Hey! I'm here because I've got a decent opportunity to obtain an 87 RX7 (no turbos) for what seems like a decent price (<3000$ Canadian).
I used the search function and didn't find any other posts like this, so hopefully this isn't a repost/redundant post (didn't see it answered in the FAQ Either).

Here's my question, what are some common issues to look for when I go to see the car? It's a 5 hour drive from me, so I want to make sure I get a comprehensive list and a good look at it when I go.
I know a decent amount about cars, I perform maintenance on my daily car (nothing too serious though, but I have a decent understanding of cars).

Here's what I can tell about the car from talking to the guy and looking at it.
It's got about 80k km on a rebuilt 13b, Master brake cylinder (allegedly) has a leak, a bit of scratching (and small bits of rust surrounding said scratches) on the body.
Seller says he does not believe the frame is rusting, but I'll be sure to check when I go to see it. Engine bay looks clean.

I've included some pictures in a spoiler (which hopefully works! First post here).
I'd love to own a rotary car as a project car, simply bc they're unique.
Research led me here after finding out about the downfalls of the Renesis, etc.

I'm sure the members of this forum will have some valuable input.
Thanks for your responses in advance :^)

 

Unless you can get body & paint work labor done for free, I wouldn't touch that car for any price. Judging from just the pictures, the rust cancer is pretty extensive - and that's just what I can see. The rust repair & body restoration work required will cost you more than the car will be worth.

 

In Canada RX7s are nearly impossible to find. This is the only one even in my province (state). Even ones for ~8k across the country would cost me ~10k probably just to get to where I am. There's not a lot available that are less than 15000$ that I could find nationwide (I looked across maybe 3 or 4 marketplaces?), so I can't be particularly picky. I told the guy I'd drive down to see it, other than the rust it seems good.
Unfortunately body work is expensive haha, Might be able to do some of it myself, but we'll see.

That being said, I definitely understand what you've said, and I'll take it into consideration. I'm aware rust is difficult (impossible really) to get rid of completely besides replacing the body panels entirely.

Would just like to add it's particularly bad in my location for rust, winters are pretty long and see LOTS of salt, etc.
Like I said, I'll be sure to inspect carefully.

 

I know how frustrating it can be to look for Rx7s in Canada, but I heavily recommend getting a mechanic to inspect that car. It's one thing to know there is rust that needs repair, but usually the rust you see is 1/3 of what's hiding.

Make sure to take that car for a test drive to a local mechanic, pay them to put it on a lift and inspect it. Rust on any frame members makes repairing it an unlikely proposition. Even just the rust in the pictures is enough to put it in the several thousands of dollars to repair range.

Good luck

 

Yes, I will. The guy who is selling (from the looks of) has been using it as his daily driver for a couple years.
I told him I'd have to come down and look at it.

I'm no mechanic, but I will be taking a headlight and coveralls and such to jack up the car and look for myself. If there's any doubt, I'll get it inspected at a local mechanic.