Thinking of buying a beater car

[stirfriedferret]

Hey guys I'm thinking of buying a beater, as the title states.  I wanted your opinion.  My friend has an fc rx7 convertible.  It has a few issues; rear brakes grab after a bit of driving (narrowed down to the master cylinder, rear caliper pistons, and combo proportioning/metering valve).  It also has an issue with the engine.  We haven't bothered to check it out but we're guessing that it's the apex seals, side seals, or oil control seals.  If anyone has any input or knows anything about rotary motors, I want your input!  He said he'd hook me up and sell the car to me for $600.  The paint is faded and the top has a tear near the back but otherwise everything on the car works fine (oh yeah, no radio. FML if i get that car). I really want the car and I think it's a good deal, but I don't know if the repairs will make it not worth it... Helpp :?:

[cna]

i says its a good deal for a project car.  it has good aftermarket support

[CrackerTeg]

I disagree. Rotaries are known to be temperamental even in stock form. 600 sounds good initially, but you already have some repairs that need to be made that'll tack onto that initial investment. Engine rebuilds aren't bad if you know what you're doing, but since you really don't know anything about Wankel's, you may end up paying someone the amount of money you first put into the car to buy it just to handle the engine issues. Personally, the only way I'd pick up that car is if I had another engine waiting to be dropped in, i.e. an LS1 with a Tremec T56 and shortened driveshaft.

[Slammedk24]

I own a first gen and love it.  But not a good beater car.  And rotaries are known for the apex seal going out around 100-120 thousand.  once you rebuild them they only last about another 50 thousand.  The bad part about replaceing apex seals is you have to completely tear down the engine.  The easiest way to tell if the apex are blown is if it blows white smoke at operating temp.  But to be honest if you dont know anything about rotaries read up a lot before you buy one.  I've met alot of people who have only owned one for a month or two due to lack of knowledge of them and find stuff out the hard way.  Also check around for pricing, I dont know about CA but here on the east coast the prices are ungodly which is why mine is making such slow progress.  Which is also why I dont recommend it a good beater car. Beater cars are supposed to be reliable and cheap.  Like I said I love mine it has been garage kept and was owned by my grandfather for 23 years and has 80,000 miles on it and its not exactly the car I count on to start everyday or not break