Thinking of going from RX8 to RX7
 

Hello, I'm from the Tampa Bay area. I have a 2007 RX8. I bought it as my dual purpose autocross / commuting car, and have been very happy with it. It is a dominant autocross car, really in its element. It's a decent everyday car too, except for the gas mileage.

I've been thinking of selling it, and buying a FC RX7 Turbo II as well as a Mazda3 for my everyday needs. I plan to spend about $4K on the RX7. Is this a realistic amount of money to spend on this type of RX7? I only require a good engine and good suspension. I don't care much about the looks of the car.

I'm still on the fence on this idea, but hopefully you guys can lend me your wisdom.

I had a Mazda3 and an RX-7 Turbo at the same time.

Now I just have an RX-8. What does that tell you?

You ran out of money? :lol:

Ha!

No, I just went through a cycle of revolving Mazda's for a couple years. I actually had the TII, a Miata, and a 626 Turbo all at once. Sold everything!

Actually, I do have an RX-7 still. Just an 'economical' '84.

That's pretty ironic, djmtsu.

I still wonder, though. is it realistic to expect to pay $4k for the type of RX7 I described? Is the rotary in that car any more or less reliable than the one in my RX8? Is the turbo version less reliable than the NA version?

Looking through craigslist I have seen tons of FC RX7s - almost all of them either convertible or NA. I simply would not buy a convertible or anything with an automatic transmission. I could be tempted to get a NA perhaps.

It's funny. I look at a lot of FC RX7s and 240sx's on craigslist. A large percentage of them do not have functional engines. I don't blame the cars though. I blame their owners.

You missed out on the TII that was in Kentucky for sale last week. Lasted like 3 days, for $1500 it was a smoking deal.

NA engines will outlive Turbo engines, and are more reliable. 12a's in first gens last damn near forever, but you want a second gen. Try to find an 89-91 NA.

1st Gen cars are super fun and easier to deal with. But once you drive a 2nd Gen TII you will understand what it's all about. They are amazing cars. The handling, styling are incredible. I also feel that and S5 (series 5, 89-91) is your best bet. Turbo is better, but more expensive, etc. NA will be cheaper and last longer.

If you can find a good condition TII in your price range expect to spend a bit more on it getting it tip-top, they're getting up there in years so it'll need some loving. As for performance, you're RX-8 will most likely smoke the TII in auto-x, it just has superior suspension geometry.