Lexus_Rolla

I currently own a Honda Prelude. It isn't that I don't love my 'Lude, but I love the RX-7. Originally I was going to get a while '86 RX-7 but my mom was like "It's to fast you'll kill yourself." I still want one, but at the same time, I don't want the hassel of selling my car, finding the perfect RX-7 out there for me, buying it, getting insurance, title, plates, etc etc etc. Not to mention if anything breaks on it. Keep in mind I'm not a mechanic at all. I'm more of a computer mechanic. But anyways, should anything happen to my Prelude, you can bet the farm that I'll be scouring the paper for a 2nd gen RX-7. I'm looking for information such as which year the majority of people here prefer. I'd like to go for 88-91 but no convertibles. Strictly fast back model. Also, how much am I going to be paying for the turbo model. I want the turbo model most, just because it is incredibly sexy and powerful. And is the car difficult to fix? I've heard that with only 3 moving parts it isn't to hard, but at the same time I know nothing, and you know everything. So things like prices, what's good milege, things to look for when purchasing, etc etc etc. I checked the FAQ, mountain of golden info right there but I haven't finished it yet. Thanks for the info gentlemen.

Dan H

You have to know what you're getting into. For the most part, NA's are reliable. Just make sure you get one with a strong motor. The main problems you'll be dealing with is electrical problems (these are ~15 year old cars.) Otherwise they are reliable, but NOT Honda reliable. RX7's are very dependent on frequent maintenance. Gas mileage isn't great either.

A TII would be more of a hassle if you're not familar with the mechanics of one. I'm just a little worried. If something happens to your Prelude and you sell it, will you do the same with the RX7?

razorback

i just bought mine last week. it is an 87 turbo 2 with a bridgeported j-spec 89 motor and turbo. i paid 2900.00 and the motor has 4k miles on it.

this is what it sounds like:

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/attach...postid=2062984

and what it looks like:



you just have to take care of it.

Lexus_Rolla

Well when I say that, I mean if something incredibly bad happened, such as if I were to spin a bearing a throw a rod. I wouldn't be selling it for very much, or I might not at all. The thing is, I wouldn't mind learning some mechanics, but I've never bought a repair manual for my Prelude. Of course, I've only had 1 problem out of it thus far. I figure if I was to get an RX-7 it would be worth it in the long run to get some tools and a repair manual, and learn some stuff. Not to mention since the car has been discontinued parts + labor would be insane in terms of pricing. I woudln't be paying much for the car. I could see paying maybe 7,000 if it were in immaculate condition. I definatley wouldn't mind paying that. I don't think I would sell it, but at the same time, your question has given me something to think about, which is a good thing.

Lexus_Rolla

Linky no worky. And that car is gorgeous. Conratulations on the wonderful find.

Dan H

I'd say think it over or give it some time. Read up on the usual RX7 problems. Be careful when choosing your 7. Get a Haynes manual and you can d/l the FSM off of Team FC3S site. There are a lot of good and beat up RX7's out there.

The rewards of owning a 7 is worth the occasional problems (in my opinion.) Nothing else handles quite well for its price and even NA's have some decent scoot. Nothing like a rotary engine as well (words can't describe.) TII's are also an incredible bang for buck if you want power.

86Rotary

I would reccomend going for the turbo - mine is an 86 NA and I have kinda been kicking myself for not getting a later model with turbo. I paid $2,500 for mine with 180,000 miles and 20k on the engine.

yearrgh

Hehe, we don't have rods .

To be honest, I'd keep the prelude if you plan on buying a TII, unless you have a car to borrow until you fix it when it breaks. Sadly, it WILL break. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth it. I wouldn't have spent 6k dollars fixing it over the last year if it wasn't worth it.

As for how much, depending on the area, I've recently seen S5 TII's with low mileage go for as much as $8000-$9000.

rotary>piston

Rotary power, all I can say is meh. It's nothing special.
Personally, I'll stick with pistons.

Ronac

nice name

liquidferrum

great cars, not that hard to work on, and what you cannot find in the haynes manual or the FSM, you can ask here, people are very supportive

n4ji

iTrader: (1)

Razorback... what's up with your rear wheels? the pattern looks like it's reverse of the front. Are they on the right way???

razorback

i never noticed that. im getting new front tires and new brake rotors so i will get them fixed then. i will have to check the other side as well. it does look odd.

introVert

Everybody gets those directionals on wrong.

razorback

damn it. now its bugging me. lol

ViperKillerWannabe

Yeah, just swap the rear wheels and it'll be fine.

razorback

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=215251

this link should work. vote in my poll too

Josepi

Expect to pay more for a s5 TII (89-91). Insurance will depend on coverage and your driving history/age.

IMHO, pick up a 87-88 TII and mod the living hell out of it.

aznpoopy

rx7 is a great car! but it takes alot of care. also if you've never driven RWD before, and it is going to be your daily driver then i wouldn't suggest getting one so close to winter. well, actually i dont know where ur located so it might not matter.

it might be a bit of a pain for you to maintain. if ur looking for a rwd with less maintenance hassles, u might consider an old 240sx. an fc is like a love born of labor imo. ^.^