1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Thinking about buying this RX-7

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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 02:56 PM
  #1  
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Thinking about buying this RX-7

Hey Everyone
I am looking for a RX-7 and i found this one on ebay.

RX-7 For Sale on Ebay

He says there are a few problems with it such as the muffler is gone, a tie rod needs to be replaced, and the clutch slips when pulled away hard. Would this car be a good deal at $500? I dont want to buy a car that wont be working in a few months. Is it easy enough to change the tie rod and muffler. I know that the clutch would be a big job. Is this worth my time and money.


Also a general question on rotary engines. Do they usualy last as long or longer than traditonal piston engines?

Any help is greatly apreciated.
Thanks!
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 03:06 PM
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Length of the rotary depends on the driver. My first rotary engine lasted 180k miles and the previous owner ragged the hell out of the car. Ive heard of them going alot further thou. Looks like a good deal. where in michigan are u?
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 03:16 PM
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I live in grand rapids. If the clutch is slipping, how long do you think i would have b4 it needed to be replaced.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 03:28 PM
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Depends on how bad. Changing the clutch isnt that much of a hassle. Just buy the parts and then spend a couple hours changing it. I live up in Lake(near clare, its about an hour and a half from you). You could prolly change the clutch in under 3 hours your first time. Drop the drive shaft and transmission and then just change everything out and put it back together. Hardest part is freeing up the driveshaft
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 03:32 PM
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How much would that cost. Im pretty much wondering how much life i would be able to squeeze out of this if i buy it.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 03:34 PM
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If you're looking for a $500 car you could do a lot worse, but I wouldn't pay any more than that for that particular one.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by bcb767
How much would that cost. Im pretty much wondering how much life i would be able to squeeze out of this if i buy it.
It really just depends on the clutch. Depending on how you drive it, it could last a long time....but I wouldn't count on it. If it is slipping at all it should be replaced.

You can do it for about $150 +/-.

The tie rods would be first priority. Not too hard and not too expensive.

As you can see we are neighbors of sorts. Where in GR are you? I'm in the very SE corner near the airport (Kentwood actually).
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 04:16 PM
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Wow we are pretty close ... i live near 28th and Cascade. AXer do u think this is a good deal?

EDIT::
Oh ... one more thing. Im only 17, so how much do you think my insurance company is gona jack up my premium for getting a car like this. Now i pay about 900/yr for PLPD

Last edited by bcb767; Nov 11, 2004 at 04:19 PM.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 04:54 PM
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for me liabilty for my car in sc is $140 adn then its liek 400 or so i think with my mom as the driver but its my car
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 05:14 PM
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check for rust behind the storage bins on the rear wheel wells, also check for dowel pin leak (oil puddle on front rotor housing just in front of the oil dipstick). Does a clutch job really take 3 hours? It took me that to take out my beehive oil cooler, although I do have inadequate tools. The car looks good though, pimp seats.
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