I've finally found an RX-7 in my price-range and I am EXTREMELY excited and eager to buy it. Still, I don't want my excitement and eagerness to cause me to overlook any flaws in the vehicle. What are some things that I should look for that would indicated that the vehicle is not worth buying?

 

Pay for a compression test and do the Champagne test. Find a knowlegable 7 owner in the area that would be willing to go with you.

 

Champagne test?

 

Read the FAQ thread, which has all kinds of buying info in it....

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/faq-3rd-gen-other-useful-links-68640/

 

like you said, dont let your excitedness -for a lack of better word- get a hold of you. That happened to me and i spent 14.5k on a fd that should of been worth 9k. Really wish I waitied....

 

most rx7 are worth buying it is how much time and money are you willing to put in to them to make it best for you.... for one under 10 grand check compression...take a good look at the engine bay before you turn it on so it is not hot an you can get in there and really look. check for coolant leaks get down and look under the car for leaks... dont look for drips on the ground look for it on the sub frame etc. Go over any mods that the knows of. start the car and let it warm up... look for any kind of smoke or leaks again inside, over, under the car dont drive with the radio on listen for everthing that could be. check the boost pattern from third gear. stock pattern is 10-8-10 ...make sure headlights go up and down,turnsignals work etc. keep in mind about the fith gear problems alot of sevens have. Once you get back from a good run and have taken it around town park it and look for leaks and smoke again. Take your hand and run it along the back side of the fenders inside of the wheel wells to look for body repair... but once again it all really depends on your willingness to either put up with or fix....but if this is your first drive of the mighty rx7 then then I can almost promise your test drive will end with a smile from ear to ear....MOST IMPORTANTLY do not get tunnel vision ...easly done with one sitting in front of you ....really check the car out and make sure it is the right one for you .....

 

don't crash it

 

haha +1

 

Glhf

 

listen for the pillowballs in the rear suspension, i took mine to a buddy of mine who works at a shop and had him do a thorough inspection on it, may cost you 60 or so bucks but it could be worth it. get a carfax and look through all the records the guy has

 

1. Make sure the car starts up without a fuss, BOTH hot and cold. Hard starting may be indicitive of bad compression.
2. Check for overall "ghettoness". I swear, these cars are either taken care of by FD loving/financially able folks, or fucked up/broke asses. My car was previously owned by the latter, unfortunately. Check the engine bay for loose/broken wires, the interior for dents/scratches/rips, etc, and overall cleanliness of the car.
3. If the person's running a straight exhaust (no cat + 3" catback) and open intake without an aftermarket engine management, don't even consider it. The motor has probably already seen some knocking/detonation.
4. Get someone who knows FDs to go with you, and buy him/her lots of beer and food