Hi all,
I am actually looking into buying a series 1 rx7 for dirt cheap, but the seller says that the car runs, but it "needs a little dialin in". Im just looking for a car thats going to last and that I can eventually restore, but for now it needs to be able to handle commuter needs as well as a 100mi trip a couple times a month without a problem and this seems like the best answer for $500, but it seems almost too good to be true and Im on an extreme budget as it is and I dont have a whole lot left to tear it apart if something just isnt right. Considering that it is still in rough running condition should I even bother with it, or am I best off finding a honda or something.

Confused
asianguy

 

You will find how to buy guides in the FAQ for the 1st gen sticky.

Since you have given us no information about the car, it is impossible to make a determination.

However, generally, limited funds and a project car do not go together very well.

 

sorry, its a '80SA N/A and aside from the minor engine thing, it seems to be in great shape and I checked the how to buy guides, but im still on the fence cause the engine issue seems to simply be a vacuum leak, but I wasnt able to check it on site but if it turns out to be something more complicated/expensive I probably wont have the time or money to put into it. I should also probably clarify that I just need to get it in running condition and keep it therefor the moment, and ill make it a true restoration project at a later date.

 

One question to ask is that if the car just needs a minor amount of work to make it right, why has the seller not performed the repair and adjusted the price accordingly?

Vacuum leaks are only a minor problem but can be a real pain to track down.

 

Ive talked with the current owner and he is an older gentleman who says that while it runs, it just doesnt run like it used to and he doesnt have the time or energy to fix it himself, and to me, it does sound like a vacuum leak because the idle is strange and there is nothing obviously wrong with it, but if that is the case, i have time to track it down and fix it.

 

"needs a little dialin in" may be a bit optimistic or blatantly misleading. Being an "older gentleman" is not necessarily synonymous with honesty. If you have access to the car do a simple compression check. Or spend a few bucks and have a proper test done by a rotary tech. If compression is low, you will need to rebuild or replace the engine. For a rebuild, think at least $1,500 if all major engine components can be reused (not likely) and you are capable of doing the work yourself.

Do a search of the forum for info on how to do a simple compression test.

Edit: Or go the the link below and read Aaron Cakes description of a simple compression test:
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/blown.htm