Just entering the world of the Rx7 Series 3!!!

[Brewster]

Hey guys and gals (if there are any), as you can see by my number of posts, I am new here. I am 22 and thinking of purchasing an Rx7 series 3 in a few years, after a promising insurance quote. I have always loved the cars, but never ever thought I would be able to insure one untill I was 50! lol As such I dont know much about them. Any further than I know what they look like and the fact that they dont use a conventional engine and I'm lost. So I am here to plead with you, to tell me anything and everything you think a novice, thinking to buy into the world of the Rx7, should know. Like: Common problems
Fuel Consumption
Cost of parts
Servicing
Performance (Ofcourse)

I would really appreciate anything you could tell me about this elusive supercar as its taken me a few weeks to find anything at all about the Rx7, let alone a forum.

Thanks very much. Most apprecaited!

(By the looks of the member list and frequency of posts, I wont expect a reply too soon)

[Glenn Butcher]

Hello Brewster! and welcome... (hope my reply isn't too soon? ;) )

Just to confirm, the Series 3 RX-7 is an older model (late 80's) I think you mean the 3rd generation RX-7? - from 1992 onwards.

The RX-7 is probably one of the best value for money production cars available. It is a supercar, it has one of the best suspension/chassis/braking systems of any car to date.

Mazda have now stopped making the RX-7 in Japan (just August 2002) as they are now preparing to start producing the RX-8.

The RX-7 could be purchased in the UK from 1992 to 1996 I believe. There were only around 140 official RX-7's sold in the UK (probably due to price). But now there are many RX-7's available from importers, you can even have one hand picked from Japan for you. (They have been made in Japan from 1992 - Aug 2002).

You can purchase a decent one here from around £7,000-£15,000 (and even new ones still at one or two locations in the UK - around £25,000 however). Cheaper cars are available, some as low as £4,000.


Common problems:
The rotary can be a delicate but awesome engine. One of the main problems is that people start modifying them without knowing the knock-on effects. For example, changing the exhaust to a more free-flowing system without ensuring that the engine is running rich enough/and there is no boost spike can very easily cause apex seal failure (which basically means an engine rebuild - expensive).

One of your best bets to purchasing an RX-7 is to get a standard one, one that hasn't been tinkered with (unless by someone who knows what they are doing :) )

Fuel consumption is heavy on the twin turbo rotary, but performance is also equal/better than Porches and other top of the line Sports Cars - afterall it IS a genuine "Sports car".

Parts can be expensive like most Japanese cars, service isn't too bad as long as the engine is in good condition to start with.

Expect the engine to last around 50,000-60,000 miles before needing a refresh. But if you start modifying you will reduce the life of the engine - just like any car.

Some important points with the rotary engine are:

* Ensure the oil and oil filter is changed every 3,000 miles
* Never ever run it low on oil - not even once!
* Always warm the engine fully before giving it the boot, remember that oil takes a lot longer to warm up than water - so the temp. gauge does not always say "boot it!" :) give it a good 10-15 mins. of running before you give the engine a hard time.
* Always cool the engine down, by letting it idle for a good 5 mins (the oil will cool the turbo's etc.)
* You should always take it to the redline once, to clear out carbon build-up in the engine.
...

As for performance, depending on the car you get (UK or Japanese) performance does vary slightly. 0-60mph is around 5.5 seconds, and top speed is 155mph+

Can be a handfull in the wet, being rear wheel drive.

It is basically a circuit race car for the road.

I'm sure others will have more to add, and if you would like any further info. just reply (I can supply you with Import Company contacts, Servicing and Repair companies in the UK).

Hope this helps!

[Brewster]

Thankyou very much, for your help, it is greatly appreciated. Just one or two things I would like to clear up. Yes, I did mean the Rx7 third generation. What do you mean by "Expect the engine to last around 50,000-60,000 miles before needing a refresh"! - What do you mean by a refresh!? - Aas I said, I'm not ready to buy yet, but definately in a few years, but untill then, I would like to become a regular member here and keep up with whats going on!

Once again, thankyou for your help.

[Glenn Butcher]

3rd is one of the best looking cars ever made I think! :)

As for the 50,000-60,000 mile refresh - it is basically a rebuild of the engine.

Though they may last longer, this is probably the average life of the twin turbo engine.

No - problems at all.

[richrx]

hey brewster, do you have any information on importing an rx-7, prices etc. The car im interested in importeing is a 94-95 type rz 2. Thats the rz with bbs wheels, cheers.

[Brewster]

I know the model you mean, its quite possibly my favourite, but I'm a beginner like you, so dont know anything about how to source imports. Gbuthcher, the guy who was helping me, mentioned he knew a few places though, try him!

[t2rew]

hey brewster, why not cut your teeth on an earlier model. this would be cheaper to buy and teach you all about owning a rotary before taking the plunge onto the ultamate super car.

as it happens ive got a turbo II for sale and its only £3000 :)

[Brewster]

Thanks for the offer, but no thank you! I want the Third generation, for a reason, that reason being I love the shape! - Sorry to say I dont really like the shape of any of the earlier models!

[richrx]

brewster, thats wot i thought at first but when you start to like the rotary even the n/a takes your fance:D

[Brewster]

No thanks, again. I want the Third generation and nothing else. I personally think the Third generation is a timeless design, whereas the earlier models, now look terible, in my opinion. Sorry if I offend anyone.

[Fish]

Brewster, glad to see you found your way over here.... ;)

Dan

[Brewster]

Hey Dan (Fish) is that Danny Fisher from Scoobynet!? - What do you own, Scooby or Rx7!?

[Fish]

Brew, I own one of each. :D

Dan

[Brewster]

Dan, you are one Lucky sod! Dont suppose you have MSN messenger by any chance, so we can talk properly!? - E-mail me with your answer!

Thanks
Brewster (Lewis)