1986 Mazda RX7 review from Australia and New Zealand
"Fantastic car with huge potential."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The FC3S RX-7 is notorious for flooding, but I had this happen only 3 times in the years I owned it.
Most of the time I had little or no problems except for overheating in warmer weather.
General comments?
This is a car that is loved by those who own it, feared by those who can't afford it and seen often overtaking by those in similar priced sports cars. Hatchback drivers, I'm looking at you.
I'd love to get one of these again. I sold it for a Honda Integra VTEC, but have regretted it ever since. Not even the famous VTEC engine is as smooth or powerful as the 13B Turbo and has cost me more to maintain even if it uses less gas. Even the automatic gearbox couldn't put me off it which says something for it. Next time I'd definitely stump up the cash for a manual conversion.
I kept it well maintained and it rewarded me. Warm it up, cool it down and change the oil often. Change the apex seals, and if you can afford it, have the engine rebuilt by a specialist. You'll be laughing at everyone who can't believe your car costs as much as their chrome wheels but whips it on the road every time.
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  | 1986 - RX7 Sports Model 1.3 Rotary turbo A great chassis and engine, marred by high maintenance and running costs, only for the enthusiasts |
| Pure sportscar! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 litre rotary turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 95000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 135000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 6th December, 2003 |