Im looking and hoping to purchase a 1985 rx7 for my first car. I have 7k saved up for a car, but realistically I'd like to spend 5500 max on a car. I have always been in love with older JDM cars (mostly Datsuns and Rx7s) and so I am buying my first car, I wanted to get something I would truly enjoy, and hopefully slowly work on and turn into something to be proud of.
I am looking mainly at Gen 1-2 Rx7s and was wondering what issues i should look for when going to look at one? (also a forum noob so go easy on me)

 

Um, I hope you have other transportation lined up. A 30+ old car does not a daily driver make, at least not until all the issues have been dealt with and that will take time.

Issues; rust, gunked up gas tanks and carbs, worn bushings everywhere, all the hoses, compression, blown motors, all t he usual old car things.

 

Agree with either option as a non-primary means of transportation. I daily drove my first rx7 all through college and it was a challenge.

I'd suggest finding a decent commuter and leave the rx7 as a project supliments ride. It's just easier this way.

In terms of what to look for in an Rx7, what's the goal with the car? All original? For the pure driving experience, 1st gens are the way to go. Need more space and comfort? 2nd gens are cool.

 

First off, welcome aboard!

Without knowing much about your financial standing, amount of technical expertise, and your love of working on old cars to keep them running; the Gen1 RX7 is going to require a substantial baseline of routine and non-routine maintenance unless the prior owner has worked out all the bugs. Most of these cars will require substantial work to replace suspension components, braking system components, and other labor intensive parts - requiring mechanical know-how and a bunch of time and effort.

If you're up for it, it can be a rewarding experience. If you're struggling to pay your own way through college, have a young wife and small child(ren), I'd suggest looking at a Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla or Camry and call it a day. These cars at this point in time, are driven only by enthusiasts - as they are only as reliable as you can maintain them. Good luck,

 

Welcome! These guys have really hit most of the basics about the SA, FB, and FC. What part of Ohio are you from?

 

I have a Volvo Xc90 also lined up so when something does go wrong I will have transportation.

 

Also I am from Cleveland, the land of apparently not well taken care of Rx7s

 

This is very sage advise. No one is trying to discourage or turn you away, we just know through previous experience, some of the challenges and difficulties at this point in life. I think it's great that we have newer generations who want to continue to carry the Rx-7 torch. If you must, I'd recommend to buy the best vehicle (condition wise) you can afford. It may be cheaper in the long run.

 

@Banzai thank you for the advice! Ive been working on cars and motorcycles all my life, and Im young and naive so no challenge is to much. Im going to look for closest I can to mint for my price range. I also have no preference as too what year so that makes everything all easier. My max is 6500 on a car. Is that too little for a good condition Rx7?

 

That is awesome. I bought my FB after I drove my dad's for a whole summer. Driving it for a summer was essentially my first car.

Your goal will be to find a clean original rust free example, I would stick to a carbd 12a. If you can find one that has had basic maintenance done and runs well, you shouldn't have too many problems.

My car was original condition, 100% zero rust, and only 60k miles. It was $3500cad. It has not really given me any major problems.

The FB is very easy to work on and troubleshoot. Most basic parts are readily available, just make sure you find one with a good running 12a. In the FAQ there is a list of things to look for.

 

I would check out the auction site bringatrailor.com. You can look at past auctions to see what 1st gens have gone for. Most of the cars that show up on this site are in pretty good shape generally and its an easy way to shop until you find a match and a bid that wins. Since you are in the land of rust you would be wise to head south of the mason dixon line to find cars in decent shape. Its worth your money to do that.

 

Tim beat me to the punch about BaT, there is an exceptionally nice SA on there right now! https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...rx-7-11/?blm=4 >

$4 to $6K should buy you a pretty nice example. FB's are a little more refined, but a lot of people like the SA's for their more simplistic interior.

 

It's at 8k right now. Good news for us SA owners.

 

Buy the best example that you can afford. The 12A cars are very reliable and fun to drive. A very nice original example is a very sought after car. The GSL-SE with the fuel injected 13B is also an excellent choice as it has more power and is just as, if not more reliable than a 12A car if properly maintained.

Being from the Cleveland area you're only about 30 mins or so from me. I'd be happy to help you the car that you get and I have many special tools for the rotary engine to include a rotary compression tester which could be useful if you find a car locally.

 

 

 

If you shop around you should be able to find a 1st gen in really good condition for under 5500usd

 

Seems you have plenty in the budget for a nice 1st or 2nd gen. Be mindful of rust since you're in Cleveland.