Hi, I went and looked at an '86 GXL at a dealer today, the dealer was closed...so I didn't get to actually drive the car. I will be doing that tomorrow though.

The car looks to be in excellent condition inside and out, and has a little over 70k miles on it.

I have never driven an RX-7, and the rotary engine is still a mystery to me. I have read the FAQ, and have a pretty good idea on things to look for when I test drive, but are there any other tips out there I should know about that aren't covered in the FAQ?

Also...are these cars generally a good daily driver? I'm looking for something to drive back and forth to work everyday, about a 60 mile round trip. I am in PA, so it will have some cold starts in the winter...is this a problem with these motors? Also, what is the average MPG these cars get, and what octane gas do they like?

The last question is, what is a fair price for a car like this if everything is mechanically sound? The car is a 5-speed, has all power options, including a moonroof, but no leather. Thanks for any tips you can give me, and hopefully I can get a good deal on this car and will be joinong you guys soon.

Chad

 

I'm not too sure about the price that the car should be at, but as for a daily driver (as mine is) it is fine. Gas mileage isnt the greatest but isnt horrible if you arent a lead foot. I think they're rated about 16-18mpg? (kinda guessing from what I remember). As for cold starts mine did fine and I live in the winters of Canada lol. But then again I plugged mine in on really cold nites. Good luck with the car!

 

hope ya like your new car(if ya get it) and good luck!

 

i've been in the market for one of these for about 8 months and set my price at about 1500 at most... i found one today also at a dealer for 1400obo and am looking to talk him down a couple hundred. good luck. my name is chad too!

 

Before you buy it, ask to take it to a mechanic.....Look for someone who knows what to look for on a rotary engine, and whatever you do, DO NOT buy it without getting a compression test done. Nothing will let you know more about what you could be in for. If you need help finding a rotary mechanic, just ask in here--there are regional forum pages in here, and lots of people will try to help you out with a good reccommendation.

I own the same car, and I just hit 90K on it the other day. I love it!! Use it for my daily driver, and also I take long trips in it. Just drove it last week 850 miles or so--I moved--and it ran perfect all the way...even averaged out at about 25 miles a gallon!! I use 87 octane gas, and from what I understand, that is the way to go. Dont waste your cash on premium, cuz the car will run better on 87. Once you get to drive it, get back to us and let us know what you think. Also--keep in mind that this is a rear wheel drive car,,,,I have been thru PA several times, and I remember what the winters can be like, so be prepared for that. As long as you watch the gas and brakes, you should be on, unless you drive in really deep snow.....the 7 is pretty low underneath!

 

being that it's at a dealer, $2000 is a fair price but not much more.
common problems that it could have are either the headlight/wiper switches, idiot lights, and a rusted sunroof.

 

Hi,
I purchased my first RX new in Mesa AZ in Feb of 1988 and have been driving rotarys since.
I found that it is an excellent every-day car, and I have driven my RX *everywhere*!
I put 188,000 miles on my first one, and would have put another 100k on it. But, a bonehead blew through a traffic light and ruined it in Dallas TX
Those 188k miles included city driving in the (incredible) AZ heat, cross country (to Colorado and California), ski trips to the rockies (actually went over Red Mountain Pass in the winter during a snow storm) and trips to Kansas to visit family.
Here's the most important point: The only time I was stranded was when the alternator belt broke in the weeds of western Kansas and the battery didn't last to the next town. Other than that, it has been the most reliable car I've ever owned (over 30yrs of driving)
After encountering the bonehead in TX, I replaced it with an '87 Turbo II. I moved to Denver and put 100k miles on this one and am working on a complete restoration. While here, I had some minor problems with flooding when parked for only a few minutes - a common problem.
Cold starts have been no problem here in the mountains: driven in -20 degree cold with no complaints.

Anyway, I'm sold on the RX and will remain so. I even plan to put a 13B rotary engine in a home-built airplane. Also, I am looking forward to getting an RX8 in a couple of years.

I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as well.

Welcome to the "club".

- k -

 

Edmunds says for a 86 GXL with 71000 miles in good condition (Some normal wear but no major mechanical or cosmetic problems):

Trade in: $2,319
Private party: $3,013
Dealer: $4,171

But those seem very high, but that is because of the low miles. Normally prices right now (with 100K+ miles, good condition) are:
Trade in: $1,317
Private party: $1,947
Dealer: $2,997

 

70,000 miles on a GXL is about mid-life. Sounds like a good find. Drive the car and you will ultimately know if it is worth it. The non-turbo models are very reliable.

The only problem with low mileage cars that are 17+ years old is that it has been sitting most of its life. The Apex seal springs tend to loose some of there "springyness" when they've sat for too long in one position. Get a compression test to know for sure.

Where in PA? East or West? I'm on the east side of PA where I-80 and I-81 cross. Pittsburg has a great RX-7 club if your out there. Plenty of help if you need it!

Winters with the RX-7 aren't bad until you get about 6+ inches of snow on the ground. I just chuck 100 lbs of rock salt in the hatch and have fun. My commute is about 40 miles a day. I never got stuck until the snow got higher than the floor boards of the car. That's when I picked up a 90 Subaru Legacy beater.

 

Some good info located here:
>http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/buy1.htm

Good Luck!!