We found a 1979 RX-7 at a local used car dealer, its got 140,000mi on the chassis.

The good:
Has a new engine. It runs great, idles better than my second gen, and starts up just fine. The paint is in pretty good shape and there is no rust to be found.

The bad:
The hood and rear bumper are dented, the windshield is cracked, coolant level light is perpetualy on, and the seats are ripped to shreds. Also, when slowing down, there is some minor creeking comming from the front of the car. Other than that, everything checks out fine.

The ugly:
They're asking $4,995.

If we can get it down to $2,500 we're gonna take it, do you guys think thats a fair price considering the new engine? We're willing to go as high as $3000, but even that seems too expensive for a 25 year-old car.

What are some other common problems that we should look for with this car? Thanks for your input, fellas.

 

The most I've seen my friends/I pay is 500 bucks.
85 GSL Free
85 S 75
85 s 350
79 500

 

I paid $1700 for my 84 GSL-SE. I think that $2500 is too much though.

 

i got my 83 gs/gsl for 300 and it runs good idles good no engine / body / tranny problems, altho it is black primer and has 170k on it... it's a nice car and i like it, the interior is also about new cheers, hope you find what your looking for and it works for you.

 

too expensive, I bought mine for $1200 Cdn. It had only 99,000 kms on it and was all stock.

 

For the condition you describe the car to be in. I'd say the fair market value is mabye 1000-1200 or so.

 

Okay, cool, I'll let my friend know that before he goes to bargan with the guy.

We weren't sure what to ask for it, but we knew for damned sure it wasn't worth $5000. They seem like they're using the engine to keep up the price, but apparently it isn't that much of a factor.

Thanks for the input, everyone, I appreciate it.

 

I got an 85 GSL-SE w/the factory rims,after market rims,car cover,leather sunroof case and some spare parts for $1200 ,plus it was in real good shape!

 

I just realized you said it had a new motor in it. However it still doesn't justify the $5k price tag. Maybe 1500 or so still.

 

I paid $2500 for a pristine '85 GS. I wouldn't offer anything more than $750. You're doing them a favor at that price. MAYBE $1000 if they throw in some goodies (spare parts etc).

 

A good running 12a is just as good as a brand new 12a. Mine have 148,000, and 176,000, and both are great cars. I don't think a new motor makes it worth that much more.

 

New engine does almost nothing for the car if its in as bad a shape as you say. Creaking in the front end if probably severely rusted frame parts (to the point that structural regitity is bad). I suggest you do a FULL check for rust in the usual areas. Check behind the bins, the footwells, and around the rear bumper area (under the car). The cracked windsheild will probably have to be replaced if you want the car to be registered (do you have safety checks there?).

Offer NO more than what nevarmore said. If there is some severe rust, than offer less. Chances are they won't take anything less than $3000 for the car though. They probably put the engine in it and want enough to cover it.

 

One more thing. How good are the remaining interior and exterior trim pieces?

If your buddy wants a project, get this one for the engine and get another car with a good chassis.

 

That car is WAY beat for the price. Too much, too much!

 

Is there anything other than rust that could make it creek?

 

Asking $4,995 for a car in that condition sounds like they are looking for a sucker, and may be willing to wait until one comes along. What does it tell you they did not replace the seats and windshield? By the way you might want to check their reputation at the better business bureau or chamber of commerce, etc.

 

5k is a hell of a lot of money 4 it! GOod luck getting him down to half the price tho!!.lol. ven 2.5k is a lot. I'd say offer him $500 and see his reaction, u'll b able to c basically how low he's willing to go by how long he stairs at you blankly.

 

Yes. My guess is that the front shocks are stuffed. The bad rear shocks in my Mitsubishi Mirage caused a creaking noise whenever I slowed down or reversed.

Bye,
Scruffy

 

creeks can also b the cv joints

 

I'm guessing that the problem isn't the CV joints. You might find out if it's had a valve job recently, though.

Depending on the exact sound, you could be looking at beat wheel bearings, tired old ball joints, or even loose steerring linkage. If it's only when the car's dipping down while braking, you might check to see if pushing down on the fender causes some creaking. Could just be the shocks.

I'd be pretty wary of the price, especially in that condition. While having a fresh motor in it is nice, they're not quite *that* expensive. From your description, it sounds like your friend needs to think of this as a rebuilt motor that comes with a free car. And a second-hand recently rebuilt motor can be had for a lot less.

There have been a good number of cars on eBay that have been going for a much more reasonable price. There are deals to be had -- no need to jump on this one.

 

uhhhh no bins in a 79, your gonna have to go under it and look at it from below

 

I paid $2800 for my 85 SE with 80K miles in 1996. It had tokicos, sways, steel brake lines, K&N filter, roll bar, and was in very good condition.

 

**** the car... Buy whatever the dealer's smoking... That is some good ****!