Bought her the week I graduated college. That was 15 years ago. Engine made it to 144K. I put in a brand new crate engine from Mazda but I just don't drive it much anymore working from home.

I truly loved this car. Drove it all over the country, took out lots of girls. Even put a **** eating grin on my now deceased WWII Vet uncle who knew what a rotary engine was all about. I still recall that look on his face and that laugh when I punched it lol.

So hard but it is time. I have a little Nissan truck to hold me over until I make a decision but right now, leaning towards a Lotus. To me, it's the closest thing on the market but with more prestige and power. My plan is to be in a Lotus by next year. Leave it in the garage and stare at it except on the weekends.

 

How well had the car held up otherwise? 144k on the original engine is excellent!! Any other major repairs during the car's life? Any current pictures of the car to share?

 

It held up great! I had no real problems until 144K. It was losing compression. Tail light water issue, visor cracked and the passenger dash started cracking where the airbag is located I assume but no serious problems. I guess I got a good one.

I held out as long as I could for Mazda to make another one but it's time to move on. I'm leaning toward a Lotus. Basically an entry level super car, reliable engine and retains excellent re-sale value.

 

I dunno about reliable. You do know that Lotus stands for "Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious" right? All joking aside which one you interested in?

 

From what I have read Lotus problems are usually related to bodies.

Engine-wise, they are bulletproof and a thousand times more reliable than rotaries. We are talking about Corolla and Camry engines here - even when they are supercharged, they hold up well.

 

Yes, they do now use Toyota developed engines but still prone to head gasket issues from what I know about them. I have never personally owned one but have heard my fair share of problems. I think any car can be reliable if serviced properly and thoroughly checked before purchase. Because it's a sports car, it has the same issues a used RX8 would have because people drive them hard. Shocks, suspension and brakes are usually on their way out and not cheap to replace.

 

Be aware that the Lotus may be "the best handling car under $100K," but that does not necessarily make it easy to drive. Best handling for whom? A professional driver or an average Joe? A whole lot of them end up wrapped around trees, and insurance rates are sky high. I encourage you to do a lot of research before making a purchase.

 

If you’re looking at a solid performance car look at Porsche. I’m a fan and sold my 06 base Boxster in July. Great balance, reliable and good service outlets. Not too too hard on the wallet although I noticed the smallest button on the dealer cash register is $500.

 

If you want a Porsche, just be aware of the IMS issue in certain years.

And like most European cars, parts won't be cheap.