1988 Mazda RX7 SE 1.3L from North America

Summary:

Best purchase of my life

Faults:

Broken u-joint at 118,000 miles.

Starter at 128,000 miles.

General Comments:

Great car. Power is OK if you don't mind not having torque. The RPM range is fantastic and the car has never left me stranded. It's been nothing, but safe and reliable since I bought it.

I have no compaints about the car in any sense. I was however lucky enough to get a well maintenced one and something that hasn't had ONE gremlin for me to deal with.

I love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2006

1988 Mazda RX7 FC Series 4 1.3 rotary from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Zoom Zoom! Buy one now!

Faults:

Wouldn't start (engine was turning over, but not starting). After much research, and time off the road, was only a AUD$55 fix. Too easy, and I'll tell you how.

Alternator died. This is uncommon, but mine was due to the excessive heat I exposed it too. Mechanic said I cooked it. whoops!

General Comments:

Extremely fast car. At standard, you will clean up most competitors sports cars up to 1991 models (quite a few later models also). This was the car branded porche beater of its day (actually looks like the porches of that year).

Don't buy one if you don't have experience with fast cars. You may injur yourself. These produce 150kw out of a car that has a kerb weight of 1.2 Tonne. But, in saying that, this is a very safe car, as there is solid steel bars all around you.

When driving a turbo charged 13B rotary, the power doesn't kick in until the engine speed is higher than 2800 RPM. Below that engine speed is fine for economic driving, but quite sluggish. once over that at 3500 RPM, the turbo kicks in, and you're glued to the seat.

Fuel efficiency is how you make it. Although definately below the average family sedan economy. If you drive it hard, you consume as much as a V8. But drive it slowly, and keep away from turbo boost, you have an affordable V6. I get 400kms out of 50L with mixed driving styles.

Handling is brilliant. This car is glued to the road, no matter what suspension you get on it. The RX7 has always been known for it's great handling.

Reliability wise, with the right knowledge of rotarys, and knowing your mechanic, they are more reliable than most cylinder engines, and especially of this year. The rotary actually has less parts that can go wrong compared to cylinder engines. I have had no electrical faults that I see reported so often in rx7's (most of which are due to previous owners neglect anyways)

Below is a need to know if you're buying an RX7.

The starting problem I had is inherent with rx7's from 1987 through 1990. The problem is that the car actually floods once turned off (this is due to fuel left in the pipeline leaking accross the spark plugs). The fix for this particular year, is to install a switch that cuts the fuel pump. Simply turn the pump off while trying to start, then when the engine speed starts to pick up, switch it back on, and you're on your way. In the later models (some 1989 onwards) have this feature built in to the accelerator (when starting, put the pedal flat to the floor and it turns off the pump).

All in all, this is an amazing vehicle that should not be over looked. If you are in the market for a sports car this is one you don't want to miss.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2005

10th Mar 2009, 04:41

I have a 1988 RX7, and it's by far the most awesome piece of car I have ever come across. It does 0-100 in 4.0 sec flat.

I had the same starting problem, but my mechanic insisted it was the injector, but I now will suggest running a bypass to the fuel pump!! Thanx.

12th Feb 2010, 23:38

I had the same starting problem, but I just removed what I think it was; the ignition fuse, then tried turning it over and it won't start obviously, but it clears the fuel out, then plug the fuse back in and it starts first shot!!!

19th Jul 2010, 20:45

I have a 1989 Mazda RX-7. Doesn't have that problem at all. It has a great power to weight ratio; best car I've ever owned.