1st gen prices
S Models came with the 4 speed.
GS Models came with the 5 speed, with the 3 sp Auto as an option. Not sure if the Auto was also available on the base S model, I always thought not, as the S was the "stripper" low cost model. Anyone remember seeing an S model with an Auto? I don't.
The 79 Limited's were all built from GS vehicles with the 5 speed tranny and an additional, Limited only cosmetic and equipment package.
GS Models came with the 5 speed, with the 3 sp Auto as an option. Not sure if the Auto was also available on the base S model, I always thought not, as the S was the "stripper" low cost model. Anyone remember seeing an S model with an Auto? I don't.
The 79 Limited's were all built from GS vehicles with the 5 speed tranny and an additional, Limited only cosmetic and equipment package.
Last edited by Banzai; May 7, 2019 at 10:22 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 40
Likes: 9
From: Seattle, WA
S Models came with the 4 speed.
GS Models came with the 5 speed, with the 3 sp Auto as an option. Not sure if the Auto was also available on the base S model, I always thought not, as the S was the "stripper" low cost model. Anyone remember seeing an S model with an Auto? I don't.
The 79 Limited's were all built from GS vehicles with the 5 speed tranny and an additional, Limited only cosmetic and equipment package.
GS Models came with the 5 speed, with the 3 sp Auto as an option. Not sure if the Auto was also available on the base S model, I always thought not, as the S was the "stripper" low cost model. Anyone remember seeing an S model with an Auto? I don't.
The 79 Limited's were all built from GS vehicles with the 5 speed tranny and an additional, Limited only cosmetic and equipment package.
Thanks again for your help with the Limited pinstripe kit.
It looks great and I believe it really helped the sale of the car!!
Gary
Congrats on the sale. I believe the result actually helps to confirm / define overall market values of SA's. The car looks spectacular. I hope the new owner appreciates it and you don't regret selling.
I think I can justify investing in body work and a respray for my SA which has an almost perfect interior now without any guilt or remorse for the cost.
The bar is raising.
The bar is raising.
Well, people pay more for original paint, but if yours is tired, yeah, these cars really pop with fresh paint. I just saw one at DGRR that the owner painted with Prius white (not sure the paint code) and it looked really nice. Very subtle flake. I'm not usually a fan of resprays in non-factory colors but I was really digging it.
Can Post Only in New Member Section
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Long beach ca.90814
modified verse stock value
You're probably right that "the Fast N Furious era" has helped to add strength to the JDM market overall. By definition, a F&F era car means a highly modified car, so it only makes sense that people influenced by that era will widely embrace those type of modifications. This is however just one segment to a broader cross section of JDM enthusiasts. For those who were influenced in earlier eras (60's / 70's JDM's) I think that modifications are also accepted, but they should be "tasteful", best confined to things that were popular from those era's. Overall, this group tends to place greater value on stock-"ish" vehicles which are typically more highly prized.
A stock vehicle will be highly valued in any group, but a modified vehicle is accepted for more (or less) depending on what era it is from.
A stock vehicle will be highly valued in any group, but a modified vehicle is accepted for more (or less) depending on what era it is from.
A CONCEPT CAR OR HAND BUILT CAR VERSES ASEMBLEY LINE GARBAGE..
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Considering posting my 79 Limited @ BaT - any advice?
I am considering putting my 1979 Limited Edition up for sale on BaT but have never bought/sold a car at auction and would greatly appreciate any advice.
Below are links the prior owner posted. I purchased it in Oct 2016. Pictures are still very accurate. I had the radio rebuilt (was dead). Works great now, added an AUX cord to attach to a cellphone. Speakers replaced (originals were dry rotted.) Tape deck is there but not functional. Replaced the power antennae - it worked maybe once and then died. I pull the antennae up/down manually and the reception is great. Interior is original/excellent other than the chrome strip on the passenger side door and a 3" cut in the headliner behind the driver. Had the shift **** recovered. Tires were new when I bought it. Tinted glass sunroof. (Have no idea is that is stock?) New shocks has been the only mechanical requirement in 3 years. Oil changed regularly despite driving it only ~300 miles per year. Rear defrost is not hooked up - told it just needs soldered. Starts/runs flawlessly. ~112K miles, engine was rebuilt by a prior owner (who appears to have spent much too much on restoration vs market value). I believe it has been repainted - due to incorrect pinstripes (no red/sliver as original) Prior owner's post say he thought it was original paint? Paint looks great from 10 feet away. Close up - chips on the nose, a very small bubble on the hood, and a strange ring near the windshield like someone set a beer down when the paint was wet? Love the car - my first car was a 1980 GS Tornado Silver. Just don't drive it much and it needs a home where someone will drive it vs sitting under a car cover on a trickle charger. Many extra parts - tail lights, radiator, oil filers, manuals, etc.
