Hi guys, I am really new to rx7. This week I plan to buy an 1989 RX7 FC S5, but am not sure how to inspect the car. The owner claim that everything is good only the 2nd half of the transmission is not working. So my question is how can I inspect the car? Thank you so much for y'all time .

 

Welcome. Not meant to insult, but do you have any automotive knowledge or experience? 90% of what you're going to be looking for is no different than any other car from the same era. If you don't, it would be worth paying the $100 to have a local shop perform a pre-purchase inspection for you. Be prepared to see a LOT of vacuum lines; it can be overwhelming if you don't know what's going on.

Keep an eye out for modifications such as "emissions deletes", fuel cutoff switches, and fuel cut defenders (used in conjunction with increased boost on stock ECU). These are usually signs of dumb owners, who are passing their headaches on to you.

 

Dollar for dollar, rust and bodywork are the two biggest expenses...typically.
DC5 correctly pointed out that most of the suspension and brakes are pretty standard, so not much to worry about there.
The electrical- specifically the switches, is very specific, unique and expensive, so make sure all that is good.
Interior plastics are drying up and brittle and getting harder to find.

I wonder what "the second half of the transmission" could be?

 

**I wonder what "the second half of the transmission" could be?**

That's anything after Neutral ...heh,heh!

If you do not have any car tech experience and are looking at vehicles it is better that you bring someone who is knowledgeable somewhat to help you.
That,or Take it to a Mechanic BEFORE you buy it or you just end up with someone else's lawn ornament...on Your Lawn.

 

I do believe aaroncake has a buyers guide on his website.

 

Link to Aaron's excellent buying guide below. There is a guide for the Turbo on the same site.

How To Buy An '86-'92 Non-Turbo RX-7

 

Thank you so much for y'all help. I planning to check it out this Friday. Hopefully it a good car.

 

Update, I check the car today. The engine seem and sound fine. But I kinda see weird stuff with the frame, and the owner said it was the factory welding. And the Radiator have rust and no cooling were found. He claim car doesn't over heat. Problem is tranny, and cold start Intake valve or something.

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

 

If the rad has rust then there is most likely rust in other not so great areas.

 

Rotary performance. $200 bucks for their pre-purchase inspection, and the even include a compression check(which normally, is 200 bucks by itself).

 

What about the welding? That ins't original right?>

 

Those welds are not factory. It looks like it was in accident and the very front clip got replaced.

 

Thank You

 

I found Another car , the owner said it been stop running for over 7 years. On my way to check it now. Hopefully it still in good condition.

 

Be prepared to completely overhaul the fuel system (injectors, lines, fuel pump, tank, etc.).

 

The owner can't get the car to start. Saw many black oil dirt under the engine. Only the interior is look good. Body is rust a lot on the top. Crack windshield too. Odometer said 280000+ and I ask him does it ever had engine rebuilt he said NO. Just want a decent S5 T.T. I guess keep looking :/

 

The FCs are not TT, only the FD.

 

keep looking for junk and you will keep finding junk.