I have owned my '84 RX-7(my first RX-7) for a couple months now. I don't know too much about the cars.

I have just ran across a '85 GSL-SE with 77k original miles and would hate to pass up a good car.

Do you guys have any suggestions, of what to look for when I inspect this car?
I am not too familiar with the 12A and even less familiar with the 13B fuel injected motor.


Mike

 

rust under the rear bins, overall maintenance on the car, compression (although it shouldn't be a problem because it only has 77k miles), how it drives, vaccum leaks, etc.

 

Be sure to check the oil cooler for leaks.

As for all the fuel injection stuff and different electronics and vacuum things on the engine, don't be intimidated - if it starts up fine (see it cold, preferably!) and runs okay, you'll probably fine.

 

^^^^

Thanks guys I appreciate it!

I am a little paranoid, because these cars are so new to me.

My '84 GS (88K miles) is at Tri Point Engineering getting the water pump, rear main seal, and other related seals replaced.

Mike

 

How much for the SE? With that low mileage it should be good. Maybe I'll grab it: I'm just up in Los Altos.

B

 

dannngg 77k...

 

Heh... I was gonna say the same!

...but I'm closer (San Fernando Valley) - race ya to it

 

KBB should be about 2300 for that -SE. How much are you picking it up for? And 77k is really good. The one I will be picking up has 54k. I am getting it in 4 DAYS!!!

 

Looked at the SE yesterday.

Looks like the car has been sitting for a very long time. It does not look like it has been maintained for an even longer period of time. It engine bay is extremely dirty with a fair share of spider webs. To me, it looks like it has thrown a belt at some time in its life. There are coolant stains on the front valance (could of been overheated?). I did not check the oil dipstick.....stupid me! (I'll check that tomorrow). Tires are shot (again, looks like they have been stationary for a long time)! However, it cold started fine and ran fine.

Interior needs a complete restoration. The leather seats are cracked and torn. The interior trim has been destroyed by the sun.

A/C needs recharging or worse. The rear window wiper does not work. Paint is completely faded and the wheels are stock, but have seen better days. There is some rust, which I will be taking a better look today.

What is the "joystick" switch in the center console area?

The car needs massive TLC!

Mike

 

Wow. I would still give it a chance, though! Whenever I go to Pick-Your-Part, I get excited if I see a 1st gen because it means I get parts - but whenever the car wasn't in an accident and likely junked just because of a dead motor, I get kinda sad because it's one less on the road.

The joystick is for the audio system, it adjusts balance and fade together - kind of like using the stick to 'center' where you want the sound to be. It's kinda cool but largely unnecessary - it is a fun toy, though.

Get some pics!

 

^^^^^

The "joystick" controls the audio! That's hilarious......I love the 80's!

I am going to look at it again today. I want to throughly inspect the undercarriage for rust or damage.

I am meeting the owner again tomorrow for a test drive and smog.

The car has never been in an accident and the body has no dents.

Is there a good source for replacement interior panels and the like? I know of British Victoria, but they don't offer interior panels. Plus, they don't offer all the colors available.

Nothing is set in stone yet, we will see how today and tomorrow goes?

Mike