TGreg104

Hey guys, I need some honest advice. I'm in the market for a new car for when I go back to school since my Integra won't cut it. I stumbled upon a nice 1990 NA rx7 for sale. My main question is, truely, how reliable is this car going to be. I realize that there's no way for you to tell me how this exact car is going to be, but generally speaking, how reliable are rx7s of this age? It's going to be driving distances of 30 miles often, at least 4 times a week if not more. I plan to possibly put 10,000 miles on it just in a school year. The weather up here in PA is quite chilly, can it handle the sometimes harsh winters. I know the rx7 is a great, fun car but I need it to not break down. I'm not hard on my cars, although I do drive 'spiritedly' when on, say, a winding country road.

Here's the specs:

Here's the direct link (w/pics):

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2466211269.html

Also when texting him for info he told me that it has a pinhole sized hole in the radiator, doesn't leak (puddle on the ground) or cause over heating but rather just have to put more coolant in. The car has never been over heated. Is this hole a problem? The interior is allegedly mint, though I have yet to see it with my own eyes.

I'm going out to look at it tomorrow, anything I should check specifically? I read the "how to buy an '86-'92 Non Turbo rx-7" page so i feel a general idea.

Any input at all is extremely appreciated, thanks in advance.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Well, it's a 20+ year old car so it's bound to have some issues. But if maintained, then they are quite reliable. No issues with cold weather as long as the car is in good tune.

If you want a reliable daily driver then after purchase you'll need to set aside some time and money to go over the entire car and replace all the worn bits. Common examples are dirty/leaking injectors, rotted rubber hoses, all filters, suspension bushings and rubber parts, transmission, diff and engine mounts, etc. Really, the same stuff you'd find on any old car.

So that'd be rust, then. With bubbling on the lower front fender, you'll probably find rust on the inner wheel well and inner fender area where it meets the rocker. Likely not visible until you pull the wheel well liner.

Frankly, I'd immediately knock $500 off the price considering I'd need to replace and repaint the front fender. And then I'd look VERY carefully at the rest of the car.

Too thin an oil for summer use when the temperature is in the 20s (C). 20W-50 or at the least 10W-30 is specified in the manual.

Any body with that mileage is going to need new shocks, springs, bushings and other assorted suspension bits. Plus all the rubber should be replaced.

Hmm...odd that he mentions it could use a tune up. Why?

And why would he just not replace the brake pads if they are "30 bucks from advance"?

No, about 165HP from the factory at the flywheel.

Yeah, these are all standard features of the car...

Uh, pinhole leak in the radiator, or a pinhole leak in a water o-ring causing coolant to be burned? When you look at it, be sure to have him point out the exact location of the pinhole.

TGreg104

Thank you so much for your input. Yeah its a 21 year old car so idk, I really like fc's but idk if its what i need. I'll make sure to question him on why the car needs a tune up and where the pinhole is. I believe he's talking about in the radiator. I read that rx7's have a problem with grounding, are there any specific grounding spots that go first that I should look and check. I'm really not TOO worried about rust because my other two cars are pretty shitty now, so this is an upgrade. I'll probably offer him 3000 for it, or do you think I could get less? I'll be sure to take pictures and post them. If there's anything specifically on the car that you would like to see to check let me know.

Again thank you guys.

TGreg104

Well I went to see the car and I'm impressed. He has the original owners manual, all of the paper work everything. The interior is mint, paints decent for a 21 year old. Only a couple of negatives like the fact that the exhaust is too loud. He said that when they replaced the cat they didnt tighten it enough and it came loose and the seal/gasket fell out now theres a gap.

Idk mechanically it seems good. I'm just worried about it being a Daily driver. Any input?

TGreg104

I made another thread about the rx7 being a daily driver through the winter, but I found my answer in a thread from '08. (guess i should of searched better first). Next question is what is the easiest way to protect my undercarriage with all the salt in the winter.

curtisloew

I've had 4 rx7s and anytime I've had someone ask if they should get one I respond by telling them to read up on how a rotary functions and the do and Don't of keeping it drivable,and always be prepared to rebuild it at any point especially if its a Turbo, NA are not as prone to fail. I wouldn't give more than 2500.00 check the black book value.

TGreg104

what is black book value? only heard of blue.

I'm thinking under 3 especially since it needs six new tires.