Hello everybody. I am 18 years old and was given the opportunity to have an rx7 as my fist real car, it is a 1985, and it is great condition, only 80k miles.

I have a few questions regarding whether or not I should get this car to use as my daily driver.

-Compared to other cars, how much work will need to be routinely done to it?
-Are rotary engines reliable? I am sort of confused on why they even have rotary engines (What are the pros and cons?)
-Hows the gas mileage?
-Are there any major problems with the 1985 rx7 that I should know about?
-Just all around as a whole, is it a good car to own, or is it more trouble than its worth?

-thanks

 

Bump

 

the car is 27 years old..yes it will need upkeep and maintenance.You keep that up it is reliable.
Gas mileage is like a F150...BUT the car is more fun to drive that a Freakin Ford Cattle truck!
..and think of it this way: with a Truck you pick up Fat Chicks,because you have Room..
This car doesn't have any room..(so no Fat chicks allowed!)

 

Lol, nicely put.

 

The first gens are great cars. They need their oil checked regularly(they use it in combustion in case you werent aware), they get ok gas mileage not good or great but decent, and as misterstyx69 said as long as you keep a check on all fluids and change the oil they can be very reliable cars.

 

I intentionally slowed down driving my 91 vert about 12 years ago in order to save it for my grandson when he reached 16-18. Unfortunately, because of a few problems with the car at the time, I STOPPED driving the car a few times which has caused numerous problems that I am now trying to take care of.

My grandson got his license a few months ago, but the car is not ready. Even if it were ready another big factor is insurance. Maybe it has changed now that the car is over 20 years old, but even about 8 years ago when I was on the road for a little while, some parts of the insurance was more expensive than a 2001 PT Cruiser.

We've delayed the exchange until college. Just wondering if you checked on what the your insurance would be compared to a car that does not go zoom zoom zoom?

 

We haven't checked on the insurance yet. I was expecting, and hopeing, that it wouldnt be to high becuase the car is so old.

 

Rear wheel drive and fun. Great first car...

 

mine is my daily had has been for almost two years now.

 

get a job!! if u dont have one ur gonna need it!! and prepare to become obsessed!! dont listen to most ppls advice bc its a rotary not a v6 or v8.. this fourm will guide u along your journey go be happy and thank the rotory gods for u have now been chosen!:P lol

 

Lol, yeah I got a job, and I'm prepared to spend money on my RX7. I can't wait to get it!

 

I have owned 14 cars (by choice) since i was 18 and im only 24. I have worked on cars since i was 10 years old my father built british sports cars and american muscle cars so ive worked on alot of ****. I owned a 4.0 straight six jeep and although damn reliable i traded it for my 1985 gsl-se. It only had 93'000 on it when i got it a little over a year ago and it now has 124'000 on it. I live in the country but grew up in the city i drive to college 50 miles each way 3 times a week so 300 miles a week or 1200 miles a month (mother of god) but i enjoy the drive every time i get in the 7 (even without a/c). It has been very reliable and has never let me down and has been many a nightmare for the v-tec's along the way.

 

Oh yeah and dont let your buddy's hate on your car cuz its a rotary and they have a piston puncher because you will get more respect and head turns and looks from a first gen then any other 7 out there because they are a classic in every since of the word. The facts speak for themselves drive down the street and count the 7's you see then count the mustangs and honda's enough said.

 

Please excuse my "noobie-ness" here, but what do you mean when you say "and has been many a nightmare for the v-tec's along the way" Also, I just worry that since the car is pretty old, and it is unique, that when I have problems, the mechanic I know won't be able to help me. I have very little car experience myself.

 

Congrats

 

Thanks?

 

Gsl-se?

 

"if you don't have a job, you're gonna need it" Seriously. You really have to love these cars or it seems you'll end up with a dead one in no-time at all. Not because they're bad but they've all been rode hard and rotaries need good care.

 

so I've heard lol. I do have a job, and I am more than willing to put money into my car. BUT, are we talking about an endless money pit?

 

It will accept any money you wanna throw at it. Its not the maintenance thats going to kill you on cash its the constant thoughts of the endless possibilities you can do with your car if you just buy that last part...its never the last part.

 

Well, I hadn't really planned on modding it much, I'm just keeping it stock.

 

if ur satisfied stock then it wont be so bad.. take care of it and it will take care of you! but I expect a build thread within two years or so!! you will want more and more!! oh and prepare to learn a bit about mechanics its just the 7 way! but its totally worth every penny and ounce of blood and sweat.. ppl who know what it is will chase after you flag u down and talk for hours!! unlike camaro or mustang these cars draw lots of attention!!

 

Haha, well the thing is, is that I'm not really -satisfied- with stock, as much as I just have no knowledge of mechanics, so I have no idea what to do to it.

 

you will learn hang around if u need help and cant find what ur looking for in the forms just ask!! get a haynes Manuel keep it in the car! lol u never know.. also post some pixs of tht gem!!

 

I'll put up the pics when I get it tonight or tomorrow. I'm so excited!