msheikh

Hello Everybody, I am new to the Club.

I'm 18, and I found a rx7 locally. It is a 1993 Mazda RX-7. The owner has replaced the transmission and rebuilt the engine in April 2006 by Peter Farrell Supercars in Maryland. Before the rebuild the engine had 135k, and after the rebuild it has 10k on the engine. He was asking $7000, but I brought him down to $6,300. He is selling for a cheap price because he just had a baby daughter and now needs a SUV.

Here are some known problems to the car.
- Catalytic Converter may be bad ~ replacing that with a Downpipe
- Stereo system needs to be replaced
- Air bag light is on
- ABS sensor needs to be checked or replaced.

Anyone think it's worth it?

Here is the ad.
you are currently viewing on a 1993 Mazda RX-7. i purchased this car in 2004 I am the third I i have replaced the stock plastic radiator with a Koyo race radiator in April I i have had trans mission replaced back in April of 2006 and the engine rebuilt and apex seals replaced, transmission was serviced and vacuum hoses were replaced may of 2007 at PF supercars in Fredrick MD over 5k of work done to car(NOTE: Automatic Transmission). You’ll also see quite a few modified RX-7’s, with a lot of problems. This is not tough to figure out, but very important: Mazda did it right when they created this car. In stock condition it is very reliable, and my car is proof of that, in that it’s been awesomely dependable. This car is in good condition except for the following known problems: minor Body work as shown in pictures (MORE PICS UPON REQUEST. abs motor might need to be replaced. new exhaust system. air bag sensor needs to be checked. Stereo system needs to be replaced. Those seeking this handsome modern classic will know its value and rarity, and will not miss the opportunity to own this potent and affordable sports car!

Pictures..




Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Mo

AMRAAM4

It's an auto, right there that's a no buyer for 99.9% of people. Second, from the pics it looks beat to hell.

msheikh

Also, anything else to look out for or ask when I go and look at the car?


Mo

msheikh

I don't mind if it's an automatic.

AMRAAM4

yes you will......

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Step 1: Get a compression test.
Step 2: Get a CarFAX

A downpipe replaces the pre-cat. If the main cat is bad, a downpipe won't fix that.

Fairly common

Make sure the car hasn't been crashed (i.e. CarFAX)

Same as above.

msheikh

I'm not going to take it on to the track or anything. Just want it to be a weekend car.

msheikh

So, I would need to get a new Cat convertor? How much do these usually cost?

Herblenny

iTrader: (13)

If you don't buy it I'm going to find it and I'm buying

msheikh

LOL.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

OEM is around $1200. You can go aftermarket for around $450:

http://www.rx7.com/store/rx7/fdexhaust.html

Herblenny

iTrader: (13)

I found it!

msheikh

haha..Nice!

msheikh

Anything to look for or ask when I go look at the car?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/bguide3g/bguide3g.html

Herblenny

iTrader: (13)

Its auto but If it runs buy it at $7K.

Hell, any running FD is a deal at 7k!

Seriously, I have found the ad and if you don't buy it soon, I'll fly up there this weekend and I'll bring it down to Bham. I have all the parts to do manual swap and don't mind building a track FD

msheikh

it's actually for $6,300. LOL.

Herblenny

iTrader: (13)

Even Better

MrNizzles

iTrader: (5)

$6,300 for a high mileage AUTO rx7 is not "cheap" - it's fair considering the condition of the car.

I paid $6K for my first 7 which was a manual, completely stock (pre-cat too) with 92K and a leaky turbo. Rebuilt engine had 20K and it had a fresh paint job with very nice interior.

Most 7's are weekend cars, but auto? That's like going out with a fine escort only to find out she's got a forest patch down unda to make the trees in Lord of the Rings look small ... you can look, but you just don't want to get up in that drivers seat. Those who say "I dont mind auto" .. are really just the same as guys saying they don't mind dating a girl who talks WAAY too much ... just to get some.

