Looking for my first rx7
02-26-15, 09:09 AM
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Looking for my first rx7
I'm new to this but have always wanted an rx7 since the mid 80s. Not for racing but to enjoy driving to work and back in a small AZ town. When I grew up in PR I remember these things making a hell of an awesome sound.... Is that bridge porting ...?
Anyway is there anything I should look for?
I like one currently advertised in the classifieds by KansasCityREPU
Thank you for all your help in this.
Anyway is there anything I should look for?
I like one currently advertised in the classifieds by KansasCityREPU
Thank you for all your help in this.
02-26-15, 08:39 PM
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With stock exhaust, they aren't that loud outside, but when driving the exhaust sound inside is constantly there, at least in my SE.
Lot's of posts on here about what to look for when buying an FB. In your part of the country, your main concern is Rust.
Lot's of posts on here about what to look for when buying an FB. In your part of the country, your main concern is Rust.
02-27-15, 01:35 PM
#4
To me, the first question is, which model tugs the heart strings, SA, FB, FC ect.? From there, I'd try and decide what kind of owership experience I'm after. Do you like a car that's mostly stock and unmolested, or something already modified with an intake, exhaust and / or porting. Those two things narrow the field quite a bit and helps to focus the search some.
02-28-15, 08:45 AM
#6
Welcome Zaid-
Few things I can think of -
1) you haven't defined your $$ range; maybe you haven't seen enough to judge. Generally $1-2K will get you running beaters, or at least just tired old cars, or a nice one that has some serious mechanical needs (usually: motor gone).
The generic advice on buying any used car certainly applies here: Buy the BEST you can afford.
Its pay now or pay later. If you are an accomplished Wrench (or willing to be one) then your best/cheapest option would be a nice RX7 with a dead motor, then do the rebuild, which is actually pretty straight forward - WITH the caveat that some key major components (engine block pieces) are no longer available new. (there are work-arounds) in fact, typical of most ANY 30+ -ish year old (esp japanese) car, a LOT of parts are no longer available. This is especially true of virtually ALL the trim parts. Alternators, water pumps, brake stuff etc. : no problem.
RX7s are particularly subject to engine failures (not the fault of the engine - dumb owners). So its still not uncommon to find some very nice-condition RXs with a bad motor the current owner isn't willing or able to repair. Which can make a _really_ nice one an under-$1000 buy. (sometimes, WAY under). But make sure you understand what your undertaking to get it back on the road!
Nice, running cars can easily jump to $4K+ for well maintained cars, esp those that have had minimal modifications and have a solid ownership history. Some exceptional, almost-new(ish) low mileage examples pop up regularly (eBay) for $6-9000 asking.
As others have said, and this comes as no surprise to you, most AZ/desert RX7s have likely been baked to death, which can mean some big investments in time and $$ chasing down replacement interiors and trim. Of course the plus is virtually rust free cars, but while RX7s are not particularly rust-prone, they DO rust! So this will be a consideration if you are looking at a car from wetter climates.
2) are you willing/able to travel to find/buy the right car? I found mine off eBay in SoCali (I am in Alaska). This opens a world of choices, with the caveat you would be "buying blind" without someone to do a Boots-on-the-ground inspection (I had a buddy 100 mi away in SoCali who was an ex-mazda mechanic!). The few times I have needed to have a Lower-48 (continental USA) inspection, I have always been able to find a nearby Forum member that could be my eyes to check the car.
3) you have started out the Right Way by signing up here. There is a HUGE wealth of expertise here, but it is important you do some research and narrow your Wish-List down so we can more accurately assist. Really, there are no Dumb Questions from Newbies.
4) don't be in a hurry!!! There are actually an _amazing_ number of RX7s that come up for sale. Mazda made a LOT of them. The trick is to know WHICH variant/model you want, have a price in mind and be ready to jump on the right one when it comes along. Craigslist can be searched nation-wide for local RX7s-for-sale ads, and usually the best deals can be found with owners selling there own cars locally.
Best of Luck
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
Few things I can think of -
1) you haven't defined your $$ range; maybe you haven't seen enough to judge. Generally $1-2K will get you running beaters, or at least just tired old cars, or a nice one that has some serious mechanical needs (usually: motor gone).
The generic advice on buying any used car certainly applies here: Buy the BEST you can afford.
Its pay now or pay later. If you are an accomplished Wrench (or willing to be one) then your best/cheapest option would be a nice RX7 with a dead motor, then do the rebuild, which is actually pretty straight forward - WITH the caveat that some key major components (engine block pieces) are no longer available new. (there are work-arounds) in fact, typical of most ANY 30+ -ish year old (esp japanese) car, a LOT of parts are no longer available. This is especially true of virtually ALL the trim parts. Alternators, water pumps, brake stuff etc. : no problem.
RX7s are particularly subject to engine failures (not the fault of the engine - dumb owners). So its still not uncommon to find some very nice-condition RXs with a bad motor the current owner isn't willing or able to repair. Which can make a _really_ nice one an under-$1000 buy. (sometimes, WAY under). But make sure you understand what your undertaking to get it back on the road!
Nice, running cars can easily jump to $4K+ for well maintained cars, esp those that have had minimal modifications and have a solid ownership history. Some exceptional, almost-new(ish) low mileage examples pop up regularly (eBay) for $6-9000 asking.
As others have said, and this comes as no surprise to you, most AZ/desert RX7s have likely been baked to death, which can mean some big investments in time and $$ chasing down replacement interiors and trim. Of course the plus is virtually rust free cars, but while RX7s are not particularly rust-prone, they DO rust! So this will be a consideration if you are looking at a car from wetter climates.
2) are you willing/able to travel to find/buy the right car? I found mine off eBay in SoCali (I am in Alaska). This opens a world of choices, with the caveat you would be "buying blind" without someone to do a Boots-on-the-ground inspection (I had a buddy 100 mi away in SoCali who was an ex-mazda mechanic!). The few times I have needed to have a Lower-48 (continental USA) inspection, I have always been able to find a nearby Forum member that could be my eyes to check the car.
3) you have started out the Right Way by signing up here. There is a HUGE wealth of expertise here, but it is important you do some research and narrow your Wish-List down so we can more accurately assist. Really, there are no Dumb Questions from Newbies.
4) don't be in a hurry!!! There are actually an _amazing_ number of RX7s that come up for sale. Mazda made a LOT of them. The trick is to know WHICH variant/model you want, have a price in mind and be ready to jump on the right one when it comes along. Craigslist can be searched nation-wide for local RX7s-for-sale ads, and usually the best deals can be found with owners selling there own cars locally.
Best of Luck
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
02-28-15, 12:51 PM
#7
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Thank you for all input. Im looking for a driver mostly og in the 4k range last model with efi lsd and 4wdiscs. One to enjoy around town that looks good inside and out. Trying to buy one in the classifieds right now but will see if it works out. Thanks again!
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