I have come across an offer for a first gen 7 for a daily driver. It runs but idles funny. I was told it would need a carburator rebuild kit but other than that it would be fine. The seller is asking 500 but will take 300 for it. I was wondering if there would be anything else I would look for if I were to buy it. Thanks.

 

um, never buy a funny running 7...especially one that costs $300.

if you really want it...find a rotory mechanic to go down there with you and run a compression test while turning the engine over...but be warry...the rotary engine is a wonderful bit of kit....so long as it has been maintained...but a rough idle could mean many things, including apex seals that are about to go...but tahts just my $0.02

 

I purchased my 1980 for $500. It happen to be for sale at a Mazda dealership in my town. It was running funny aswell so I paid the Mazda Dealership to do a compression test which came out with great results. I happen to have prior experience with the dealership with my 1997 Jeep Wrangler that I used to have.

So I made my purchase based on the fact that I have a newer reliable second vehicle, had good prior working relationship with the dealership, and knew that the car was in fair shape but needed some help. It also had some performance modifications that I considered a bonus.

After I purchased the car I paid a mechanic to tune the car to factory specs which made a big difference. He said the timing was way off. Because mine has been modified with intake, headers, and exhaust a rotary specialist fimilar with performance setups could probably get it running even better.

My car is far from perfect. It needs new paint and interior. Which I am slowly working on. But the running gear is in good shape. I drive mine daily to work.

I hope you find the right one for you and have as much fun as I am with mine.