1984 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE 1.3 B from North America
Summary:
20 years of low up keep costs, high reliability, speed,handling- best sports car for the money ever
Faults:
Replaced clutch at 170,000 miles.
Drive line started shaking at 190,000 miles. Cost me $25.00 for a used one at an auto wrecker.
General Comments:
The car has gotten faster with each passing mile. The 1.3B motor is bullet-proof. The motor began to hit it's stride at 150,000 miles.
The car has never failed to start as long as the battery was good.
It's nimble and can burn the tires in the first three gears and chirp the fourth gear. In fifth gear it has power to pass even in the mountains.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd August, 2004
11th Dec 2010, 16:43
I'd think again about the first-generation RX-7. Mine was one of the most unreliable, poorly made cars I ever owned. It was also full of squeaks and rattles, and was nowhere near as fast as most 4-cylinder compacts I've driven. It leaked oil, and was often very hard to start. It was a constant headache.
4th May 2011, 02:17
My experience is amazingly similar. I purchased this 1984 GSL-SE new and have done all my own maintenance. Amazingly easy to work on if you own the Mazda factory shop manual.
I now have over 200,000 miles now and only had to replace the clutch once and 1st gear for drive train. Replaced rear disk brake calipers, muffler, and a bronze bushing in the wiper assy, rubber components in the front suspension, and that's about it!
What a terrific car it has been!
Greg Young.
Knoxville, TN.
11th Dec 2010, 08:40
Cool.. looking for an 84. Thanks for posting the review. I feel more confident to buy one.
Sincerely, Junior.