1988 Mazda RX7 GXL review from North America

On the day I bought the car I figured it would be a fixer, it was sitting where it had for a few months before with a flat tire and not alternator belt. I paid $1,600 for it and drove it about $60kms before the tire blew, with the spare tire on I found it wouldn't coast, putting it in neutral it would slowdown very quickly. I had to park it on the side of the road and pick it up the next day with a trailer. The cause of this was the spring to force the emergency brake back off was seized and didn't work so I was essentially running with the e-brake on for who knows how long. I fixed the tires and replaced the brakes and had it back on the road.

At about 3,300 RPM there is a serious stutter and it has a hard time working through it, it only does this under load (in gear) in neutral it revs fine. as a result I have no powerband. I later figured it was due to weak coils but since they are $3,200 each (2 needed) I don't think I'll bother with fixing it partly because it gets bad mileage as it is and I'm sure it would be worse with more power.

The handling on the RX-7 is simply amazing! I have taken corners with a suggested speed of 30Kms at 80kms and not even started loosing grip. even flat out it feels very responsive and grounded.

Other than the brakes and tires all I have had to replace was the starter, and it needs a new driveshaft soon, you have to buy the whole shaft because the u-joints are steaked in. ($600)

I have a 1980 RX-7 as well and that one has never let me down, not once except for the amount of fuel it eats.

If fuel consumption is not in issue for you. get an RX-7. No other car can give you the same feeling. They love to rev, other cars when you reach redline it sounds like Armageddon but with the rotary you feel disappointed to have to shift because it sounds and feels like you are just getting started.

I love my Mazda RX-7, though I am going to have to part with it soon due to the amount of fuel it goes through and fuel prices. though I am now looking for a Mazda MX-3 because I am a Mazda fan now.