Buying a Third Gen RX-7 FD 1992-2002 for the first time.

RedR1 · 10-09-2013, 08:37 AM

The first and most important thing to do, is to arrive at the car unscheduled. Cold start the car and see how long it takes to turn over. That is not a 100% garunteed way to tell the health of a 13B REW, but it's a good indicator if you do not have access or the owner doesn't want to take it to a local Mazda dealer for a compression test. Difficulty starting often means low compression (always exceptions to the rule). That, off the bat, eliminates some problems down the road.

Another thing to remember, is that (here in America) these are 20 year old cars, there will be things that need to be replaced, both in the interior as well as under the hood. Always factor in the price they are asking, plus $5000 or so. It probably won't be nearly that much, but replacing the interior bits isn't cheap, as Mazda no longer makes LHD parts for our car. You also would be wise to flush and replace the cooling system. While at it, replace the radiator with an aluminum unit (Koyo, Fluidyne, Ron Davis, etc). A downpipe wouldn't hurt either, as the OEM unit likes to hold in heat.

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10-09-2013, 08:37 AM	#2
RedR1 Brokeback Power! Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 290 Rep Power: 18	The first and most important thing to do, is to arrive at the car unscheduled. Cold start the car and see how long it takes to turn over. That is not a 100% garunteed way to tell the health of a 13B REW, but it's a good indicator if you do not have access or the owner doesn't want to take it to a local Mazda dealer for a compression test. Difficulty starting often means low compression (always exceptions to the rule). That, off the bat, eliminates some problems down the road. Another thing to remember, is that (here in America) these are 20 year old cars, there will be things that need to be replaced, both in the interior as well as under the hood. Always factor in the price they are asking, plus $5000 or so. It probably won't be nearly that much, but replacing the interior bits isn't cheap, as Mazda no longer makes LHD parts for our car. You also would be wise to flush and replace the cooling system. While at it, replace the radiator with an aluminum unit (Koyo, Fluidyne, Ron Davis, etc). A downpipe wouldn't hurt either, as the OEM unit likes to hold in heat.