Any advice on BaT and auctions in general would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Daily Turismo: 5k: Repeat Offender: 1979 Mazda RX-7 Limited, Minty Clean
Daily Turismo: Buyer Story: Old School Mazda RX-7
Below are links the prior owner posted. I purchased it in Oct 2016. Pictures are still very accurate. I had the radio rebuilt (was dead). Works great now, added an AUX cord to attach to a cellphone. Speakers replaced (originals were dry rotted.) Tape deck is there but not functional. Replaced the power antennae - it worked maybe once and then died. I pull the antennae up/down manually and the reception is great. Interior is original/excellent other than the chrome strip on the passenger side door and a 3" cut in the headliner behind the driver. Had the shift **** recovered. Tires were new when I bought it. Tinted glass sunroof. (Have no idea is that is stock?) New shocks has been the only mechanical requirement in 3 years. Oil changed regularly despite driving it only ~300 miles per year. Rear defrost is not hooked up - told it just needs soldered. Starts/runs flawlessly. ~112K miles, engine was rebuilt by a prior owner (who appears to have spent much too much on restoration vs market value). I believe it has been repainted - due to incorrect pinstripes (no red/sliver as original) Prior owner's post say he thought it was original paint? Paint looks great from 10 feet away. Close up - chips on the nose, a very small bubble on the hood, and a strange ring near the windshield like someone set a beer down when the paint was wet? Love the car - my first car was a 1980 GS Tornado Silver. Just don't drive it much and it needs a home where someone will drive it vs sitting under a car cover on a trickle charger. Many extra parts - tail lights, radiator, oil filers, manuals, etc.
Any advice on BaT and auctions in general would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Daily Turismo: 5k: Repeat Offender: 1979 Mazda RX-7 Limited, Minty Clean
Daily Turismo: Buyer Story: Old School Mazda RX-7
Last edited by bbr; Sep 2, 2019 at 09:22 PM.
BaT has been a good place to get a very good price recently. Buyers like to see lots of good shots inside, outside, under hood and undercar. I've always thought it is good to highlight any flaws and be honest about them. Don't give a buyer a reason to be unpleasantly surprised. The velour seat covers in these tend to dry out over time and become brittle and tear. I'm curious, where did you get the radio rebuilt? Stock sun roof panels are body colored. Tinted glass ones are aftermarket for 79 / 80's. Is the rear defroster wire detached from the hatch glass itself? You can't solider the tab back to the defrosted grid, takes a special conductive adhesive. These special models are generally valued a little more, but IMO, also suffer more if not kept stock appearing. Not having the right pin stripes may mean more to some people who will want to point that out in an effort to reduce its value.
It pays to be knowledgeable on your car. I've never bought or sold on BaT, but from reading the auction comments, some people seem to be experts on the car you have for sale. They can tend to forget these are used cars and appear to thrive on picking even little things apart while injecting thoughts of suspicion or deception. I'd be prepared for some possible criticism and negative attitudes from the peanut gallery. It wouldn't hurt to post an ad in the F/S section here. You may not be offered as much, but it might provide some feedback on your car and be a good trial run before posting on a place like BaT.
It pays to be knowledgeable on your car. I've never bought or sold on BaT, but from reading the auction comments, some people seem to be experts on the car you have for sale. They can tend to forget these are used cars and appear to thrive on picking even little things apart while injecting thoughts of suspicion or deception. I'd be prepared for some possible criticism and negative attitudes from the peanut gallery. It wouldn't hurt to post an ad in the F/S section here. You may not be offered as much, but it might provide some feedback on your car and be a good trial run before posting on a place like BaT.
ancient wizard...
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 262
From: Maryland
Regarding repairing the tabs for rear defroster on these cars. Used to do lots of these when i worked for a Mazda dealership,they had a repair tab"kit" that came in a small envelope that only required cleaning grid where tab was to be attached and holding tab against mounting spot on grid while heat from a soldering gun melted the solder/adhesive. Looked new and had same strength as original,used them on other brand cars as well. Think i may still have a handful of them,they would be in the envelope they came in with a part #,have to look and see,maybe they're still available.
BaT is a great place to sell unique vehicles or all original low mile vehicles. High mileage cars that have even a small list of "needs" don't do well, especially if the needs include paint, dent, or rust repair. You cannot hide anything from them...and if you are missing a phot of something important, the bids will not come in.
If your plan is to sell on BaT I would browse some of the recent 1st Gen Rx7 sales and pay close attention to the photos taken, the descriptions, and the startup/drive videos. Then read through the comments to see what the bidders and the "peanut gallery" is saying. Don't focus on just the high value auctions, look at the ones that didn't do as well to see why.
If your plan is to sell on BaT I would browse some of the recent 1st Gen Rx7 sales and pay close attention to the photos taken, the descriptions, and the startup/drive videos. Then read through the comments to see what the bidders and the "peanut gallery" is saying. Don't focus on just the high value auctions, look at the ones that didn't do as well to see why.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 40
Likes: 9
From: Seattle, WA
I am considering putting my 1979 Limited Edition up for sale on BaT but have never bought/sold a car at auction and would greatly appreciate any advice.
