Want to know if this is worth it. The GF has a 1988 RX-7 convertible that is structurally in great shape, engine is good, needs the driver's seat replaced at some point but it isn't urgent, but the car has the following mechanical issues:

Needs new power steering rack, est. $1700
Needs left rear break caliper replaced and all brake rotors resurfaced, est. $385
Needs new water pump, $485
Needs an alignment (minor compared to other stuff!)

She just bought a 2003 Acura RSX Type-S on Saturday (I helped her with the down payment) and the question now is what to do with the RX-7. She cannot afford the repairs and is considering selling the car, either through an ad in the paper or CarMax. Alternatively, I can easily afford the repairs and she said she'd basically give me the car for a dollar. The mechanic says that we could probably expect another 20,000 to 30,000 miles since the engine is sound.

The question is--would it be worth it for me to fix it up and keep it as a second car? I'd have to get a car cover and keep it outdoors because I have a one-car garage and my 2004 TL is parked in there; the TL would remain my daily driver and commuting car and the RX-7 would basically be for fun because I've always toyed with the idea of having a convertible as a fun car.

Anyone have any thoughts? Is it worth spending $2700 to fix up the RX-7 in these circumstances?

 

sure why not. if the mechanics said it'll live another 20-30k miles, it wouldnt be bad to fix it up for less than 3000 dollars. plus you'll have a second car and you can have fun with it! rx7's are awesome cars to have fun with. if you can afford it, like you said in your post, than go for it.

the rsx's are also fun cars!! (it was my first car)

 

I'll take the car for a dollar if you don't want it!

Powersteering rack $219.00
http://steeringrack.com/product_info...oducts_id/4249

Water pump $93.00
http://replacement.autopartswarehous...art=Water+Pump

Brake Caliper $113.00 and should only cost $15.00 per disk to have turned
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/re...+Brake+Caliper

 

I don't know who giving you prices on parts+ labor but they must have crazy high labor prices or work SUPER SLOW. because 1700 dollars to change a power steering pump is stupid. I'd say you take it to a mechanic for about 600 dollars at the most with tax,parts,and everything. my rule is take the part times 2 that should be your bill.

Overall I'd go to another shop. this guy or whoever giving you prices is either backed up(so he doesn't really want your business) or he doesn't want to work on the RX-7, or he's just being a jackass and tearing you a new butt when you go to pay.

I'd say a good price would be 1300-1500 with tax,parts and everything ready to roll. but near 3000 grand I tell the guy off.

 

awesome researching for someone who's member tag reads "registered idiot"! haha but great finds on those!

 

Thanks, folks. Sounds like the sentiment is that it is worth fixing it up, subject to questions about the proper price. I'm going to fix it up and will investigate other mechanics in the area. The mechanic who quoted the prices above is a Mazda dealer in Arlington, Virginia. Took it to the dealer because the GF's normal mechanic wasn't able to find what was causing a problem with starting the car.