1988 Mazda RX7 Turbo Convertible 2.6 turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Supercar power, BUT cheap to run it's not!!

Faults:

A few minor electrical glitches! Switches! Replaced and fine now!

General Comments:

I love my rotaries! I have two convertible 88 model turbos, and a 88 turbo coupe as well! They are all modified to different levels! The coupe has 40000ks on it with mild turbo port, Hiflo S5 turbo, HKS fcon etc! About 200hp!

The first convertible has 10000ks on a new motor /box/diff! It runs a Microtech computer, Walbro fuel pump, Garrett to3/o4 turbo, Tial wastegate, HKS BOV; Ford white 1600cc injectors, 3 1/2 inch ss single exhaust! Etc etc etc! It's good for 280hp to the wheels!

The last convertible is mild turbo port, Hiflo S5 Hitachi turbo, big Greddy Fmic, Microtech lt-10s with dashboard; 2 1/2 inch dual SS exhaust, and heaps more. Good for 210hp on a dyno last week!

As I said I love them! My fast convertible spins the wheels just from power to third gear easily! They are ridiculously expensive to run (fuel/oil), BUT SO SO worth it!!! My hardtop is being setup to hillclimb!! Fun fun fun!!! They all have widebody guards! One convertible has BN style kit! The others both have GP style bodykits! Mine have all been uber reliable!!! Love em! Did I say I love em LOL?

I'm lucky to be getting 250ks out of a tank of 98ron. Fuel at $90 to fill! The worked convertible I'd be lucky to get 180ks from the same size 65l tank! Silly eh? I have a lead foot though! Why would you own one otherwise? It would be a waste! Remember A REDLINE A DAY KEEPS THE CARBON AWAY!!! And HOW CAN YOU TAKE A PERFECT APEX WITHOUT AN APEX OR SIX OR TWELVE UNDER THE HOOD? LOL!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2011

1988 Mazda RX7 non-turbo from North America

Summary:

It's an amazing car

Faults:

The only problems with my car is the wiring for the stereo everything else works.

General Comments:

I'm 15 and this car is awesome it handles great and it gets up and goes quickly. but the only problem I don't like is the cramped cabin.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2008

1988 Mazda RX7 GXL 1.3 Rotary from North America

Summary:

Pure exhilaration in a small package

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2008