Okay, so I might have an opportunity to buy a pristine low mileage '90 RX7 Convertible. Its a manual tranny. I think we've agreed upon a price but I'd like to know what you guys think is appropriate or reasonable first. Btw, its an original owner car, no accidents, etc.

Before I commit, is there anything I should look out for or be aware of with this particular year?

-Eric

 

Go by the blue book, and then reasonably ask for discounts based on things wrong with it. after taking it to the shop to check it out. ex. needs brakes? needs new top? New Exhaust? does it smoke?

I don't know if others would recommend it, but try cold starting it, run it for about a minute , then shut it off. try starting it in 3-5 min. If it floods, that means it might have leaky injectors, which is common for this car. (lol call the dealer tell him it broke down see if he'll discount it)
I bought my '88 vert for $3000 2yrs ago and I wish I would have haggled a bit. but hey, I have a rx7 and I love it. the price was kinda high at the time, but It was worth it to me

 

We've been exchanging emails on it for a while and I'm supposed to see it tomorrow. They're asking $5K....the car has 70,000 miles on it. I'll check for the usual stuff when I drive it. So, from your post it sounds like $4,500 is a bit high.

-Eric

 

well.. maybe, but I would pay 4500-5000@ 70k if the car is pristine. Especially if the top isn't damaged or tore up like mine and mostly or all original. lol mine has starion seats, painted a GM Forest green (not as bad as sounds, but not the original jet black) rusty exhaust and the oil lines have been replaced, and a few nasty dents ( but mine also had 140k on it, plus who knows what else. I'm learning this car everyday, but if you can put up with it, its a fun (and rare) car to drive. I think I'm pretty much one of only 2-3 rxvert drivers in the area(Hamilton-Fairfield-Cincinnati)

 

I paid 2500 for a 89 vert with a torn top (with replacement), cracked rear bumper and tail ight (not bad) 235k chassis, 55k engine, 55k exhaust, 55k transmission, and 55k drive shaft. I have documents for a lot of it.. I don't for the engine but it's 100 front 110 rear.. I havenot have any problems with the car except for the radiator broke a few weeks after I bought it and master cylinder oh and now an exhaust leak. Could I have done better sure but I wanted an Rx-7 and I got one it was worth it to me.

Sorry for this being so incoherent I'm quite tired and stuff but just wanted to chime in.

 

I paid $750 for my 88. 120k on the clock. Mindtrain exhaust, jacobs rotary ignition, K&N intake, Michelin pilots, brand new top, new plug wires.

 

4.5k wouldn't be a "bad" price for a pristine 70k miles one owner, but it depends more on how soon you want a car and how common they are in your area.

There is always a better deal out there but you don't know how long you will have to wait for it and where you will have to go to get it.

 

This time of year clean verts are pulling 3-4 grand. On toward spring they will shoot up above 5k in great shape. I would never give more than about 3500 for one no matter how clean personally, there are so many of them out there.

 

I paid 4.2 grand for an absolutely pristine '90 vert two adult owner with 47,000 chassis and 13,000 Atkins rebuilt 3 years ago. Felt I got a good deal then. Very few cars appreciate in value. I agree that 3 - 4 grand is a reasonable range.

 

I landed an awesome deal for my 90 vert a week ago. I was just giggling inside when I brought her home! A nice stock vert with great top is getting more rare as each day passes. Try to get them down to 3K. = ) Go for it!

 

Funny, I paid $6500 for a PERFECT '91 vert with 66,000 miles on it a few years ago and almost got snaked by bad guys offering the seller more...

 

I paid 350$ for mine. Has a rebuilt motor with 2k on it I rebuilt years ago and then hey just let it sit. Its rough but runs alright the last time I saw it run.

 

Thanks for all of the great responses! I actually went to look at the car today. The car itself is very clean and well taken care of but its not pristine. The seats definitely show their age which is to be expected, but the driver's seat has a (possibly repairable) tear in it. There's some minor damage to the front passenger side quarter panel - nothing severe but it was definitely bumped in a parking lot. It also has parking lot dings, etc. on the doors. The roof is in fantastic shape. The electronics all seem to work well. And, the car started after sitting for a couple of weeks without any issue. It was actually started, driven about 1/4 mile turned off and then restarted without issue.

-Eric

 

Hm, I read in a FAQ about buying these cars that you should get there early in the morning to cold start these cars to see if they smoke.. You may wanna see if owner didn't try to hide problems by letting the engine warm up before you got there.. I think the source was aaron cake's website.

I don't know though.. I more or less read all this stuff saw the car and everything I read was out the window.

 

I bought my 91 vert with 109k for $1500 last week from a freind . Paint needs polishing, Needs a top and headliner. The front seat has a hole in it, and it needed tires. Blue book said the cars a $5k-6k. The lowest values I saw somewhere was $3K. I need to put $1000 or so into this car but figured I would still be ahead.

 

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS get a compression test done on a rotary engine before buying. Maybe you pay the cost if you buy, they eat it if you don't.

And drive the car until it is warm and then shut off and try and restart. I don't think 1/4 would do it. You just want to see if the car has the hot start (research) issue.

Brian

 

that Price is way too high.

These cars are selling for a lot cheaper. Just watch the for sale section.

I sold my completely rebuilt Vert for $1300 the motor had 12k on it....maybe....can't remember now. but the car had 102k on it.

 

Maybe, maybe not.
A "good/fair" price is simply one that both the buyer and seller are happy with.
A typical price may be different but there are other factors to consider- a cheaper (but comparable) car 2000 miles away doesn't do the buyer much good (unless he gets free airtravel and gas) and a local buy is generally just easier.

@Sue- if you like the car and can afford it, then get it and don't look back.
A bird in the hand, etc., etc., etc.