gormine

Ok guys, I am very new (just started reading alot about rx-7's this week) and am about to purchase one. Went to look at an 87 TII tonight that was selling for $1850. Got the guy down to $1650 and free delivery (2 hours away). I have till tomorrow to decide which is like 12 hours away.
It is in rough shape. Something is making a tap/thudding noise at the rear left wheel that the guy thought was a u-joint gone bad. The sunroof needs replaced cause its leaking and all rusted. There are rust spots here and there on the car... nothing too major, mostly surface rust. The rubber molding at the windows is shot and needs replaced. All the windshield wipers are rusted and need cleaned/painted or replaced. It has 130k miles on it. It has quite a few dents and dings. There is some **** on the wheels that i'm not sure will come off. The guy also added a 2 1/2" or 3" exhaust taht he said costed 150 for each but i have no clue what brand or anything. He said a 60 year old lady owned it since 70k miles and he bought to sell which don't make sense (can't see 60 year old lady driving one lmao).

Anyways, please tell me no if I shouldn't get it. Its hard since I want one of these so bad after reading alot of people's thoughts and reviews etc on them. Needing a ride ASAP doesn't help either.

So should I buy it or wait till I find a better deal? Also, finished reading more about non turbos tonight and am wondering if i'd like one of them more.

Spraintz

iTrader: (1)

for the price you will find a better overall condition and newer non-turbo.

if the engine has not been replace then thats kinda high miles for a turbo.

if it wasn't such "rough" shape that would probably be a good price but if you are really desiring an RX7 you might want to hold off until something prettier comes along.

i'll be awake tonight if you wanna AIM me and ask more

good luck

SpeedyRotary

Well you can take my opinion or not but I say unless you want to fix all that stuff yourself, go for it. I'd defenitally get a compression check before the purchase though (i'm sure many others would agree with me here). I'd also probably talk him down a little lower in price, like get some estimates on the stuff that needs fixing. It kind of sounds like it's been treated kind of ruff, although I haven't seen it in person. Also, I might add that you should always be patient when buying any vehicle, especially rx-7s. From my experience I waited about a year until I found my 10th AE in near perfect running and exterior condition. Anyways..others might have some input on this. I'm sure you could check out some other threads on this forum as to what to look for when you are buying these cars, just use the search feature and the sticky posts at the top of the forum. You could also look through the for sale section. Well, that's about all I have to say. Good Luck!!

Rx7Nub

If you are wanting to buy that car, deffinately be expecting to put in alot of money, you should get a compression check done for sure as mentioned above(get that done at a mazda dealership), and you will most likely need a rebuilt engine within a short period of time... you will need to get everything running mechanically smooth before you plan on doing any mods to it, if you were planning on it. With the exhaust he was talking about, with a 3" exhaust system on it, you will need bigger fuel injector's/fuel pump/fuel control(which can be pricy), because you will be producing alot more power and boost...

If I was you, I would get a compression check done on the car, and then work from there... if the number's are good, and it seems to run fine, then I'd say it is probably a fair deal, also check the turbo for shaft play if you know how to... take off the turbo inlet duct(the pipe coming from the cold air intake box, on the left side of the engine bay) and wiggle around the turbine wheel(when the car is cold.. other wise it's VERY hot ), if it moves , that is not good, if it dosn't move(or very little) , then that's good(as you can imagine).

The main thing to remember is poorly taken care of Rx7's can be very unreliable, especially if it is a turbo, so be prepared to spend a little bit(or alot) of money, depending on how beat up the car is and how fast you want to go. If you are lucky for a Point A to Point B car, I don't think this one is your best bet (but it very well may be in great running condition), just be careful and cautious about purchasing a car, or any car.

But look at me... I really rushed into buying my Turbo II, and I am loving it, and it turned out to be a not bad sale There will always be minor things wrong with the car, so expect those

Hope I've helped,
-Mark

gormine

Thanks for the info guys!

Spraintz, what is your AIM name? The buddy button don't work for me...

88 SE

I wouldnt buy a car that has started rusting. Its an uphill battle.

At 130k miles on a poorly taken care of turbo, also remember you are driving on borrowed time. That engine is bound to pop soon.

You could find a much nicer non-turbo for around that price. Parts on non-turbos are also much cheaper and easier to find due to the plethora of parts cars around.

Just some food for thought.

Spraintz

iTrader: (1)

check your PM on the AIM as i will be up all AM