In love with the RX7!

[laughing]

Hi guys looking to buy a sports car, and i\'m falling for the 7!!
 
I use to own an RX-8 just over a year ago (see below), but sold that to buy my first house.
 
Since owning the 8 i admire the rotary engine for its smoothness and uniqueness! but i do see the labour of love side of things being a member of the RX8ownersclub.co.uk.
 
Just a couple of fact finding questions about the 7 before i commit myself:
 
1. is it true that the engines need to be rebuilt every 40k- 60k? (with the RX-8 they reckon it doesnt need a rebuild.... but quite a few people have had problems)
 
2. What is the average price for a rebuild? and what does a rebuild consist of?
 
3.What are the main points to look out for when buying one?
 
I was thinking of of buying a very cheap 7 and spending the rest of my budget on a rebuild. hoping that would be the better option rather than buying a middle of the row car.
 
sorry for the questions
 
thanks in advance for any help!!!
 
Cheers
 
Chris
 
P.S how do you attach an image? (i;m not on photobucket)
 
 

[CharlieP]

Hi
 1. Depends on how the engine is looked after, and how well it\'s mapped. Some last 100k, some only 20k!
2. Average rebuild 2000-6000 depending on how much you replace...dont forget most are old cars so even basic wiring is on its way out.
3. Main points- check both turbos are working, often service intervals,umm probably a few more....I\'m still learning!
 
I\'ve got one for sale!

[laughing]

how much?... my budget isn\'t big hence buying one that would need a rebuild.
 
Cheers
 
Chris

[neil_jdmr]

In my personal experience buying a well cared for one with a warrantied rebuild by a reputable builder with all the reliability mods already done is worth the extra money.
 
a tired car that needs a rebuild will likely need more than just a 5k rebuild.

[dthebuk]

these days you can pick up freshly re built ie, less than 5k miles on the engine, for 5-6 k. Much more with it imo. Though if you rebuild yourself, you have the advantage of knowing exactly what has been done in your engine bay

[CharlieP]

how much?... my budget isn\'t big hence buying one that would need a rebuild.
 
Cheers
 
Chris

Not much, it\'s had a rebuild, but unfortuantely the reciept didnt quote mileage at the time :Hammer
 I\'d like £2800 for it, it\'s pretty much standard, except from filters, 17" wheels, and tein lowered suspension. Are you far from kent?
The one in the picture...only it\'s got the standard rear spoiler now..not the wing

[laughing]

In my personal experience buying a well cared for one with a warrantied rebuild by a reputable builder with all the reliability mods already done is worth the extra money.
 
a tired car that needs a rebuild will likely need more than just a 5k rebuild.

I do see the logic in paying that bit extra for a car that has been well cared for, but my buget wont go as far as £5k not even £4k. So was thinking of going for a cheaper car then spending some money on a rebuild.
 
Is a DIY rebuild hard to do?
 
CharlieP- I am tempted, but before i could even consider i would want to look around a bit longer and do more research.
 
Have you had a compression test done?
 
Cheers
 
Chris
 
P.s how do you upload attachments for pictures?

[col_fd3s]

should buy mine chap lol
 
comp test done yesterday, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 on the back 7.4, 7.4, 7.5 on the front

[laughing]

Cheers guys, its all in the air at the mo. was thinking about an Mr2 which in terms of insuring, mpg and buying, would be the same as the rx7. but i think reliability and cost of repair would be better than the 7. for £4k i could get a decent Mr2 but a below average Rx7 that may need work.
 
I don\'t have a lot of money, so my head says mr2... but my heart is doing flips for the 7 :InLove. i think i\'ll only be doing about 6-8k miles a year, so reliabilty may not be an issue.
 
I have no idea what to do. :2Mad
 
Cheers
 
Chris

[logicalChimp]

hmmm - as has been pointed out, buying an el cheapo car will probably need more than jus the engine rebuilding.  

When I got my first \'7, i took the same approach.  Ended up needing 9k of work (inc. 6k rebuild) because of bad wiring, bad suspension, bad brakes, worn interior, etc.

If you can stand it, wait for the mo, keep saving, then get one that has the trickier bits fixed (esp suspension bushes / pillowballs) - so much better value for money, not to mention less hassle etc

[trotter]

Cheers guys, its all in the air at the mo. was thinking about an Mr2 which in terms of insuring, mpg and buying, would be the same as the rx7. but i think reliability and cost of repair would be better than the 7. for £4k i could get a decent Mr2 but a below average Rx7 that may need work.
 
I don\'t have a lot of money, so my head says mr2... but my heart is doing flips for the 7 :InLove. i think i\'ll only be doing about 6-8k miles a year, so reliabilty may not be an issue.
 
I have no idea what to do. :2Mad
 
Cheers
 
Chris

If you don\'t mind me asking, what age are you? Depending on that, NCB and model the insurance could be VASTLY different. ie: standard 2.0 non-turbo MR2 vs. full-fat twin-turbo Rex....

Also, MPG is another thing altogether with Rexes, as a daily driver i average between 12-14 which i imagine is rather less than an MR2.

Not trying to put you off matey, you\'ll love it! but, it\'s an expensive business owning and running one of these ladies - mch like a regular lady in fact!

[brophy320]

Hey, just a note, i have just upgraded from mr2 up to a seven, i unfortunatly had an engine go within a week of getting one, i have experience with them both now and even with the issue with my seven the diffrence is still night and day, i loved my 2 but once i drove the seven my mind made up.  Does cost a lot more to run than an NA mr2.
Good luck with whichever you choose though.

[GhostWKD]

Am another who came from MR2\'s to a RX, wouldnt change back now at all
 
MR2 just felt cheap in comparison imo, still lovely cars though

[laughing]

Am another who came from MR2\'s to a RX, wouldnt change back now at all
 
MR2 just felt cheap in comparison imo, still lovely cars though

Thats the image i get of the MR2... not quite up to standard with the Rex. I had an Rx-8 before and that spent alot of my hard earned pennies. so i can imagine that the 7 is the same if not worse.
 

If you don\'t mind me asking, what age are you? Depending on that, NCB and model the insurance could be VASTLY different. ie: standard 2.0 non-turbo MR2 vs. full-fat twin-turbo Rex....
 
Also, MPG is another thing altogether with Rexes, as a daily driver i average between 12-14 which i imagine is rather less than an MR2.
 
Not trying to put you off matey, you\'ll love it! but, it\'s an expensive business owning and running one of these ladies - mch like a regular lady in fact!

I\'m 25 with 4 years NCB. i\'ve had a quote on a comparisson website for both cars (RX-7 twin turbo and MR2 turbo) both worked out about the same.
 
I\'d image that you may get up to 25mpg with the MR2, but tax would be cheaper for the rex. i live 5 miles away from work, and want to use the car for track days to nurburgring etc. so it\'ll be a second fun car more than anything.
 
i\'m thinking MR2 because i haven\'t got a vast amount of cash that could be needed for the 7... but i cant get away form it!!!! :Grrr
 
cheers for your thoughts guys, keep them coming!!
 
cheers
 
Chris

[CharlieP]

I\'ve had three rexs (two at the moment) and I cant get enough of them....wicked car....MR2...what are you thinking!? hehe