TiRX8

I recently came across an advertisement for a 1983 RX-7. It's fully loaded with leather and sunroof. It's a 5 spd with 177,000 kms. It's got some rust on the rear tire wells (can be fixed right?). I'm just wondering if this is a decent, reliable car. Any feedback would be appreciated.

HEVNSNT

You should ask www.rx7club.com. But anyways the 12a motor in that car is probably the most reliable of any rotaries ever built but I would say 177K is getting up there.

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

What's the price on that car?
Most early Rx-7's had the rear wheel well rust. <-- check this out and make sure it hasn't rotted around the rear suspension links. If it hasn't then you are ok. (unless you like big projects)
BTW: 177,000 on a first generation Rx-7 is nothing as long as the regular maintenance has been done (ie. changed oil)
I just laid to rest my 85 with 325,000kms becuase the body gave up. The engine still ran! and ran good.

TiRX8

$3500

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

That's high.. Check out
www.autotrader.ca

jerzeydevil

TiRX8,

I am a huge RX and rotary fan, and owned a 83 RX-7 myself. It was the first car that got me into rotaries...drove it to/from work everyday, weekly trips from Jersey to DC...usually no problem. The engine is bullet-proof and lots of fun, the little rust it had was easily mended (behind the driver's seat and the rear wheel wells). All in all a great car.....but....to be totally honest, you will probably need to drop at least $250/month in on maintenance.

I bought mine for $800 (running condition, rebuilt engine, drove it to work the next day)....but every month something broke due to it's age...for example, front sway-bar linkage needed to be replaced when it broke, windshield because of a million little rock dings blinding me in certain angles of sunlight, cat replacement, muffler replacement, radiator replacement, transmission rebuilt, fan clutch replaced, etc....... Mind you , nothing specific to the engine needed replaced, but then their are the upgrades you know you have to have once you get the car.....

So, I guess my point is that it is a great fun car, just be prepared for the maintenance and upgrade costs......it's at that age where it's bound to break.

TiRX8

What would be a reasonable price? I think I can get it for $2000-2500.

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

For an 83....I wouldn't go no higher then $2000 and it would have to be in mint condition (especially for a non 13b engine 1st gen).. But then again, I know Rx-7's are a little more expensive in Alberta and Neighbouring provinces. Just keep an eye out. They can range from $200-$3500.

TiRX8

Thanks for your help, I'm going to check it out right now. I'll keep your words in mind! I'll also give you an update.

TiRX8

Well, I had a chance to check it out and it was a POS. The tach wasn't working, the driverside window would go back in to place once lowered, the radio antenna was torn off and it had considerable rust (through the metal) at the rear of the car. Once we took it for a spin it felt fine initially until we hit the highway, it seemed like it was struggling to get air as it choked and jerked. I was put off after that experience. Today I found another ad for a 1985 GS w/ 180,000km for $1800. It's "denim" blue and had been lady driven and parked in the winter. I need your input MyRxBad!!!

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

Here's a few links that may help.

1st generation Rx-7 Basic Differences.
http://www.rx7club.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=1981326

Main things to look out for:
- Rear Wheel well rust! <- Take out interior rear bin with a screwdriver and have a look (it's the only way to really tell.)
- Take it for a test drive and listen for a whinning coming from the tranmission. (pilot bearing noise.) It's a cheap parts but the costs in the labour to replace.
Under door rust - usually some on the bottom of the door.
- Check your usual stuff, body/int. and the underbody.
- Common thing is the window regulators wear out easily in all first gen Rx-7s. Most need a little help to go back up. Just need a good used one from a scrap yard
- Check the oil cooler for leaks. There are 2 types one is what we call a "beehive" style located right underneath the oil filter (check for leaks just below it) and the other is loacated below the rad (check for leaks where the lines connect to it).

If I think of anything else I'll post it up.

TiRX8

Thanks for all the great info. I'll probably check it out tomorrow afternoon.

SA22C

Good luck with the '85, 188,000 kms is really nothing, I've owned two 1st generation RX-7's, one with 240,000 kms and my current with 170,000 kms, both ran good and burned no more oil than usual.

TiRX8

My only concern is reliability (will is start in the morning??) and how much money I would have to invest in keeping the car running.

MyRxBad

iTrader: (1)

I had a GS, GSL and a few other first generation Rx-7's (5 in total)
Just get them to check the compression on each rotor face. If the compression is fine, then that car will start no problems. I used to drive my cars all year and it would start no problem in -20C!

Most shops won't be able to do a test (or tell you as such), but an easy way to get a regular piston engine compression test and take out the pin (that holds the highest compression) and then use that compression tester and hand crank the engine (make sure to disconnect the battery) and make sure that the peak compression on each rotor face (3) is approx. the same.

Mafia

My friend bought a 1984 Rx-7 for $4000.. just needed a new clutch after he blew it.. but we live in Winnipeg as fellow Canadians know it gets hella cold here, if you get weather close to ours i wouldnt suggest buying it for all round use because it has trouble starting in -35 weather.. floods/stalls fairly easy too.. if you do decide to buy it i suggest getting a winter beater.. Good luck on decision