Hope this is the proper forum to ask for some advice on this

I'm looking at a '94 RX-7, and I'd like to know what you guys think of it (from the information I have on it so far) in terms of pricing, etc.

'94 RX-7 Touring
76,500 miles
Montego Blue exterior color
5 spd.
Last serviced by Tri Point Engineering (never heard of them)
The brakes were just serviced recently

Apparently (from emails with owner) the car is in excellent shape, but I have yet to get any response on my questions regarding any mods done to the car (if any), interior shape, etc. The owner is asking $15,500 for the car...how does that sound (I'll be the first to admit I'm a newbie when it comes to RX-7s)? Also, what should I be asking as far as technical questions?

It's difficult, because I'm unable to visit and actually see the car (I live about 300+ miles away)...kinda dumb I suppose. Oh well...and input would be appreciated.

 

First off Tri-Point Engineering does really great suspension work. http://www.tripointengineering.com/ But seriously they are really good Rx-7 tuners.

As for the price. Maybe a little high (around $500 or so high), but that's just my opinion. I'm not a big fan of the color, but who am I to judge what is best for you.

If you want to ask the guy some questions you should do a little research about the cars and see what normally goes wrong with them so you can at least ask him educated questions. Go here for more info:
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...threadid=68640

This thread is also a Sticky at the top of this 3rd Gen section of the forum incase you loose it that is. Oh and if it makes you feel any better I drove from Virginia to Illinois to get my FD. It was worth it too.

- Cody

 

Before you start thinking about making a deal on a particular car I recommend you do some research so that you'll be familiar with some of the common problems associated with these cars and know what things to look for. Starting with this forum is a great start. Use the search button and look for things like reliability (this should spawn about a million hits). This is a car that will require more attention (and possibly more money) than than you may be used to so be sure you know what you're getting into. I would also recommend that you read the following sites for some great information to get you started:

http://www.rx7turboturbo.com/robrobinette/

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/index.html

I live in Missouri and bought my FD from a guy down in Houston. It's a bit of a risk buying a car that you can't physically see when you're negotiating so be cautious. Ask for lots of pics and have the owner take it to a shop of your choice for an inspection and compression test, just be ready to foot the bill for the cost if you're serious about the car. Once the car checks out okay after the inspection and compression test, start negotiating the price to what you think is far for the car. If the owner isn't good about responding or isn't forcoming with answers to your questions look for another car. If you do your homework and you're patient in your search you will find the right car for the right price that suits your needs. Good luck and don't forget to search the forum and educate yourself. Hope this helps.

 

Never buy a car sight unseen. It will also pay you in the long run to pay a rotary specialist a fee to have him check the car out for you. If you do the research the others have suggested, you'll be less likely to be stung by buying a car with a blown coolant seal or other serious problem which will necessitate replacing an engine at a cost of $4,000+.

 

I guess I should have added that I bought my car on my way to Oshkosh, WI for the big airshow. I DID NOT pay for it before I saw it. In fact after seeing it I went and looked at a few other cars and after about 3 days decided that the car in Illinois was the one I wanted. I did this after looking at quite a few other FD's from my area and other places. Sorry if I mislead you a little.

- Cody

 

I think this is an RX-7 that I looked at/drove. Is it in Aurora? If so let me know and I will give you the details.

 

Yeah, that's the one. I'd be interested to know what you think/thought of it.

 

I bought my 94 in june with similar specs- although mine is white. Id say the $ is correct, browsed for about 3 months and that was the general price.

Some good advice I got was to expect to pay about 1-2k more for the car on top of what you buy it for to cover unseen expenses.

 

Hey no problem. It's nice to know someone else had to drive a ways to get one...up here in WI like no one knows what an RX-7 even is. Hehe...

Thanks for the links BTW guys, they are *very* helpful. I know this car is going to take some upkeep and added expenses every year, but I have another [mainly used] vehicle for the winter and most general driving. The RX-7 would be for cruising, and the fact that I would have a *really* nice car (I appreciate nice vehicles) is great.

 

If you can get someone FD knowledgeable to look at the car great. 300 miles is not too much to drive on something this important.

I bought two cars without seeing them in person. A '94 RX-7 from MI and flew out and gave a cashiers check and drove back non-stop to MN. I also bought my "95 Mazda Millenia-s from a person in AZ and also flew out and drove back non-stop.

Both were good deals.

My brother bought two cars off the Internet. One he got screwed on and the other was a good deal. Both were shipped to MN.

The one he got screwed on the guy claimed all kinds of engine mods worth $1,000s and they were not there.
Paid about $4k too much.

What I have read so far I would say you will not be screwed, but get it checked out, compression etc.

Ken

 

My guess is untill Mazda comes out with a real replacement for the FD the price you pay will not drop that much. These cars are rare and are holding their value as long as they are in good shape.

I paid $18.5 for mine 3 years ago and I'm sure if the car was in the same shape now I could get $15.5 for it today. $1k depreciation per year over 3 years is not bad.

It's the upkeep that will kill you. These are not Hondas or Toyotas.

If you want a high performing rare car that is gorgeous and can afford the upkeep this is the car to get.

You will get all kinds of attention by car fanatics in WI.

Ken

 

If you want to meet up with some people in WI then you may want to check this out:

http://www.rx7wi.org/

I got the link from here:

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/MRR/

I went to this last year on my way to Oshkosh. They ended up having a decent turn out. If you really want to see a lot of Rx-7's though you should venture down here to VA and come to MADS. This year it is called something else, but should go on the same.

http://www.mazdadrivers.com/

It is usually put on by these people:

http://www.mscw.com/

But this year the club decided to focus on a Miata event instead. MADS should still be put on by the same group though I think. And if that isn't enough info to keep you busy for a while then come check out our club website:

http://www.swvarx7.org

(Shamless ploy to gain new members for a beginning club). Well I hope some of that info was at least helpful.

- Cody

 

definetely have it checked out first. where in wisconsin are you? i have a 94 mb touring , why do so many people hate the color??

 

I'm about 4-5 hrs. north of you turbogarrett. Nice to see someone else from WI has one

I don't know why a lot of people dislike the montego blue color here (from what I've read)...I think it's pretty cool!

Thanks for the link to the WI club...kinda neat. Maybe if I end up moving to the Appleton area I might join up.

 

there's actually quite a few fd's in the milwaukee area. they seem to be getting real popular around here. good luck with the car.