1984 Mazda RX7 GS 12A from North America

Summary:

I love my RX, my 8th one since 1982... The only model car I've ever owned!!

Faults:

Wheel bearings needed to be replaced at 170000 miles. Cost (with labor) $351.00.

Clutch needed replacement at 172000 cost (with labor $355.00).

Put new tires on last year for $270.00.

Tune up 3 years ago.

Harmonic balancer last year.

General Comments:

My car is the bomb!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2008

1984 Mazda RX7 wankel rotary from North America

Summary:

Japanese garbage

Faults:

This car was basically a piece of junk. The engine was virtually impossible to get started, it leaked oil, the body rattled from one end to the other, and my alignment shop informed me it could not be aligned because the frame had "sagged". Just the weight of the car (and it is NOT a heavy car) had caused it to bend, making alignment impossible without having the frame straightened. I was told this was typical of Japanese cars, which use much lighter and flimsier materials than American cars.

General Comments:

My previous car, a non-turbo Dodge Omni, would blow the RX-7 off the road without breathing hard. The RX-7 was the 2nd slowest car I ever owned (the first being an '81 Escort). The noise level inside the car at speed (what little speed it could muster) was deafening due to all the rattles and wind noise. Nothing about this car ever impressed me, and after only a year I traded it for a V-8 Mustang. It will be the least missed car (if you could actually call it a car) that I have ever owned. At least I learned a valuable lesson from it. I will never, as long as I live, buy another Japanese car...EVER!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th May, 2006

30th May 2006, 22:18

This review concerns a 20 year old rotary powered car. Rotaries have always been oil burners and very problematical. Yet the reviewer puts down all Japanese cars. I have had 5 Hondas. All have been thrifty, comfortable, and reliable. Don't condemn all Japanese cars based on a bad experience with an old rotary.

1984 Mazda RX7 GS 12A Rotary from North America

Summary:

Absolutely Fantastic Zoom Toy!

Faults:

Clutch slave cylinder was going out on the car. Car has a major oil leak. Rear tires were balding. A/C needed to be recharged. Sony AM/FM/CD works once in awhile.

General Comments:

Overall, I love this car. My first car was a 1982 RX7 GS (in 1988) and I sold it after only 7 months because I was clueless about rotaries. This car is great with the exception of the oil leak. It looks like the gaskets between the irons are leaking because the oil isn't coming from the oil pan. I replaced the clutch slave cylinder for around $25, no biggie. I bought two new rear tires for the stock wheels for around $50 each (installed). I had the A/C recharged at my shop, but it turns out there's a leak somewhere. I bought a 12a with 5spd transmission off E-bay for $38.50 and it was running fine until the fuel pump blew and it had only 90K on it [what a deal huh?!]. When I get time, I'll rebuild it, swap it for the leaky one in my car and rebuild it so I'll always have a good spare! I've got ideas on what I want to do and the great thing is, I can take my time! I only paid $700 for it! It took me 6 months to find this car and I'm not about to let it go, the paint's pretty good, no rust, interior looks great with the exception of the sun fade in the rear hatch tub area, carpet is in excellent shape! My wife hates it because it's only a 2 seater and we have 2 kids, but it's MY toy! I will never let it go, unless I have a 3rd gen in as good a shape for $1000!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2005

1st Oct 2006, 18:56

You and I have very similar rides. I have a 1984 GS model with the 12A motor. It is a great little zippy car, but they do have their problems. My relay switch for the fuel pump blew, there was an oil leak under the oil cooler, the carpet in the back hatch is sun eatin, the hatch springs are shot, it over heats, and its cold natured. There are so many problems with it it spends half its life in my shop, but when its not it is the best little car. I love driving it and I would not trade it for anything (but the 91-95 model)!