JamesShaw

Found this RX7 for sale:

1979, 48k miles on the original engine.The model was not listed and can not distinguish in the picture. Only had two owners and garage kept by both. They are asking $7,000. Is this a fair price (obviously I will attempt to talk them down). What kind of things should I look for?

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

if condition matches the odometer, $7000 is not bad, especially if its a good color.

JamesShaw

It's silver, not my favorite but far from bad.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

For 7K, I'd expect a mechanically sound car that has been maintained. Generally, everything is in place, works correctly and is in good condition. It idle's smooth, is responsive and peppy with solid brakes. Small nicks and scratches happen and can be normal but again, no glaring cosmetic defects either. All these things cost money to repair. Personally, I'd expect it to be pretty un-molested too. That is, minor modifications from stock. Aftermarket stereo's are common along with some body appendages and wheels but generally, aftermarket add on's are worth zero to the cars resale value and actually detract from the value (to me).

People who really take care of things value them and tend to have records and paperwork of what they've done. They don't have excuses of "I just never got around to fixing that switch" It's pretty obvious. No one agrees spot on on values but I'd say a good condition 79 that needs either some mechanical or cosmetic work would be 2-4K depending on what needs attention. Cars that need nothing or very little 4-6K. Exceptional cars can go above this but it takes the right buyer. In addition, things like low miles (I think this one qualifies here) special models or early VIN's add more to the value of the car regardless of condition.

In a nut shell, 7K may be in the ballpark, but it needs to be a fairly special example of the breed.If you go, take some pics and post them up. We like to pick away at these things!

JamesShaw

I called the dealership. The car has never sat without being cranked periodically. The inside I am told is mint condition. The outside was told he would rate as "9.5/10" his words were "there is nothing to easily point out on the outside but I'm sure if you looked hard enough you will find something" to be expected with the age of the car. Mechanically it is claimed to be in perfect condition and run perfect. Obviously I will be having a mechanic check it out to confirm all of this. I did not think to ask about after market parts but will once I can get in touch with the dealership again. Here are some pictures of it:

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

I'm squint'n real hard but I cant see'em.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

It does look exceptional. It's an "S" model with early style door pannels. I'd guess it was built Oct-Dec of 78. This would make it a Mid production first year production vehicle. Probablly does not have the passenger side mirror. Does it still have the OEM Bridgestone's? S's came with 165-70R-13's and the steel wheels pictured. If it's at a dealership, there is always room for negoiation, but they have a very nice, even yes, an execpional example in my opinion. A collectable example. Cool find.

JamesShaw

It does have the passenger side mirror, does that effect the value?

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

The 2nd mirror makes no real difference to value, only serves to help identify when they rolled off the line. Lots of owners/dealers added them after Mazda started including them on later version cars (around Jan 79 and later). This one may have been assembled in 79. The date is on a sticker on the drivers door jam. Gives month and year. Looks like it has an aftermarket sun roof added too. Missed that at first glance but it doesn't detract from it any. I'd make sure everything (lights, wipers, blower fan, hatch release ect) works but remember electrical things on old cars can go out at any time. Nature of the beast. I think I've saw this car advertised on the web previously. It did/does look very nice. I think it goes back to the part about taking the right buyer. The base S model w/the 4 speed is half a step behind the 5-sp, GS but S's are less common and I don't remember seeing a nicer appearing stock one.

