Help with getting an FD?
 

So I've been looking into an RX7 for a long time with researching and trying to figure out what gen I want. I found this car on craigslist and I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to buy it or if I should keep shopping around. Posting the link so you guys can see the details of this buy.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1724654535.html

If you're willing to put in the work, it could be promising...It needs body work, and that can add up quick, so unless your good with it, or know someone that can do it on the cheap...

It's a project....but all these cars are. It's a 17 year old sports car, and this one has had quite a life. If you think it's going to cost X dollars, triple that and you'll probably be close...

Chaste white is tasty... :D

Yeah I know how the cost of repairs and maintenance can quickly snowball. I do know a couple guys who could help me with the body work and I've been looking for a project car so that's a plus. Thanks for your input. I welcome all advice either for getting it or against. Oh and I'd probably repaint it a different color, every car I've ever owned has been white... definitely tired of it. lol

You live in a good area for FD deals.

Your best bet would be to post something up in the SOCAL section.

Ask about meets, so you can learn about these cars up close before you are financially tied to one.

You might find a few friends locally that have insider info on community members that are wanting to sell a WELL MAINTAINED FD

I didn't even look @ your craigslist link, but I'd suggest buying from a forum member, over a lot or clueless private owner.

Best of luck!

Yeah I'd agree it's be better to buy from a forum member who knows his way around an FD but the work this guy has put into it makes me think he knows at least enough to bring one back to life.

FWIW, I bought my FD for 6500 and it was in much better condition than that one...it DID have twice the mileage on it as the one you're looking at, though.

It's also hard to trust someone you'll probably never talk to again, so I'd probably forget all the "new" stuff, as it's all most likely not so new.

Natey thanks for telling me what I can get for the money. This is the cheapest FD I've seen in my area and doing body work doesn't really scare me. I'm more concerned with having to do an engine rebuild as soon as I get it, or needing a new transmission :S

I hear ya. My point is just that you can probably actually save a few bucks by initially spending a bit more on a car that's in better condition.
Buy a non-op project for 6500 and put 4gs into rebuilding it/smogging it, or buy one for 8500-9000 and drive it like you stole it?

G/L on the search. :)

EDIT: 6g's, known history, in California.
https://www.rx7club.com/west-sale-wanted-classifieds-195/93-mb-touring-%247-500-bay-area-needs-tlc-897353/

That car looks pretty hacked up imo, I would stay away. Check the classifieds here, you can usually find someone who took care of the car and is willing to sell for about $12k, that's about as cheap as you're going to get into a decent FD

Thanks a lot guys. So you guys don't think it would make a good project car cause who knows what he did to it?

Let's say the best case is that only the engine is toast and everything else is good. Are you prepared to spend another $3000-4000 once you get the car to put it back on the road?

I've already been looking into rebuilds and what from I've seen if it's just gaskets and seals and filters you can do a rebuild for about $2000. I looked into a new engine too and there are a couple posts on here about people getting them for $4000 and then $600 returned for old core so $3400 for a new engine isn't too bad, assuming I can't rebuild it myself.

I've been looking at the classifieds on here but it's like impossible to sort by location so I'm having to go through every single one looking for something in socal :S

Post a toughtful, focused, no bullshit wanted ad.

Post desired:

Year (I was looking for a '95
Model (I was looking for a base model)
Color (I was looking for a PZ color code Brilliant Black)
Interior Color (I was looking for a black cloth interior)

Area of interest (local or willing to travle???) I flew to Tucson, AZ for my FD and shipped it back up to Portland, OR

modified or stock?

Condition (scale of 1-10)

make sure you don't sound like a douche (which you don't in this thread, so I don't see this as a
problem for you)

if people post links to something you don't like or want, be respectful and thankful.

Your thread will gain attention, and if the stars align properly...

You might get your perfect car.

Just like me:)

the guy that sold me my car (1995 Brilliant Black Base model, with FULL documentation, unmodified in perfect condition with amblown coolant seal) didn't even have it for sale.

He just wanted it to go to a good home.

Thanks a lot for the advice Prometheus, will do after I get back from lunch.

A couple of things:

1. Rebuilding the engines isn't bad. However, my general advice in this area is not to attempt a rebuild yourself if you don't have the time and money to do it twice. The problem is, you don't know what you don't know. It doesn't take much to not get right and have that first crank tear up some housings.

2. Typically, whatever you think it's going to cost to get the car back on the road will actually be double that amount.

In the case that ONLY seals needs to be replaced, yes that's a good estimate. I can say that typically more than just seals get replaced on these engines when they are rebuilt. The $3500 mark is a better number to use. Now the whole *new engine* thing is gone. Ray at Malloy Mazda sold all those about a year or two ago. You can have an engine build with all brand new internals from Mazdatrix for about $8000:

http://www.mazdatrix.com/getprice.as...m=MZTX-TT-1F00

I'm not trying to discourage you, but this is not a cheap car to own. Yes, they look cool and are fast, but that comes with a price. I see a lot of young adults getting into these cars and then putting themselves into credit card debt keeping them on the road. IMO, if you don't own a house yet, you have no business buying a sports car which requires quite a bit of TLC. Do the right thing first, get your money in order and your housing needs first, then get the cool cars after otherwise the housing piece may not happen for a LONG time.

Thanks Mahjik, I know you're not trying to discouraging me. I appreciate the fact that you're showing me the bad side so I can decide from there. I completely understand and appreciate your help.

This is sound advice. I bought my FD with 12k miles on it when I was still renting because I just had to have it, after I drove another one. Many great memories but some heartbreaks as well. I'll probably never sell it.

Feels like a big, thumbs down. Yeah I definitely agree that straightening up finances and getting a home takes precedence over a dream car. Being military though my housing expense is pretty well paid for (as long I live within the budgeted amount) as I pick up rank it'll go up too so soon I'll be able to get a house regardless. Feels like a big thumbs up and a finger pointing towards an FD! lol I guess I'm back into shopping.

Great advice all, I really love that the RX community is willing and friendly enough to help out a new comer, even one who isn't an owner yet.