How to get an Inspection

[gadj]

I\'m currently looking around to buy an RX-7 - have the funds etc..., just looking for the right car. Does anyone have any opinions on whether to go private or from an importer/dealer. If I go private, are there companies that I can pay to do an inspection, cos I don\'t suppose a standard AA one is really going to cut it.

I\'m looking for a pretty unmod\'d 3rd Gen RX-7, preferably with a nice body kit on (when I say no mod, I mean performance wise - big in ya face spoilers I like) and as new as I can get for around 12k.

Also, if I go to a dealer, what type of warranty should I be looking for?

Cheers

gAdj

[chrisBoid]

If you want it quick, check the for private sale section, there are a few nice cars to be had there.  I think most have come through recognised channels (good importer) anyway.

If you can wait (for an import) then try an importer such as http://www.neweraimports.com that\'s where many of the members here got their cars from.  Most importers will offer some kind of warranty on the engine which is the most important thing.  Although new SVA laws mean it\'s tougher for importers to get modified cars into the country now, although I\'m not sure how this effects non-performance modifications.

Check this thread for great buying tips and answers to some of your questions: -
http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=256

Make sure you can get insured before you buy

Try searching the forums for answers to any questions you have, someone is bound to have asked the same question before

Enjoy!

Chris.

[Mart160plus]

RAC inspections aren\'t too bad. The one I had in Aberdeen spotted the loss of coolant which made me terminate that purchase. For the inspection I had in Kent the guy who called me back after the inspection couldn\'t really hide his glee at what a wonderful car it was. Trouble is cost. If you get someone who doesn\'t know what they are doing you may get away with £149 for a 1.3 (if you are an RAC member). If the person you get on the phone does know what they are talking about they will charge you £250 for a 2.6.
AFAIK no-one will include a compression test as part of their inspection, so look for as many other clues you can find, such as mileage, coolant loss (visible under the bonnet or if the light on the dash works/has been disabled), if the vendor seems to have thrashed it by the way he/she acts, how many 1/4 mile times he goes on about, etc...
Don\'t be frightened to have a look on Ebay either, not only will it give you ideas, you can always go and see the car before bidding on it !!!

Good luck,

Mart.

[gadj]

Thanks guys. New Era seemed to be recommended by many people, so I think I might check them out. It seems more expensive, but I think I stand more chance of a reliable motor, which is important seeing as I\'m new to all this.

[Christopher]

I phoned the RAC on Saturday and asked how much it would cost for them to check a car out in London. They said it would cost £300 for everything (all checks HPI etc...). I asked if they did a compression test and teh bloke said they did but they didn\'t call it a compression test. :rolleyes:  No idea what he ment but I didn\'t use them in the end as Ive found a nicer one. You have to book in advance aswell and they will turn either between 9am - 1pm or 2pm and 4pm. Also they said they do a 10 min road test. Dontknow if thats a good thing or a bad thing :p

[Mart160plus]

£300 including an HPI check sounds about right. If anyone is interested I can post a copy of an RAC inspection here on the site so you know what they involve.

Mart.

[20B_boy]

*sensible head on*
At the end of the day even if you buy through Newera or other \'reputable\' source, there are NO guarantees (not even with warrantees half the time!) that you wont be paying for a rebuild within the first year of ownership. Sad but true. LOADS of newly imported cars crap themselves, fact...

There are lots of FDs in the country now although unfortunately there are more than a fair share of dogs amongst them from the less scrupulous traders out there who sold them for a quick buck (some thing that you cant really do now I think). It\'s REALLY worth looking at and driving as many of these cars as you can before buying so you get an idea of whats a crate and whats a good car. You really dont want to end up with a shed of an RX7 as you and your wallet will take a long time to recover from it!!

I would consider buying one already in the UK - pref with a rebuilt and waranteed motor. Dont think u need a late car either, there\'s nothing between them really (except for may be the 99+ cars) so a good move may be to buy a good straight tight early car and hold back £3-4K for engine replacement...

If poss, get a specialist to look the car over if you are getting serious about it. Before you buy it
*/sensible head on*

Right, now ignore all that and go and buy an FD - you\'ll LOVE IT!!

[Wav]

I think the AA one is allso quite comprehensive and is cheaper at £165.

Regards,

Paul:)

[gadj]

OK, I\'ve seen it everywhere. But can\'t work it out. You\'re gonna think me thick, but what does FD stand for?

[Shark]

FD?

Its the chassis number prefix for 3rd gen RX7.  They all start FD3S
I asked the same question when I started looking

2nd gens all start FC and 1st gens FB

not sure if there was an FA, but the RX8 is FE, I think...

[scooby_si]

i\'m still going with my Fird Deneration dyslexic theory lol
Si

[gadj]

Funny

Had a quote from AON on an FD 834 pounds - as it\'s a second car, I can\'t get no claims from anywhere and this is a classic car insurance for about 5k miles - which is about right.

I\'ve also found a car. It\'s a white (not keen on white - but respray or blue stripes might sort it), it has mazda speed/sport front nose and rear spoiler, coil overs and stainless steel rear exhaust silencer, with thatcham 1 alarm and immobilsor for 11k. 12 month warranty (although you never know how good they are).

Its a 96 model with the 16 bit ECU in, and its in very good condition and 56k on the clock.

What do ya reckon. Sound ok?

[20B_boy]

Still quite a lump of cash. Get some one who knows about them to look it over - it will be more than worth the money if it stops u buying what looks like a nice car but which turns out to be a dog. Dont under estimate what a crap FD will do to you!

[bnaellis]

I have a 96 type r car 16 bit ecu 59k on clock
With catback exhaust, suspension, 17 inch alloy wheels.
Car being sold with new rebuilt engine with 12 months unlimited mileage warranty for £10,500:)

[gadj]

Unfortunately I don\'t have that luxury cos its on a boat from Japan and I have to pay for it before it gets here.  Its from new era imports. They assure me they only supply quality motors, and most people I speak to seem to recommend them, however, they would say that - they\'re trying to sell cars.