That's just what I need to know. Thanks for your help

[Soyo]

I'll sell you my 91 non-turbo for $1k needs a new front bumper and driver side front fender, and it will need tires sometime soon probably too... just turned over 106k miles last night, just put in a stage 1 clutch in late january, the clutch is the only thing that went out since I bought it in november so its a sound car. e-mail me if your interested [email protected]

[HighwayRacer]

reliable rx7?? is that an oxymoron?

[turboii87rx7]

Originally Posted by HighwayRacer

reliable rx7?? is that an oxymoron?

Not at all. An RX7 can last just as long as any car out there.... As long as you take the right care of it. The rx7 is very tempermental (sp), so REGULAR maintenance is a MUST. And like what was said above, you cant take any chances when it comes to oil levels/coolant levels. I know of a bunch of people w/ rx7s well over 200k and have never had their engine rebuilt. It is all in how well you take care of your car. Due to the laziness of some people, rx7s have gotten their bad reputation, but as long as you care for your car, it will last you a very long time. And when it finally does die, a rebuild is lot easier to do than with a piston engine. Theres my 2cents.

[Soyo]

yea, the non-turbos will last to the upper 200k miles easily with just basic maintenance, although the turbo will usually need a rebuild into the low to mid 100k mile range, but can be very reliable too if taken care of