I'm new. Some advice, please.
#1
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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
Interior
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.
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
Interior
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.
#2
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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.
#3
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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?
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?
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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?
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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
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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
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?
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#8
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Run an Autocheck on it, it gives the best history in detail.
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#12
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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.
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.
#13
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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?
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?
We need an Austin Rx-7 gathering!
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