Hey guys, I recently came across a 1985 RX-7 with 49k original miles for about 3 grand. If this car looks to be in decent shape, would I be a fool for buying it? I've always liked the looks of the first gens, but am not too familiar with common problems and what not. Granted this would not be a perfect car given its age, but since the mileage is low I'm hoping it will still be fairly reliable. So basically will I be spending all my time in the shop or will I be spending my time putting miles on this baby? I can handle a trip to the mechanic every month or so, but more than that just isn't worth it to me. Thanks for any advice you guys can give.

 

Do a compression test on the engine. 49K is really low.

 

go for it... take it 4 a test drive, if it looks, feels good... take it!

 

ditto

 

$1500. Will probably need an engine soon.

 

I agree with hotty, test it out and see if you like it.

 

only 49k???? has it been sitting long or anything?
If so, Aico's right man, check compression

 

Ok, another question then, why is low mileage bad? And if it has been driven summers stored winters, is that conisdered sitting a long time? Oh, and replacement engines, can you still get these motors new, or would it have to be rebuilt/used? Thanks again for any info.

 

Mine has 142k and is still running great. These cars are pretty easy to work on. I wont lie, you will need to work on it once in a while, but it is worth it for such a fun car. 49K huh? You've made quite a find.

 

If you ask me, low mileage means that the owner(s) "babied it" which tends to mean light driving and what-not which would allow the carbon to build up...a lot. Especially if it sat for the winters untouched, the carbon will be crazy. But if it has good compression and all, go for it. My car had 80K on it when I bought it in March, and the engine is dead now. So just be sure to check it out throughly.

~T.J.

 

Exactly my point....friend just bought a gorgeous 90 with 55k, motor gone in 2 mos

 

make sure to atf it really good.

 

If it has good compression is it likely that is will be a good motor, or is it still possible it will crap out? Oh, is there any way to clean the carbon out and will this help the longevity, or is it too late once there already is carbon? Thanks for the good replies!

 

atf, auto transmission fluid. run a search on atf for the 1st gen section. this is a must when you get any rotary just like changing the plugs, etc.

 

I bought mine for $1500 and it has 140 000kms on it, no rust and it really had no problems except for the flooding...wich i could've fixed myself at the time if i knew what the problem was ><

 

Yeah my original 1st gen was a 85 gsl-se with 220,000 on it and the motor had never been opened!! I was the 2nd owner, I got rid of it ( stupid!! ) to get a 90GXL; just goes to show, ya never know

 

I recently purchased a 84 GSL-SE for $500, it only has 42K, but was outside all the time. I agree with the compression test, mine tested great . . . . however, I'm not sure if this is common but every damn piece of rubber (susp and steer bushings) is shot. The outdoors where also hard on the paint, but very little rust, no holes. May want to check that stuff. The only other problems I have are a leaky oil cooler hose (ANYBODY KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND ONE FOR LESS THAN $120!!!!) and rearend howls some.

 

Oh, one other thing. Haven't ever tried it but Atkins rotary recommends the use of Amsoil Powerfoam into the intake and top two plug holes for 1 day. This stuff is supposed to each carbon for lunch.