1985 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE 1.3L from North America

Summary:

Affordable Chick Magnet

Faults:

Starter needed a rebuild.

Needed a new battery.

Replaced wires from the alternator to the battery.

Nothing mechanical, just regular maintenance after the car wasn't touched for a very long time.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute dream to drive, ladies love it, super fast, quick off the line, gets the job done. Gets you to anywhere you want in style and affordability. The rotary engine is always a wise choice, and should definitely be looked on.

This car offers everything you should find in a sports car; sun roof, power mirrors etc.

The car is a bit hard on gas, but you never waste a single spec of gas in this car, every single moment you enjoy.

The car won my heart, and with it being an antique right away... I'm keeping my hands on my pretty RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) sports car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2009

1985 Mazda RX7 basic 1.1L carbeurated from North America

Summary:

Straight up made to race!

Faults:

I needed to replace the spark plug wires. Needed new front disc pads. The radiator developed a small hole. oil leak. needs new paint job. interior vinyl needs replaced. window seals got minor leaks, not detrimental.

General Comments:

The car is overall bad to the bone but it could use a little more performance. I will start out with a new cat back exhaust. Then work on intake, maybe a turbo. Car handles well. Takes a couple times spinning some donuts and drifting to figure out what it does since it is factory posi-traction rear-end. Air conditioning system was ripped out so it gets hot!! um other than minor things these cars are special and hold on to one the value holds better than people tell you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2008

1985 Mazda RX7 SE 1.1 ROTARY from North America

Summary:

The beast

Faults:

I got the car for free about three years ago and I had to put spark plugs, wires, dist. cap, and rotor button. And I did a stupid thing and sold it for 500 dollars. The reason I sold it is because at the time I had a 1984 Nissan 300zx turbo, but automatic transmission, and it needed brakes and rotors. About 1 year later I traded the Nissan for a 1979 Chevy c10 with a 350ci motor. And I seen the same car sitting I someones driveway and it was for sale or trade for pickup truck thank goodness. so I said done deal and got it back.

General Comments:

IT means the fastest car I have owned, the best running, and the most reliable car I have owned, ever!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th August, 2008

1985 Mazda RX7 GSL from North America

Summary:

How can I get rid of my oldest child?

Faults:

Right now I am having some sort of vacuum problem, car runs very rough intermittently, but other than a few hoses, brakes, tires, stereo went out, clock does not work, 1 new clutch, the usual, it has been very dependable. Needs to be repainted due to a bad paint job after I was hit when the care was new. Shifts and clutches very easy.

General Comments:

This car handles awesome on dry pavement with good tires. Corners very easy and turns on a dime. I have owned other cars, but can't seem to sell this one since it is older than my child in college! One feels very "wrapped in" when you are sitting in it. It is very comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th October, 2007

1985 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE 1.3 from North America

Summary:

Mazda RX7: a true bargain exotic sports car

Faults:

Wear items I would expect to give up at 10 years of age, but many lasted almost 20. Brake pads, front calipers (pistons sticking), master cylinder, throttle position sensor, oil cooler (cracked fitting), 5th and 6th intake port valves due to carbon build up. Also various trim and weather strip pieces.

General Comments:

Remember that in 1985 a car with a 5-speed, limited slip rear, four wheel disc brakes, fuel injection and fourteen inch wheels was not all that common. Notice the lack of cup holders, ABS and air bags. A car this light weight, with 50/50 weight distribution, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, sun roof and many other trim bits and styling that is still unique and good looking after twenty-plus years, is a certain bargain. The crown jewel is the 13B Wankel rotary. It likes more gas and oil than present day machinery, but it is after all a sports car and in that respect when compared to the sports cars of the 1950 - 1980 genre, it excels. My little "Mazdarati".

I got rid of those three cats and added a Racing Beat header and full exhaust package plus a K&N air filter. Low end torque improved quite a bit along with top end.

I also use Mobil 1 20-50W and K&N oil filter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th July, 2007

14th Aug 2012, 14:42

You should not use synthetic oil with the 13-b. It does cause carbon build-up.

Sounds like a great car, I have a black '85 GSL-SE with 63,000 miles. She runs like dream. Would like to get the Racing Beat full exhaust. These cars will only increase in value.

Have fun, PETE.