If the 13B in the 83 runs good, and has the goodies to go with it, $650 wouldn't be a bad price, even if the body is rusty hulk. There is at least $650 worth of engine and parts there.

That $1500 car is a GSL-SE. Good choice for a starter car, since it came factory equiped with the 13B and all the good parts to go with it. Too bad they swapped in a 12A........

How much would replacing the choke in the GSL-SE cost? I'm looking for ways to bargain the seller down a tad.

That's hard to say. The GSL-SE was originally fuel injected, so it has no provision for a choke.
The 12A used a manual choke, that had a special cable. A magnet held it engaged until the engine warmed up, then the magnet released the choke. You would need to rig up a standard choke cable. The only problem to overcome, is hooking it up to the carb.

For that GSL-SE, if and when you go to look at it, bring some tools, take the storage bins out and look underneath to see if you can find the rust I mentioned earlier. Make sure you ask first of course, and tell him specifically what your looking for. It is very likely that the owner does not know about it. When I bought my GSL the PO didn't know about it and I honestly doubt he would have had any reason to look there.

Will a standard philips/flathead set do, or would I need specialized bits?

#2 Philips is all you need for checking bin rust.

Decided not to pursue it. The car was in okay shape, certainly not $1500, but since I don't have access to a garage the pile of minor fix-its was a bit too much for now. Moderate rust but not nearly as bad as the first car, needed the choke, needed carb tuning or work, idled at 1500RPM, the electric wipers and windows were feeble, and the turn signals had stopped working, among others. Think I'll bide my time, but actually sitting inside the GSL-SE gave me a real thirst for having one of my own someday. :)

Good job. Keep socking away that money and when the right one comes along you'll know. Patience is a virtue my friend.

Too true man. This is a long term investment you're making. It deserves better than to be a spur of the moment decision. :)

Be patient. I made the mistake of buying a rusty '82, but it had some good parts and it got my feet wet in the world of RX-7's. I waited and saved and finally found my '85 for $800. I was lucky. Check out my photobucket to see what you can find if you're patient.

http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii211/jawhitehead/