Hey guys, I'm out looking for my second car. I had an '01 Kia Optima, really didn't like it. Just sold it for $4000. Now I'm looking at this RX-7 (http://sacramento.craigslist.org/car/599030652.html but the link won't be active for long.)

Basically, it has 136000 miles, 1.3L, 5 Speed, the ad doesn't say much more about it. I'm heading to test drive it tomorrow or the day after. Now, I've heard these things aren't great for reliability... Is it a bad idea to considerer this car for a high school/college student that doesn't have too much cash to keep spending on repairs (I can do oil and maintenance stuff just fine, just can't afford engine rebuilds or things of that sort.)

Also, when I test drive it, are there any red flags other than the obvious things you look for in every used car, that are specific to the '91 RX-7 and will show a potential serious problem?

 

check compression, ask for receipts and records, see if its been rebuilt recently .. if not plan on having a couple thousand in a contingency fund

 

the best idea is looking in the FAQ and there should be a before you buy section.
and i started with a 91 na and it was a great car.
if you get it then buy an aftermarket temp gauge because the stock one are inaccurate

 

3800 rpm hesitation, blue exhaust smoke, and ............ blinker fluid

 

The car is 17 years old and it still works, so that should tell you something about how reliable the design is. However, any car this old is going to need lots of repairs in the near future. The engine in my car lasted about 145,000 miles before it needed a rebuild, so the car in that ad is getting close to needing a rebuild, which usually costs a little over $2,000. I would suggest that you finance a new car if you can't afford repairs, but I assume that you can't afford a new car either, so I think you may be stuck unless your parents can help you out. Other than that, the RX-7 is a great sports car for students, and mine worked great through college since it held all my books, groceries, and laundry.

Keep in mind that the insurance rate is higher for convertibles, so check with your insurance company to make sure you can afford the rate. The coupe 79-92 RX-7's are almost always the same rate, regardless of the engine type.

 

You will find how to buy guides in the FAQ. Here are the direct links:

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/buy1.htm
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/buy2.htm

 

I don't think the verts are that much higher, if any higher at all.

 

Test drive it, beat the living **** out of it, if somethings weak it should break during the test drive, if all is well, buy it and dont drive it like that anymore.

 

you're gonna wanna check engine compression, hoses, etc. Ask the seller if there's anything honestly bothering him about the car, or why he wants to sell.

From the pics, it looks pretty clean, though....