Hi, short time reader, first time poster.



I'm going tomorrow to look at an '88 convertible someone listed for sale (asking $4k). I've always loved 7s, but have never owned one before. Other than the obvious -- smoke from exhaust, coolant in oil, oil in coolant, leaks from the top -- anything particular to this car I should be checking more carefully? On a related note, I see that at least a few of you are from right near my neighborhood, Floral Park, NY. Any suggestions on a local rotary mechanic I could take it to for a pre-purchase inspection?



TIA,

Jesse

 

Look the top over good, ask them if they have the boot for the top they are expensive and a lot of times people try to keep them. Check your usual stuff like you already mentioned, fortunately I didn't have many issues with my vert so i can't think of anything off hand. If it's not raining when you look at it, pull that back cover behind the seat, check for any accumulated water or sludge there is a sound mat that will be soaked, mine always was it leaked.



Umm, can't think of anything else off the top of my head.



Welcome to the board!

 

Make sure that the wipers, blinkers, lights, and top work. Those are common problems.

 

If it is not raining you might want to drive into one of those self was car ports and spray it down. Make sure that there is a good seal where the window and the top meet and that the catch plate is in tack. Catch Plate, a small slightly off square piece that lookes like a bowl at the top left and right corners of the window. This catches water before it gets into the car and on the seats.

If it does not work out with that one let me know I will sell you my 90 vert.

 

Most every vert owner I've talked to has had some kind of problem with leaking. I have a major problem with it. :frown: Also ask them how much oil it goes through, coolant, ect. If they say it doesn't use any oil I'd walk away, all 7s burn oil. Like 13BAce said check the top motors, make sure they are good and strong. I have to help my top come up. :frown: That's about all I can think of right now.

 

Why do you have to help your top up?

 

Why do you have to help your top up?[/quote]

My motors are very tired. :frown: Mazda dealership wanted $3000 for the pair of motors. Plus another $1000 to put them in. I asked them if I get a whole new vert with the motors. Then I found a pair for $200, just have not ordered them.

 

Wow, what an amazingly helpful and welcoming group! Thanks very much. I'll let you know how it turns out. Followup questions I've thought of after reading your replies -- (1) how much oil is considered acceptable for a 98k engine to burn?; (2) If I borrow a friend's tool to check the compression, what's considered the acceptable range for this engine?; and (3) are there any special procedures for checking the compression on a rotary that I should be aware of?



Thanks again,

Jesse



p.s. Beansrxs, I'll keep it in mind, though we're not exactly local to each other. But then again, I could always use a trip to nice warm Georgia this time of year.

 

I'd say you should use about a quart every 500 - 1000 mi. It just depends on the car. Also, be aware that the vert is almost 400 lbs heavier than the coupe. If your trying to build up a fast honda killer you may want to consider getting a coupe.

 

Im on Long Island as well, You cannot check the compression on a rotory with conventional tools. I havent had any rotory specific problems since I own my vert, which is almost 6 years now, before that I had a 1985, and besides a slight leak under the oil cooler and a carb adjustment, I had zero problems there. THE TOP WILL LEAK, you are talking about a 14 year old car, dont let this discourage you. Unless this guy had it in a garage or under a cover, there should be some moisture in the carpets, usually behind the passenger seat gets it pretty bad. Like 13b Ace said, check that the lights work- including the dash lights, and all the switches- these can get expensive. A boot is a plus, but no one ever uses them, lol. And there was also a cover for the hard section of the roof as well. Seats will probably be cracked. Obviously all the center caps if it has its original rims, and if it doesnt- does he still have them? I would also ( as a tool for you to get the car cheaper ) insure that all the emmisions equipment is in place, and the condition of the exaust itself. Good luck with it- change the belts, all the hoses ( which is very important, I would call MazdaTrix and order ALL the OEM hoses from them ), oil change, and some fresh coolant, and youll be set for years of enjoyment.