Hello everyone. I am Ryan. I am considering buying a 79 RX-7 with about 50,000 original miles. The guy wants $2000 for it. Which seems to be a great price from my research. He was wanting more but since it is a friend of a friend he is giving me a deal. It is in great shape and just needs a paint job since it is faded.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips and things to look for when I go and test drive the car? I am pretty stupid when it comes to anything other than a chevy or pontiac. Especially these rotary engines. I am mechanically inclined and learn quick so if I have a lot of questions over the next few weeks (as I plan on mild modding) please be patient. TIA

 

Hey,
Just a heads up...about 2 years ago I looked at a '79 rx7 alarm, full leather(black) in good condition, 45k on new rebuild, lo pro tires(honeycomb style) and nice paint, slight(not noticible unless you got your face right up next to it for $800. Granted you are not in Washington but just want to give you a heads up. You got any pics? My reccomedation go with a 13b...a lot faster.

 

I bought one 2 years ago with a bad oil seal which i knew about it. I am restoring it to original form. If u have any questions shoot them my way at bluetii@hotmail.com. My fee will be pictures of your car. I alway like to see a beautiful 79.

 

Man your story sounds like mine, cept for me its chevy's or nothing. I've built this monster for the last 12 years, and just picked up this 7. I look at the motor and start looking for the mice and the wheel. However, I've had my 7 now for about 2 months, and the vette is for sale and I'm keeping the 7. Once you get used to the rotary and see how easy they are to work on. Its addicting.
I love this little car. I actually took mine in trade so it was just to make a sale and I was going to sell the 7 as fast as i got it. But I'm hooked now, I just cant sell it.

 

off topic... can I ask why your selling a car that was your 12 year project?

 

I'll try to make a long story even longer

I started this car from a square frame. I had intensions of putting it on the drag strip.
Every year I would buy a new rule book and every year NHRA would change the rules on me. I got very frustrated so I decided "$crew them"....I'll just put it on the street. The car is 95% done. But its just not very street friedly. @ 800 cfm special mod race carbs on a tunnelram just dont work well.

I also made this car manual steering, and brakes, theres no heater A/C it was built for racing.

Narrowed Dana 60 and a 4 link works on the street but it's not the best. Oh and the spool isnt going to be real friendly for cornering.

I could go on and on.

I like my little 7. It weighs 2300Lbs and goes like hell. after 1st gear anyway.
1st gear really is sluggish in this car.

 

Welcome to the forum. In my opinion a 7 is worth what one is willing to pay for it. Not alot of help, however 2k seems a bit steep to me, but it does only have 50k original on it. I'm not sure if that is good or not for a rotary. At any rate welcome to the board.

 

Thanks for all the info guys! MakoVai, that is a sweet vette. If I had the money that is what I would get. Either my old 2000 GTP that was repo'd or a 60's vette.
I only have one semester of college left after this one so I was looking for something cheap that will get me by for about a year and maybe make a project out of later. I was looking at an 82 Z28 that just needed an engine and my dad still has the 350 out of the 78 I wrecked a few years ago. While looking at the Z28 the guy showed me the 7 that he had taken everything off of to get painted and said he would sell for about $1500 as is or he would add $250 and put a real nice paint job on it.
I wasnt interested but my fiance fell in love with it. So she made me research it and the more I keep researching the more I am starting to fall in love with it. So I am thinking with only 50,000 on it and as good of shape it is in for $1700 it is a good deal.

 

Does the guy paint himeself? I was the same was as you. When I was a young boy my father bought his rx-7 off the lot. He instantly fell in love with the car. Simultaneously I did too. There is just something about a first gen that screams. By the time I was old enough to purchase my first car I bought an rx7. After I had driven it for about a week it was all over. Out of all the cars that I have driven there was not other car that made me feel so comfortable. I few years ago I worked at a detail shop and drove a lot of cars and the only car that I could compare the 7 to was an older porsche 911(often known for their handling). I drove a lot of really nice vehicles, m5's, ferraris, little ricers etc but there was nothing that compared to the 7. Not to mention that I payed about 1/50th the price of what they payed. There is something great about pulling up the gas pump and having someone ask what kind of car that is. Or some say that you have a nice z...ha.

Ok..now that I have gone quite off topic 250 for a paint job seems awfully cheap. If he could do a nice paint job that would seem like a steal. I agree with what has been said before an rx7 is what you want to pay for it. People seem to fall in love with these cars for a number of reasons, and hopefully you will too. None the less it is great to have another rex enthusiast. Welcome to the forum. Where and what are you studying.

Oh yeah last thing rotary engines sound the best!

~Z

 

He has a friend that paints the cars for the price of the paint and clear coat.

I am majoring in international business with a focus in finance and management and a minor in spanish at Oklahoma City University. I have changed my major 3 times and will have about 200 hours when it is all said and done. So being 28 I am ready to get out.

 

Well I went and checked out the car. Upon further investigation I found that the car is actually an 82. It has 59k original miles. The interior is in great shape. He has brand new seats and door panels for it. The sun roof works and does not leak. The car started up on the second try. It was the first time it had been started up in about 6 months. A little light smoke came out of the exhaust when first started but nothing I think to be of a concern. I turned it off and it started right up with out any smoke. It has a rebuilt carb and for $50 he will do the 134a compressor swap. It also has the original wheels and new tires. The body is perfect except for a small rust spot and a couple bubbles on the hood. So I am thinking to give $1500 as is and finnish her up myself.

 

Sounds like a nice one!

I got mine for around the same price, so the price sounds right.

Myc1972

 

Get it or regret it.

 

One more thing: You mentioned rust.

As this is one of the most common things to look for on our cars, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned it. There is almost ALWAYS rust on the wheel wells. Behind the seats should be two storage bins. A phillips can get these off so you can look at the inside of the storage bins. Any more rust than a dollar bill can cover, and you've got some problems.

Also, that puff of smoke at startup is completely normal, and signifies a working OMP (Oil Metering Pump), which means your motor is probably in great condition

I'm a bit tired and sick, so if what I said doesn't make sense, have someone esle explain it

Welcome to the club, and I'm sure that once you've driven it, you won't regret it.

 

got mine for $200 and well worth it at any price well almost any price. anyways you will not see too many of these around.

 

Sold. The only other one I have found that is close to the same price and in as good of shape is in cali. So I am thinking I will buy this one. Before I do, I will check in the storage bins for rust. I believe the cover to one was off already and I didnt see any problems. Thanks for all the info everyone.

 

I couldnt really get under the car too good but the only rust I could see was on the hood. Before I buy I will get the car on a lift of jack it up. I'm getting more and more excited abou this car. Hard to think a few days ago I wouldnt even consider it.

 

Just do it. W/ either milage the car is not worn out. Some rust is normal w/ age on every driven car. You will enjoy fixing her up. Look at what you are getting into & if you don't feel amazing, never mind.

 

It is now official. I am a proud owner of an 82 Rx-7. I will try to get pics up. I go to Nicaragua this Saturday so it might be when I get back till I get around to it.