hey guys. Im new to the forums after being a long time mkiv supra owner. Im looking into gettin a 94 fd.
Im familier with the rotary engines they have but still questioning the thoughts of owning one. The one im looking at has around 96,000 miles with a lower mileage tranny. it blows a big puff of smoke on start up but goes right away. Im aware these cars burn oil real fastt. but when we went for a ride in it... i saw a very light smoke come from the shifter, you could barley see it, he just said thats from the car burning oil. the car didnt smell rich or lean. The car pulls hard with no hesitation. Im just curious to hear what you guys think. he wants 10k for it.
http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/1347575505.html

 

96000 miles is a lot for these engines (especially if they haven't been taken care of), can you ask him to perform a compression check and show you the results? That will be an indication of how the engine is. I forgot how many psi it should be when brand new (120 psi ?) but it's in the FAQs for sure.

If the engine hasn't been changed I would budget for a rebuild to be honest.

Don't know about the smoke from the shifter though, I definitively don't have that.

 

If the smoke is coming up through the shifter then you have oil on the exhaust. Not only is that a major fire risk, it means the leak is outside the engine and it's going to drip all over your driveway/garage floor.

Definitely budget for a rebuild. Most FDs are on their second engine by 100k. It won't be a quick rebuild either, expect to replace the wiring harness, fuel system components, vacuum hoses and solenoids, and some other stuff.

Knowing the engine probably needs a rebuild, 10k is actually high. I'd only pay 10k if the rest of the car was a can't-pass-up perfect car. I think 7-8k is a good offer.