rx7 running costs?
Discussion
I owned an FD RX7 a few years ago, and in all honesty, it was the most 'complete' car I've ever driven. By that, I mean it was fantastic in every way 'out of the box', with no real modifications needed. It handled absolutely fantastically with great steering feel, the power was brutal (I owned a JDM type-r), and the standard brakes were some of the best I've ever experienced.
It was amazing in every way except one....the fuel economy. I drove mine hard admittedly (it was a second car), but I rarely left single MPG figures. I sometimes dream about getting another mint example, but with fuel the way it is, I just can't justify it.
My advice is this: if you can stomach the MPG, do it and do it soon, before they're priced off the road. We won't see cars like this again, and believe me, that's a bloody shame.
It was amazing in every way except one....the fuel economy. I drove mine hard admittedly (it was a second car), but I rarely left single MPG figures. I sometimes dream about getting another mint example, but with fuel the way it is, I just can't justify it.
My advice is this: if you can stomach the MPG, do it and do it soon, before they're priced off the road. We won't see cars like this again, and believe me, that's a bloody shame.
Best car I've ever owned.
Very expensive to run, and very easy to get bitten by the modifying bug.
Sub 20mpg, slightly more if it's a single turbo, single figures when pushing it.
If I had the space for more than one car I would have another in a heartbeat.
ETA. Your profile says you've had one already?
Very expensive to run, and very easy to get bitten by the modifying bug.
Sub 20mpg, slightly more if it's a single turbo, single figures when pushing it.
If I had the space for more than one car I would have another in a heartbeat.
ETA. Your profile says you've had one already?
Edited by cocopop on Thursday 12th April 11:54
thanks for your reply's. my old man used to own one years ago.(using his name) just trying to get as much info as i can..from the reply's they seem a really good fun car. i do abit of comutting so plan is to get another car. a cheap runaround.phoned insurance up who im insured with at the moment. came back £1000. so i rang classic line up.obviously i have to have another car and came back with £450 sounds really good. and there cheap tax? only thing that scares me is engine?as someone said they can go whenever?
For the engine I'd recommend either buying one which has had a recent rebuild from a reputable dealer or alternatively buy one in the knowledge that depending how long you intend to keep it, at some point you will need to get it rebuilt. Third option is to buy one with a knackered engine for cheap and spend the money you've saved getting it rebuilt properly. It's more hassle but at least you'll know you should have many years of trouble free motoring.
Guvernator said:
I assume that you are also aware of some of the issues involved with running a rotary engine? If not I'd do some research. A rebuild of a rotary engine is usually a matter of when not if.
I'm at 50K miles and compression is still 7.0 +/0.1 on all rotors (new is 8.0, rebuild below 5.0).I see 18-21mpg.
rotarymazda said:
Guvernator said:
I assume that you are also aware of some of the issues involved with running a rotary engine? If not I'd do some research. A rebuild of a rotary engine is usually a matter of when not if.
I'm at 50K miles and compression is still 7.0 +/0.1 on all rotors (new is 8.0, rebuild below 5.0).I see 18-21mpg.
Head over to a rotary forum (mrc, fduk, rx7club etc) for better advice. I've owned mine for 6 years and it's my only car. Governator appears to be from the old school of rotary internet advice. Mine was on 80K and the only reason I swapped the engine out was because I knew I would be putting more boost through it. Speak to actual long term rotary owners 
Just maintain it like any other fast sports car and as others have said if it's not your daily driver then why does mpg matter?
Just maintain it like any other fast sports car and as others have said if it's not your daily driver then why does mpg matter?
probedb said:
Head over to a rotary forum (mrc, fduk, rx7club etc) for better advice. I've owned mine for 6 years and it's my only car. Governator appears to be from the old school of rotary internet advice. Mine was on 80K and the only reason I swapped the engine out was because I knew I would be putting more boost through it. Speak to actual long term rotary owners
Just maintain it like any other fast sports car and as others have said if it's not your daily driver then why does mpg matter?
I admit I may be out a touch somewhat now but when I looked at getting one as a track toy a couple of years ago, the rotary problems still seemed very much prevailent. Not a problem if you go in with your eyes open, I just think potential buyers need to be made aware of the unique nature of the rotary engine. Just maintain it like any other fast sports car and as others have said if it's not your daily driver then why does mpg matter?
Tbh if I were to think about getting one now, I'd get it rebuilt ASAP as a matter of course for added peace of mind and more power.
It sounds a bit like the TVR Speed 6 naysayers. 
Everyone knows someone down the pub who's engine is made of cheese and blew up within the first 10k miles. A bit more difficult to find someone it's happened to, though they do exist.
Go in with your eyes open and be prepared to take a hit, like any 10+ year old performance car.
Get it inspected, with history and keep it properly serviced.
Everyone knows someone down the pub who's engine is made of cheese and blew up within the first 10k miles. A bit more difficult to find someone it's happened to, though they do exist.
Go in with your eyes open and be prepared to take a hit, like any 10+ year old performance car.
Get it inspected, with history and keep it properly serviced.
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