Good day, everyone. As you can probably tell, I'm new to the site. I'm not a current FD owner, but I would like to be in the next year or so. I'm doing some research right now to make sure that my desire for an RX-7 is realistic at this point.

I am currently the owner of a 96 Probe GT, which most people consider to be a fairly unreliable car. However, I've owned this car for 5 years now and have never had a major problem with it. It has been a fun car, but I'm looking to upgrade to something better. To me, the FD is a logical choice, since it is stylistically similar, but much better performance-wise.

If I purchase an RX-7, it will be my primary means of transportation. It would be my daily driver. I only drive about 5 miles to and from work. This car would also act as a weekend toy, taking an occasional spirited drive on a twisty back road. I don't really have any plans for major mods while this is my only car, and trips to the drag strip are pretty unlikely, but not completely ruled out (I'm not really a drag racer). I would have access to another car if the need should arise, but this would be the only car I owned at the time.

So, I guess my question is if I buy an RX-7 that is in good shape, keep religiously to the scheduled maintenance, perform the basic reliability mods as suggested on this forum, and otherwise take car of the car in a close to stock form, would an RX-7 be a reliable daily driver? I understand that every car has its occasional problems, but I don't want to be without my car all the time.

Thanks for your time

 

yes.

and do search as many have asked the same q.

 

Definitely.

I have had mine for two years now and it hasn't left me stranded or had one major problem. It has never been down for more than a couple days.

 

My FD wasn't the best daily driver: It's uncomfortable, it smells, it's LOUD, it gets HORRIBLE gas mileage, no one will work on the car, parts will constantly be replaced due to it's age, you're ALWAYS going to want to modify it a bit more.

Would i sell it for something a bit more reliable? Nope

 

Yep, I have been daily driving mine now that my FC needs a little help. No issues and hasn't left me on the side of the road.

Edit: I get about 20-24mpg per tank, so its not too bad... Of course once I enter boost for extended periods of time.. say goodbye to that score.

 

I drove my FD for a year before I bought my second daily driver. That time included the extremely hot summer we have here in Las Vegas. I never had a major problem the whole time. I guess that's somewhat proof that it can be done, although I wouldn't recommend it as a daily driver for other resaons (gas mileage etc.) If you keep up the maintenance and make sure you buy a strong motor to begin with (i.e. not in need of a rebuild) its possible. That's my opinion.

-Scott

 

Yes, it can be done, I've known an FD owner who has been DD his FD for the past three years with no major problems. Just keep up Maintenance and keep it as close to stock form and you will be fine.

 

200,000+ Miles and counting. Yup, good daily driver.

 

Heh, that's a VERY optimistic number. Most people get 17mpg if they're lucky in easy daily driving mode.

You need to run a search for 'reliable daily' and see what you get. The bottom line is that everyone's experience with reliability is different, but that it's much more expensive on average than any other car at this purchase price.

Dave

 

This is a weekly (or more) topic, please search and use the FAQ before posting general questions.

The FD is not a good daily driver, for what I think would be obvious reasons. For a 5-mile commute, get a cheap *** beater. Thread closed.