I'm considering the purchase of a 1985 RX-7 GS. I haven't been to look at it yet, but talked to the seller on the phone who claims it's in great shape. It at least appears to be cosmetically in good shape from the photos Í've seen. It's got 80,000 miles on it.

Here's the thing: the guy is asking $3000. The only info on pricing I've been able to come up with is from Edmunds.com. (KBB online doesn't go back to 1985) Edmunds prices the car at about $1400 for a private seller. (Assumes good condition in Buffalo, NY)

So is this guy asking WAY too much? Or is my info from Edmunds no good? I'd welcome opinions.

Thanks!

 

Need pics to really say but It could be worth that much, but it is a bit high. 2 - 2500 would be more approparte unless it is very nice.

 

Well... I guess it all depends on who you ask. Personally I think 3k for any stock FB is a little pricey, unless it's in REAL good shape with zero rust. For some reason Rx7's have officially entered into the "collectors/rare" realm. I think it's a load of crap. I bought my pristine GSL-SE with 115k 2 years ago for $1800. I am currently contemplating another turbo swap instead of an FD. So I started looking around. Yeah RIGHT! People are totally missled about what Rx7's are worth. You run into the occasional rotorhead that knows what is up. Otherwise, most sellers think "totally stock" is a good thing. Look around. Don't get suckered by these fools. If you pay 3k make sure it's in REAL good shape.

Good luck

 

FWIW, the NADA retail prices for 1985 GS model are $1,975-low; $2,825-med; $3,800-high.

The private party range is from $100 (or free) to $10,000+

$3,000 could be a great deal, or it could be a ripoff... It really depends on condition. Most sellers are at least somewhat biased about how they assess their own vehicles. You should ask questions carefully, and make a detailed examination in person. There are some FBs I would pay $10,000 for, and some not even $100. Sellers of both claimed they were in "real good shape."

 

This a much debated topic.
I have never lived in Buffalo but a friend of mine grew up there. If this car has been driven in winters there will be some rust issues. he told me of some stories of old cars that had been put up on hoists for thier inpsections. The frames were so rusted that they were literally coming apart.

As far as values. All of the printed material such as Edmunds and the one i will post a pic for you are guides. A particular part of the Country will bring in more money Such as Ca, AZ and other states where there is not much of a rust problem. The amount of rx7's in a particular area will also factor how much the cars are going for. In La or So Ca there are a
saturation of them and people are only willing to pay so much. By me i finally saw a 1st gen for sale, the past 9-12 months i have not seen 1 for sale. 10 years ago there were plenty of them here.
It's all based on certain criteria. Supply and demand. Low supply in an area and high demand. People will pay more. High supply, low demand = low prices.
What we can as fellow members offer you is what to look for. Rust? Condition of paint, interior? Basic info.
In the end the only thing that counts is if your happy with the car. Don't ever let anyone including friends(unless they seen the car and see that it has alot of problems) influence your final decision. I think what's happening here is under selling the value of a car.
Look at what it costs to buy a new vehicle What the taxes will be, the regristration will be and unless your paying cash the payments and interest will be. Now, is $3000.00 alot of money to pay for a car? Yes, if it is a rusted out POSbut if it has low mileage, runs good, paint is in good shape and only has minor issues then it may be worth it.
Remember in the end your the one that will be driving it and maintaining it so make sure your comfortable about your purchase.
don't forget to post up pics of the whole car. Meaning all sides of the body, interior and engine bay.

 

This is all good advise. I have 5 FBs and I personally would not pay $3000 for one but it really all comes down to you. If the car is in perfect condition, it may be worth that amount to you to save you from having to start working on it immediatly. Eventually you will have to work on it. If you decide to go see the car look very closely at it! Pull the carpet back in the rear deck and check the floor, crawl under(as far as you can) and look over the undercarriage, etc. If the seller is asking $3000 he or she shouldnt mind you being critical of the car. Also beware of repainted cars, a lot of crap can be hidden under a cheap but good looking paint job. You may also want to look at some of the 7's on ebay. If nothing else it can give you some idea of the price range. Good luck and I hope you find one, You'll be glad you did

 

i have no idea how to post pics on here. I tried using the [img} command, but was not successful....

Thanks for all the advice though. I'll know more once I can look at the car in person.

 

RX7Doctor,

In your attatched picture, where did you get those prices from?

Thanks,

Mike

 

I paid $4K for my 80 RX with 64K miles - out of CA - easily $1K+ too much by most guidelines, BUT if was EXACTLY what I wanted and I haven't regretted it for a second. I WILL say that I made sure the car was in the condition and with the equipment I was looking for. As RX7Dr was saying, this is to some degree an emotional purchase (I mean, its a SPORTS car! we all _could_ drive old toyota corollas and get by...), so as long as you are not blinded to the car's faults...
good luck
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Sometimes your willing to pay whatever they're asking just cus theres no other 7's around, my situation at the moment. 7000 Nz - 3500 US. (Completely standard) Some are even more over here and its very hard to find one for a decent price.

This is just crazy
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...n-65801322.htm

 

Spend 90% of your time checking for rust. Pull the bins out from behind the seats and check inside there (just takes a couple of minutes with a screw driver). Rust is the only thing in my opinion that is not an "easy" fix. Even a blown motor can be replaced with another used one for just a few hundred bucks. Little problems should be expected, but rust is something to run away from. I paid $1,000 for my 85 GS and it didn't even run or have working brakes/headlights. I was willing to pay that price because it was the only one around at the time, but mostly because it had zero rust (very unusual for Michigan). I figured anything else I could deal with. I do not regret my decision one bit. Sure, you can find a better deal sometimes if you're lucky. But some of us don't have that kind of luck and have to settle for a "good" deal rather than holding out for a "spectacular" deal.

 

I spent 2200$ on my 85 GSL with RB headers and exhaust and street ported 12A (yeah right) it had 170K on the clock but seller told me it was rebuilt 30K ago (another yeah right) none the less it has since blew a coolant seal (less than 3k latter). I purchased an engine & tranny with 60k from a member here and installed it (that's why I say yeah right to the street port because I have it apart now and know it aint street ported).... so I'm into it about as much as you might pay for yours. Beyond all I'm satisfied with it because I love and enjoy the 7... I bought it as a 3rd car... and now it's my daily driver. I would do it all again in a heartbeat because it's also now my #1 hobbie.

OOHH and BTW... Rust was a major concern but it has 0 rust all around... Good luck.

 

Mike, Old Cars Price Guide, paper publication. Website www.oldcarspriceguide.net