Should I bother... Apex seals?
 

So I think I've found an RX7 convertible (1988 S4) that I can afford to get and all, thanks to a friend pointing it out to me. The car itself looks in great condition, with only a minor dent on the rear bumper (it looks like a golf ball hit the car). There's no major problems with the top, aside from a minor rip that would need to be fixed. However, the owner wasn't there when I looked at it. Just his wife, and she didn't want to start the car or anything without her husband there, just let me look.

Here's my problem, when I talked to the guy on the phone, he pointed all of that out. He also said the engine runs, but it needs new apex seals. He added their cheap to replace and such. When I asked him if I'd be able to drive the car home, he answered I didn't know. That would be a problem since I have no ability to/can't pay for the car to be towed to my house; therefore putting it out of the running of me getting a RX7.

So, can the car last a 10-mile drive or so with apex seals that need to be replaced? Can it run at all like that?

Is there anything else I should look for on a S4 Convertible that might be wrong?

How easy is it to fix the Apex seals on a 13b NA? How expensive?

And lastly, do you think I should even bother my time with this car?

Thanks ahead of time for the help guys!

Cheap to replace?! That guy's trying to scam you if the car really does have a blown engine. Replacing the apex seals means rebuilding the entire engine. I take it you're not too familiar with a rotary, so I'll explain a little. The tip of each rotor has a seal with a spring that allows a seal to be made against the housings. Without these seals, the engine would have no compression, and wouldn't even start. With one or more damaged seals, the engine will run with a fraction of its normal power. The guy either has no idea what is wrong with the car, or it really does have a blown engine. Either way, only a low ball should be made, since an engine rebuild will cost you 2-3 thousand easily. If you need a running car soon, don't even bother with this car. It's good for a project only.