I came across an ad for an '88 rx-7 fc today, and he was asking $3000. After emailing him, I found out he would sell it for $1200 if I opted for the stock rims instead of the 17" ones he had on at the moment.

According to him it has new a new clutch, tranny, and brakes, with receipts to prove.

The problem: the motor has 260 000 kms on it.

Do you guys have any advice or comments? I've never bought a used car before, and am kind of skeptical of this. But I really love the car...

Should I expect to be replacing/rebuilding the motor soon after I buy it? Is it worth it? Thanks.

 

rent a compression tester and run a compression test on it.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...mpression+test

 

Reading Mr. Aaron Cake's webpages on How-to-buy an RX-7 will help you know what to look for. Good luck.

Non-Turbo
http://aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy1.htm

Turbo
http://aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy2.htm

 

Don't modify it cause it will never pass smog!

 

Definitely try and get a compression test done on the engine and judging by that you can figure out if you need a rebuild or new engine. Also go take it for a test drive if possible, if there's white smoke pouring out of the exhaust the coolant seals are probably blown and it would need a rebuild. In the end it's (obviously) up to you if you think the car is worth it. Keep in mind that any older car is going to need some work though.

 

Also check out the links to aaroncakes webpages above if you haven't already. He knows a lot about 7's.