I'm new. Some advice, please.
 

Well, I've kiiiinda been looking for a first gen RX-7, and not until now has one struck me as being in good enough condition to buy.

While searching the local craigslist ads, I came upon this little beauty. She's a 1985 Black GS, has got 220,000 on the chassis, and 140,000 on the motor. It's been garaged for the last four years, and very well maintained. Apparently all it needs is a battery.

Front Exterior
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/DSC00528.jpg

Interior
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...s/DSC00543.jpg


He wants $1000 for it. Does that sound like a good price? Should I haggle him to get a new battery for the $1000 price tag, or tell him I'll only pay $900 if I have to replace the battery?



Another thing; I am a beginner to working on cars (by beginner I mean I know almost all of the stuff, but lack experience), but I have never dealt with the Wankel engine before. I heard from a post by an RX-7 owner in another forum that "RX-7's are so easy to work on compared to most other cars." Or something along those lines...

Anyway, would it be a good idea to buy? Should I work the guy down on price?

Thanks everyone.

Good to see more people from Austin on here. $1000 seems to be baseline price for a good running car, it could cost more, it could cost less, it just depends on how bad someone wants to buy it. If it checks out mechanically then it seems fair.

There are two ways to tackle this.

1. Haggle for a good price because as far as you know it does not run. ($400-$500)

2. Ask him to put a battery in it (or bring your own batery) to show that it runs. Then base the price on the condition of the running engine and drivability. Without seeing it up close, $1000 may not be a bad price (but always haggle). What's the worst thing that could happen if you haggle?

Yeah! Someone from Austin!

I'm pretty sure it was you that made the post on the Prelude forums... I saw it and how you used to restore 7's and sell them.

Anyway, if it seems like a good deal (and yes, I'll be haggling), then I think I'm gonna go for this car.

What kind of gas mileage do you people normally get with a 12a? What about the 13b?

I'm guessing 20 mpg would be normal... but hopefully it can be tuned/leaned out to run 25? These cars generally run rich, right?

Gas mileage varies greatly. Mods and heavy foot have alot to do with it. But in all honesty i could care less about gas mileage. I mean some what but not really...when buying a car like this its not a thought process in my head anyway. It looks nice curious to see what it looks like dry. I say bring your battery for sure if it dosnt run offer 500 bucks. Dont be scared to walk away :)

About what it looks like dry: I was wondering the same thing. It can't vary that greatly, because of the way the whole car is covered so well. Thats normally the sign of a clear coat, because it will only look like how it is in the pics if it's in the middle of raining. The water should come right off after the rains, so I would assume it's got a good clear coat. Also, the lack of denting makes me think it is otherwise well taken care of. The interior looks to be quite clean as well.

On MPG: I suppose if I'm trying to get good gas mileage, I'll keep the shifting in low RPMs, and get to 5th gear quick. Then I'll see how it goes. =]

Thanks everyone, and if there's anymore input, then let me know please.

Another thing, is there anything that I should REALLY keep an eye out for on this car? Rare OEM items? Normal problems? Some poop in the gas tank?

Rust rust rust in the bins storage, where the links mount tho frame in the rear, inside the hatch area around the glass. COntriol arm mounts in front etc etc.

We're pretty lucky in Texas, rust is rarely a problem. (provided the car is spent it's life in this region)

Run an Autocheck on it, it gives the best history in detail.

Autocheck? Is that like a carfax?

Uhh... what?

Yeah.. I find it to be much more detailed than CarFax. It even shows TX state inspections.

Hey, another one from Austin.

Ditto on the others' reply, make sure it can run. Sitting for years isn't good for any car.

And if it does, see if (and how much) smoke comes out the back.

Where's it located? I saw a similar one in NW/Jollyville area that had a replaced engine, and the lady that drove it said she'd probably never sell it.

Are you on Prelude Power? Do you have a Lude as well?

We need an Austin Rx-7 gathering!

Yeah I am!
I have a 1980 Honda Prelude. It's for sale for $500, or OBO w/ trades. Interested?

And about the meet; If there is one, and I get one of these 7's, then I'm in!