Hi folks,

Looking for experienced opinions regarding the value of a car I am considering, here's the description:

1985 RX7 GSL 12a
5 speed
black / red leather
99,000 miles
2nd owner

original paint, very good body, no visible rust. some light dings, etc. Interior good, driver's seat showing some wear / cracking.

Run's great, no visible leaks.

Everything works, including AC.

I am an experienced enthusiast, mostly LS1 Camaro + Corvette experience. Have always wanted a 1st gen RX7, but don't have any real experience. Thinking of buying this as a play toy + commuter for my wife

The guy want $2500 firm for this car

Any opinions are appreciated!

 

For that kind of cash, it needs to be in tiptop shape, cosmetics and mechanicals. Check the inner rear wheel wells for rust and pull the storage bins and check there too. also the rockers, and where the rear lower control arms attach to the underbody. Check for any coolant and oil leaks, it there's an oil leak on the top front driver's side of the engine, next to the Mazda logo on the housing, it will need a rebuild to repair it, though it's not a terminal failure issue.

In my sig line is a link to the online FSMs, carb manual etc.. Download and read whatever you need.

Take pics of the inside, outside, engine bay, and post any mods that have been done. That will give us a better idea of value.
.
.
.
.

.

 

I agree with Trochoid, that seems little high to me regardless. are the wheels stock?

 

Thank you both for the replies.
The car is bone stock, no mods, older adult owner.
Wheels are stock + in nice shape.

I am visiting again this weekend + will check rust areas as advised, did inspect wheel wells + foung no evidence of rust.

Since you both think he is priced high for the condition, what DO you think the car is worth? It does seem difficult in this area to find decent unmolested, resonably low mileage 1st gens.

Any furthur advice is sincerely appreciated.

 

The price is high but not unresonuable, If it is in realy good shape with nice shiney paint.

also assumes really good compression numbers.

 

Does he have the maintenance records for it? Condition of tires, brakes, rubber hoses & bushings? Does it have any steering play? Has it been garaged? How long was the average commute? Sounds weird I know, but quick trips are bad if the engine did not reach operating temperature, and get properly warmed up with the use of the manual choke.

Ask him if it uses any oil. On most cars it would be good to get a "no" answer here. However, on a rotary if he says no, stay away from it!! These engines are literally made to burn oil through means of a pump that injects oil right into the carb and lubricates the apex seals. If he says no then he's either lying or clueless, and either one should be enough to make you turn it down.

I'd have to see pics as well, but from what you are describing he is asking too much. $1500 or so, but def. no more than $2000 with that mileage unless it is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, and it already sounds like cosmetically it has some flaws. For price comparisons, do a search of completed listings on ebay to see what they're going for.

 

As a comparable, how does it compare to my Silver 85GSL, which I bought 3 yrs ago with 49k, used as my DD while I worked on it, and now has 83k, is just about perfect, and which I'd expect to get about $2300 (or I wouldn't sell it).

-California car: no rust
-no dings, good sightlines
-everything works
-interior almost perfect, burgundy leather, good color.
-exterior is clean,, paint slightly hazy but not burned: polishes up good.

-Tokico blue shocks (about $300)
-newish Bonerz catalytic conv. (about $300)
-redline lube in diff
-redline MTF in trans
-all refurbished brakes (about $1500 inc. 2 rotors and 2 calipers)
-new OEM clutch and hydraulics(disc, plate, TO, pilot, MC, SC, Hose, about $600))
-new radiator and hoses, heater hoses ($250)
-replaced neoprene Orings and gasket in intake manifold (about $300)
-replaced neoprene Orings under beehive (about $200)
-includes OEM glass sunroof, about $150
-new fuel pump/filter, about $250
-AC charged and leaky pipe replaced, about $350

There's prolly some other stuff I didn't think of, too.

I think this would make a nice car for a young woman who wants a sporty good looking car. Power steering, power brakes, power windows, etc. Looks good, drives good, lots of aged parts replaced. Should be reliable, luxurious, good looking transportation.

Since I got it at 49k I've always added either 2-cycle oil or MMO, 6-8 oz., to every tankful.

How does your car compare?