I have about 56,000 miles on the original motor and still is very healthy. Pulls good vacuum and the compression is still good for the and amount of miles. I have had 3 RX-7's in my lifetime and all have been pretty good. It really depends on the maintence and the way that these cars are driven thats going be the determining factor of their overall condition.
There are many rx7 positives not mentioned here. No timing belt or chain to change. No valves to adjust. Has manual steering rack on many models(practice for when I bought my 308). Well balanced. Tons of engine bay space (1st and 2nd gens). My wife and I have both owned 3 each (6 total). I still have the used 87 rx7 I bought in college. Paid $2K in 1998, drove it almost everyday until the last year, now not as much due to kid. Probably less than $200/yr maintaince, including oil. Best car I have ever owned from a cost view. Love my 308QV, but it will never go 200K miles for $200/yr.
How about a turbo rotary engine in a Porsche 911: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUEcTQF4vtY ///Michael
As a previous owner of a 1993 model year RX7 Turbo, you must really do your homework before buying these cars. The oil level must be kept in check constantly, and modded cars have problems with the engine seals. Regular oil changes are common to, as these cars pretty much need an oil change every 3000-4000 miles. Most rotary owners keep some oil in the trunk of their car, "just in case." If you can find a good example, I'd go for it. Many of these cars have been beat on, and abused by modders though just putting the largest turbos possible on them. There are companies that provide transplant motors but they aren't cheap, especially the 3 and 4-rotor designs. To be honest though, it was the favorite car I've owned, and I liked it even more than my 911 turbo. It was light, agile, and powerful. Also was the car that got me into track days, so I am a bit biased for it. To me, there was very little that took away from the joy of owning one of these cars. Nothing on the market like it as well.
