93 R1 85k, 5k on rebuilt pettit engine, rebuilt tranny, new clutch, new tires, some basic mods but nothing serious. getting him to take it to mazcare wednesday but bluebook says im paying too much at 14,500. what do u guys think?

 

We'll be able to answer the question when you get the results back from Mazcare (hope you're getting the compression checked while it's there). Also it would be helpful if you could detail what the "basic mods" are that have been done to the car. The pic of the car looks nice and clean on the outside. How's the interior? Have you checked to make sure it has a clean title? Give us the details.

 

If blue book gave true values I think we all would have like one supra and rx-7. Bue book 93 supra=10k, Value= 25k...

 

when you are driving it, listen for suspension niose. the front A-arm bushings start to "clunk" around that mileage. also listen for the rear to make noise too, those are the pillow-ball bushings. the A-arm bushings go for roughly $600 a set from N-tech/jimlab and the pillow-ball bushings are roughly $360 from a dealer. that's alost 1000 not even installed. just something to look out for.

also, how does 5th gear feel? any grinding while putting it into 5th reasonably fast? another typical "problem" that can cost a few bucks to fix.

Good luck.

 

I would say that as long as the car is in pretty good shape $14.5K would be a reasonable price. Never use the blue book.

 

Blue book value is definately a joke, but everyone tries it when buy a car. "Well blue book says...."
Its pretty funny

 

I have to admit I tried using the Blue book says line... Didnt get me far... Blue book doesnt mean jack crap when it comes to buying a FD. The value of the car is what someone is willing to paying for it basically. Compare it to other cars with about the same amount of mileage, but keep in mind the one you are looking at has a rebuilt motor. Good luck!

 

Bluebook is for insurance company's not car lovers