Hey everybody!
I'm really interested in getting an RX-7 and finally found one on Craigslist yesterday that's pretty much just what I want (2nd gen, 1991). The ad is VERY sparse so I emailed the guy asking for pictures and some more info.
He sent me three pictures and said ask whatever and he'd be happy to fill me in if he knows the answer to my questions. It looks pretty solid from the outside and apparently the engine was rebuilt less than 20,000 miles ago by the previous owner.
So. My question.
What are the specific and really important questions I need to ask? I've started the list but I don't want to miss anything.

Thanks!

 

ask him for the VIN to carfax it and ask him for the papers for the engine rebuild. Because theres really no way of know hes really done it without the paper trail.

 

Paper trail is important. Get in touch with the local rotary scene for your area. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere there should be someone knowledgeable (expert) you can take with you when you look at the car. Buy the guy lunch in exchange for taking a look at the car you are interested in. This is especially important if you know nothing about RX-7/this is your first one. Most of the stuff is basic though... is there huge amounts of rust on the underbody, does it drive well, are there issues starting or idling, et cetera. Take a look at Aaron_Cakes web page below for more information.

http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/tech1.htm

 

Ask him when was the last time he had driven it because if it had not been for a year or two there could be harmful carbon buildup in the housings.

 

Thanks a lot.
I asked about the VIN number and papers. This was his reply:
"no, its a 5 speed, original miles I'd have to look up, the previous owner rebuilt the engine himself with 1 of those kits, so there arent any papers on it, not sure why you want the vin? but I'm not home so I couldn't tell you anyway. alls I can say is, I try to start it whenever I'm home and she runs just fine after warm up. by the way, I don't fault you for asking about the rebuild, I asked the same question and was skeptical, but after a good run, and several since, shes in good shape."

 

Also, I do have a friend that knows a ton about RX-7s. I just haven't talked to him in a little while. Eh.

 

Have a look at the 2nd gen FAQ thread for the buyer's guide.

Any ad that is sparse is probably a good clue that the owner isn't the sharpest crayon in the box. Might want to keep looking. Don't be afraid to travel for a good car. buying a good car off the bat will save you money in the long term.
Good luck.

 

well make your get the VIN number, also not having the papers for the rebuild means that you can bump down the price because he has no way of proving its been done.

 

140,xxx miles. Eh?
"the vin thing makes me nervous honestly, but if you're tryin to find out if its ever been wrecked, when I bought it, it looked like someone had had a front end accident w/ it"

I don't get it. Because if I don't get the VIN.. he's not getting the sell.

 

lol sounds to me like hes trying to hide something