Thinking about buying a 1st Gen 7 What to look for?
 

Thinking about purchasing a 1st Gen 7, what do I need to look for when I go to purchase one? Besides the obvious, any special rust places? Motor ticks, and special things I should look for? Etc etc. Thanks!

-Chris

question. do u have a b16a2 turbo in ur mustang? that would be a weird motor swap

Haha, no I had a boosted 99 Civic EX, but I sold it for the mustang.

good site with a good answer:

http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide/bguide.html

(mods: maybe an archive worthy topic?)

That is where I first looked too, that and the FAQ, didn't find a damn thing about what to look for. Thanks for the link!

It covers most of the rotary-specific things, where to look for oil leaks, how to check for coolant seal issues, ect.

Other than that, the rust spots are in the rear unibody, wheel well and storage bin areas...most of the time you can see these by looking in the rear wheel wells (focus on where the rear suspension links mount to the unibody) and under the car slightly behind the door for floorpan rust which would be hidden by the bins themselves.

also check the drainage tube holes top and bottom for the sunroof and rear hatch, if they clog they can rust the inside of the chassis and you won't be able to tell... they both exit through the bottom trailing edge of the rear quarter panels below where the bumper meets the side of the car.

Other than that, it's a general used car type situation.

If I get one I will probably disassemble most of the suspension take it in and have it bead blasted and powder coated then assemble it with fresh bushings, shocks and springs. For the suspension, clean up the interior, clean up the engine bay, new vacuum lines etc, and cover everything I can in plastic and have it sprayed, and then get the exterior sprayed @ my local Maaco if it isn't looking so hot. I just want a reliable daily driver and something a little fun too.