I came across a '85 GSL-SE yesterday, and always being interested in RX-7's, I gave the guy a call about it. New 5-speed just got put in it, its got 180,000 on the clock, a little body damage on the hood and back bumper, looks like no rust, and I haven't driven it yet. Interior looks ok, factory stereo, the window controls look a little busted up too, he's asking $1200. I've never owned a rotary before, so when I go talk to this guy and drive this thing tonight, what do I need to ask and look for?

 

soods like a good deal to me.. i would buy it. I know people will say to check if there is any rust behind the storage bins. Also check if the 5 and 6th ports are opening up




GO FLAMES GO
FLAMES IN 5, Lightning cant struck twice

 

doesn't sound like a bad deal. as long as the unibody is straight, you can replace the other parts for reasonably cheap.

just verify there's no bin rust.

180k mi is nothing my '84 SE has almost 216k mi and still going strong.

 

How do I check this? And also is there anything I need to check on the transmission to make sure its the right on for the car? I want to avoid any potential problems with that.

 

an easy way to check is to accelerate hard up to like 6000rpm in 2nd gear. the car should come alive noticeably at about 3500-3800rpm.

 

First see if they move easy. mine were seized when
I bought my car. Then to check to see if they are
opening just smear some heavy grease on the
shaft to the actuator valve and drive it, take the rpm
up 5000 to 6000. Then look at the grease if it has
smeared off the shafts then they are working.
The front one is a bit harder to see as the air pump
line blocks it off, but the back one is easy to get at
I don't have a pic handy but if you do a search you
should be able to see what I am talking about
and where they are located

As far as the transmission goes just make sure it shifts
smoothly and that its not making any funny noises