As the title says i will hopefully be purchasing a 1989 rx7 gtu. This will be my second Mazda but first rx7, so i know nothing about these engines. The guy said it has 166xxx on it, and other then a little interior wear and a dent in the rear quarter panel the car is great. I am having my own worries about it being so great at only 850 but i am desperate for a vehicle at the moment and thought why not pick up an rx7. what should i look at engine wise that may be a large issue?

 

http://aaroncake.net/RX-7/buy1.htm

 

with that milage it may be time for a rebuild..compression test if you can or have a buddy that can go with you to do it... Start it when its cold, see if it smokes, and let it sit a run for a while see if it heats up. Thats a really good link he posted. Alot of good stuff is covered.

 

At that price and mileage the engine is probably about toast. Plan on a $2,000 rebuild soon.

 

for an 89 GTU for under $1000 even if its in decent shape def worth the money
TwEaK

 

If the car is in good condition body wise and interior wise, go for it because thats a good price for an s5. Things to look for are huge clouds of smoke when shifting at above 6k rpm, smoking while idling, coolant color, and follow aaron cake's guide posted previously.

Like everyone said, with that amount of mileage you will be looking to rebuilding the engine soon, mine is getting redone at the moment (slowly) and I just got the 7 last year....

 

Rust is probably not as big an issue in the Pacific Northwest as it is here on the East Coast, but still check things over carefully. Look at the frame rails under the car. Look at the floorpan from underneath the car. If water sat in the car for any length of time (either from a leaking sunroof or just from years of wet carpets after driving it on rainy days) the lowest point of the floor just inside the welded seam at the rocker panel can get soft and crunchy when it rusts from the inside out. If the rust is bad, you might want to look for another car.

 

Well took a look at it today. Paint wasn't perfect. had some issues here and there but i had expected it. interior was pretty clean. Engine didn't make any unusual noises. fluids were all good. immediately took it on the freeway and kicked it's *** a bit and performed amazingly. running lights didn't work (which is a huge deal for me because i work nights) but he setup a toggle switch for it right there which didn't bother me, did the rev at 6k rpms test and it smoked a bit but not a huge amount. then i shut if off, and it wouldn't start. he says he jump started it later so im thinking it's either the battery or the alternator in which case im not sure what im going to do. im thinking i may offer him 400 and then walk away if he says no.

 

wow.. can easily part it out and make more... gl

 

buy it

 

Planning on trying to pick it up tomorrow if the guy ever gets back to me, last i heard from him was when he texted me to let me know he had gotten it home ok.

 

yea but if the guy has any brains $400? and he was asking $850? thats major lowballing id tell you to GTFO but thats just me car running even decently its worth it.....
TwEaK

 

+1. I'd try like 600-700 maybe and see what happens.

It probably flooded when it was shut off, that's way it wouldn't start again. Pretty typical of a high mileage motor that is beginning to lose compression. With an S5, you should be able to just floor the throttle and crank to de-flood it.

 

I know im super lowballing lol. and we attempted to floor the throttle and it didn't work, then he tried push starting it and it didn't start.

 

even still for the price cant complain id pay the man the $850... go to advance buy a switch and if you must install a fuel kill switch.. not that hard and have a decent sports car for under $1000...

and im going to guess this is non turbo... you can get a rebuild kit decent price and well up to you to have someone rebuild it or do it yourself if you dont know mechanics walk away from the entire car...
TwEaK

 

I wish i could find a 7 in that condition down here for that price... I'm still looking for a 7! you're pretty fortunate to find a decent condition 7 that runs for under a grand!

 

Is there a write up anywhere on how to do a fuel kill switch on it? and yes it is non turbo.

 

both how to unflood and install fuel kill switch....

http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/2n...nflooding.html

TwEaK

 

Well i am now a proud owner of an RX7 . however the car will not start now. tried jumpstarting it and did nothing, it cranks, and smoke comes out the exhaust, smells like gas. Then at one point i left the key in the on position and the car started buzzing and didn't stop until i turned the key off, why would it do that?

 

Congrats, Where are you in Oregon? You could try posting in the Reigonal NW forums someone might actually be able to physically stop by and help you.

Best of luck and maybe see you around...

FYI, The 2nd gen threads get hammerd by douches and trolls... But sometimes fun to read and post, occasionally there's good information in them... Watch me get

 

probably the coolant buzzer, you need to read a lot of stuff in the FAQ for FC to orient yourself with this uniquely designed car.

 

i am out in the gresham/troutdale area, i'll have to check out the regional section for sure.

As for the douches and trolls i used to own an integra and went to honda-tech to get answers alot and have gotten very used to the dbags lol

 

Don't worry about smoke coming out the back for a few seconds, especially after it wouldn't start. Unless the smoke doesn't stop. The buzzer means the coolant or oil is critically low. Don't drive anywhere until you address the issue.

You can also find out about lots of miscellaneous issues by checking the forum FAQ or searching the forums. I wouldn't call the car too unique in terms of servicing it; most parts are the same as those surrounding piston engines (except the engine itself of course).

 

congrats on the 7. what did you end up paying for it??

I picked up my 2nd 7 for only 750. runs perfect. no smoke. starts everytime. i got really lucky. interior is nice but needs a few things and def needs paint eventually. lol but i dont know if its a gxl, or gtu. i have no idea.

and as for the issues. i dunno.. i dont know much about 7's myself. but have fun with it! post some pics i wanna see the 7

 

I ended up paying 500 for it since it wouldn't start. now im hoping with a tune up and a fuel cutoff switch it'll start no issues. haven't done a compression check and from what i keep reading im more than a little afraid to.