roxsox

I keep on hearing things about the maintenence costs of an Rx7. I'm thinking about buying a 1990 Convertible, which apparantly blue books in the 6,000 range, and I'm buying from a dealer, so I know I'll get screwed somehow. I'll probably focus on haggling with them, as the Rx7 probably wouldnt sell as well as other cars it's price. But my point is, that while I'm still paying off the car, my cash flow will be close to zero. How mcuh will repairs run me?

All I know about the car at the moment is that its 1990 convertible, and red. No other details known.

ScrapFC

iTrader: (5)

Assuming it's in pretty good shape to start with, maintenance on an NA is not bad. Just remember that it's a sports car and, unlike a beater Civic, the recommended maintenance schedule in the manual is NOT optional and you'll be fine. Seriously, you just have to change plugs, filters and fluids on a regular basis. The rest is all down to how the previous owner(s) treated it.

koukifc3s

iTrader: (3)

just be sure to get a compression check to make sure the engine will last you

roxsox

I'll have it checked out by a mechanic. The car is being sold at a Honda dealership, but there is a Mazda one right down the street. What's the chances of the Mazda dealership checking out the car for me (for a fee of course), and the Honda dealership letting me take it there? Also, what should I have the mechanic check for? Anything specific? What should I look for?

mazdaspeed82

How to buy an 86-91 Non-turbo

roxsox

Well, that about covers it, thanks!

Anything special to ask about since its a vert?

Edit: Also, I was wondering, the car blue books around 6,000 according to kbb.com, is that anywhere near what I should pay? Should I ask for lower? I still need to talk to them about it.

mazdaspeed82

personally, from my experience and the people that I know, I wouldnt buy a used car from a dealer. There's seriously no telling what "quick fixes" they've used in that poor thing.. motor honey, block sealant... ugh, i used to have a regular customer come buy cases of the ****.

roxsox

Well, its either that or find someone around here who has a rx7 vert that doesnt cost a ton I might be able to find one, I know someone who works for a car dealership, but its not a mazda dealer... I dont think.... This car is perfect. Is there any way to check for these quick fixes you're talking about?

mazdaspeed82

One for sure way that I know of really...buy the car, wait a month or less, and if something bad happens you will know if they did or not. That's how all the people he sold his cars to found out. "Hey wtf Derrek, my Transmission is making grinding/whining noises all of a sudden, What's this all about?" "I dunno, NO REFUNDS *click*"

RylAssassin

Run a carfax on it. If its at a dealer tell them you want a carfax before you buy it and im sure theyll do it for you for free.
N/A's that have been well taken care of will last forever if you keep up with the maintenence. There extremly easy to work on and are very simple as well as fun cars to work on. It really sounds like you like verts so i wont get into TII's

EDIT* And about bringing the car to places to get it fixed, DO NOT bring it to unexperienced mechanics that know nothing about rotaries. Your better staying here, learning as much as you can about your car and working on it yourself. Believe me man ive had really bad experiences with mechanics that dont know what there doing, inlcuding one that thought i had no oil cooler in my car.

roxsox

I dont need a fast racing car or anything. See, I have this objection to cars. I think they cost too much, and the insurance is outrageous. Not even a week ago, I said I didnt want a car, it's cheaper using other modes of transportation (for what I do anyway)

Last week I was walking down my street, passed the dealership, and BAM! fell in love with the Rx7. And if I get a car, I want a vert. So yeah.

I assume if I get the car with some sort of warranty lasting more than a month, then I'll be fine? Also, exactly what maintence is needed? From reading the forums, this is what I gather

1.) check oil every time you fill up the gas (or premix)
2.) Make sure you change your spark plugs/air filters when necessary
3.) Rust is normal on alot of the parts, but I should use some rust protection to keep in shiny

Edit: This isn't also some random guy selling the car, or a tiny run down dealership, its a big dealership, so I assume it would be more reputable.

Now just to get the money for it

Edit2: Also, I know NOTHING about fixing cars, so would fixing it myself be the best thing to do?

Jodoolin

Summer is prolly the worst time to buy a vert. Sellers expect more as the temp heats up. 6 grand sounds a bit steep to me unless it is near perfect. Try NADA and Edmonds for a second retail cost. Kelly is high across the board.

FYI, I picked up an essentially perfect '90 vert with new paint, perfect top, new tires, and an Atkins rebuild with only 2,800 on the re-build. Frame had 49,400 when I bought it. Paid $4,400.

inflatablepets

From my personal experience, the dealers don't know sh*t about the RX-7. They just have to work on them because they are Mazda mechanics. Find a good rotary expert near you.