Below are links the prior owner posted. I purchased it in Oct 2016. Pictures are still very accurate. I had the radio rebuilt (was dead). Works great now, added an AUX cord to attach to a cellphone. Speakers replaced (originals were dry rotted.) Tape deck is there but not functional. Replaced the power antennae - it worked maybe once and then died. I pull the antennae up/down manually and the reception is great. Interior is original/excellent other than the chrome strip on the passenger side door and a 3" cut in the headliner behind the driver. Had the shift **** recovered. Tires were new when I bought it. Tinted glass sunroof. (Have no idea is that is stock?) New shocks has been the only mechanical requirement in 3 years. Oil changed regularly despite driving it only ~300 miles per year. Rear defrost is not hooked up - told it just needs soldered. Starts/runs flawlessly. ~112K miles, engine was rebuilt by a prior owner (who appears to have spent much too much on restoration vs market value). I believe it has been repainted - due to incorrect pinstripes (no red/sliver as original) Prior owner's post say he thought it was original paint? Paint looks great from 10 feet away. Close up - chips on the nose, a very small bubble on the hood, and a strange ring near the windshield like someone set a beer down when the paint was wet? Love the car - my first car was a 1980 GS Tornado Silver. Just don't drive it much and it needs a home where someone will drive it vs sitting under a car cover on a trickle charger. Many extra parts - tail lights, radiator, oil filers, manuals, etc.
Any advice on BaT and auctions in general would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Daily Turismo: 5k: Repeat Offender: 1979 Mazda RX-7 Limited, Minty Clean
Daily Turismo: Buyer Story: Old School Mazda RX-7
Below are links the prior owner posted. I purchased it in Oct 2016. Pictures are still very accurate. I had the radio rebuilt (was dead). Works great now, added an AUX cord to attach to a cellphone. Speakers replaced (originals were dry rotted.) Tape deck is there but not functional. Replaced the power antennae - it worked maybe once and then died. I pull the antennae up/down manually and the reception is great. Interior is original/excellent other than the chrome strip on the passenger side door and a 3" cut in the headliner behind the driver. Had the shift **** recovered. Tires were new when I bought it. Tinted glass sunroof. (Have no idea is that is stock?) New shocks has been the only mechanical requirement in 3 years. Oil changed regularly despite driving it only ~300 miles per year. Rear defrost is not hooked up - told it just needs soldered. Starts/runs flawlessly. ~112K miles, engine was rebuilt by a prior owner (who appears to have spent much too much on restoration vs market value). I believe it has been repainted - due to incorrect pinstripes (no red/sliver as original) Prior owner's post say he thought it was original paint? Paint looks great from 10 feet away. Close up - chips on the nose, a very small bubble on the hood, and a strange ring near the windshield like someone set a beer down when the paint was wet? Love the car - my first car was a 1980 GS Tornado Silver. Just don't drive it much and it needs a home where someone will drive it vs sitting under a car cover on a trickle charger. Many extra parts - tail lights, radiator, oil filers, manuals, etc.
Any advice on BaT and auctions in general would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Daily Turismo: 5k: Repeat Offender: 1979 Mazda RX-7 Limited, Minty Clean
Daily Turismo: Buyer Story: Old School Mazda RX-7
An issue that I had with BAT when I was preparing to sell my 1979 Limited, was they approve (or reject) cars for sale and THEY SET the "reserve price." They demanded a lower reserve price than I was comfortable with, so I ended
up listed my car on eBay and I was very happy with the outcome.
Good luck with your sale!
An '85 GS with 5,000 miles recently didn't make reserve. It was bid up to $18k. Based on previous sales, I'm not sure how BaT would have arrived at such a high reserve to prevent the sale. It would have been a record price for a non-GSLSE and at such a low trim package they should have let it go. I assumed the seller had some stake in setting the reserve.
Regarding repairing the tabs for rear defroster on these cars. Used to do lots of these when i worked for a Mazda dealership,they had a repair tab"kit" that came in a small envelope that only required cleaning grid where tab was to be attached and holding tab against mounting spot on grid while heat from a soldering gun melted the solder/adhesive. Looked new and had same strength as original,used them on other brand cars as well. Think i may still have a handful of them,they would be in the envelope they came in with a part #,have to look and see,maybe they're still available.
Good advice.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 40
Likes: 9
From: Seattle, WA
An '85 GS with 5,000 miles recently didn't make reserve. It was bid up to $18k. Based on previous sales, I'm not sure how BaT would have arrived at such a high reserve to prevent the sale. It would have been a record price for a non-GSLSE and at such a low trim package they should have let it go. I assumed the seller had some stake in setting the reserve.
When I discussed selling my 1979 Limited with BAT, I wanted to set my reserve at $12K. They refused and told me that they would only list it if the reserve was set at $10K. Their way, or the highway- so
I listed it on eBay and it sold for $15,775.
Gary
You guys see this one?
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-mazda-rx-7-20/
A 85 GS with 5k miles.... was bid up to $16k USD and did not meet reserve.
That is a crazy price for a first gen. That is $22000 CAD for us Canadians!!
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-mazda-rx-7-20/
A 85 GS with 5k miles.... was bid up to $16k USD and did not meet reserve.
That is a crazy price for a first gen. That is $22000 CAD for us Canadians!!
