I'm new to the RX-7 scene and after listening to a few run, I've fallen in love. But when it comes to buying a RX-7, I have no clue what to look for. I've read the article at http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy1.htm and was wondering if anyone else has any tips out there about major issues to look out for (aka what tells me to stay away). I'm looking at 2nd gens specifically.

Thanks!

 

I believe its the local Southeast contingent on here, (SE Regional Forum), further down, but the very best thing you can do is go to that section of this forum, post your request for help (should you have found a car you're interested in) and ask to meet up with someone or have them check the car out for you. Most people will do it for free or something nominal like the price of gas.

The benefit is that you get the experience and don't make the same mistake others have made buying a lemon. There is a large contingent of people that hang out in the Atlanta area, never mind all the vendors of parts down there.

 

search. you aren't the only person who has asked.

 

I did run a search, but I couldn't come up with anything. Did I look for the wrong thing? I searched the forums for "buying".

 

look at it this way.. if you do buy a 7 that is a lemon, atleast you'll get to rebuild it yourself. And once you've done that my friend, you'll know more than 50% of the people on here. So either way it'll be a learning experience in the end!

 

Aaron's website has the best information. Other than that, you could check your regional forum to see if any local forum members are willing to help you look for a good car.

I can add some info on trim levels:
1. Avoid the auto transmission like the plague.
2. If you want a turbo, buy a TurboII. If not, then stick with a non-turbo car. Don't buy a non-turbo with the prospect of converting it because it isn't worth the time and money.
3. Don't worry about trim levels. Just buy something that you like.

 

FAQ, its the 2nd post on this page.....

 

I don't entirely agree with this. I think building a turbo 6-port might be out of the question for most people but putting a TII motor into an N/A car really isn't very difficult.

 

... and TII transmission, TII starter, TII flywheel, TII driveshaft, TII halfshafts, TII LSD, etc. It's not worth the money or trouble given that a TII only sells for about $500-1,000 more than a comparable non-turbo RX-7. An NA-TII conversion also has a lousy resale value. The only advantage in converting is if you simply enjoy working on cars.

 

Yeah, money-wise it isn't a genius idea, but I am talking difficulty. It really wouldn't be a terrible job. And if you can get a great deal on an N/A it might end up being worth it in the end. I know most of the TII's in my area are rusty and useless. I have a much better chance at finding a good condition N/A.

 

Thread closed... covered in the FAQ for FC sticky thread found at the top of this section.

Many of the commonly asked questions (such as the one this thread was started with) are covered in the FAQ for FC sticky thread found at the top of this section.