ianbell

Hi guys,
I'm going to look at a 1984 stock GSL tomorrow or Sat and would really appreciate some advice as to what I should concentrate on in checking out the car. It's being sold cert. with 2 sets of tires, the original rims and later chromes. There is no visible rust in the pics and it has red leather int, pw, psr, working a/c, am/fm, and cruise - the bad news is it's auto. Has new brakes, muffler and fuel pump - paint is white all original and there is 200K on what is, as far as the owner knows, the original engine. I had an FC for about 10 years and there is not much I don't know about 2nd gens but don't know much about 1st. Asking price 4 months ago was $3500 and now down to $1500 - I think can push down to $1000 or less [it's auto].
So, what are the major problems with 1st gen cars I should concentrate on, or should I just go for the lowest price I can get him down to and grab what looks like a pretty good deal?
Ian

lfd75

Rust under the storage bins and rear wheel wells

tallbozo

iTrader: (5)

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

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

just like an FC, check the basics: fluid condition, tires, for rust on the body, wheel wells, control arm mounts, and floor pans. make sure the trans shifts smooth. check for overheating and clouds of smoke. those are the easy ones. if you want to be really picky, check the engine bay over for bad wiring, signs of rodent infestation, major and minor leaks etc. also, dont forget to read the FAQ at the top of the 1st gen specific page.

bugman1973

you said 200k miles unless it just had a rebuild i would consider not buying it and getting another one with fewer miles and not an auto. thats a lot of miles for stock apex seals. and its an auto you said right there is probably a lot of carbon in between the seals. i would ask for all the service records and if he can not produce them i would go as low as 800 or so just because of the work that has to be done for it to be safe.

bliffle

Remove rad cap , look at coolant, watch for oil. Check dipstick for cleab oil and no white hydrogenated oil/water.

a.y.b.

I'm going to say check the brakes as well. I know when I bought my first gen the rear caliper was partially seized, it took me about a week to notice when my brake pads were worn through. As for paying 1500, I probably wouldn't.. I payed $1200.00 for mine, and it has 150k miles, no rust, and a manual trans, and that's up here in Canada where are cars are usually a little over priced.

Fact is, to really enjoy a sports car, you need manual, especially in a little 100 hp car that loves to rev. When critiquing the car, make sure to mix in some good things with the bad, that way it doesn't look like your hating on the car, and that you are still interested, kinda like the way you hit on a woman..

ianbell

Thanks for all your advice, guys. I looked at the car and for a start, it didn't! Churned it over for about 1/2 an hour with jumper cables - only a cough or two, even with ether - no smell of gas and I suspect the manual choke someone put in it is not working - it was around 0 degrees at the time. Body seems solid without getting under but interior rough - rear carpet a pile of rotten pieces and a major rust hole on the d/s in a hump between the storage bin and the shock tower - hatch braces n/g - engine comp too dirty to see much, but no visible oil or fluid leaks, wipers only working at one speed and p/w didn't - owner claimed working when parked and could be low battery, but pop-up lights worked, so doubt it! 2 of 4 tires bald and as he claimed cert in Oct 07 and not driven since I asked him to have re-cert as mechanic should do this for the cost of issueing a new cert [$10 or less] but he waffled about this claiming mech no longer available.
In short, I guess I keep looking - car could still be a reasonable buy, but as someone said, with 200K on original everything, lifespan of motor and components is going to be pretty short and how much is one willing to spend to replace expensive bits, especially the motor, on a car that is, realistically, overpriced for what it is to start with.
Ian

aussiesmg

iTrader: (1)

You have the right idea and listened to the feedback, for $1500 you could get a clean mildly modified car in good condition, so keep looking.

My hints are local forums, this forum and eBay, I have purchased from all and they seem to work out better than most via the forums due to the owners being enthusiasts. However every enthusiast thinks his car is the bees knees and wants a premium....lol

bliffle

You should take some of that money and fly out to SFO and buy my very cherry 85GSl with 85k for $1900. Best deal you'll ever make. It starts good, runs like a rabbit, looks good (original paint) the interior is perfect. Great car.