LilSephiroth

I'm in need of a car and have been looking at 86-88 rx7's, early 90's eclipses and late 80's early 90's 240sx's.


I'm curious to know what things to look for when buying an rx7. I know rotaries take much more TLC than most other engines. I've found a couple rx7's for around $1500. Each with around 130-150k miles, all manual (thank god). Just curious from you enlightened ones on your wisdom in what to look for and how to go about making the purchase of an rx7, as well as things to think about for the future in regards to them.

Thank you

btw, I only have about 1500-2000 to spend and I live near Seattle, Washington.

I have yet to look at the archive, so I hope this isn't a repost. My apologies if it is, and would appreciate a link to an original post much like this if so.

1987RX7guy

iTrader: (3)

well make a copression test on all the cars you look at to see if they have good compresion. as far as the car's body the regular rules apply. For future things to do is MAINTENANCE always do the tune-ups on schedule if not before the scheduled time. Get ready for parts to be a bit more expensive than normal cars.

hanman

Check the body for rust. There's no saving any car with rust, it's a battle that eventually you will lose.
As an owner of first and second gen cars, the first gens are a lot more reliable as far as non engine related things. The electrics in the second gens are dismal. The good news is there is a lot of info on how to fix them. But, you need to be halfway mechanically inclined and be willing and able to put the time into it. Not trying to talk you out of it, but the eclipse will be much more trouble free. The engines in the second gens will run a long time though. They need to be maintained to do so.
Ultimately, it's your choice. What are you looking for? A car that every body has (eclipse) or something unique? I love RX's, I have five. They are easy to work on, great fun and cheap. Nothing more fun than blowing the doors off my wifes eclipse turbo with a car older than my oldest child (19). But, hey I have always been different. The old Robert Frost path less taken syndrome.
By the way as you can see on this board, it is a cult following. And it ranges over all ages, I am 46, and I see posts all the time from 16 year olds. We all share a love of a very unique automobile. You are welcome.
By the way, an eclipse is a chicks car. Just my opinion.
Good luck with your choice.
dave

LilSephiroth

Thanx for the opinions, anyone else have anymore opinions?

Snrub

iTrader: (1)

Read these:
http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/tech1.htm (look under 'information')
http://fc3s-pro.com/TECH/h2b.html

A RX-7 is more sports car than those you've mentioned. If that's what your looking for then look no further. You might even see statistical data that looks as good on the other vehicles, but RX-7s are purer in design and there are less easily measurable advantages of a RX-7.

LilSephiroth

Thanx for those two websites! They are very helpful.

And I looked at one of the eclipses today and there is no way I'd buy that one, it was a POS, and wasn't worth what he wanted.