1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1st Gen, $800, Worth It?

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Old 04-26-14, 01:58 AM
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Looking to buy my first rotary and stumbled across this. Since I'm new to this and don't know what to look for I figured it would be best to consult you guys. I'd like to get some thoughts and opinions on if it's worth it or not. Here's the link: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4433593664.html And for those of you who can't see the link, here is the description: "Selling my red 1983 Mazda Rx7 GS because it needs new coolant seals and I have no time to tear into it. Its mostly original with black Interior and is a complete running and driving car. It started using coolant toward the end of last summer so I parked it. It has never overheated. At some point the car had a cheap respray which peeled on the drivers door, it also has a dent in the passenger front fender from the p.o. while backing out of a space in a parking garage. I have a brand new replacement fender that will go with the car for the right $. It currently has red turbo2 seats in it but I have the originals as well they just need to be redone. I have had a few fb rx7's and this one is very complete and original. All the original engine bits are intact, the dash is in good shape. Aside from maybe the radio it is all original and unmodified. Good restoration candidate if thats what you want to do with it." Thanks J
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Old 04-26-14, 05:15 AM
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first cars should never be bought cheap, unless you are guided by a mechanic 100% of the way.


rotary is a different ballpark from pistons. But if you know how to completely set up wiring harness, tell a bad axle from a good one, and the basics. Then it would be a sweet project car.

car looks clean but the pictures show nothing about it's vitals except being potentially rust free

e: request pictures of the engine bay and underbody... and especially ride it around a bit.
Old 04-26-14, 05:36 AM
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For $800, I say go for it.
Old 04-26-14, 06:54 AM
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those seats are rare. I think only the 87 T2 had the red interior avail, & at that, who would keep it?
Old 04-26-14, 08:36 AM
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I didn't know anything about cars, car maintenance or being handy in general. I couldn't drive a stick and I couldn't even tell you what a carburetor looked like.

Then I bought my first RX-7 for $900. It changed my life.

For $800, you can't afford not to buy this car. Good, used engines come up for $350 all the time and once you've got a spare, the rebuild kits are under a grand for everything or under $200 for the soft seals.

Last edited by MosesX605; 04-26-14 at 08:38 AM.
Old 04-26-14, 09:41 AM
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$800 is a steal if the rear wheel wells are intact. Pull the storage bins or put the car on a lift to check. Load bearing structures might be rusted out. Or there is some superficial rust that can be fixed.
Old 04-26-14, 02:21 PM
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70 cubic inches of fury!

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Id go for it. Like other guy said engines are not to terribly expensive. just find a running engine and drop it it. It's pretty simple to pull the tiny 12a out. An if he has it posted for 800 he would probably take 6!
Old 04-27-14, 05:20 PM
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if there is no rust go for it
Old 04-28-14, 05:15 AM
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Originally Posted by erick31876
if there is no rust go for it

X2 !
Old 04-28-14, 01:43 PM
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JKM

 
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Before you run out and buy this car, think about the coolant seals, do you have the time/skill/money to rebuild the engine? It's going to need it sooner than later. Otherwise, yeah, hell of a deal.
Old 04-29-14, 03:15 PM
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I have a rotary addiction

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Do it. Do it now.
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