Potential RX-7 project...good idea?
 

Ok, well I was browsing around for some cars and I came accross a 95' RX-7 that doesnt run (all I know is that the engine is "blown") for sale for 300$. From what I can tell, the owner doesnt know what he has, and figures the car to be a lost cause. I havent seen it yet, so I dont know whether or not it is wrecked or not, but I am calling to get more details today. According to him, the car is in good shape, but doesnt run. It is a 5-speed. I have been wanting to find one of these for a loooong time, but gave up after realizing that finding one in m price range is pretty much impossible. I drive a 96' miata right now, and the plan is to buy the rx-7 and keep the miata until June. I should be able to sell the miata for about 4-5k$ and use that to work on the rx-7. For 300$, I would have about 4-5$ left over. I would think that I could get the engine rebuilt for about 1500$ and the rest could be used to rebuild whatever needs to be built. I would assume maybe a new carpet, mazdaspeed seats, etc. Does this sound like a good idea? I should be able to get this all done by August. Also, I can drive my mom's old car during the summer if need be and the car isnt done yet. Any suggestions would be great! Also, even if it didnt work out, the car would almost worth be buying and then parting out....Im sure I could get more than 300$ for everything.
~Nick

Drop that cash on it now. That's a steal at $3000 or even $13000, if the mileage is low and the interior and exterior are great.

Just parting it out would net a few grand. Just don't blow the secret of what it's worth. Budget at least $1500 for the rebuild, more like $3-5k if you do it yourself or $5k if you have a reman dropped in by someone else. Search for 'rebuild' and you'll get a lot of info.

PS: change your profile to not show your hometown, or else somone else might try to snag it first. I know I would :)

Dave

I'm thinking if it's JUST a blown engine, he'd be selling it for more than 300. The frame is probably bent or it's had some serious accidents. Instinct tells me you won't have a functional FD for $5k :)

Yeah, I was assuming you would look for accident evidence. Perhaps you could put a 30-day return statement in your bill of sale so you can have a frame shop check it out. But either way, a complete 95 interior in good condition would go for way more than $300.

Dave

Well I dont think I have to worry about somebody else finding it...it was a guy who offered it to me privately....not in the classifieds or the paper.
~Nick

Would it make a good daily driver if everything is done right...Im not gonna turbo it...I want something that is nice and also a good auto-x car....it would rule on the course.
~Nick

Er.. you're going to pull the stock turbos off the car and run NA eh?

Lol...is the ECU gone?

You...need to do alot of reading., as shown by this current thread, and this thread. Read around for a couple months and see what you think before jumping in. :)

Yeah, that statement about not turboing it was your own kiss of death on the forum.

go and check it out and post some pics, that'd help people help you in trying to figure out if it's a good investment

Ok....ya I do need to do some reading....but I will go check it out. I dont know if that would be the most reliable move, the rx-7 and all. I dont know if I feel comfortable working on an older turbo rotary engine.
~Nick

no turbo!! u crazy. if u want rel. buy a honda!

$300 ?????

If he entire car is fucked up and the seats are decent it is worth $300.

A completely ANAL rebuild on the engine, tranny and turbos won't cost more than $10K if you do the work yourself. You'll have a $18K car for $10K.

Do it.

I've seen a 95 FD with the exterior all fucked up, and I mean fucked up as in the entire body was rusted. All around the fucking car, the paint was oxidizing and you could probably punch a hole into the body with your bare hands. It had about 112k miles on it and was going for 5g's. It ran just fine, just it seemed like your seat would fall out of the thing if you tried to drive it because it was so rusted out! :p:

I you don't want it, I'll jump on it for sure. Even for a parts car or whatever.

ccrnnr9, was this car by any chance in kansas city? I saw a 95, 5spd, new tires, needs engine work, 300$ in the paper. Sorry to give away the location if this was the car, but i just thought it was an odd coincidence if it was the same one

Are you sure he said 95? not 85?
This sounds a bit odd.

The only problem with someone like you owning an FD, is that, even when you are done and you have made this awesome car worth $15K, you still have to pay for the insurance, gas, and upkeep. These cars are not cheap and if you plan to use it as a daily driver, you better have a backup.
I'm not trying to say you can't have an FD, but don't get yourself into debt and end up hating the car.

heh I live in NYC where is this car at if youre not sure about getting it. I need pats for my FD that im putting back together. I would sure like to see this car in person.

Jay
email: jays_efini@yahoo.com
Aim: nocjayy

My instinct tells me to be careful. Might be the deal of the century, or a scam.
If you do the deal, you should get a signed and dated bill of sale (preferably notarized) AND take immediate possession of the car WITH the title. Just my .02.;)