cjf

iTrader: (1)

the 79GS has 77k, no a/c and wants 3500.00 .The gsl-se has 89,000 miles and wants 4100.00. Both in good shape. your opinion(s) please.....thxs...cjf

spatulahunter

ive also been looking at buying a first gen for a while and my opinion is that both are overpriced

Feds

The -se. Better suspension, wheel options, engine.

Plus 79 has other weird things like struts, ignition sytem, etc. that are harder to find replacements for.

Halenstone

Unless they are in EXTREAMLY good condition, and have already got some mods on them, I think they are over a bit overpriced. Now if they are in good condition and do have mods on them, I'd buy the GSL-SE...but try to get it under 4g's. Even 3999.99 if you can. That way you round down when people ask you how much you bought it for.

"Wow, what did you pay for it?" you say, "Awe, 'bout three thousand."

Unsupa

iTrader: (2)

yea, that's pretty high.. i bought my 84SE for 900. only if in immaculate condition would i pay that much for either...

cdrad51

Yeap, both too pricey.

Yark79

It depends on what you want to do with it. If you want something thats fairly easy to find parts for and you want to mod it, then go with the -se. If you just want a nice clean first gen as a daily driver, I might go with the '79 since they're less common ( I like the look of the SA's better than FB's, but that may have something to do with the fact that I have a '79). The -se would certainly be faster, and it MAY even get better gas milage since its EFI instead of the '79 carb with the semi-crap ignition.

Rotarx7

iTrader: (3)

85 GSLSE all the way! a lot better

hammmy

Agreed, -SE all the way. For that price, it should be in mint/near-mint condition, with no mechanical problems that need work and a spotless interior (with a little wear). Although I much prefer the SA's tail end, I'd buy a perfect -SE in a heartbeat.

Hades12

SA is the only way to go. A major + if it has the right hand hood.

7aull

iTrader: (2)

Let me say right up front I have an 1980 ('79 with improvements , so take the following for what its worth. I'm not going to argue price, my 80 with 64K miles cost me $4100. Definitely more than "market" but it was (is) nearly perfect and besides, compared to what new cars are going for?? Its like free...
Probably the most important factor is: which one do you want to see when you walk out and look at it on the driveway. Ultimately THAT is the deciding factor (assuming both are in similar condition). For me the cleaner looks of the original SA cars are the best (see opening statement).

OK. do you like bells and whistles? the SE is loaded with them. And to me, with cars getting to be that vintage, that might be asking for trouble... In a sports car I like simple, simple, simple. The 79 is _very_ straight forward. I am NO mechanic and I have pulled the tranny, water pump, rad, you name it. The whole car comes apart and re-assembles like a tinker toy. It is a joy to work on. Now. The -SE. Crickey, you should see the posts on the SA22C-site with guys who seem to be constantly futzing with the fuel injection. Remember, this is a much more complex car than the 79. And 20+ year old complex cars can be a heart-breaker. Hard to get parts for the 79? Well, a lot of trim pieces, yes, but not mechanical bits. I would venture to say it is the same for the SE. In point of fact a LOT of later model RX parts will fit the 79. Not so much with the SE. Lame points-style ignition? Swap in a later electronic distributor. Lots of sources of how-too right here.

Both are great cars and will have their supporters. And don't let anyone give you grief over the price. A good car is worth a premium dollar - and is still _many_ thousands less than a lot of newer -and duller- cars.
Good luck. Post the pics of which ever you end up with - and welcome to the RX7 clan
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

mortenf

I`ll have to agree with the above post here. If you dont posess mechanical skills, go for the GS, its easier to fix, and parts arent that hard to find.

Why dont buy them both?

cjf

iTrader: (1)

good chatt...thanks...I am torn still...it may come down to the fact that the 79 does not have a/c...big minus in my book. but it will be a tough choice....I hate this!!! Ialso can buy a 40k 83 gsl for 5000.00 suppose to be perfect...whewwww now what....

jezek301

Dude, go for the SE!!!!!!! It is way superior to the 79, but do not pay that much for it! I just bought an SE With 89,000 miles in November, paid $1500 for it and I am so pleased with it!!!! That car is way over priced you are contemplating is way over priced! Let KBB or the other books be your guide! Jeff

cjf

iTrader: (1)

how do you guys find these cars so cheap!! 1500 for a 89k gsl-se!! seems like a great deal....I am really tempted with that 83 gsl with 40k...but 5000 sounds way too high...maybe I will offer 4000.00 after all , this car is practically new....decisions, decisions........cjf