I seen this Red FC sitting by this lube place for a while. I asked the guy how much and he gave me some inane price, but said money talks. lol. So I think I want to get it, but unfortunately for me, I really dont know much about RX-7's and only one guy that I chill with has an FD, everyone else has Nissans and crap. I dsont know much about RX-7's or anything so dont mind if I say dumb stuff.

-1st off its a 1989 S5 GXL, blazing red, or faded red.

-Its been sitting there for a couple of years now, and the guy said that
it has transmission problems.


-its an automatic, so would it be better to just get a new A/T or to do a 5 speed swap?

I popped the hood, and granted this car has been sitting there for maybe 3-4 years, but all the belts, even the oil filter were brand new. Looks like its been taken care of.

-also, theres some slight body damage at the bottom of the car, forward from the rear bumper is at like this .


So is it worth getting at all from what I said, or just lose it?

 

where u at in socal? ill help you check it out if ur nearby.

 

Im actually in Lancaster, its ways away from the OC lol but thanks

 

If you are mechanically inclined, and have access to a junkyard, a 5-speed swap isn't a big deal. Try to get some pics and a price and post them.

 

How much does he want for the car???

 

well. get your FD dude to help you check it out. if the car wont start, odds are its not worth the trouble. see what you need to do to avoid breaking anything on startup, then have the OWNER give it a try.

 

Well if you have some mechanical abilities and lots of time these are great fun and fairly cheap to buy, although I have worked on my a lot more than I have been able to drive it. They are a good weekend driver but I would not want to depend on it as daily transportation. There are many inherant problems (see the archives) and most of us have had all or part show up. Still its a good chassis with a unique engine. Good luck and welcome to the club.

 

I would get it unless you plan on putting 5k in it with no regrets. Chances are he wants like 1k for a car with a motor that needs a rebuild and a 5 speed tranny swap because the AT is blown. Leave it and buy one you can atleast test drive. Trust me the money you spend getting it back into working order you can buy yourself a nice turbo 2.

 

Just read it had been sitting for 3-4 years, I would easily pass it up, unless you are looking forward to an engine rebuild.

 

Don't buy it, it doesn't sound worth it. Hold out for a better FC. There is ALWAYS a better deal out there, always.

soul

 

^^ Yea, but it has those dope S5 taillights! heh. I think I can wait.

 

Someone please explain specifically why it would need a rebuild from sitting? The only thing I can think of is if it had a blown coolant seal, it would leak in water and rust the internal engine. I just bought a T2 that was sitting for 5 years. I resurected my 1985 RX-7 12a GS from sitting for 6 1/2 years and that one runs awesome. My friend's 1987 RX-7 SE was sitting for almost one year. Please someone tell me why sitting would make it a bad choice. If you bring it back properly I don't see why not. Some of that includes injecting a little oil thru the spark plug holes, changing the oil, slowly turning the engine to bring back oil pressure, changing the fuel...and i'm sure theirs more. I thought there was a how-to on bringing a RX-7 to life, maybe in the FAQ? Regardless you can search, you could learn all this stuff and have you a FC. I wouldn't give up.

 

If the car can't run or doesn't move under it's own power, offer $200.


-Ted

 

i would say if it runs, subtract parts and labor for a new tranny (about 1-2k$) if it doesnt run, yea... 200$

 

depends on how bad the tranny is. If its totaly shot then offer him 500ish, engine doesnt run too, then i agree with the 200, if it runs and drives and i was selling it being an auto with 'issues' id probly push for 1200ish

 

I completely agree.....why do you people say that juss cause its been sittin it needs a rebuild....i mean if the guy admits the engine was blown yes....but if it had average/perfect compression when it was stopped...why would it need a rebuild?

 

damn are those RE rims ?

 

The pic is not the actual car.

Yes, those are R.E. Amemiya AW-7 wheels in that pic.



-Ted

 

If an RX sits for an extended period of time and has some mileage on it, the oil seals on the actual rotor dry up and leak. The car may run just fine, you just get a 007 smoke screen first thing EVERY morning. If you revived you car then good for you, your lucky however. The auto dealers, lending companies and Warrantee (maitenence contract) companies all hold up Crosses and garlic when an RX comes near.

The only way to fix the smoke cloud at startup is a rebuild. Ask me how I know! ( I borrowed that "ask me" thing from somebody)

 

OMG, photobucket is going to hate me after this. heres some pics I took. Sorry for the bad lighting, I came alittle late in the day.

 

its not letting me put too many pics at once, not trying to be a post *****.

 

bumP!!

 

Umm that thing wont run like that.. Check out the fuze block, 1 fuse out of like ten... Unless you can get it CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pass it up, I am smelling other problems..

 

It has'nt been sitting there for 3 years because its a good deal. Someone else would asked and bought it by now.

 

run... don't walk. RUN from that car.

Bad Signs:
Fuses missing, electrical hacks
1 Gallon water bottle in car? Must have been overheating when it ran
The body/paint is a disaster
Poorly maintained