1982 Mazda RX7 Series 2 1.1 Rotary

Summary:

Sure to be a classic before long

Faults:

The only thing that has failed is the electric radio antenna. Relatively cheap and easy to replace.

General Comments:

This car easily out handles my 2005 V6 Holden. But treat Rexy with respect in the wet as the tail can snap out if not careful.

For some people the old fashioned recirculating ball steering may be heavy and a little vague straight ahead, but it doesn't worry me. It's no problem at all on twisting roads.

Being a sporty hatchback you hear tyre, differential and transmission noise more easily than you would in a sedan, but I think it adds to the character of the car.

With it's normally aspirated 12A rotary engine and automatic transmission, don't expect to win traffic light drags. However it really shines in the mid range (80-120 kph). Fantastic for weekend drives in the country.

Well equipped for a car made long ago in 1982 - air conditioning, 4 wheel disc brakes, decent stereo, electric hatch and fuel door release, etc. The styling has aged well - almost 30 years after its release now.

This is a car you look forward to driving. Will keep this one until I'm old and grey.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2008

27th Jun 2012, 05:04

Agree! I have just bought a 1982 Series 2 with 181 original k's. And I LOVE it, for all the reasons you refer to. The sounds, the feel, the interior!!! And what it has in it for its time, electric mirrors etc. It's my 3 day a week work car, and I arrive with a grin every morning.

MatG.

1982 Mazda RX7 13B 1.3 Litre Rotary N/A

Summary:

Affordable sports-car, with proper care the rewards are immeasurable :) Little thirsty on the fuel.

Faults:

Everything - for a 22 year old car I have had to replace the usual things which were original.

Alternator

Suspension bushes

Mufflers

Steering bushes

Catalytic Converter

Ball joints

Universal Joint

Gearbox

Wheel Bearings

Brake rotors.

General Comments:

My car was not looked after which is why so much has gone wrong with it, since acquiring it a year ago I have replaced all the worn parts and turned it into a reliable trustworthy car.

The driving position is excellent.

It's a rotor - built to rev - keeps pulling to 8200rpm where I back off because I don't want to see how far it'll go.

It's a drivers car, if you are worried about the interior/climate control - this car is not for you - the interior is pretty good, all the climate control you'd need.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2005

1982 Mazda RX7 S2 13B turbo

Summary:

Will make you love Rotaries!!!

Faults:

All faults caused by excessive abuse...

Broke standard diff center doing burnout.

Broke axle next week with locked diff.

Minor electrical problems (Window motor and fusible link).

Suspension a bit worn at 300000...

Badly scrapped turbo-smart exhaust because it is too damn low!!!

Cracked windscreen getting aluminum strips off to repaint - be careful!!!

General Comments:

Very fast car with 220KW at flywheel.

12 second quarter mile time slips.

Interior can be made heaps better with S6 RX7 leather seats...

Rear hatch makes for impressive reverse loading bass... easy 140dB+

Faster than nearly all cars on street.

Out handles Police taxis...

Nothing like the rush of a rotor with a fat turbo and big exhaust.

Faster than S4-8 RX7 when engine conversion done (power/weight) and easier to get parts for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2003

1982 Mazda RX7 S2 1.2a Rotory

Summary:

Cheap Speed

Faults:

Cooling Fan Drained Battery.

Unreliable to start.

Previous owner had messed with it too much, but didn't know enough about rotaries.

Seats faded.

Gear knob ground down to almost nothing.

Steering wheel worn.

Upholstery cracked and dirty.

Body was resprayed, but lots of bog and rust.

Changed: Suspension, Wheels, Tires, Windows, Engine, Exhaust, Cooling fan, battery, interior... crashed it 1 week later.

General Comments:

Car was very rough to drive, as it had been thrashed.

But did handle well due to the lowered suspension and softer Tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 2003