1981 Mazda RX7 GSL review from North America
"This car is way too much fun"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This was a 'non runner' when I bought it. I put in a battery and drove it 100 miles home.
The wiper assembly was seized.
The interior was ruined - sun baked to cracked and broken plastic. I think that the interior plastics are the weak part of this car.
The u-joints were shot.
The differential seal leaked.
The a/c didn't.
The heater blower didn't work - still doesn't (I haven't checked for a bad ground yet).
The steering has too much play - the one-piece, non-rebuildable steering box is worn out. Expensive to replace.
Mufflers are pricey, but I replaced mine with straight pipes.
General comments?
This car has been a blast to drive - fast and rear-wheel fun on twisting mountain roads. I can donut this car on dry pavement!!!
Where else can you find a light, small car that is simple to work on, with an great looking interior that fits like a glove?
Sure, the engine can't be rebuilt at the corner garage, and the interior is junk, but seats from a late 80's early 90s Honda civic fit really well, and I'm the only one in town who has one.
When it dies, I can toss it without loosing money. What a deal.
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| Cool engine, poised, great brakes |
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| This car was awesome fun every day and very safe. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1981 |
| Year of manufacture | 1981 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.0L R12 rotary Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 160000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda CRX |
| Date of Entry | 20th September, 2007 |