bmg9b

So, let me start by saying that I don't know squat about RX-7s, rotary engines or anything else pertaining to these cars.

I would really like to own an RX-7, and after a few months of looking around I think that I have found one that I like. It has all of the options that I wanted and none of the options that I didn't want (ie: Bose stereo... ick). So, as I stated before, I don't know anything about these cars and would love some advice as to whether or not to pursue this car any further. Let me know what you think, and why. And any valuable information or lessons that you've learned and would like to share would be GREATLY appreciated!

I have attached the description of the car and a few pictures.

Thanks again!
- BMG9B

--- Vehicle Description -----------------------------------------

NEW ENGINE AND CLUTCH!! 12 mos, 12,000 mile mazda warrenty from 5/06. STOCK, not modded, 1994 3rd generation rx-7, PEP with tan leather interior. Price dropped to $17500. Engine: I had this car listed since January, and have not driven it since Nov. 05. When I started to show it in March, I noticed some leaking coolant. Turns out the coolant seals are bad in the engine. I a replaced the engine with remanufactured engine direct from mazda. New clutch goes in as well. Anything else along the way addressed. Turbos in excellent working order. New down pipe, fuel pump, egr valve, vacuum lines. All work being done by certified mazda rotary tech. Interior: Tan. Minimal wear to carpet. Leather on seats is good on the driver side with the typical wear on the bolsters (no tears), almost no wear on the passenger side. The floor mats, especially the driver's side shows some wear. All interior plastic and headliner in excellent shape. Stock radio replaced with an Alpine head unit and new speakers all the way around. Wires run to the trunk for subwoofer. All of the electricals work. Power windows, sun roof, mirrors, power antena, headlamps, rear defogger, etc. Recent AC conversion- blows cold. Exterior: Montego Blue. Original paint - There are a few door dings. Not show quality, but over all very acceptable. There is no rust any where and the body is straight. Suspension and Brakes: No suspension work done. Recent brake pads 8000 miles ago, rotors in good shape. Call and leave message for more information or to make an offer.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

That definitely looks like a good, solid car and a great way to start. If you're new to them, it's much easier to start with a clean, stock, well-maintained car than try and fix everything.

Best advice I can give you is READ. These cars are documented to death. If you're not into turning wrenches on the car, I'd find a good rotary specialist nearby to work with if problems arise. Fortunately there are quite a few in your neck of the woods.

RX-7's are special cars - they will need more attention, more maintenance, and parts are more expensive than many other cars on the road. But they can be infinitely rewarding. Treat it well and it will treat you well in kind.

Anyhow, that car sounds really good and looks to be in great shape, and the price is just a TAD high, not too bad.

Dale

axr6

I agree with Dale that the price appears to be a bit high. He does not list the total chassis mileage on the car, which is important for setting the price. If the total is over 100K, I'd say some more bargaining would be quite proper.

Just for comparison, I got my 93 FD with original 47K miles, last November for $13K. It also had a 12K Mazda reman engine and clutch. I blew the engine the very first day after bringing it home on my third accleration to redline. Turned out to be a weak, stock fuel pump.

Otherwise the car looks very clean and nice. I would pursue it to see if you can make him a decent offer, as he'd opened it up for offers to begin with.

Albert

bmg9b

Oh, I'm sorry. Chassis mileage is 73k. I also left out that it's a manual and that it has a sunroof. And about the price, I won't pay more than Blue Book; which is $16,500. I'm pretty sure I can talk him down from $17,500, espescially since it's been listed since January. Thanks again for your advice!

I'm still open to more advice. Anyone?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Here's my advice:

If the seller is in no hurry to sell the car, he may not budge from his price regardless of what KBB says. Just take a look at cars like Supra's and see how close they are selling to what KBB suggests. Not everyone gives a rip what KBB says.

As far as the price, IMO, price is subjective. There are several members here that I would pay more for their car than others, because they know how to take care of the car (regardless if it was driven hard to not). "Getting a good deal" isn't as important as "getting a good car". Getting a great deal and then losing the motor isn't something you want to get yourself into... With these cars you typically pay the money up front, or later (i.e. paying more for a good car or getting a cheap car and spending your paychecks to keep it back on the road).

moconnor

iTrader: (14)

The blue book value is the average price a car from a particular year with a particular mileage sells for so I would not fixate on not paying above blue book. From the description, this car sound the be well above average - I would not risk losing the car for $1k. Good FDs are very hard to find.

bmg9b

OK, thanks so much for the help guys. I think I'm going to look into this car further.

So, when I go to look at this thing, is there anything in particular that I should be looking for? Since I don't know anything about RX-7s, I don't know what common problems are. Any help on that?

Natey

iTrader: (19)

Oil leaks and concrete-like coolant lines are a good place to start.

Nice car! I just bought a Montego '93 a few weeks ago. So far, I'm absolutely lovin' it.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Here's a good place to start:
http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide3g/bguide3g.html