You should read the FAQ section of this forum and in addition to getting a compression test, check the condition of the turbos, primarily if they are boosting properly. You will need a vacuum gauge if one is not already hooked up to the car. If the car is not boosting properly that could mean anything from fixing vacuum lines to completely rebuilding/replacing the turbos, upwards of $2-3K.

Also, if the pre-cat is still on the car, especially after 130K miles, that means that most of the components in the engine bay have been "baked" considerably due to the high heat generated from this pre-cat. The most crucial thing I can think of that would have been "cooked" is the main engine wiring harness. A new one isn't cheap, $800-900 + installation. Repairing it is even more difficult and it can cause many problems from engine performance and reliability to electrical problems.

You will spend much more than $6,300 to get the car in good condition, that is if you "care" about this car and what it too look nice and run well those few times when you do take it out on the weekend. Reading the FAQ section and doing what most consider "mandatory" research for cost of parts/repair, will determine if you want to go the distance for this car.

Think before you say "It's OK"... be more scrutinizing when purchasing an rx7 than you would for ANY OTHER CAR.

silverflash2

iTrader: (2)

You can always do the manual swap down the road, that's what i did, but i paid $15K for mine 8 years ago, but for that price, it's a deal. If you can buy a aftermarket warrenty, through some company do it, i had one and it was well worth it.

Herblenny

iTrader: (13)

^^ Listen to this guy (guy above silverflash2) and don't buy it

Just so some of you know.. Decent shell goes for 5-8K. I've bought many FDs in the past.. They are harder and harder to come by.. Maybe some of you got lucky and found one for sub 7K for running.. But when I see a VR with black interior, I would jump on it.. Just black interior itself will fetch 1-2K.. I know because I converted mine..

If this car has a clean title and runs, I'm there in a heart beat to buy this thing and drive it home

RX7LINK

iTrader: (3)

6300 "IS" a steal for a running FD. Listen to Mahjik, his links are great.

#1 - make sure no accident+clean title (check fender bolts, symmetrical chassis, all the bracket supports are there..etc...)
#2 - compression test + check for any signs of leaks from anywhere
#3 - most importantly..test drive the car ( see if there's any weird noises not counting loose parts clunking and the feel of the car for any awkwardness )

if those test and checkups fail.. don't get it.. cuz u'll be spending A LOT more later on rebuilds, repairs, and have a FD that drives funny ....

honestly though.. you say you don't mind an auto.... but eventually when u learn all the benefits of manual and get sick of just gas and brake..., may get tempted to want a 5 speed... I know i will for sure..

turboIIrotary

iTrader: (9)

wow thats a great deal i would buy it at 7000 grand because its still a steal....hmmm im about 5 hours away from there......

MrNizzles

iTrader: (5)

All you guys saying this is a STEAL "know" what you're getting into and plan on spending the time working on the car yourself. Most people, like me, and certainly like this 18 year old kid, probably doesn't have the tools and space or even access to this stuff and wouldn't know what needs to get done to the car, even if it can be driven home.

That first 7 I bought a few years ago had the coolant seal blow the first week I had it! I even took it to MazdaTrix in LA who did the compression test, coolant pressure check, boost test the turbos and they said "yes it will need a rebuild at some point... but you should be OK for now" .. haha. 1 week!!!

There is a HUGE difference between people who know these cars, can work on them.. build them into "track" cars as opposed to the rest of us (who aren't noobs, but still) ... and then there's this 18 year old kid who wants an "auto" for the weekend. If he really does like "auto" .. I mean chicks who talk allot.. I mean good for him... great, but he still is gonna get phuked trying to fix everything else, turbos, fuel system, body work, etc, etc, etc. $$$$$

You know it, I know it ... he don't know it.

And the son says to his dad, "but why do I have to wear a jimmy?"

AdamBench

buy it, dont be dumb. replace the tranny and fix what needs fixed. if its not a salvage title then i might be on the same plane as herblenny to come get it for myself.