I'm currently looking at buying a 1991 rx-7. like all used cars, it has it's own problems. i was wondering if the car is worth buying regardless of all the problems, and if i should, how could i go about fixing these problems?

right now, the used car dealer want's to sell it for $3500 including tax, documentation, etc although i think i may be able to get him to drop the price a bit more.

92000 miles

problems:
-passenger door handle is broken
-power window switches broken, both sides. one switch needs replacing
-passenger reading light is broken.
-car seems to like idling at about 1100rpms when it should be idling at 750.
-when reved up to 8000prms(redline) and then released, it makes a bang(backfire i think)
-paint peeling in several locations
- i think the tires need aligning

thanks very much guys

 

About $100 for replacement.
If you're lucky, it's just a plastic clip.


About $150 for driver's side and $100 for passenger side...
You can try and clean them, but that's not 100% guaranteed.


Could be just a burned out bulb.


This one watch it - it could be a cover-up for an intake leak or a bad motor.
Get a compression check done before buying it!


Not unusual - check catalytics to see if they are intact.


Crappy Mazda paint - deduct $1,000 off their price!


Take it to an alignment shop to fix - like $100.


-Ted

 

thanks ted. anyone else have any suggestions?

 

I wouldn't buy it for that price, seems too high for the amount of things wrong.

I'd definitely do a compression test and then post the results back here. Use a normal piston compression tester, car must be warmed up first then shut off, pull EGI fuse, have someone in the drivers seat while you watch the comp tester and have them press the accelerator all the way to the floor and crank for like 5 seconds or however long it takes the comp tester to reach max psi.