WC Bob

I have an opportunity to buy a 1979 RX-7 with 57k miles. Literally owned and driven by "a little old lady"...she's my friends mom! I am clueless as to what the car is worth. It is white, it is ENTIRELY stock...and in remarkable condition. Garaged since day one, spotless original plaid seats, carpet always covered by mats, bra on nose, everything works (except cassette player), etc. Tires at 50% tread, new battery and alternator...clutch seems like it may be ready to go.

I have NO IDEA what this car is worth but I would like to buy it because i have wanted an RX-7 since 1978 when I refused to put a deposit down and wait for a car I never saw or drove (hey, I was stupid back then).

Any idea on the value of this vehicle?? I plan on buying it, cleaning up the engine compartment, compounding and waxing exterior, shampooing interior, putting it in garage under a cover, and driving on sunny weekends.

Your opinions are valuable to me since I have NO experience with the value of car like this.

Thanks in advance.


WC Bob

V8kilr

sounds like an easy 3k plus they way you describe it but pictures are worth a thousand words.

I see mint 1st gens go for far more then even s5 rx7's on ebay.

Northern 7

iTrader: (3)

What is she asking for it? I would say at least 3K - not too many of the '79's around in that kind of shape (I'm assuming form your description this thing is MINT!!!)

WC Bob

Her husband thinks she should get $4k Condition is excellent. It doesn't look like a car you'd see in a car show...but it isn't cleaned up. I believe there are 2 minor dings...each could be worked out by a local dent-doctor for approx. $100. I noticed that the trim pieces around the interior door handles are ratty looking (plastic items)..other than that type stuff it looks great.

I guess I falsely assumed that it was a classic. ****, 1st model year, 25 years old, only 57k miles and 100% stock. I'm shocked that it isn't a valuable car. I guess that's why I'm asking you guys. A real shame. I've loved this vehicle since the first day i saw it advertised in 1978. Hard to believe that it isn't an "in-demand" vehicle. Kooks pay major dollars for 1965-66 Mustangs...pieces of crap vs. an RX-7.

Oh well, Mom never said life was fair....

WC Bob

nipper

I have a 1979 Limited Edition in great shape, in need of paint and a little bodywork. Odometer indicates 126000 miles. I paid $1500.00 [Canadian funds] and consider myself lucky in acquiring it at such a low price.

Northern 7

iTrader: (3)

Value is in the eye of the beholder - if you really like the car, 4K doesn't sound too bad and I'm sure there's a little wiggle room. If you're buying as an investment, well, think again - these cars are not in that class yet - maybe someday

V8kilr

1965-66 vs. 79-85 big difference

give it some time the value will go up

timmya2

its kinda rare here in aus

MosesX605

If you want the car, and it's in as good shape as you say it is, $3-4k is not an unreasonable price.

Root79Rx7

i have 79 also, but it sat under 3 pine trees for 3 years before i descovered it, and talked to the owner, offered 200 buck and he accepted, its stock ecept the exhaust which is just a cheep system that he found, only 109000 miles and has new tires and battery. i think its a find of a century, all i had to do is charge the battery and the car ran, in good shape, the biggest proble on the car is dent on the tops of the car from falling acorns and rust from sitting.

31rx7

WC Bob,

You asked a somewhat loaded question by asking the value as this board is often referred to as the home of $500 RX7's. One person recently advertised one for around $5k or so, and was blasted for not knowing what he was doing.

In my opionon, $4k is not unreasonable for one as you describe. There aren't many clean '79's left, so you would do good to latch on to this one. Plus, where can you get the car you "... have wanted... since 1978..." for any kind of reasonable price.

Regarding investment value, you will find various opinions on this elsewhere on this board. After messing with cars for 30 years, I have found almost all cars are poor investments when you consider the cost of storage, maintenance, and insurance.

I have an 85 I purchased for $2,400 that I am slowly building into the way I wanted to prep my '83 when I bought it new. Will I get my money out of it? Doubtful. My enjoyment comes from the fact it's the way I always wanted. The "value" you will receive is the enjoyment from having the car you always wanted.

However, have it checked over by a knowledgeable mechanic to be sure it is OK. The clutch may simply be the master or slave cylinders going bad.

Good luck!

31RX7

1stgenWankel

I would pay 5k for that car!!!! (though it's prob. worth a little less) that's freakin awesome to find a 79 with that kind of mileage especially if it's been garaged! lucky you. i wish i could find one all i can find is beat up 84's or 85's that people have abused... and you have to pay 1600 for that crap! lol def. buy that car man...

bliffle

3-4k is OK. That car will now start to appreciate and it WILL become a classic. 25 years is the breakover point when a car appreciates.

And that car will run well and long and be cheap to operate. What kind of transportation can you buy for that price? A ratty 10 yr old Toyota with 120k?

B

Rx7carl

And wtf do you know about these cars?????????????

31rx7

Rx7 Carl,

PM'd you.

1979silver

I got new interior door trim from MAZDAFORMANCE? In Texas. They have a website which sould be in the links section. I got interior parts for my 79 with wine interior, very nice people. Look in the N.A.D.A. GUIDE for values under classic cars, you might be surprised.

slashdawg00110

Bob - As others have pointed out, you're asking a bunch of cheapskates what a car is worth. I'd be willing to bet that most paid well under $1000 for their cars. I'm thinking that 3 - 4k for a well-maintained, fun car is a not a bad deal. If the body and engine are sound and you can afford it, go for it. You won't regret it. You've wanted one since '78. Who cares if it ever becomes a 'classic' in anyone else's mind? You'll have a blast owning it. Isn't that the point?

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

Hell no. I would not pay more than $500 for that. I picked up a 79 with orig motor, mint to good interior, orig paint with 2 minor dings. $200 running condition.

If you can drive or flydown to Socal, I got one for you for $5000. 13-B streetport with 48IDA, MSD direct fire, panasports, rb exhaust/muffler, gauges, 6puck clutch/3000 lbs pressure plate. appox 30K miles on the engine. let me know.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

cheapskates? we just know how to spend money wisely. for that price, it BETTER have a ported motor, etc etc

Rx7carl

Mel, thats my 16 year old kid sneaking behind my back pretending to someone shes not ( BTW, shes doesnt even have a license). Amanda, get off and STAY off this board. Reading here is fine, posting is not.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

busted!!!!

Rx7carl

slashdawg00110

OK, 'cheapskate" may have been a poor choice of words. How about 'thrifty'?

It doesn't sound like Bob wants a performance car. He wants something to baby and drive on sunny weekends. He's wanted one since 1978. I still think if he wants it and can afford the $$, he ought to go for it.

Carl - That's big-time busted.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

lol

1979silver

Plaid seats? sounds like an early '79. Does it have a speaker on the dash also?