defakto

Just found one of these at a local brick & motar dealer down here for $2400 cash. Sounds good when it runs, rotary engine in it (why else would I be interested), no major leaks on the engine, small oil leak near the pan but I've yet to find a 20 year old car that doesn't have that. The car only 57k miles on it. No body rust, paint is almost immaculate, still glossy, some molding falling off in a few places but that's an easy fix. AC kind of works, looks like there is possibly a cd player in it. Interior is squeaky clean, it was definately taken care of. I believe it's a manual as well.

I haven't taken it for a spin yet, which I don't plan to do until I've got cash in hand so I can negotiate more with them if it doesn't run right.

Does $2400 sound like a fair price for a car like this? I'm not to familiar with 1st gens at all.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

If it is in good running order and it's as clean as you say it is then yes. Shoot some pics and post so we can look at it. Interior and full body shots all sides.

defakto

Give me about 1-2 hours, maybe less on that.

Alex-7

Sounds like a nice car.

I just paid $600 for a very good running '85 S. (with a header) Clean in and out with 210k miles.

defakto

Looks like my digital is AWOL so no pics will be possible.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

Just go to the store and buy a disposable and have a cd burnt.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

2400 sounds a bit high for the Midwest, especialy for a GS model. At that price, everything should be working and the body and interior near mint. Check for rust in the rear wheel wells and pull the storage bins out and check there too.

Imho, low mileage is not always a plus. Cars tend to deteriorate faster from sitting for long periods of time as opposed to those that are driven more frequently.

Alex-7

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

2400 is high, but if its really nice cosmetically, its worth it. or will be worth it

defakto

Yeah cosmetically I can't find any rust on it anywhere on the outside that would be a problem, the body is super clean, the underside is fairly clean as well. Some oil leakage from the engine around the pan, mentioned before, and some gear lube leaking from the rear axle, clear red so it's most likely a known problem and they have, hopefully, kept up on it. I'm not too concerned with getting pics up at this point, the car is definately clean body/paint/interior wise. I'm going to pull a carfax on it to check things out as well.

My main goal monday is to take it to a mechanic or dealer and have them give it a look over for anything else that can be an issue before I agree to their price. I'm not planning on driving it alot right now, aka not a daily driver, until I can either overhaul, replace, or upgrade the engine to something a bit more fun than the 12A already in it.

Is there anything in particular I should look for when I test drive this? I know compression can be a problem is the seals are old/bad which will be a very obvious problem. Is there anything else

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

Ok, lets see if we can break down the value of a rx7,GS model with 57k (assuming that it is the original verified mileage)

Lets say no rust in storge bins or wheelwells either.

Price of a GOOD paint job nowadays. $1500-$3000.00 depending on what part of the country you live in and any extra body work.

Cost to have upholstery done back to FACTORY specs. $500-$800 (Guestimate)

Reman stock motor (factory) without install $1800-$2500. Again guestimate.

See where i'm heading with this? I think that we are devalueing our cars because we belong to a club that caters to 7's. And we are looking at probably doing all the work ourselves. But even then if you start adding up all the expenses of the parts and get a total
you would be shocked at what it takes to put a car back in ORIGINAL shape.
Key word is ORIGINAL guys. It's only going to be 57k once.

And in the long term. Assuming that our cars become classics. Original paint and original upholstery and low mileage cars will be worth alot more.

Now lets say he gets the car for $2000-$2400. Where else can you buy a true sports car with so much potential and fun to drive for that kind of $?
Come on guys, you know what i'm saying!!!!
I know with my recently purchased 82 GS model even with the A/T trans and only 67k on it that i would of paid alot more to have the car than i did.

Why? Because it is an original low mileage very clean car that still has the feel and power
of a brand new one that costs over 11k at the time.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Doc, I can't dispute your analysis one bit, I agree with it. Yes, we are a bunch of tightasses and undervalue the purchase of a 7, then put a ton of money in them and we will never see it back. I do my own painting and interior work and have a good idea what it costs. (I have nearly 1100 in the interior of my 300ZX)

My comment about the price was merely a reflection on what going rates are around here. I do agree that the ones in mint condition, with low miles are going way cheaper than what they are usually worth.

defakto

Well all things said and done I'll be doing most the work on it myself, painting included if I decide to change the color. As long as it checks out mechanically I think it will be a great deal.

defakto

Update: Carfax is clean, two owners, one suspension system service done back in 2001.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

No problem Trochoid. Just using your quote to start my analysis since i know you are in tune to your area.

It's funny how much money we will put into our cars AFTER we get them but are hesitant to put out any real money at first

turbo85

In perfect condition, with everything working, and with that many miles on it, it would be a good deal. From what you your telling us, with out pics, I would say it is worth about $1500.