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About to go look at an '84 GSL-SE, what to look for?

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Old 06-30-08, 12:08 PM
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About to go look at an '84 GSL-SE, what to look for?

Later this afternoon I will be going to look at a GSL-SE RX7. 105k miles and from the pictures, very clean looking. The owner said it runs great with the exception of needing new struts in the rear. What are some problem areas on this car that I should look for? It is completely bone stock.
Old 06-30-08, 01:09 PM
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I say this only because I'm sitting here waiting for parts to arrive for my stock 85 GS so that I can get it "safetied " and thus plated for the road.

The car is old...check the front rubber brake lines. Mine were all cracked and ready to burst! Check all the hoses for that matter...
Old 06-30-08, 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by G-man
I say this only because I'm sitting here waiting for parts to arrive for my stock 85 GS so that I can get it "safetied " and thus plated for the road.

The car is old...check the front rubber brake lines. Mine were all cracked and ready to burst! Check all the hoses for that matter...
haha will do, will do

I have a couple pics....the owner might even be a member here?





105k original miles. I assume it has the original paint and interior, although it has new carpet. Owner claims that the engine runs like a top, so I'm excited about going to see it.
Old 06-30-08, 01:49 PM
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check the bins for rust...
Old 06-30-08, 01:54 PM
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Check the coolant for crud.
Old 06-30-08, 02:30 PM
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All good stuff. Bring a screw driver and pull out both bins to see if it has cancer. If its beyond your ability to fix or pay, dont buy it. Check to see if he warmed the engine up before you got there, this could be a sign of hard starting issues. On start up, see if allot of blue smoke comes out. On deselleration see if smoke comes out. These are all bad signs. BTW, struts are up front shocks and springs in the rear.
Old 06-30-08, 03:18 PM
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Also, the sunroof doesn't seem to be closed properly, check the turn ****. Not expensive but check it while your there.

BTW...
Looks pretty nice in the pics... I like it except for the RED paint..... I prefer Silver or Black...

L8R
Old 06-30-08, 04:33 PM
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heater hose running under oil filter may be bulging due to oil leaking on it from filter changes, can't really check but the BAC valve is probably all carboned up.
Old 06-30-08, 09:04 PM
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Went to look at the car. The paint doesn't look quite as nice as it does in the pictures, but its still glossy and has no chips in the clear or sun spots. A good wax would really bring it out. Interior is absolutely flawless aside from a lens missing on the map/dome light. Car was cold when I got there, and started up quickly with no hesitation and no smoke. Idled high for 30 seconds or so then sat right at 1k. Oil pressure gauge took a dip, but then it came up to normal again, so I don't know whats up with that? No rust anywhere. No clunks or other like sounds from the axle or driveline. A/C blows cold and as you can see from the pics, it still has the original radio (which works!) Both lights function as they should. Only thing I can complain about is the clutch? He said it probably needs replacing. So I thought I would offer him the difference subtracting the cost of a new clutch. I really want this car!
Old 06-30-08, 11:24 PM
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Sounds good. What's the price?
Old 06-30-08, 11:28 PM
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$3500, but because of the clutch, i'm going to offer $3200

EDIT: I made sure to look at the sunroof while I was there and it looked fine in person. Also has a separate body colored sunroof in the back.

Whats a good clutch of these cars? The racing beat ones didn't look insanely expensive like I thought they would.
Old 06-30-08, 11:55 PM
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check out re-speed. theyve got some good products and they support new products and r and d for our cars

www.re-speed.com
Old 07-01-08, 12:40 AM
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https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/other-what-look-when-buying-just-after-you-purchased-your-rx-7-a-601804/
Old 07-01-08, 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Rx-7Doctor
Thanks! *bookmarked*


I just need to sell my civic, then it will be mine!
Old 07-02-08, 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by BARF1
heater hose running under oil filter may be bulging due to oil leaking on it from filter changes, can't really check but the BAC valve is probably all carboned up.
I'm with you on this heater hose. Mine blew up and the motor went a few thousand miles later.
Old 07-02-08, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by frisbeedog
I'm with you on this heater hose. Mine blew up and the motor went a few thousand miles later.
Wow, how did you guys catch that? I had to open it up and photoshop and brighten the picture AND zoom in to see it Either way, is this a sign of a serious problem? Or is it just something that needs to be fixed and it will be fine. I am new to the world of Mazda, and more specifically, rotaries.
Old 07-02-08, 07:26 PM
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The hose is simple to replace. You will have to order it from Mazdatrix or another mazda dealer because it is pre-bent. Changing it is just a good precautionary measure.
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