JamesShaw

It is a 5 speed. I will just go ahead and list all of what the ad says:


Odometer Reading 47,930

Year 1979

VIN SA22C551286

Title: Clean

Vehicle Category/Style Sports Car
Vehicle Color(s) Silver
Restoration History: Unrestored
Condition of Exterior : Mint
Interior Details
Color(s): Maroon
Accessories and Options:
Sunroof
Air Conditioning
AM/FM radio
Bucket seats
Cassette
Power brakes
Restoration History: Unrestored
Condition of Interior: Mint
Engine Details
Engine Configuration : Rotary/Wankel
Engine Size: 2292 cc
Engine History: Original
Engine Condition : Running like new
Transmission Details
Transmission Type: 5 Speed Manual
Drive Train: Rear-wheel drive

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Its got the 4 speed shift ****.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

looks to be in great shape, i really dislike the aftermarket roof though...

bad 83

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, definantly not a factory sunroof. The steel rims and the 2 spoke steering wheel looks like a S model. Looks pretty good though. The only thing that I would need documented proof of is the mileage. The SA odometers did not read in the 100 thousand, so it would take some serious proof of that for $7K.

DivinDriver

iTrader: (15)

The giant dealership decal/emblem on the back is not a plus, either. You should expect some $$ off for that.

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

I wouldn't pay $7,000 with an after market sunroof. I hate after market roofs in an RX-7. I'd offer $4800

7aull

iTrader: (2)

Like you need more advice - and with all due respect to my peeps here-

Let me state up front, I am NO fan of the stripper "S" model SA. These are rare for a reason: they lack all the cool stuff that makes RX7s a blast to own and drive (except the rotormotor of course).
lets see:
-dorky 2 spoke mazda GLC steering wheel
-no intermittent wiper
-no remote hatch release
-no allow wheels
-no center storage console
-4 speed transmission
-oh, and some one chopped a HOLE in the roof!
Jeez....
As a steady reader of national CraigsListings and ebay for SA sales, I will note that prices of SAs have been trending DOWN since the economy tumbled (no surprise) starting late last year. Right NOW there are several very (!) nice fully equipped "proper" GS model (the deluxe version) 1979 and 80 SA RX7 for sale. All with similar mileage to this (50-70K mi) one. And many these are posting in the $3000-4000 range (of course there are exceptions).

My point: there are PLENTY of fine FULLY EQUIPPED RX7s in the same condition out there for substantially LESS money. Its a bit of a buyers market so why pay uber-top dollar for a stripped car AND a hole hacked in the roof?!

The dealer is DREAMING if they want this kind of money.

Run away....

Stu Aull
80GS
($4100 - 64,000mi)
Alaska

Portland82GSL

iTrader: (2)

Btw, it would have to be a very special car indeed to have a 2292cc wankel...

JamesShaw

Thanks for all of the advice guys. What would yall think is a fair price for it. Also are you saying they put in different glass for the sunroof or that they hacked the whole roof off and welded a new one in?

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

They cut a hole in it and installed an aftermarket "kit". Very common back in the day.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

Stu makes a valid point about better deals being out there and I agree that I much perfer the GS over the S model. In general GS's are worth more but I wasn't comparing this car's desireability directly to any others.

The handfull of comparable miliage and condition SA 1st gens that have come up for sale in the last couple years have been in this asking range and higher. Mostly, these have been GS models and more worth the asking prices. The biggest mod here appears to be the aftermarket sunroof which is somewhat tacky next to the factory one, but not necessarily a deal breaker. Overall, this car may not be the most desirable model, it's still an exceptionally condition original, low mile car.

I think we all would agree that this car is worth less that a comparable GS. The question is, what's a fair price? Off the cuff, if it's as nice as it appears, 5K give or take. But thats just my own opinion.

pjr

iTrader: (8)

this is a $4500 car all day. dealer is ultra dreaming.

13x

my $.02 ... it's a super clean car but the price seems a bit high.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Stealers always mark up. Depending on how much they want to unload it, I would
start with an offer of $3500 and see what they say and then walk away at $4500
and wait for the manager to call you

JamesShaw

Called the dealer back today, explained that the car is not stock like claimed. Offered $3,500 and was told "end of discussion" . Walked away with my head held high thanks to you guys. The help is much appreciated!

7aull

iTrader: (2)

Grats!
I know how hard it is to walk away sometimes. I think you will be happy with your decision. Hope you keep looking for a nice RX7. They are out there. Just don't buy the one I am looking for!


Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska