gents, I found a 1983 RX7 for $800. It's a silver 5 speed with 125k on it. The guy says it has very little rust. What do you all think? Anything I should know/look for?

 

i hear the door joint area rust easy? maybe check that. dont want your doors falling off lol

 

check under the bins inside and in the rear wheel wells. Make sure the motor is stone cold when you go to start it. Make sure to get it up to full operating temp. and take it out for a good hard wringing to make sure that it's up to snuff.

 

Run it with the sunroof closed and the radio off to listen for unusual noises.

 

I also found an 86 for $600. Says it runs but smokes. Thoughts? Methinks apex seals are shot... I plan on rebuilding whatever I get. One guy said $800 was too much. Thoughts on that?

 

Apex seal wear will have nothing to do with (oil) smoke. That'd be oil control rings.

If it's fuel smoke (rich mix), could be several things.

If it's actually steam, it's a water jacket seal leak, or intake manifold o-rings.