Hi all, new to this forum.

I am a 2012 Nissan GT Academy National Finalist, and a 20 year old student at Santa Clara University. I'm looking to buy my own race car, as I have finally saved up enough to get myself an entry level RX7 or Miata.

My main question is, why or why shouldn't I buy a first generation RX7 race car (i.e. 1983) with a 12A motor? I am finding a lot of them for dirt cheap; middle of the pack cars for $3500-$4500. Is there a reason they are so cheap? How unreliable are they? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a ~$5000 race car? There are 13B Rx7's for around $4k as well.

I want to be in a class with as many entries as possible on any given day, and pretty competitive. I know $5k won't get me anywhere near a front runner car, but what will give me the best wheel to wheel experience, middle of the pack car, and low maintenance/high accessibility of parts?

Any input on the above would be greatly appreciated!