1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

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Old Aug 24, 2006 | 10:58 PM
  #1  
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Need advice

I used to own an RX7 years ago and have always wanted another one. I've been looking for a while now, particularly at the $1000 to $1500 RX's locally. Most beat up a bit, but repairable. Thinking about my lack of time...and knowledge base in rotary repair, I've uped my price range a bit. I found this one on ebay and reeeealy like it!! I worried I will keep bidding and pay too much without asking the advice of experts such as yourselves. Reading how good of a hobby and how much fun you are having is also adding size to the hole in my wallet! What do you think this one is worth? For those that don't want to look at the link it's an '84 GSL-SE with 88K miles, garage kept on the west coast...little to no rust. Great pictures on the link. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Tony

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ABCA%3AUS%3A11
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Old Aug 24, 2006 | 11:56 PM
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Anyone? Still have several days on the bid. I'm thinking $3000 to $3500 for tops. Worth it??
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 12:01 AM
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Sounds nice, but I guess that's what the guy gets paid for. Can't see the pics, so I can't really give an opinion on this matter. Always scary when you can't see/drive the car first hand...
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 12:04 AM
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wow looks good i say go for it. and keep it stock!!!!
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by lostllama
wow looks good i say go for it. and keep it stock!!!!
ditto
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 12:22 AM
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Thanks! I agree with the part about not seeing/driving it first. I've never purchased a car this way and it's far from the ideal. I just can't seem to find a good RX locally for a reasonable price here in Colorado. If I don't win this one, I'll post pictures of the one I do and be back with many questions I'm sure. The learning curve is steep!
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 02:06 AM
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Super clean SE and near mint condition, nearly a 9 out of 10. Car could go for over 5k if it will still pass CA emissions. Contact the seller and ask for pics of the rear wheel wells and inside the bins. Also ask if they feel it is ready fo a road trip back to CO. Since it's a beach car, it could have the usual rust due to sea salt spray. If there is not the usual rust and the mechanicals are in as good as condition as the cosmetics are, buy it. You may pay more up front for one in this condition, but you will save in the long with fewer repairs.

When you bid, add your trip expenses into the total cost. If the car is honestly represented, 3.5-4k less expenses might be a steal.
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 02:31 AM
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Originally Posted by trochoid
Super clean SE and near mint condition, nearly a 9 out of 10. Car could go for over 5k if it will still pass CA emissions. Contact the seller and ask for pics of the rear wheel wells and inside the bins. Also ask if they feel it is ready fo a road trip back to CO. Since it's a beach car, it could have the usual rust due to sea salt spray. If there is not the usual rust and the mechanicals are in as good as condition as the cosmetics are, buy it. You may pay more up front for one in this condition, but you will save in the long with fewer repairs.

When you bid, add your trip expenses into the total cost. If the car is honestly represented, 3.5-4k less expenses might be a steal.
I was thinking the exact same things actually.
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 10:48 AM
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Thanks much! I will ask for the pictures of the wheel well and inside the bins. From everything I read in here, the bins are one of the biggest problem areas for rust. The seller seems to respond to questions quickly so hopefully this request will not be a problem.
Apparently this car was one of three in a personal collection. The other 2 have already sold and the owner was trying to hold onto this one. Sucks that he is in a bad spot for $...if I can help him out by buying his car...I'll stand up and do my part!!
As far as the driving it back to Colorado part, I was thinking of having it shipped. I was quoted $610. It might be worth it, taking everything into consideration such as flight, gas, food...but then I miss out on the road trip part! Has anyone had a car shipped to them?? What problems or pitfalls do I need to look out for? As I said earlier...this learning curve is steep!!
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 10:51 AM
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Oh yeah, I also wanted to ask all of you what problems I could run into bringing a car from sea level back here to Denver?
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Hogan
Oh yeah, I also wanted to ask all of you what problems I could run into bringing a car from sea level back here to Denver?
It's injected so it'll run just fine in co.

But will probably feel a bit slower.
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 01:35 PM
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Yeh that one caught my eye too, a fine example of a stock SE that probably runs good and obviously looks great. It came up in a previous discussion on stockers a few days ago:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/new-car-570385/

As far as buying things on ebay, I've purchased two GSLs on ebay and both were real good deals, neither as nice as this SE and both needing some repairs and attention, but great deals for the price of around $1,500 each.

I'm guessing it will go for more than $5,000 but most likely worth every penny to the lucky new owner.

Good luck and hope you get it!

Ray
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 01:45 PM
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Yeah, I was thinking it would go at or around 5K also...more than I have to spend. I think I may need to stay away from my computer on the last day of bidding. Wouldn't want to do something stupid....."ok, $8,000....now that's as high as I will go!!!" Yep, that sounds like me. There is another one that's local and in good shape. The guy listed it on Craigslist first for 5k and now has it on ebay. WHEN I get outbid on the silver one, I may try to get outbid on this one too....lol.

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/196720697.html

what do ya think?
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 02:52 PM
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From: Colorado
Damn! Price up over $3000.00. Going to $3500. Somebody stop me before I pawn my house!
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 03:35 PM
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Hogan, how about this one, it's right there in Denver.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda...spagenameZWDVW

I kind of like the GSLs better myself anyway, a little less expensive, easier to work on and more true to the original RX-7 spirit. But expect to pay $5000 for that silver one, and it will be worth it.

Ray

Whoops I see that you already found it, nice car though, probably go for $3-4,000.

Ray

Last edited by ray green; Aug 25, 2006 at 03:38 PM.
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Old Aug 25, 2006 | 03:50 PM
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Thanks for keeping an eye out Ray. I think I would go up to about $3500 for the one here in Denver. I tested the waters a bit by bidding up to $3000 and have still not met the reserve. The owners craigslist ad said he wanted 5K for it....think I would try for the silver one at that point although then I would still have to ship it. I may be going back to the drawing board...maybe looking at the $1500 fixer-uper again!!
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