Hey guys this is the first time I post in this section, I've been on the forum for a while now. I own a 1995 FD, and I have come across this FB that peaked my interest. I have no idea what to look for in an FB besides all the usually kicking the tires. But my question is do FBs have any items in particular that I need to pay attention at. The car is a 1985, GSL, the interior is very nice, still has the hard top, still comes with the original owners manuel, has 167,xxx, Everything in the interior works, starts right up, I did not take pics but with the info. that I"ve written is the car worth what they want for it. The owner is asking 1000 for it but told me is willing to take 900. I think its a good deal. Opinions, Reactions, Comments????? Thanks

 

Standard inspection is mostly all you need to do. Look for oil seeping from between the rotor housings, look for rust, etc. Pull out the storage bins and look for rust on the floor pan and wheelwells, this is definitely the worst area for rust on the car. 900 sounds about right if everything is in good shape.

 

The GSL is the luxury 12A powered version,loaded with nearly every option.It doesnt have the conveinience of EFI or 13B,but itll keep you entertained.The 12A is a notoriously reliable engine so long as you observe the typical rotary rules...dont overheat,dont over-rev and change the oil regularly.The one caveat to the 12A powered cars of 83-85 was the water/oil cooler.It didnt work nearly as well as the air/oil coolers,which is why Mazda pitched it on the SE and all later cars.The lack of oil cooling capacity helped contribute to the oil leakage around the top edge of the rotor housings.Called the "leak of death",its not actually a death sentance,however its very messy and requires a teardown to remedy.If you pick up the car,do the regular check-up stuff and seriously consider upgrading to an air/oil cooler.If you see any JB weld or RTV globbed around the distributor,then BEWARE.If your up for an engine swap/rebuild,then offer him 200-300 bucks and get down to it.
The 84-85s were the best years in my opinion.They lend themselves better to GSL-SE type upgrades if your so inclined and the interior finally shed that 70s feel and got slick(except the silver trim).The dash feels/looks pretty modern,even 20 years later.Externally and mechanically,there isnt much changed from the 81-83 cars.Sounds like a deal for the money.A well taken care of 12A can go 200K and still be reliable.

 

thanks for the replies. Yeah I basically want the car as a daily driver, just give it the normal care it takes for a rotary to keep healthy and have it to drive around and possibly auto-x.