My name is Carlos, I'm a 2nd Gen owner. One of my close friends really badly wants to own a rotary car. He feels left out that his two closest friends both own RX-7s. We told him we would help him out with finding a car he could afford and would enjoy. He used to love his 1984 Nissan 300ZX, before it was involved in a bad wreck (he was rear-ended by an SUV). 1st Gen RX-7s look just like 300ZXs, so I figured this would be the best option. They aren't too expensive, right? Anything you would have to say about this would be welcomed...

I basically need to know some basic information I can print out and give him before he goes out and buys one. I'm sorry I didn't use the search option, but I work so much that when I get online it's only for about 15 or 20 minutes every day or two, and I'd rather have all of your current opinions, including good places to service or rebuild the engines, in Florida would be a plus. Sorry I'm asking so much. Thank you in advance!

 

The most important thing about buying a 1st gen is rust, get one with a good body and the rest is fairly easy

 

yep check for rust.. they dont get alot of rust but there are a few areas where is always happens...
in the us rx7 u's have the rear stoarage bins, have a good look inside these, this is the worst area..

on mine i had a little rust inside the rear under the light and a small bit on the drivers side a pillar. other than that it was rust free.
u've already got a rotary so i asume ur familia with the engine and getting them compresion tested and all that..

um thats all i can think of now that should be checked but there is plenty more im sure..

 

This is the spot you want to be checking for rust



both sides of course

then its just a case of going over the whole car with a finetooth comb making sure its all solid and rust free

other things to look for are the rear callipers (on cars with rear discs) tend to size so get some one to pull the hand brake and check that the levers on the calipers move

Check for play in the steering too, all 1st gens have a fair amount but it shouldn't be excessive and should go away as you turn the wheel

 

Thanx a lot guys. Yes, I'm fairly familiar with the 13B Rotary Engine, but the problem is that I'm only familiar with that one specific engine. It's the only thing I've had to really work with. Again thank you for your advice. With any hope I'll add a new member to your forum soon...

~_^

 

12a's aren't that much different from 13b's when you;r checking if they are healthy , just keep an eye out for the usual stuff , smoke , not hot starting etc. etc.