Hey, I am new to this board and to RX-7's
I am going to test drive a tt this afternoon. What should I look out for? Thanks

 

Bring a boost gauge.


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

 

In addition to checking BOOST (10psi primary 10-8 psi secondary and 8psi during transition at 4500rpm ie 10-8-10 patern is good stock) Do NOT buy with out having a COMPRESSION check done - Look for oil in the collant resevior (cap by Pass Headlight under hood) also sniff for exhaust in coolant while the engine is running - Any of these (low compression, oil and/or exhaust in coolant) indicate a rebuild is in the NEAR future.

 

Check the trans. Wind it out in 1st and see if the 2nd gear syncro grinds. On the highway, see if you can shift from neutral to 5th.

 

Just don't be TOO pickey. My second gear synchro is all but gone and I've had my car for years. There aren't a whole lot of these things left, so don't pass on the car for something relatively trivial.

 

5th is a problem. Depending on how you drive you may only get a year out of it prior to rebuild. Remember FD's can lose motors too so budget $1k for the trans and $3+k for a motor.

Also, tap the brakes lightly at low speed and listen for a clunk from the rear. Likely that the bushings and links need to be replaced (although you can drive it like that for a long time). A lot of slop off and on the gas is usually the diff bushings (expensive) but again you can drive the car like that. Smell under the hood for anti-freeze or gas. Also, make sure to start the car after sitting overnight or else you won't see startup smoke (again you can drive forever with this problem). If you live near a Mazda dealer, spend the money to have a compression check done.

 

thanks guys,
I am armed and dangerous now. The dealer better watch out.

 

I hope you're joking. You might want to do a little more research before running out and buying the car.

 

you should really have a good rx7 mechanic check out your car. i got impulsive and common sense went out the window, now i'll be looking at spending probably 10k to make my fd what i want it to be. bring somebody along that is against you buying one, to balance your impulses. trust me.