Need advise Quick! Found a 1990 GTU for $750 but savlvaged title.
 

Ok i found this just a few mins ago, a 1990 RX8 GTU for $750.

I called about it and the guy says he need bail $$ for his girlfriend (no idea if it is true or not). He says it runs fine the only problem being the Tranny makes some noise but it is drivable.

So i then asked for the vin to do a check and it says this:


<TABLE class=folderstyle id=recordTable1 style="WIDTH: 100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>11/16/1989 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>NICB </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>07/25/1990 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>42 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Houston, TX
Title #27869759
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Title or registration issued
First owner reported
Loan or lien reported
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>12/17/1993 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>76,016 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Louisiana
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Abbeville, LA
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Title or registration issued
Loan or lien reported
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>08/04/1995 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>95,605 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Grand Prairie, TX
Title #29704234913143542
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>09/05/1995 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Salvage Auction
Title #SALVAGE
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Sold at salvage auction </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>01/25/1996 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
North Richland Hills, TX
Title #00022200049560093
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>New owner reported
SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>02/17/1997 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Mazda Motor of
America, Inc.
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Manufacturer recall/service bulletin issued
Recall # 68702
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT
Click here to locate an authorized Mazda dealer near you to obtain more information about this recall
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>01/20/1998 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>149,208 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Fort Worth, TX
Title #22038735805131241
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
REBUILT TITLE ISSUED
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>01/20/1998 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Burleson, TX
Title #22038735805131241
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>03/18/1999 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Fort Worth, TX
Title #22038735805131241
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
REBUILT TITLE ISSUED
Passed safety inspection
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>08/14/1999 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>156,219 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Inspection Station
Fort Worth, TX
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Passed emissions inspection </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>12/18/2001 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>163,000 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Inspection Station
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Passed emissions inspection </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>10/19/2002 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Fort Worth, TX
Title #22042137536160507
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>New owner reported
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
REBUILT TITLE ISSUED
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>07/06/2004 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Fort Worth, TX
Title #22042137536160507
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
REBUILT TITLE ISSUED
Passed safety inspection
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>08/31/2004 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>168,299 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Inspection Station
Fort Worth, TX
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Passed emissions or safety inspection </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>07/25/2006 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Fort Worth, TX
Title #22035338914110254
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>New owner reported
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
REBUILT TITLE ISSUED
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>07/01/2007 </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Fort Worth, TX
Title #22035338914110254
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
REBUILT TITLE ISSUED
Passed safety inspection
</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e6edf5"><TD align=right colSpan=4></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD vAlign=top align=left>Not Reported </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Burleson, TX

Title #22038735805131241



</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left>SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED
FLOOD DAMAGE TITLE ISSUED
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
So as you se it has a salvaged title with flood damage. He said that it was in a small flood that was just enough to get the ECU. The title also shows it has been running since at least 1998 as it passed inspection.

I have about 2 hours he said he would hold it for me, so i need an awnser quick, should I grab it? it looks like a good deal to me, i would of course look at it and drive it before i paid for it. but it looks like a good deal. How much is a tranny? how hard to replace it? He said he could get me another one froma friend of his but i want to plan for that not happening.

Thanks for any info!

i would grab it quick ! good deal.. flood is no big deal!!!!!!!

If it drives fine and YOU like it buy it!!!

...

i would have bought it already.

probably smells like Texas Perch!!

As long as its clean and drives nice its worth it.

Thanks, i was thinking about the same but didn't know if I was just exceited and not thinking of something.

I am leaving in a few mins to go look/buy it.

Anything i shouls be and check when i look at it? and signs of something bad i need to look out for? once again i am leaving quick so...

Also whats that website with the buyer checklist? i can't remember.

THANKS!

Ok, just looked at it and decided it was alittle worse off then $750 was worth.

First off it had been a ricers heaven prior to him stripping it all back off, and leaving lots of scrars.

The tranny was bad whatever it was. the inside was a werck and the engine sounded like what i would assume was a bad apex seal. It would fire then wait 2 minor firings then fire again. Like i had read on here is a sign of a bad apex. Add in that the tires were bad and i just could not see it being worth it for me when i have another 87 lined up for $500 that is in great condition compared.

Thanks for the info though! i would have forever woundered if i had not gone and looked at it.

sounds like a $200 car lol.

Edit: remembered its a salvage title. sounds like a parts car/ salvage yard car

That is about right, for a build up car it would be great, the body was in great condition and even the paint was not too bad, the engine and tranny were just in need of help and the interior was gone. Plus i fotgot to metion that the power steering pump was removed along with the AC (that is an automatic no sell in texas).

Plus all of the removed ricer stuff didn't help anything.

It was nice to be able to drive an Rx7 though, even if it was not great, i have to say i think i will like getting a good one.

Sounds like a car for the crusher. Flood damaged cars are good for one thing. Crushing or parting out. Also, be very cautious of mildew. That stuff can put you in the hospital. ;)

wouldn't hurt to offer him 200 from it...you could get that much back just for the S5 tails if they are in good condition.... as long as you can drive it home and have a place to keep it while you strip it.

I tried that but apperantly his GF really was in jail and he needed $750 for it. He could get it too. just not from me.

I thought about getting it to part out but i just don't have the $$$ or a place to keep it while I do that.