Elara,

if you have a chance to get a 95 rx-7 for 20k (hopefully the 5 speed) you are crazy not to get it. only 595 made.

while Montego Blue is one of the ugliest colors (often refered to as Montego Puke), the car itself is rare.

I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

 

Since it'sbeen sold anyway, before we were able to get it transferred, it's all a moot point. Not that we wouldn't have done it, but it would have been pretty stupid of us. If we could buy it outright, sure. But it would have eaten most of our savings, and we'd still have a monthly payment for a few years. And we'd have no way to get around if it snowed. And only one car that could be relied upon as a daily driver when we both need one.

And the Miata is definitely on the list, as a fun car- but that will be my second car in addition to whatever else I'm driving at the time. I've always wanted one, but we have to have at least one practical car that can be driven in all weather (yes, I know I can get snow tires- but I feel safer in something other than the 8 when it's nasty out). Maybe in our next house, when we have a three car garage

I still want an RX-7, but we need a little more knowledge about rotary engines, the time to make sure the car is cared for properly, and the money to do so. There is just no way we could justify this right now, cost, time, or otherwise- anyway, not fair to someone who could really appreciate and love the car for some newbie like me to get it. I'm kinda glad the decision was made for us, because otherwise, it'd be on it's way home with me.

 

Elara, I am sorry the 7 didn't work out for you. But, all these people just saying "go ahead and buy it because its a good deal." don't seem to understand that you seem to need some qualities from your second car that an FD wouldn't be able to deliver. For now you are probably better off without. But, there will be other deals available (maybe I will tell you first when my FD goes on the block).
As far as 13B-REW rotary newbieness (is that a word) goes, we were all newbs at one point. Just do your research, learn and try to do the right things with the car--and hopefully you won't blow up any engines J/K. Trust me, you would appreciate the car--you already appreciate the Rx8!

 

I know the feeling too believe me.

I went through it with the RX7 I have now.
Its not an FD, but its a Turbo II (FC). I know they dont have some of the issues that the FD has.

But if you take care of the car and do RELIABILITY mods than they make fine daily drivers.
Check out this link for info on buying a used FD and other great info.

Also go to rx7club.com for great info.

And remember this car was released with the intention of being a daily driver for many people. Its not some crazy exotic automobile (ok, well it is in a way) like a v12 ferrari.
There are many many many great rotary mechanics all around the USA. I know there are several where I live in FL. And there is a list of approved rotary mechaincs over at rx7club.com.

I say go for it, you dont get many oppurtunities like this

*edit* didnt read your post. Oh well dont worry about it.
There are lots of other cars out there that are just as fun.

 

Lawrence, you say that an FD can be a reliable daily driver, but the answer to that question in the Robinette link is "THESE CARS ARE NOT KNOWN FOR RELIABILITY and are absolutely scary in any amount of snow". It goes on to completely say the opposite of the assertion that the car makes a good daily driver.
Since the car performs as well as almost any of the exotics produced at the same time, I would say it is almost like owning a Ferrari. Only there are LESS qualified mechanics. You are lucky to be in FL where there are several and I am lucky to be within an hour and a half of two different shops I could trust. But there are not tons of mechanics that can fit the bill for the FD.

 

Yea I know there are not tons, but im pretty sure there is a good rotary tech in at least 48 of the 50 states.

And was also aware of what the link said.
That being said I know people who daily drive FDs.
One of my friends has a stock one---only realibility mods done to it.
And another has a 350rwhp FD that is DAILY driven (its his only car). These cars can be realiable and I hate the myth that people think its impossible.
FYI the last iterations of the RX7 in japan had all of the heating, ecu and turbo issues worked out. They are pretty darn reliable.

You have to take extra specail care that is all.


And like I said my 7 is daily driven and it makes a good amount of HP more than stock. Of course it doesnt have the complex twin turbos and the FCs had a better ECU. But if I could afford the initial cost of an FD its not as hard as people think to keep one running properly..

Haynes is your friend lover and lifetime partner with these cars.

 

I know people as well who daily drive them. I just don't think it is the norm, nor do I think it met Elara's needs (from what she said in her posts). I agree after reliability mods the car is a better daily driver, but even those mods are not cheap, nor are they anything close to guarantees. I would get a newer, cheaper car and get some furniture if I was her. There are good rotary techs in her state-Peter Farrell Supercars at least-but that doesn't mean they are close.
BTW, I would LOVE to get my hands on a Japanese later model Rx7. They are far superior cars to the ones that were imported. Just not a very easy car to make street legal here.

 

I use to own a 1993 Montego Blue Automatic; it was my daily driver and I took it to college with me as a freshman and sophomore. I had added downpipe and intake which is good for 20HP easy on those turbo charged cars. I ran mid 14s all day before the mods (and thats with the auto). I never really had any problems out of it--it had 80,000 mile on the odo when I lost it in Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. The major reliability mods are replacing the vacuume hoses, downpipe, and a larger radiator. Heat is the 3rd gens arch enemy--also a turbo timer is a good idea.