1987 Mazda RX7 fc3s CONVERTIBLE review from Australia and New Zealand

What hasn't gone wrong with this car! It is an absolute money-pit!

In the first week of ownership, the alternator went, then the heater hose, then the alternator belt (all in the first week!).

Everything that is plastic- ie aircon vents, door handles has cracked, and that which hasn't cracked is brittle.

Heater core failed, radiator has been replaced twice,

I had to replace the rear tail shaft, the clutch (twice- no I don't drive it hard), idle problems, which despite going into the dealer for 3 times, I cannot get repaired!

The power window switches have failed, the switch that turns the fan for the aircon/heater has failed, the wiper switch has failed, the headlight switch has failed, the cruise control switch has failed- mazda made the electrics cheaply on this car!

The mazda replacements don't last- I have had the most success out of replacing them with aftermarket parts.

Plus general maintenance stuff that's expected, like brake pads, battery, spark plugs, accelerator cable, replaced the roof, replaced the steering wheel...

I loved this car when I bought it- the convertible is a great looking car for its age, and the rx7 has a reputation of being quick...

The cost and quantity of these repairs is phenomenal! mazdas are normally very reliable, and I would buy another- but definitely not another rx7!!!

For a premium quality vehicle, they made it cheaply and poor quality. when I compare it to my partners lexus, which is a similar age, the lexus is just in 1000 times better condition. they have both been immaculately maintained, but the workmanship of the lexus vs rx7 cannot be compared!

The rx7 is a rough ride, and it's not even very quick! it's an absolute fuel guzzler, which I expected, but I at least thought I would get some power in exchange for the fuel input!

If only I could find someone as stupid as I was to take the thing off my hands! (hopefully someone who hasn't read this review!)