Xyphon

Hey guys. I'm looking at buying an 1985 GSL-SE Rx-7 for about $4500, the car looks to be in pristine condition with only a few minor dings cosmetically. Car only has about 70k miles on the original engine, which is considerably less than my 2001 Saab at 111k. I've been doing a lot of reading on this website and am loving what I'm seeing, but wondering if 4500 is a fair price. I've always wanted a 7, and I love the color and how this one looks.

Also, I was wondering if I could get some links to modification manufacturer's.. I read the Upgrading a stock rx-7 thread but didn't see any links.

Any overall info, hints from owners, or opinions about this year/model would be fantastic. Thanks

81gen1

i don't know about the price, but here are some links to upgrade shops

http://www.rotaryshack.com
https://www.mazdatrix.com
https://www.atkinsrotary.com
https://www.mazdaspeed.com
https://www.racingbeat.com

the GSL-SE came with a fuel injected 13B instead of the carb'd 12A. thats about the only difference.

81gen1

also. Welcome to the forum!! you will find the answer to just about ANY question your RX will have you wondering here. along with tons of great people.

84stock

iTrader: (5)

Where I am at, that is a great price for a pristine GSLSE. Last year I sold a 275,000 km (about 180,000 miles) GSLSE in great shape with a 60,000km rebuild for $3200. I spent about 20 hours wet sanding and buffing the car. If it has the cloth interior that's great, having had both, I prefer the cloth over leather any day!

djessence

Seems a little high to me. Especially since the black book (or blue or whatever) value for a top notch no damage condition car is like 2700 dollars. A few dings cosmetically should knock off some $. But granted it has a newish engine

I would say coming up to winter should have some effect but since you are in cali im going guess thats not such an issue?

When buying it take a SUPER good look for rust under the bins and the underbody of the car. Rust can hide even on the best condition cars.

Overall info...13B fuel injected engine, and a bunch of options. Alot of us first gen guys are running carbs but welcome to the dark side (if you decide to get it)

Landon303

iTrader: (25)

i paid 3800 for a 83 GS with only 60K... if you like the car, i say go for it man

Xyphon

Our winters, especially in the bay area are very very mild. It gets down to 50 at the lowest so I don't think it's an issue. I'll have to look up the difference between a fuel injected engine and an engine with a car.

Thanks for the help folks.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

Get pictures of the car inside and out and post up here so we can look at it.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

Link for performance suppliers as found in the archive forum.

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/good-bad-ugly-performance-parts-suppliers-480076/

cmanns

yes our weather is great, try to knock a few hundred off and the price would be much better.

Mybuddy got his 79 SA for 1 grand, its a automatic, bad exterior, bad interior, not really running....

mjm4jc

Xyphon,

Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When it comes to a car like that, it's all about how much it means to you----and only you. I already seen an 84 SE in immaculate condition sell for $8,000. This was because the buyer saw its worth within his own eyes. I'm sure some peopel are saying that he paid way too much, but for him, he is driving the car of his dreams :-)

Mike

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

Link to a car that I sold last September For $5k
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/pictures-my-latest-addition-542838/

bliffle

I have an 85SE with 160k and it's a great car. I also prefer the cloth seats, but I've accumulated leather seats to give the next owner a choice.

If you post pix then we can probably identify the car and its owner.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Welcome to the forum and the Darkside. Even if it's in mint condition, the price seems a bit high if it has some dents and dings. Blue Book isn't really a good gauge when it comes to value since it tends to be an 'average' selling price based on condition. The Black Book is more accurate, if one can get thier hands on one. Before you start modding, it's best to make sure the entire car is brought up to factory specs. Deficient parts can then be replaced with aftermarket/performance parts as needed. Unfortunately, living in CA and the land of CARB, engine/hp upgrades are severly limited due to needing to meet emission regulations. But then Steve84GS has successfuy done a CARB certified S5 TII swap that meets the CARB regs, even while pushing 300 hp.

Suspension, braking and handling however don't fall under the CARB rules and are wide open. This is what the concept design of the 7 was built for and this is where there they can out perform most any other car of thier era, along with many newer ones.

In my sig are links to the online FSMs, carb manual and other rotary related reading. Download whatever you need and begin your rotary education.
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Xyphon

Alright.. Did a test drive of the car today, and plan on making the guy an offer of a few hundred less than his asking price. The whole thing is insanely good condition. The guy just smogged it today and the car passed with flying colors, he also replaced most of the hoses and tubes in the engine. As soon as I get it I'll post some pics.

I really have to agree with Mjm4. I really like how it drives and there really isn't anything wrong with it, but there's just one thing that I'm kinda worried about.. the guy said that on really cold mornings theres a little bit of blue smoke that comes out of the engine.. I was wondering if this is normal for rotaries in cold weather..

Thanks for all the help. much appreciated

dbragg

iTrader: (7)

get it. youll never look back.

go here for all your suspension needs nd then some.

www.re-speed.com

Xyphon

Ugh... the guy sold it to someone else before I had a chance to get down there.. how lame.. Thanks for all your help guys.

twinkletoes

iTrader: (17)

thats a bummer. Just keep looking and the right one will end up in your hands. keep a look out.

NewYorkLaw

A few months ago, I paid $5,500 for an 85 gs with only 36,000 miles and not a scratch on it. Within a few weeks I had to replace the clutch master and slave (did it myself and I'm no mechanic for about $150) and had to fix a leaking oil hose that leads to the carbuerator (also done myself for about $20). I may have overpaid, but I have no regrets. If it's what you want, go for it - next time, don't hesitate!

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

I paid $5000CDN for my 84 GSL. 136 000 KM when I bought it. Body WAS in great shape til someone keyed it, had the one bin area rusted pretty well, but patched it and it will be redone properly when I get the car resprayed. Every time a mechanic has looked at the underbody they say it's in absolutly great shape for it's age. Overall I love this car and have never regretted spending money on it. By the time I'm done it will probably have about $20K into it and that's on the low side. Keep looking and find one, you will not be dissappointed.