RX-7's - Where to Buy
Discussion
Just wondering if anyone on here could help. I'm interested in buying an RX-7 from around 1998-2000. However, i'd like it to be standard (or very close to) partly for insurance purposes, partly as i'd like to mod it mildly over time.
What is the best, or number of best places to find such a car? No objection to imports, but standard spec is a must.
Any help greatly appreciated.
What is the best, or number of best places to find such a car? No objection to imports, but standard spec is a must.
Any help greatly appreciated.
With such a desireable car that old you'll be hard pressed to find a completely standard one that's in good nick.
jap imports supply so many of these cars, but again, minor japanese optional extras can be a nightmare to track and claim on your insurance if they're not available on a uk spec car.
At least they'll be RHD
http://www.japimportsuk.com/
jap imports supply so many of these cars, but again, minor japanese optional extras can be a nightmare to track and claim on your insurance if they're not available on a uk spec car.
At least they'll be RHD
http://www.japimportsuk.com/
If you’re prepared to pay the premium 99 spec ones are defiantly the ones to go for, although they rarely come up (especially in standard form). There is a stunning 2002 Spirit R in the classified if you’re prepared to pay 18k!!!
Of course early 99 spec cars will now fall into the 10 year rule so you could get an importer such as New Era to source you a nice low mileage one direct from Japan. According to their website New Era offer a warranty which covers water seal failure.
That RS-R does look good though, plus the RS-R is a very rare spec.
As suggested I’d recommend heading over to MRC as they’ll be able to fill you in on all the finite details.
Have you driven or been in one yet? May be worth finding a local owner to give you a ride at least?
Of course early 99 spec cars will now fall into the 10 year rule so you could get an importer such as New Era to source you a nice low mileage one direct from Japan. According to their website New Era offer a warranty which covers water seal failure.
That RS-R does look good though, plus the RS-R is a very rare spec.
As suggested I’d recommend heading over to MRC as they’ll be able to fill you in on all the finite details.
Have you driven or been in one yet? May be worth finding a local owner to give you a ride at least?
As mentioned above PH classifieds would be a good start or one of the Mazda forums / owners clubs.
Not many of these won't have had a rebuild by now... Yes they are notorious for being fragile but that's all part of owning a rotor!
I've a friend with an early series 6 for sale if your interested? Needs a bit of TLC and a rebuild (As one rotor is down on compression) apart from an exhaust and wheels it's a fairly standard Jap Import (if there is such a thing) If you want any more info let me know?
Good luck with your search
Cheers
Gav
Not many of these won't have had a rebuild by now... Yes they are notorious for being fragile but that's all part of owning a rotor!
I've a friend with an early series 6 for sale if your interested? Needs a bit of TLC and a rebuild (As one rotor is down on compression) apart from an exhaust and wheels it's a fairly standard Jap Import (if there is such a thing) If you want any more info let me know?
Good luck with your search
Cheers
Gav
Cheers for all the responses guys. I know it's quite a job to get a completely standard car, and I wouldn't pay over the odds for it. Plus I understand they can be a bit temperamental without some work.
Really what I don't want are cosmetically modded cars or ones with huge power increases etc (I'd prefer to build up to it and have never owned a RWD car). Reputable engine rebuild etc would be fine.
I'm afraid I'm not in a position to buy yet either! Not if I want a house too... I'm researching now though as I hope in the new year...
Really what I don't want are cosmetically modded cars or ones with huge power increases etc (I'd prefer to build up to it and have never owned a RWD car). Reputable engine rebuild etc would be fine.
I'm afraid I'm not in a position to buy yet either! Not if I want a house too... I'm researching now though as I hope in the new year...
As most of the above posts have said join MRC, there is all the info you will ever need there as well as sections on buying secondhand. There are also a lot of very helpful knowledgeable people on that site. Late model standard cars do come up for sale (there was a really nice blue one for sale a few months back) I have owned mine for well over a year now and bought it in preference to an NSX and 34GTR although the cheapest of the three I have spent as much again as I originally budgeted on the car to get it to what it is today so you can get carried away. Some people have been very lucky with rotary ownership and have had the same engine for ages others have not, as you will conclude from the MRC website. They are fantastic cars and there are specialist tuners around the country who have a very good reputation and will keep your rotary running sweet. Don't expect good MPG because the grin factor comes in quick and its addictive, I am sure you will enjoy RX7 ownership but from my experience I would reccomend that you have a spare wad of cash stashed away just in case.
Edited by David Wiltshire on Saturday 19th December 11:21
Mave said:
Have you got any insurance quotes yet? RX7s are a bit pricy, especially imported as a late model will be, and they're not the best cars to learn RWD handling on IMHO 
Yeah i would like to know also. The front mid- ship layout gives it very neutral and good handling character even on the edge. And the TORSEN- differential is really good for any way of driving, it is smooth so it wont suprise you. I found it very controllable and very nimble car to drive and handle, i even did one winter with it without and problems. And winters here in Finland are long and cold.Twilight1 said:
Mave said:
Have you got any insurance quotes yet? RX7s are a bit pricy, especially imported as a late model will be, and they're not the best cars to learn RWD handling on IMHO
Yeah i would like to know also. The front mid- ship layout gives it very neutral and good handling character even on the edge. And the TORSEN- differential is really good for any way of driving, it is smooth so it wont suprise you. I found it very controllable and very nimble car to drive and handle, i even did one winter with it without and problems. And winters here in Finland are long and cold.Pierscoe1 said:
Mave said:
they're not the best cars to learn RWD handling on IMHO
based on what, may I ask? I thought as 280bhp rwd'ers go they were supposed to be quite progressive??AtomicRex said:
Having raced these cars for a number of years, and driven countless variants of these cars, I don't understand where you are getting these ideas from. Yes they will throw the back end out if you get on the power a little too early, but as people have already commented it is very progressive. The car sends you a telegram to let you know that it is about to slide, it is well balanced, and is very easy to control. That said, it certainly isn't for someone who isn't used to RWD antics!
I didn't say the car wasn't progressive and controllable, I said they're not the best cars to learn RWD handling on. You yourself say "it certainly isn't for someone who isn't used to RWD antics", so I don't see why you don't understand my opinion?Sorry I do appear to have contradicted myself.
I was about to say why I thought you weren't making sense....but I lay the blame totally at my feet!
Yes I do agree with you...it is a great car for racing, and when the back end slides....it does it gracefully. But it isn't the best car to start learning with. Although it sends you a telegram, it isn't very forgiving if you get it wrong.
Hope that makes for a good apology
I was about to say why I thought you weren't making sense....but I lay the blame totally at my feet!
Yes I do agree with you...it is a great car for racing, and when the back end slides....it does it gracefully. But it isn't the best car to start learning with. Although it sends you a telegram, it isn't very forgiving if you get it wrong.
Hope that makes for a good apology
AtomicRex said:
Sorry I do appear to have contradicted myself.
I was about to say why I thought you weren't making sense....but I lay the blame totally at my feet!
Yes I do agree with you...it is a great car for racing, and when the back end slides....it does it gracefully. But it isn't the best car to start learning with. Although it sends you a telegram, it isn't very forgiving if you get it wrong.
Hope that makes for a good apology
A wonderful apology! And I agree with everything you say about the RX-7 - I love sliding it! But I'm glad I learned on other cars first...I was about to say why I thought you weren't making sense....but I lay the blame totally at my feet!
Yes I do agree with you...it is a great car for racing, and when the back end slides....it does it gracefully. But it isn't the best car to start learning with. Although it sends you a telegram, it isn't very forgiving if you get it wrong.
Hope that makes for a good apology
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