Give me a reason NOT to get an RX7!

[rico]

Ok this is kinda surreal.

Been looking for a new ricomobile for the new year. TVRs were ruled out due to insurance. Elise/VX ruled out due to impractical (I'm 6ft3 and 16stone...). Hot hatches not my thing.

Looked at Supras and RX7s. RX7s within budget easily, so I thought I'd get raped on insurance.

£1600 with elephant for a 22 year old with 3points and 1 years NCB (on mums before that at uni)... This year was £1500 on my 1.6 focus ffs!

Petrol - I don't do many miles and I'm happy with low mpg for fun miles. I walk to work.

I've read some recent posts and it seems that they're not free to run but then no fun car is. The fact I can get one for £7k means I have a few grand left over for running.

Am I missing something here? Or is this a real possibility?

Cheers

[DustyC]

I know of someone with similar "spec" to you and couldnt fit in an RX7 and so bought an Elise!

[Mr E]

As long as you're not stacking loads of miles on it, do it.

[rico]

DustyC said:

I know of someone with similar "spec" to you and couldnt fit in an RX7 and so bought an Elise!

Ah... I must admit I haven't actually been in one. Will see if they've got any at the local Mazda dealership (doubt it tho...)

Cheers Dusty

[vixpy1]

Be very very carefull, there are some real shitters out there.

[rico]

vixpy1 said:

Be very very carefull, there are some real shitters out there.

Cheers Vix. I'm not looking to buy until the new year so plenty of time to shop around and do my research. I'll probably join a few Jap forums and see if I can find an enthusiast selling theirs and then get a full check done and compression test etc.

I've found a car 5miles from my Mum's place who I'm visiting this weekend so I'll go over and check it out. More for size and fit if anything else.

Anyone heard of them? www.junction8-cars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=19837&pageid=1

Based in Bicester. Doesn't mention either mileage or any engine rebuilds tho...

[iaint]

pop over to www.mazdarotaryclub.com or www.fduk.org

You'll find a lot of good advice, some decent cars in the for-sale section and probably someone local you can meet up with to try out the driver's seat! A chap recently travelled down from Scotland to Cheshire to buy a car and then couldn't get the door closed (bodybuilder with wide shluders...).

As for Charlie's eridute statement on the general quality of rx-7's out there - he's right, some real naff examples around just like every other marque. Always expect to see FSH at a reputable company. You might get a car that's had a recent rebuild for 7k, 8k would definately get you a really nice motor.

Iain

[rico]

Thanks Iain.

I've found www.rxmotors.co.uk which is literally 20mins drive from me. They seem to be well respected

Will see how the viewing tomorrow goes and whether this is a suitable car.

Ideally, I'd want a black FD with a recent rebuild, mint interior, few if any mods and tasteful alloys. Not asking for much am I?

[pentoman]

rico said:

Thanks Iain. Ideally, I'd want a black FD with a recent rebuild, mint interior

Eurgh, I think one with a green interior would be hard to sell on.

[rico]

groan...

[Batty FTO]

pentoman said:

rico said: Thanks Iain. Ideally, I'd want a black FD with a recent rebuild, mint interior Eurgh, I think one with a green interior would be hard to sell on.

that really shouldn't be funny
im looking at RX7's at mo also....
have to wait until my car is fixed and sold on until then...

[iaint]

rico said:

I've found www.rxmotors.co.uk which is literally 20mins drive from me. They seem to be well respected Will see how the viewing tomorrow goes and whether this is a suitable car. Ideally, I'd want a black FD with a recent rebuild, mint interior, few if any mods and tasteful alloys. Not asking for much am I?

Tim (aka The Mad Professor) is a loon and a really top quality rotary mechanic. Have a look at his purple car, it's menatlist. You won't go far wrong getting his advice/check-out on a car.

Good luck!

[rico]

It sounds like overall they're great cars and issues are:

Fuel economy - doesn't bother me as I don't do big miles

Engine - If I use RXMotors then I'll be in good hands for pre-sale and servicing

Hopefully I fit...

[dai capp]

I'm 6 foot 4 and 'not skinny' and I fit in fine. Just get a smaller after market steering wheel like a Momo and no probs. Curiously enough I can't get in my sisters Elise though.

If you buy one for £7K make sure it's had a rebuild by a reputable rotary specialist like RE Worx, WGT or Dragon (to name but a few)and you should be OK.

Someone posted a link to Mazda Rotary Club which is well worth a visit or there's also www.fduk.org.

Oh and remember - you can't beat a quick wankel...

All the best

DC

[rico]

Thanks for the help guys. My main issue with the Elise/VX was not physically fitting, as they fit me like a glove, its more their lack of decent sized boot. I'll find out tomorrow how the RX fits me

It's sounding more and more tempting. Will take all winter to decide and learn about them

Cheers for your help

[ApexClipper]

rico said:

Anyone heard of them? www.junction8-cars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=19837&pageid=1

Rico - take a VERY close look at the side profile pic of that RX, in the advert above.

The colour of the front wing / bumper does not appear to match the rest of the car.....

[rico]

Thanks. I'll check it carefully

[deeps]

Those wheels dont look like 18's and the tyres look too skinny.

The front desperately wants lowering too!

Didn't think rx-7's had adjustable steering columns, mine hasn't.

Good luck with the fit, it could be tight mate.

[TheLemming]

rico said:

Thanks for the help guys. My main issue with the Elise/VX was not physically fitting, as they fit me like a glove, its more their lack of decent sized boot. I'll find out tomorrow how the RX fits me It's sounding more and more tempting. Will take all winter to decide and learn about them Cheers for your help

Suprised at that, I'm 5'6 (or claim to be, probably closer to 5'5!) and find that the Elise fits me as if it were tailored for me.

You'd be shocked as to how much you can actually fit in the boot of a Liz, but I cant fault wanting an RX-7. Thats my choice when I have the pennies... Liz or Rex...

Good luck finding the right one, take your time. There are some real gems, and some total dogs. Its sometimes not obvious which one a car might be...

[rico]

TheLemming said:

Suprised at that, I'm 5'6 (or claim to be, probably closer to 5'5!) and find that the Elise fits me as if it were tailored for me.

It's weird isn't it. The Elise seems to fit everyone really well. It's a nightmare getting in and out though!