1987 Mazda RX7 GXL 1.3L rotary from North America

Summary:

A crappy car

Faults:

My radiator is shot, so it overheated like crazy. Had that replaced and somehow the gauges stop working.

A/C doesn't work at idle, which sucks because I live in a hot climate.

Leather is a pain to have during the summer months. Cheap interior.

General Comments:

This car is the worst car ever. I would not recommend this car, unless you are made out of money. Parts are expensive. If you're looking for reliable transportation, buy a HONDA!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th July, 2001

19th Jun 2004, 03:12

Buy a honda? Sure buy a front wheel pseudo sports car for people who think they are driving one!

Allrigh! :P.

16th Dec 2006, 02:32

The RX7 is a real rear wheel drive car... with a unique rotary engine... this is not a comfortable car, nor luxury.. this is a pure sport car!

The honda are more reliable, for sure, I had one and never service it! but I wasn't happy with it, it was too common.

24th Jun 2008, 20:26

I have owned a RX7 Series 4 for 20 years now, and generally a fun car that really hasn't dated in its performance or styling.

Unfortunately, like many 20 year old cars, after about 12 years, the car needs money slowly spent on it. From a new block at 130klms, new turbo, alternators. The car also leaks oil and water and other such fluids, and are very difficult to access and cure. But nevertheless, I have always enjoyed driving this car, and it still get plenty of looks.

1987 Mazda RX7 GXL from North America

Summary:

Good for 10 years then dies fast!

Faults:

Rear brake rotors replaced 3 times in one year. Mechanic now thinks it's a 'hub' problem but can't be sure. An expensive experiment for an unknown cure.

Rear wipers work when they feel like it and sometimes the front wipers jam up on 'intermittent' mode.

Car had a lot of pep, but you can't go short distances and then restart or it misses its chance & floods the engine & then fills the crank case with gas.

So, the Mazda expert thinks (he can't be sure) that it may be the fuel injectors that aren't working properly. So, before he does a bleed down test, he puts in a new temperature sensor, just in case it may be the problem - it isn't (another experiment). Now he is unable to do a bleed down test, because he doesn't have the equipment. They decide to put in a 1000 amp battery & VOILA, the engine turns over every time.

This car eats batteries for lunch. Usually new batteries & plugs every year (on its birthday).

The original belts & clutch were replaced at 10 years! I was impressed by that.

Many exhaust problems. Was shocked to find out that the car had 3 catalytic converters on it. Was more shocked that all 3 needed to be replaced at once. Was even more shocked to find out that they were going to cost $1000.00 Canadian each to replace.

I find that I have to work just to keep the car on the road.

So today, on my way to work, I hear a snap. I think it's a belt. No, it's not a belt - I just blew an APEX seal in the engine & it's now toast. Such a shame for a car that has been well maintained. I think Mazda should be ashamed of themselves for making a great car that only lasts for a few years.

General Comments:

This was one of the best cars I ever owned. I thought I would have got another 100,000 km out of it. I would love to get another RX7 but I don't want to go through the same problems that I have experienced in the past year.

I will miss my RX7 a lot!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2001

14th May 2001, 07:34

All RX-7's wiper switches burn out (I picked up 3 switches last time I went to the junk yard, just in case).

As far as flooding goes (I had the same problem), you must disconnect the Sub-Zero starting assist fluid line that goes to the engine. It was a recall procedure, but you can just unplug it, located on right side, real close to the firewall.

You can get the cats for 199.95 each, which means 600.00 total. Call Victoria British LTD to order or get a catalog at 1-800-255-0088, www.victoriabritish.com

P.S. let me know how it turned out or if I can be of assistance.

Wrock1406@aol.com