Hey all:

Listen, I've been thinking about buying an RX-7. I could use some help letting me know if I should buy one, and if so what do you think about this deal?

A local used dealer has a 1987 RX-7 (base model), 5sp, white, sunroof, 14 inch tires (yuck) and it is in decent shape, with one small area of rust above the rear wheel on the quarter panel. One of the seats is ripped a bit also. But it only has 72,000 miles on it and it drives good, good AC, sunroof works, etc. Like I said it is a base model. They want $2,500 for it and I think I can get it for $2,000.

Is that a good deal? I am clueless. I just want a fun little car to drive mostly in good weather and as a backup car to my Cherokee. I'm used to driving a WRX, so after driving my Cherokee for several months, I'm getting sick of not having a little fun car on the side. The RX-7 will just be a backup like I said though. I'm not sure if I would have money to MOD it out though. I may (ifI got it) just put an exhaust and intake on it and that's it.

Is this a good deal? Is this a good car for me? Is the price good? Am I going to get sick of only having a base model? WHat are some good things about this 2nd gen rx-7?

Thanks alot for taking the time to write to a prospective new guy.

ronstar2@aol.com

 

I dunno if it checks out really good then I'd say go for it. Make sure to find out if the car has ever been overheated. If it has then walk away from it. The wiring is Quirky on the older models and the plastics are terrible. especially the radio surround. If you can't get it for 2000 or less than I'd probably walk away. I think if you were patient you could find a pretty nice series five car like a GTU model, which is a base model for 89 and newer, but I think the styling is much better. Wiring and plastics are much better too. Good luck.

 

What do you mean bye 89 and newer? Does the styling change for 89? What about the performance? I was under the impression that they were all 160 HP, except the turbo. THanks!

 

No the 8 1986-1988 models are known as the Series 4 which have 146 hp and a 7000rpm redline. 1989-1991 are series 5 and have an 8000 redline and 160 hp. The cars come with a nice looking spoiler and the cool looking tail lights. The avatar pic is an 89 GTU which is the car I have. The S4 engine has lower compression and a diffrent intake system and electronics than the series 5. The series five also has the automated shoulder restraint system.

 

OK Gottya. THanks. I would go nuts if I didn't have at least an 89' with the 160 HP. And I'm guessing that it must come with better wheels than this with the 14 in ones! The pic of your car looks nice...I see what you meen. How much do 89 and up usually go for?

Anybody else have any sugestions?

Thanks

 

Hey I just got a 1990 GTU for about $1900. The only downfall is the sunroof doesn't work and the car has 164,000 miles on it. Good luck and trust me just wait for the PERFECT one unless of course you need one as a daily commuter.

 

i peronally like the s4, but i do like the styling for the s5, which is why everything on my s4 is s5 styling. i beleive that the s4 has lower compression, but that means u can boost more. crap for lower rpms, but do a turbo conversion, and forget about it. your golden.

read the FAQ and newbies section. they have lots of helpful info, and search for stuff, cuz if u wanna question awnsered, its already been talked about.

 

Preforated rust in that area is bad news.
They are asking too much for it.
I'd bo a CarFax check to make sure that OD wasn't rolled - it's a bit too low for a car like that.


-Ted

 

I snagged a 88 vert with the intention to restore it and slap in the 13bt, I got it for $2000. Usually the dealer is going to tack on more money than the car is really worth, so i'd suggest autotradering it up. FOR EXAMPLE, i found a nice 89 vert with 130,000 miles on it at a dealer. The passenger seat was ripped and the interior was in OK condition, cracked radio surround even. Exterior was pretty nice for a 15 year old car. The dealer wanted like $6000 for it, but I found another vert with lowere mileage and in better condition for $3500 from some guy. So choose wisely, you may get hosed.

Also, there is an FAQ on buying 7's somewhere on the forum, I suggest you read that. It'll let you in on some knowledge about our quirck little cars.

 

The server is screwy I went to post a pic. I paid $500 for mine and it had a bad motor and paint. The one you are looking at books out at like $1500 i think.

 

Good info guys. What is a Vert buy the way?

 

Vert = convertible