As some of you may remember, I used to own a cherry '83 RX-7 GSL. Today a black '85 GSL popped up locally for $500. Yowza!
The guy with the RX-7 said:
The good.
-It runs great, I have been starting it once a week throughout the winter and the engine is fine. Its a little car that is fun to drive.
-The overall condition of the body is very good for a 1985 car. No rust and a couple dents.
-The interior is in acceptable condition, but its not great. But at $500, who cares?
-Its a manual 5 Speed -- The clutch feels and shifts fine* (see below)
-It has about 150,XXX miles
-It is a 1.2L Rotary Engine
The bad:
-The car needs new tires soon
-*The clutch hydraulic hose needs replaced, the clutch system looses pressure when it is really cold because the fluid slowly drips out. It is still drivable.. if you are interested in the car, I will just need to put more fluid in, and bleed the clutch. (It can take 3-8 days for the fluid to drip out, it depends on how cold it is) This really isn't a big a deal for someone who even kind of knows what they are doing (its about a $15 part), it just needs fixed.
Opinions? My last SA had less than 50k miles. What do I look for on one with 100k more than that? 
This is intended to be an auto-x/HPDE car to get me warmed up for the Chicago Lemons race this fall.
Jake
HalfDork
2/2/10 3:43 p.m.
Buy it. $500 is small potatoes.
Make sure it uses some oil (the OMP is working). Look for rust inside under the storage bins.
Good: GSL gets disc brakes and an LSD, good news.
Bad: Funky bolt pattern for wheels, tires tough to find in 13" size?
I sold my project '82 GSL to my wife's uncle, thinking he'd get to it before I did. Now I regret that- fun little car, even with no AC and an autotragic transmission.
If it is a midwest car beware of the rust through under the storage bins, also check inside the wheel wells above the tire in the rear, this is a problem as it is the upper control arm mount.
Is it leather? GSLs are a good package but somewhat heavier due to sunrrof, power windows etc.
Buy it anyway for $500 just know what you are getting into, welcome to the dark side
you lucky bastard.
I'd have been $500 poorer within minutes of reading that ad.
Car is leather. Black w/burgundy interior (owner is unsure if paint is original, but engine bay and door jambs are all black too). Technically it's welcome BACK to the dark side, I've always wanted another RX-7, teehee.
And I posted this already intending to buy it, much in the GRM spirit, I was looking more to be talked out of it... 
Pics coming later tonight.
Heck, I just sold a non running, totally rusted out GSL for $400 if that gives you an idea of how good your deal is. You need to buy this car pronto.
Plane ticket + gas + car acquisition = way too much right now. I'd buy your car in a month, can't afford it now but I could swing this one, I just expected this one to be more solid.
Knowing which "good deals" to pass on really is the secret, especially after you have excited yourself in the thought of a new toy.
That should weld right out. (instead of buffing out)
It is repairable but the area is structural and requires a skilled welder.
