Can you guys give me your opinions on the two transmission types? Problems, benefits, any information that will help me with purchasing a 95 RX-7.

I have opportunity to purchase 95RX-7 with <30k miles for @ $25k. Has AT and relatively all stock. Yes, I'm a RX-7 newbie and sure could use some help. Thanks

 

I think that's overpriced for an AT, even if it is a '95 w/ <30k miles, but that's just me. After you put some mileage on it, you car will devalue a lot. Plus, you'll have a hard time selling it for what you, and just in general cause it's AT. Just my .02.

 

If you are going to be driving this in commuter traffic, you really should get a different car. That is really the only reason to consider an automatic. It's a sports car. Also, automatics are definitely worth less than the manual tranny cars. 25k sounds way too high.

Adam

 

Yes I agree, alot of people who have the autos don't like them, a small percentage do though. One thing is if you do buy it I don't know that you could resell it anywhere else for what you paid for it. Meaning I doubt you'd find many people willing to pay 20K+ for a auto FD with 30k on it. I mean the car only cost like 33k new I think and that was 7 years ago.

It's good that the car has low miles on it because it's probably in a great shape, but a car with 30k(especially an auto) can give you the same problems as a car with 100k on it. In my eyes you're better off finding one around 55k-85k and priced cheaper. Since then it should still be in good condition and you'll have spare money to perform reliability mods and performance mods.

 

$20-22k sounds like a better value if you are into autos. If not, don't buy it. Don't buy a car if you aren't really satisfied with it. It costs big bucks to convert to 5 spd so it's something that you don't want to compromise if you spend the 20 large.

 

Very big bucks ($3000). I did the same thing it sounds like you're about to do. I jumped at the 1st FD I found and I regreted it. I bought an Automatic and am getting the 5sp. conversion as you read this. Get a 5spd. and bring a boost gauge when you go to test drive and make sure the car's boost pattern is 10-8-10. I found out 2 mo. after I bought it that mine was 4-2-2 because I didn't bring a boost gauge with me.

 

Edmunds.com says that the my '94 auto with 86K miles is only worth about $10,000 private party. the '94 manual FD is worth like $12,000. I would go to their website at www.edmunds.com and know what youa re expected to pay. I think its crazy that people are expecting over $20K for any FD (manual or automatic) The dealer could not sell it for that much. Don't get ripped. You should not have to pay over $15K for any FD (unless you want to pay for a heavily modded one).

 

My .02 is that the price for the car in question if very high. I have a nicely modified 300ZXTT automatic, and I just love it. No regrets whatsoever. But I realize that - as a general rule - automatics will sell for no more than their manual counterparts. In many cases, it will be less. I think the FD is really "geared" toward a 5-speed experience for many reasons.

Having actively searched for an FD (of which I recently found one to my likeing), my cousel would be that your '95 is significantly more expensive than other examples. Make sure you take a little time and find exactly what you want. Shop around! And, after all, its a buyer's market right now.

FWIW - I got a 5-speed FD and love it. However, I wouldn't knock an automatic. Everyone has their preferences and reasons.

Good luck!
Eggman.

 

"Don't get ripped. You should not have to pay over $15K for any FD (unless you want to pay for a heavily modded one)."

I don't agree with this at all. If you could find a 94 or 95 FD (5 speed) in pristine condition with less than 40k, it could easily sell for 20 grand. If you could find one for less than 15k, you would be stealing it.

Adam

 

Kelly Blue Book shows an average price of about $22,500 for this car, a 5 speed brings about $400 more.

I think that would be towards the high end most would want to pay.

The automatic is okay, depends a lot on what you expect out of the car or what your driving habits are.

It IS hard to find a really pristine 5 speed these days, there are definitely more automatics out there that are in better shape. It seems that there are quite a few original owners of automatics FDs selling now. This is how my car was, I am the second owner.

 

I would never buy an automatic, period.

FYI, I bought my 95 PEP 5-speed with 54k on it for $19k. It was essentially stock with a new clutch. I feel I overpaid for the car but wasn't willing to go long distance and FDs in Cali sell for higher than they do elsewhere.

I think $25k is too high, but you have to consider the fact that there were only 500 95s imported and they are hard to find. Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $19-20k for the car -- IF I would accept an auto.

 

automatic...
thats disgusting

 

definately go for the 5-speed!

good luck!
S.

 

I know the temptation is great to get the car, you finally found one you like and all..... but you will regreat it soon thereafter when you can't enjoy the satisfaction of going through the gears manually

started out driving manuel, never looked back, **** I'd drive my mom's mini van more if it were a stick. I always grab for the shifter only to feel the despair of it not being there.
my 2 cents

-Ben