Hey guys, new to the forum but title says it all, I’m looking at trading my 92 firebird for an 81 rx7. I’ve never had any experience with a rotary before and don’t want to get shafted. What should I look/feel for when checking out and driving the car? It’s a manual NA with 109,000km. The guy said it needs a carb kit and he couldn’t even get it setup for a test drive with silicone, he also said he’d be willing to drive down with the car on a trailer and do the gaskets with me for free. I’m going to check out the car this week to see if it’s in good enough shape to consider buying a 100$ kit to test drive it.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

 

Welcome .. which part of Canada do you live in?

You might be able to get a local member to check out the car with you.

 

If this is your only car don't do it. I wonder how the other person knows it only needs a carb kit? The only way I would trade is if it will truly be a project car and you don't need to for your main/secondary means of transportation.

 

I have a truck and a car, the rx7 is a project and would be spending the winter in the garage. I’m located in alberta, 30 minutes west of edmonton and the car is an hour east of edmonton.

I went out to take a look last night and it looked alright, a couple rust spots on the body but nothing rotten. The underside was also obviously rusty but nothing looked to be rotten either, the motor didn’t look like it had and oil or anything else on it either

As for the carb kit he said he had it running but was dicking around taking it apart and broke some gaskets. He also said he just got it 9 months ago and it sat for 10 years previously, it was a lady’s car and she passed and her husband never touched it

 

Go into this with the intention that the engine needs a rebuild. Don't put value in any non-running engine when making this trade. Also take a look at the Bin area behind the seats. Take the rear bins out and inspect for rust. This is were the rear suspension arms mount and is a common place for rust. It gets so bad the metal needs to be replaced and at worse eats the frame rails. Also understand that the gas tanks don't hold up well from sitting and will probably need to be cleaned with something like MEK after being removed from the car.

Make a list of parts you think might need to be replaced and then search the internet for prices and availability. That dollar amount will help in the decision if you're on a budget. These aren't a common chevy or ford for parts availability.

Post some pics and we can give an honest assessment.

 

A quick search on "Thinking about buying..." would turn up a lot of honest responses, along with the aftereffects of those who dived in and regretted it. There are more than a few of each side. Also, scroll down a bit, and the forum code has brought up a few links. Good luck, and hope to see you around,