U 2 Ez

I've been looking for an RX7 for awhile now, and I've noticed at LA Motorcars in Texas they have a 94 black/tan with 95k miles. That's a lot of miles, but considering they give a 3 year 36k mile warranty, then the mileage concern drops dramatically. My question is this. Do you guys think it is worth the 16995 they are asking for it? Has anyone on here seen this car in person by chance? I live in Arizona, but if I get a good concensus I have no problems driving the car back here from Texas. Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated.

martini

If I remember correctly, the 94-95 black and tans are pretty rare.

I would look over the warranty carefully, because sometimes they won't warranty the rotary engine itself, but they will warranty the rest of the car..etc. Make sure they'll cover the turbos as well.. And make sure you can take it to a mechanic of your choice.

But it sounds ok..You should have someone check it out for you (or fly there yourself).. Usually you can't get a warranty on any cars past 100k

U 2 Ez

I called Lance (the contact for LA Motorcars) and he said that the car is in good condition. He said it has the usual knicks from a car that is now 7 years old, but the paint and interior are good. I also did search on LA Motorcars and found one thread that had numerous people saying that he was a very honest person to deal with and that there was nothing but good things to say. My question is whether or not the car is worth the 16995 that they are asking for it considering the mileage, and also whether or not there is anyone who lives nearby who has seen the vehicle? I am really interested in getting this, but I don't want to put a non refundable deposit and pay for a plane ticket out there to be disappointed or to pay too much. I appreciate all your help guys!

pweizman

I would say it is more likely worth 15-15.5K. You didn't say whether it was a touring, base, or R2. That affects the price greatly.

Has the engine been rebuilt? Does the warranty cover turbos/engine?

Later,
Patrick

U 2 Ez

I know it is not an R2, although it does have both the front and rear spoilers, as well as a boost gauge and a Peter Farrelli exhaust, although not the downpipe and what not. Other than that it is all stock. I know it's the leather seats as well as having a sunroof, so my guess is that it is a touring model. He did not know if it was the original engine or not, although he said that the warranty completely covers the engine, turbo's, AC, tranny, paint, roadside assistance, etc., so if the engine or turbo's do go, it's only a $100 deductible. I am seriously considering this car, but it seems to me like the price should be more closer to 15.5-16k, but I could be completely off. Anyone else? Please?

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Better find out exactly what the warranty covers as far as the engine and turbos go. Some warranties are just general maintenance, won't cover a rebuild. If you need the turbos rebuilt that would run you about $800-1200, and an engine rebuild would be quite a bit more.

Run the VIN with CARFAX or something like that to verify any wrecks or hidden problems any previous owner might have had.

First thing is to verify the warranty being offered. See if it covers an engine/turbo rebuild or replacement. Next, find out if the engine has already had a rebuild or not. After that, get a rotary mechanic to look at it. Do a compression test.

If all comes out well, go for it.

U 2 Ez

I already checked with him and he said that it definately does cover the engine and the turbo's, with only a $100 deductible. He did not know if it was the original engine, rebuilt, or a new one, just that it ran strong. My main concern is that if it is indeed in excellent condition, is it worth what they are asking? thanks guys, I really appreciate all your input.

man_of_steel

but it, then drive around the block that the dealership in on as fast as you can in first until the engine and tranny blow. Then walk back up the ther dealer with your warranty and say, "new engine and transmission, please." Then you have the same car with 0 miles on the engine! WAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

no, dont do that. Sounds like a decent deal. Problem is, miles are high, dealership probably doesnt know the history (was it ever overheated, raced), probably hasnt done a compression check on the turbos. As far as driving the car back, I am getting one too not from my area and have already arranged with a freind who has a truck and a car trailer to go pick it up. I'd rather have bad luck happen in the city where my insurance will get it towed to a shop inside of 30 minutes than chance being stuck in the middle of nowhere. Not knowcking reliablity, just saying Murphey's Law can be a bitch on long trips.

happy rotoring, good luck.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Just FYI, my RX-7 came with a warranty as well (from Mazduh). Covered only certain general maintenance of the engine (which I found out too late).

Unfortunately the car was already damaged and needed a new engine right from the start which Mazda attempted to blame on me (failed coolant seals).

End result, I had to pay for a new engine and turbos myself after only having the car about 3 months (bought it in during the month of October, since winter was coming there wasn't a whole lot of driving done on it).

Make sure to ask them specifically if the warranty covers a rebuild or replacement engine and for how long. All warranties are different. I'd hate to see the same thing happen to someone else.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

The reason for the concern of the engine is that most people get about 80-100k out of their engine before they need a rebuild.

If that FD has not had a rebuild yet, it could possibly need one soon.

U 2 Ez

I am very aware that it could quite possibly be on the edge of needing a rebuild, but assuming that the warranty covers that completely then I am not too worried. My biggest concern is that, assuming it is all covered, is the price fair? If the concensus is that it's a good deal I'm all over it, otherwise I have no problems holding off for a better deal. Thanks again for all your replies, I really appreciate it.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

Well, about 4 years ago, I paid about $18k for my '93 with 40k miles on it.

The price seems a little high unless the engine has been rebuilt very recently. Granted, you are on the west coast, so prices are a little higher, but unless that moter has been rebuilt, it seems high IMO.

U 2 Ez

Well I talked to Lance again, asked some more questions. He said that if the engine goes, the warranty company first tries to find a local used engine, which he said he has yet to see happen. They then drop in a remanufactured engine straight from Mazda, so that's always good. He also said that he has every RX7 checked out by Rotary Performance before he puts it up for sale, and if they find anything wrong then it is all taken care of. So I really don't see anything to worry about as for the car, my concern now is that, taking the warranty into account, is this car work 16.5k?

potatobbq

I would say it's not worth the 16.5k because if the motor blows, you still will be without a car for however long it takes for the rebuild or new motor install. I would rather have a car with a motor that has already been recently rebuilt to avoid the warranty hassle.

CPA

I purchased my car from Lance and have the same warranty that he is selling with this car. It will give you about $20 a day for a rental car when in for covered repairs, not great but better than nothing. I have had good luck with the warranty. It has already covered a couple of things and paid for itself. Lance is upfront and will tell you if he has any concens about the car. I work about 10 minutes from his shop and can take a look at the car for you if you want. He is always getting them in, so you can always wait a couple of weeks till he gets in exactly what you want.

U 2 Ez

If you have a chance to swing by and take a look at the condition of the interior/exterior and how it runs, that would be awesome. The one I'm looking at is the 94 black/tan, although if you go, there is another black/black 93 I believe. What I am interested in is either a black or silver FD, manual tranny only. No red interior, preferably tan but I know the 93 has a black interior which would be fine as well. I am more interested in the 94, but if it shows the miles or rides like it has that many miles on it, then I'm not interested. Thanks again. You can email me at bmx22rcr@aol.com and let me know, or if you put a phone number in there I can call you, it's all up to you.

Aaron