Inspired by a recent article in Hemming’s Sports & Exotic Car about fun budget cars (who would ever think I’d be interested in that??), I went on the hunt for a first-generation Mazda RX7, and along the way turned up the 626 convertible. I’ve had various brushes with these, including a neighbor who owned one when I was about 10, and a current neighbor who’s got what appears to be a 1985-model car, possibly a GSL. Sadly, that car’s been sitting in the garage spot next to one of mine since 1998… very straight body, but apparently the engine is dead. It appears a likely cause is carbon lock on the rotor tips, and I’m sure that adds to a pretty long list just from sitting for so long.
But I’ll stop rambling, and you’ll see why I haven’t tried to rescue that car – compared to some of its contemporaries, there are plenty of these available, and they’re a pretty good bargain on a roughly 30-year-old car with some cool technology and attractive styling. Top of the market seems to be about $5000 for a spotless driver, but you can do pretty well for less. Take a look here in Brookings, OR on the Oregon coast, where our feature car is for sale for $3000. If the seller’s claims are to be believed, he’s only the second owner and the car only has 80,000 miles on it! Even better, it’s got all its records & receipts, and has had recent major maintenance.
Rusty But Trusty 