'87 RX-7. Worth it?

Question

I found a 1987 Mazda RX-7 Turbo for a seemingly good price and I am wondering if it would be worth buying.

I found a 1987 Mazda RX-7 Turbo for a seemingly good price and I am wondering if it would be worth buying. The asking price is $2,000.

88,000 miles

Answer 1

A 1987 RX7 for $2000? I'd run a title search on it, to see if it's been totaled. Since the insurance value on it is low (it's a 20 year old car), a salvage title could mean that only one body panel needs replaced.

Since the one you've found is a turbo, I'd be doubly aware of the mileage on the engine. Turbos put more wear on the inside of the engine.

I bought my 1987 RX7 GXL model (just under the turbo) for $1400, with 91k miles on it last week. Yes, 91,000 original miles. It had been totaled out by insurance, because it had been hit in the rear and crunched up the rear driver's side quarter panel.

Since that happened, it was bondo'ed up to prevent rust, and the previous owner acquired another RX7 cheap and gutted it for the 5-speed transmission and every body panel, except for the doors and rear bumper. All of the extra body panels came with my car.

In conclusion, depending on the mileage, it could be an absolute gold-mine, like mine is.

Is this your first turbo car? If it is, make sure you have someone that has owned a turbo'ed car before go with you, to make sure that everything is in order.

Answer 2

What are you paying? Also keep in mind that rotary engines are very easy to blow up, especially boosted ones. I know, after 13 rx7's and lots of new motors. Also keep in mind that the wenkel rotory engine is a very hot motor to start with, running almost twice the temp of a normal piston engine. If this motor ever overheats, you can usually kiss at least one rotor housing good-bye. That will require the complete removal and disassembly of the motor. If you dont plan on modding it and running more boost (sorry but even a 3" downpipe will lead to boost creep) then it may be a fun car to have. It is slow. MAYBE MAYBE high 13sec car. This is why the car is very popular to swap v8's into. i would recommend looking into something else that's more durable. I love rotaries, but they are a pain in the butt. Thats why I've had a trans am and corvette since those 7's. Good luck. Vist some rx7 forums to make sure you are getting a good deal and to help with any gremlins that may pop up. Also the 87 is the fisrt of the Turbo II cars and has the uglier series 4 body. 89-91 was the cleaner bodies. I had 2 87 turbo's and a 88 turbo,
I recommend something else unless you love these cars. They will not make big power and you will get walked by lots of sedans now days.
www.rx7club.com
teamfc3s.org
nopistons.com

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
'87 RX-7. Worth it?
I found a 1987 Mazda RX-7 Turbo for a seemingly good price and I am wondering if it would be worth buying.

Answer 4

The rust is a killer on the price even with the low miles. It is still worth something if it runs, but how much depends on a lot of factors. The engine may need a rebuild and that can be costly. Someone recently sold a beat up 87 rx7 here for $1500, but it had a lot of custom crap that needed to be removed. I would expect to get at least $2000 if not more(again, rust kills prices). Like I said it just depends on what "some problems" are, that will make or break the price.

Answer 5

There are two factors here you have to consider.

How much you want the car:
If it is a car you want, and you have the money, then go for it!

RX-7's are pricey:
Even if you save up enough money to buy it, maintenance for these cars is costly. The fuel efficiency isnt very good, since it is a car aimed towards power. So if you're aware that you will have to spend money to upkeep the car, and still willing to do so, then I wish you the best of luck.
:D

Answer 6

Brilliant idea, i found A 2002 RX-7 spirit R but i couldn't afford it, i needed another 5K, good luck and if u get it enjoy it and take care of it it's a beautiful machine

Answer 7

Sounds like a good buy to me, IF it runs good. ask if you can have your mechanic look at it underneath before sale. If seller is confident in the car, this shouldn't be to much of a hassle.
Be careful of smoke..Lots of smoke could mean bad turbo ( which is a pricey repair)
you should research Parts prices for that yr, make, model as well..some Mazda parts are a little steep. atleast for my 2000 Protege

Answer 8

1987 Mazda Rx7

Answer 9

If it costs more than $5000 and has more than 100,000 miles, then it is not a good deal.

Answer 10

yes, buy it.... if its not in good conditon then restore it and in a couple of years it will be worth more, these are "collector items"

go for it