Hey All,

I'm out looking for another rx-7. This time I'm looking for a 1st gen. Just hoping to lean on the experience for the forum on this one. Been doing some reading on the 1st gens, but thought I'd ask as a new buyer on what to look for in a healthy 1st gen.

Cheers,

-F.

 

Do a compression test, since the motor is the most expensive part of the car. I think 90-60psi is good right?

 

Make sure you get a 13B'd GSL-SE... low mileage isn't always a good sign of a strong engine... trust me... a car that has been driven consistently but not much at a time is your best bet... a car that sat for 12 years isn't good...

Standard (of course). Leather is much better than cloth... trust me.

 

RUST.

Under the Rear Bins, Over the Rear Wheel wheels (look under the vinyl, and everywhere else you can see.


Also, Make sure the engine doesn't smoke.

DRIVE IT HARD AND FAST, it will let you know if she's good or not.

 

Check for rust in the wheel wells, inside (pull the bins) and out.
I prefer the cloth seats over the leather, both can show thier age well.
If you plan to do upgrades, exhaust, intake, find a car that has them done, you can usualy get them cheaper, than buying the parts yourself.
Check all the dash ***** and buttons to see that they work, headlights/motors windows, dimmer, wipers, radio. turn signals.
check startup for smoke from exhaust, run it, make sure it will fire when hot/cold.
check tranny for noises in all gears.
check brake feel, ebrake check.
and if you can, go go the GSL-SE

 

Thanks guys.

I'm definitely gonna try for a GSL-SE. Thanks for the advice. Much of it is similar to when I bought my TII, but I appreciate the knowledge.

I'll let you know how it goes.

If you remember anything else, please post!

Cheers,

/F/

 

Superphly,

Regarding your comment about low mileage not necessarily being ideal.

How long have you guys run your engines before a rebuild?

Cheers,

/F/

 

the "se "might be the most desirable but get what you like..I had a GSL and I liked that car too. as with any car, make sure it was taken care of ( ie : receipts), look at who is selling you the car. Does it look like some one who "cared" for the car or did the pound on it. I don't care what most people say,low mileage is good. I agree if it sat too long, it may not do it too well, but you can always change all the fluids and drive the car easy for a while..break it back in .......easy......I think I would rather have a 70k car that sat a few months or so over a 176k car that is driven a lot. ...just makes more sense to me over all. Good luck.........cjf