I've fallen in love with rx-7's, and recently I noticed one for sale right down the road from where I live. The problem I have, is that im not much of a car mechanic. The car is a 5 speed 1988 RX-7 N/A w/ 145k miles.
The transmission "knocks" before and after shifting ( somewhere in the rear)
When "punching it" in first the engine seems to squeal, sounding nearly like a turbo.
It sounds like the timing is off.
the battery gauge appears broken (ie. new battery registers 0v)
No running lights
No Battery (used another to take test drive)
The A/C needs a recharge (supposedly)
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All this for $550.
Is this a good deal? It would be my first car, and while I would like to learn more about these cars, I need something semi-dependable.

what do you guys think?!

thanks in advance!

 

Ah i am guessing that you didn't read the FAQ from aroncake yet?? I am a new 7 owner also the FAQ answered alot of my questions and it also give you hints for stuff to look for. The sound you are hearing sounds like either a transmount or diff mount. I bough a 7 with the same problem i am working on getting the new mounts right now. I guess smoke and temp is a big thing with 7s so any smoke or rise in temp doing your test drive you should be worry about. Well to make long story short if the car look like is been taken care of it might be a good car to get if not than i might look for a 7 in a better condtion. THe last thing i have to say is that if and only if you really like the car try to take it to a Rotary Mech before buying it. You might spend some money for the inspection but it will be worth it. And welcome to the wonderful world of rotary engines!!

 

Hey if the body is good and it still runs it's diffinately worth $550.I paid $500 bucks for mine and it didn't even have an engine in it.

 

Awsome, thanks for the suggestions twisted driver! i will look at the FAQ. It BARELY smokes on ignition, and that only lasts for ~5 secs.

spunks: the body is nice, and it runs!

gotta run! thanks for the help!