I am in the process of checking into a '93. So far, the information I'm getting is 60k on the chassis, 5100 on the new engine. I was told the engine had to be replaced because "it wasn't driven enough" (?).

Secondly, the owner had the odometer reset to match the motor... it has 5101 on the odometer. I was told this was because she thought that is what she was supposed to do (??).

The owner is also asking 20k for the car (#@&*).

Since this is my first FD, I would appreciate any pearls of wisdom from you out there, helpful hints on checking the car out, what to be on the look out for, and for God's sake, does anyone know if I can get the mileage set back correct on the car?

And please chill guys, I'm an old man, the only thing I search for is my eyeglasses.... :-)

jerij

 

20K is too much, but you know that. For 20K you should be able to get a 10-20K mile 93.
Last year a guy out west sold a CYM with under 20K mi. for around 21K. It was sweet.
You should try and find a 94 or 95.

 

i'd run from anyone selling an FD claiming they rebuilt the engine because it wasn't driven enough. that right there would tell me something is not right. and for 20k, everything should be right.


edit: and from one Tennessian to another: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-rx-7-1993-2002-vehicles-107/93-59k-miles-brand-new-rebuild-845475/ it's got people to vouche for it.. and in the rotary world, that's everything.

 

That sounds pretty funny to me too.

Check your prices with Kelly Blue Book. Where I'm from, an RX-7 doesn't generally go above 14k.

Also, I don't generally consider a rebuilt engine to be a "plus". The fact that she said it had to be rebuilt because it "wasn't driven enough" suggests that there may be other problems. You don't want to spend 20k on something you'll need to put another 10k in to fixing.

 

Patience and research will do you wonders. Start it now before you even buy the car, and you'll be amazed at how much you be able to do.

As stated, 20k is way to much for that. Check out the for sale sections here on the forum, and you can get a great idea of what the value of the cars are. Heck you're liable to find one on here you like.

Good Luck.

 

in my book, an FD with a rebuilt engine from a reputable builder is worth some extra consideration and doesn't lower the value in my book. It's the reasoning behind the rebuild that was mentioned to the op that worries me.

 

Even if the owner was clueless enough to think that this reset was legitimate, it kills the car's value. Carfax will likely show an odometer discrepancy for the life of the car.

While it is possible to reset an odometer legitimately with certification, no legitimate odometer shop will set the miles to read under chassis miles.

This car is worth what a car with a salvage title would be: ~$8k.

 

Many thanks guys. I've come to most of the same conclusions as ya'll have stated. I've got to start to somewhere and the color combo caught my eye.

Supposedly owned by a middle aged lady. Either being inherently naive, or just playing dumb for the sale. I can't tell which.

I was told Daytona Beach Mazda put the new motor in. I'll try to verify that soon enough. It's possible they will give me information since I have the VIN, the seller's name, etc.

I still can't believe any reputable dealer would turn the odometer back, however!!!!!!!

Also, it is an automatic, forgot to tell ya'll guys that. Factor that into the 20k!

jerij

 

Automatic? Why not just buy a Camry and be done with it?

 

Definately not worth 20k, unless it had only 20k on the clock. A dealership installed the motor? Who then rolled the clock back, bc a stealership sure as hell won't.

Politely decline, live in the For Sale section on here, and buy you a car with few headaches.

Just curious, what color combo are you looking? Did you want the auto trans or manual?

 

I don't believe a dealer would do that either. I'm going to verify the motor replacement/odo change with the dealer if they will give me the information.

I'm not opposed to driving an automatic, but know the inherent downfalls of having one in a car like this. I would prefer a manual. My other RX-7's are manuals.

The color combo is silver/red interior.

jerij

 

i like my automatic. constant boost. no complaints here.

 

Carfax the car for the mileage,that's my first thought,the amount of owners on there should tell a bit of the story.I don't know about dealers rolling back odometers though,that's knda scary.And IMO(probably 95% would disagree with me),you fall in love with the car,setting aside the rest.20k hard driven miles vs 60k gentle ones are a big difference.Good Luck

Gil

 

I would let the seller know that the odo reset is very sketchy. You see that kind of behavior on ebay. If she is playing dumb she'll learn that people aren't idiots. If she genuinely doesn't know, you told her something important. There is alot of paperwork that has to be done to do this legally. I would let her know everything you learned in this thread to help her make a sale in the future. With these cars, people seem to be extra clueless about them. Let her know about the kbb especially.

 

Was told by the ebay seller that he would be out of town when my inspection service wanted to do the inspection. Hmm.. ok... Got that worked out. Then....

I'm told the car has no registration nor insurance so it can't be test driven. Well, that one works everytime I guess. Just glad I was able to get my money back from the inspection service!

Not pushing the car, but a caution: silver/black 94 located in NC.

jerij

 

Where in NC?

 

Roanoke Rapids.....

Car looks good on website. If ya get the chance to check it out, let me know...

jerij

 

I dont know about you, but here in texas it is illegal to set back the odometer to match the miles. When someone does that, they are trying to lure you in to something that will be regretful in the end. goodluck anyway.

 

My last posting is about a different car. I'd given up on the odometer mistress.....

jerij

 

don't think just run ...run like hell

if you wanna get rx7 get it all original clean title u can find them from 10,000+ and that other 10,000 can do the wonders

look for rust free

 

Hold up, Roanoke Rapids, NC? Thats where I am, let me see if I can find out who it is. There aren't many of us in this town with RX-7's. You have any info on the cars address? I'll ride by his house and check it out. I'll make some calls as well to see if we can find out who it is, and what the deal is with it. Send me the link as well.

I think I found the Ebay listing. Looks like he lives by the lake. I sent him a message, we'll see if he replies. I'll go check it out for you, if you'd like??

 

She's already playing dumb...if it's even a she for sure. Unless the OP has visually seen her, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a shady seller using the "she" card via email as part of the overall screw job. Then when you show up to buy/view he says he is selling it for his "wife"/"girlfriend".

An automatic FD with a big odometer rollback and questions ont he engine. The car is worthless. A well conditioned roller is worth as much or more than this car.

 

The address where I was given to give to the inpsection service, (Ebay uses SGS) was:

100 Bowen Rd
Emporia, Virginia 23847

The guy who is listing it for the seller is a friend located in Roanoke Rapids.

The story I got is he bought it for his son in New Jersey (Carfax checks out for that). The son didn't "come thru" for something so the dad is selling the car. He said he had owned it for about a month only. He already has a Corvette and can't keep 2 sports cars.

jerij

 

i have a 500whp beast that I'm consider selling for 19k. Hit me up for details.

 

Emporia isn't far from us. Like I said I sent him a message on Ebay, and am off this weekend, so I may see if I can ride out and check on the car for you if you're interested.