RX-7 on eBay

I have only recently found this 1984 Mazda RX-7 selling in my price range. My concerns are basic: Do 1st generations suffer from any particular catastrophic failures reaching 200,000 miles of service; are there any specific "red flag" items I should be asking the seller; can a fairly skilled "shade tree" mechanic handle regular maintainance, service and the more involved repairs; if not, do I really have to rely on the local "Mr. Mazda" to do the work?

The mileage is really putting me off on this one.

Any opinions appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum.

My personal opinion i would not buy a vehicle with that high of mileage.

Rotary engines will go that long and further with proper maintenance. Might be it does not have the original motor though. As with anyvehicle with that type of mileage there are many thing that could be a the failure point if they have not been replaced or serviced properly.
The only thing different on the car is the motor.
And the only real thing that takes training or time to learn that is a major deal for the 1st timer is the rebuilding of the engine.As far as maintenance it's the same as any other vehicle. Same fluids etc.. Tune-ups such as plugs,cap/rotor is very easy to do on these cars. The timing hardly ever needs adjustment unless disturbed and that is extremley simple.
If you are seriously considering buying the car i would recommend that you take it either to the Dealership or a rotary speciualist to be checked out. Mainly a compression test done on the motor to check condition. You are also looking for the inherent dowel pin oil leaks.
Is it a carb'd or FI model?

 

Having actually looked at the link provided, I can say it is a carbed 12a. The ad is incorrect on one item, where it says "2bbl carb". The 12a came with a 4bbl carb from the factory.
175K is not too high, for the year of the car.
84 GS model, so it has drum rear brakes, and a "beehive" oil cooler. The oil cooler is not a well thought out design, and disappeared after 85. Used only from 83-85.
$2100 is a little high for most cars, but it appears to be in good shape.
The real deal killer, would be rust. These cars are susceptible to rusting where the rear suspension mounts attach to the body. Have it inspected for rust before paying that much.

 

Rogue,what link?

 

Top of first post. "RX-7 on ebay", underlined.

 

Thanks, didn't even notice it.

 

Craigslist Posting









Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

^^^ Yes that it is a Fat Ugly Pig ^^^^

But I am a bit biased



On the Ebay one. I would say the engine has never been changed or someone did a real good job of doing it. At 175K the engine is iffy. We have seen them on the board here go into the 200's but that is rare for the 12A, But the body looks really good. I would say the price is not to bad but I would budget for an engine. Very clean shells are getting harder and harder to find, and cars that have been babied are kind of rare, you pay for the great shape.


If you really want one of these cars get a nice metric socket set and wrenches, These are one of the easyist cars to work on or learn to work on.