Hey everyone. I normally hang around the FD forum trying to learn stuff, but i've realized that i can't afford a FD, but i really want something rotary powered. I really don't like the FC's, and i've never found a FB in good condition, until now. Coming out of work, there was a 1985 GSL-SE for sale along side the road. I'm taking it out for a test drive tomorrow at noon, and i'll post a full writeup on how it drives, and post pictures then. The guy wants $2,950 for it with a little over 140k on the clock. The car is a dark metallic grey, crank up moon roof, and burgandy leather interior. the interior is in amazing shape, with the exception of 2 rips on the drivers seat, one on the bottom and one on the bolster. 13b, FI, 5 speed. The wheels are stock mazda alloys that i've never seen before on any other FB that i've seen online. There are two bubbles on the car, one over the left rear wheel well, and one at the lower drivers corner of the windshield. Both b-pillars have cracks in the paint.

I popped the hood, no leaks anywhere. checked out the rats nest, and all the hoses were fresh rubber, no brittle or cracked lines. The car cranked instantly when i went to turn it over to check the idle, and it held rock solid at 500 rpm from the time i started looking the car over to the time i was done inspecting it (about 15 minutes). The ceramic on the spark plugs was still white, so i'm pretty sure that they were fresh plugs.

I was wondering, do you guys think that, based on this information, that it's a good buy? I have no rotary specialists around me, so if there is anyone in the Ann Arbor area that would be willing to look at the car so i know whether it's worth the price, that'd be great. After i finish this, i'm going to look in the classifieds for prices.

EDIT: just searched fast on google, and these are the rims that it has on it:
http://home.mchsi.com/~dsmanion/Pers...es/1985rx7.jpg

 

Yeah those are the stock GSL-SE rims.

 

do you think from that description that it's a good deal?

 

I got mine mint, but with some bin rust for $1500. Drove 4 hours to see it too!

 

thanks for that info, i'm headin out in 10 minutes to go and test drive and take pictures of the car, i'll post them this afternoon.

 

I got mine, working condition (just needed a new driveshaft and it was set) for $500...

It's not what we think, its what you want and how fast you want...that's what determines the pricing.

- Tech

 

i got mine for a thousand dollars gsl-se that was damn near perfect new paint clean *** interior no rust no tears and a 138000 on the speedo

 

alright, so i took the car for a drive. it ran beautifully, tracked straight, braked hard, tight steering. took it to my local mechanic and had him look over it. the gas tank was rusted, it needed new tires (they were dry-rotted, slid really easily while i was driving it), new front sway bar bushings, a new oil cooler line, both doors needed new locks, and new power window mechanisims. i'm going to wait to see if he brings down his price, because he said that he won't go down to how much i want to pay

 

Paid $900 for mine but not in perfect condition though. Had a few dings nothing major.

 

Has it survived the winters or are there the typical rust issues? Original engine?

My rule...never pay more than 2/3 asking price, but I'm thinking $1,000 max.

Got mine for $50 (to tow home from frustrated Lansing car dealer), minor cosmetic repairs, tires, and a 20,000 mile Mazda rebuilt engine. Like-new car for under $1,400.

Good luck!

 

I have noticed the price is sharply rising for an FB in good condition. I have seen one FB advertised at 9000

 

I have a GS with no rust but a little body damage all fixable, for $500 with 128k miles on it and tags till the end of 06

It runs like a top, except I had to shell out another $130 for a starter

 

Not worth it. You can get better for less than HALF that. That's a $800 dollar car, unless he wants to pay for the repairs first.

Note that I payed $600 for mine not running. Take that as you will