New member - Surrey

[Robster]

Hi, I have just registered. I am looking at possibly buying a First generation RX7 and am looking for advice on buying prices and also cost of running them. Do they need looking after by a specialist? or will a competent mechanic be able to do it?

Cheers
Rob

[Lucky]

Hi, Rob, and welcome to the club! There are buying guides on here that tell you everything you need to look for when looking over a car. The short version is; rust! They do go really fast and quite badly when they go, so definitely buy the best you can find. They're also quite good at hiding their woes until it's too late, so it's really not possible to give one too in-depth an investigation. As to the mechanicals, any half-competent mechanic can work on them, certainly servicing is a doddle. Guess we all have our limits, for me I'd be paying someone else to build an engine because that's the sort of hard-won knowledge that comes from time and experience; they're pretty simple and most people could build one, but to build one really well... that's the trick innit

Anyway, we're here to help and remember, there are no stupid questions. Ask away


...actually, quite a lot of mine are pretty stupid, but mostly there are no stupid questions

[myatt1972]

Welcome Rob, loads of info here so fill your boots, as Nik says general maintenance is a doddle easy to do yourself if you enjoy that sort of thing.

[ian65]

Hi Rob,
welcome to the forum

These are actually very easy cars to maintain..... only the engine itself is anything out of the ordinary and even then, it's pretty simple to get your head around... the rest of the car is the same as other cars of the era..... they were from the age before electronics took over and so are great for the home mechanic to tinker about with... not like modern cars that need main dealer diagnostics.
Most of the knowledge for 1st gen RX7's is with the owners these days and places like this forum are the ideal place to find out all you need to know. Many of us have owned these cars on and off for decades and have come across more or less every issue you are likely to encounter and solved the problem without re-mortgaging our house!
There are a few specialists dotted about as well.... some will happily take your money and give you the minimum in return, others are enthusiasts themselves and look after their customers like friends.... again, forum members can advise you on which specialists will give you the best service and are deserving of your patronage should you not wish to get your hands dirty yourself. The Mazda 1st gen RX7 is a very reliable car to own but as the youngest one is now 29 yrs old, they do need a bit of love and affection from time to time.

cheers,
Ian

[Chud]

Hey Rob, the previous posts have covered it really but whether you just want to maintain yourself - or the other end of the spectrum and modify yourself they really are easy as pie to work on. I'm a stoopid electrician with only DIY mechanical experience and I successfully fashioned a 13BT into mine so go for it.

[chc]

Welcome Rob and a very good choice by the way.
Nothing to add other than we are a friendly lot who enjoy giving advise, support and suggestions to those who need it.
When you do make a purchase don't forget to start a thread to show off those fine photos.

[Robster]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the time taken to reply. All I have to do now is find a good one (and persuade my wife that it will be a good idea!) I have seen one on the carandclassic website but it is a bit far away. I will keep an eye out.
I know there is someone around my area that has one because I had seen it a couple of times on the same road between Banstead and Sutton, it reminded me what a great looking car it is.

Thanks again

Rob

[codge]

Hi Rob,

Our FB belongs to the wife.....it was her daily drive until we both retired.

If I suggested selling it she'd chop my legs off/ poke my eyes out / do me great damage.
They are very addictive cars.

Codge (Dave)