This Newbie is wondering about buying my 2nd 1979 RX7 but I don't know how to price a 1st Gen GS model that's in spectacular shape. Copper/bronze, 5-spd, A-C, with 36k miles and stock except for the wheels/tires. No sunroof & no accidents.

It's been covered and garaged, no rust, runs like new, no exhaust smoke, tracks true, etc. No dents and only one mark on the original, shiny paint. (an egg splat). I know the owner and he's an honest neighbor but he, too, doesn't know a fair price.

Blue book values really don't help in this instance.

(Apologies if I'm posting incorrectly)

Can I get some assistance from knowledgeable RX7 fans on what the '79 might be worth?

Thanks a ton,

RebelwoaCloo

 

Ahhh the Albuquerque SA? Nice car if its the same one, tho no sun roof would be a deal killer for me. His price ($5300??) is in the ball park if he can prove the mileage with service records, etc. Believe he is the original owner?? That is GOLD if true. Nice dry no-rust climate, as long as the car was kept out of the sun. Apologies if I have confused the cars. Surprised if TWO bronze low mileage 79s were FS in NM right now!

best of luck - would be one of the nicest choices on the Market at the moment if it is in the condition the mileage states! Cars like that the owner can write their own ticket....

Keep us posted!

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

I was just through Albuquerque and Las Cruces last week. I could have checked it out. Prices run from 1K for a beater to 2-3ish about average and 4-6K for a really nice one. Last year, an original owner 1980 with only 6000 miles was sold privately for 15K! That was a truely exceptional car from the guy who bought and kept it garaged from new.

 

¡Grácias! for y'alls' help. Yes, it's the copper SA (12.78 build) in Albuquerque @ $5300.

He's the 2nd owner since late 1980 when it had 10k on the odo. He's kept it garaged and it's passed our emission tests for 12 years in-a-row.

Rebuilt 4-bbl, Shelby aluminum rims w/newer P205/60HR 13's Eagles. New battery, AC checked & charged, and the owner has most of the maintenance records for the 31 years he's owned it.

I wasn't even looking for an RX7 but I thought that this might be an offer I can't refuse. I'm not new to the Gen 1 scene as I bought one in '79, and when I met my wife in '83 she just happened to own a red '80 RX7. I reckon that was a blessing or an omen.


I'll see if I can post some pics but I don't know if I've earned enough Brownie Points on this forum. Thanks again for y'alls' time to assist!

David

 

Here's a few of what I have. Please critique if you have the time and I do appreciate your advice!

David

 

Might as well show these:

 

Lastly...

 

Very nice! Get it if you have the means.

 

Guess the last thing to check would be the health of the engine. Only thing closest to an _absolute_ guarantee would be a compression check, which requires a special compression tester (ie Mazda dealer). There are other indicators you can use as a guide:
-no white smoke from a COLD start (white smoke indicates coolant leaking into combustion chambers. Once car is warmed up this symptom goes away TEMPORARILY! which makes the cold start mandatory). Bit of oily/black smoke on start is not unusual....
-coolant clear of any surface oil contamination (same indicator).

Be aware on occasional use, low mileage cars its hard on hydraulic systems so early failures (with your regular use) can mean leaking master and slave cylinders down the road. Not a deal-breaker but something to consider in an offer if there is no documentation of recent work.

Likewise fuel systems. If car sits for extended periods, gas degrades, leaving gunk build up in system. Worst case is rotted insides of gas tank, which is no longer available new. This problem "usually" will manifest itself driving with low fuel levels. Sounds like your road test went OK tho?

The guy has had it on Craigs for several weeks now. maybe time for a $4800 offer?

Best of luck - nice car in rare original condition. You can drive it and if you care for it like the previous owners, good chance you will never lose a dime on it. Try THAT on a new car....

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Looks like a very nice and well kept car. Above average in my book, plus its got the early style, disco plad interior which are rarer. I agree with Stu, how does she run and drive? Will it take any money to rebuild the carb or a brake job or something? These are legimate reasons to bring the price down. If it checks out mechanically I'd say 4-6K is well bought and in the range of the market today.

 

Amazing car. Where in NM are you?

 

nice car! i really like the wheels too.

i didn't look at all the pics, but i do notice the engine bay is 100% original except for a radiator cap, and the after market upper hose that's actually backwards.

since the mazda rubber hoses actually will last for 30+ years (they get hard with age, not soft), this would be a sign of a possible overheat.

other than that, car is worth $5300 no problem.

 

Rebel PM me and we can talk about 7's. I'm out in Rio Rancho, but own an 82 and an 83 RX7. You can take a look at them and we can talk value and what to look for. You also might want to post over on the New Mexico thread.
I personally would prefer to see stock wheels on it, but that's just my style.
I don't see a paint code, but I'd be really interested in knowing which one it was. Good Luck

 

very very nice, good luck either way you go

 

lh6601,

I'm in The Q, I-40 & Coors, in Ladera West. You?

 

Good input from a great group of people. Your advice is much appreciated.

7aull - I'll be keen on the color, if any, of the exhaust smoke. The hydraulics and fuel lines I can check just so much. No apparent leaks in the hydraulics or gunk in the fuel, and I will now bear those potentials in mind. The car drives just as I remembered my first '79 in 1980. I wasn't aware of the long-running Craigs ad and that is news I can use. Bravo!

Banzai - That "disco plaid" w/bronze was the choice I optioned and had on order at the dealership for 6 friggin' months - I was able to buy a white/black GS sooner. The carb was recently rebuilt, and I didn't think to look at the front pads but it brakes well. Thanks.

j9fd3s - Good eye on that backwards hose. I only noticed the cap. Well, the car is 32 years old so the hose replacement fits your timeline and I'm glad it's already done. Thanks.

kencunm - PM coming after I post this. Thanks.

All the best to y'all.

David

 

Awesome. I'm up in the northeast heights area, near menaul and wyoming.

Anyway good luck with the purchase. It looks like its worth the 5k, maybe more. Hope everything works out for you.

 

So you were an original owner back in the day? Sounds like your finding your way home again. I was only using the carb rebuild and brake job as examples of possibile mechanical issues that may cost more money over and above the purchase price. From the pics, it looks in good condition, it just makes sence to make sure it checks out mechanically too. Older cars can and do break in a heart beat plus you inheret all the previous owners neglect or jury rigging fixes. The more you know up front, the better you can acess the value and less surprises you have once down the road.