1992 Mazda RX7 Efini from Japan - Comments

The first problem that I had with the car was an internal wiring problem with the ignition and dash harness. The Mazda dealer took two weeks to disassemble my car in order to tell me it was going to cost 1,500 dollars to replace or 300 to repair the harness.

The car was never taken in for the recall on the interior components having their finish wearing off. I was unaware of the recall until after I purchased the car.

Water pump went out at about 45000km.

The most irritating problem is my climate control system is out of control. Essentially it works when it feels like it, I cannot turn on or off the unit. I have seen that this is a common problem.

Engine blew at 60000km, poor maintenance on previous owner's part, and poor gas choice on my part. Replacement engine overhaul, 2,000 dollars.

This car has amazing balance, and feels almost glued to the road.

If you are a taller person getting in and out of the car takes a little getting used to, but the interior fits like a glove.

Interior is well designed for easy visibility of all gauges and components.

I love this car, it has a huge amount of power and style. The main drawback is the cost of maintaining the car in proper condition. The RX7 is not a Chevy, you must keep a proper maintenance schedule with this car or expect to have a severe price to pay.

Rotary engines also run hot, I suggest placing a metal air separator tank and new thermostat in the car on purchase.

I have read issues about the suspension being "too firm", but this car was designed as a pure sports car. There are no cup holders or trivial objects to weigh this masterpiece down. The suspension is firm, but not unbearable. Expect sport suspension, not a ride like a Cadillac.

An RX7 is my dream car and I'm considering buying one second hand, but have heard/read a lot about the engine's reliability problems. Which year would be more reliable of the 1992 to 1996 RX7?

And if I was to drive it properly without taking the car to the limit like most drivers, would the 'reliability' factor still be a problem for me (considering that the last owner has taken care of the car too)?

I'm in Australia by the way so the cars we get should not be so different if at all. Thanks all.

1992 rx7 import, purchased from local garage"importer" 5 weeks ago. discovered fuel leak 3 weeks after purchase, however strong smell of fuel noticeable from day 1 at idle. Car had been lowered and on full lock the tires rub on front wheel arches causing them to buckle. The day I was going to take the car back to the garage the car would just turn over, but not start. Walked to the garage, explained the situation to the manager and was told none of these problems would be covered under the warranty they had sold me and the garages mechanic told me he did not want to get involved in repairing the car as it was very complexed vehicle and to have a go myself. With the help of a friend we have replaced a split fuel hose and the car is now running OK. Still have problem with wheel arches, garage still insist that this is not there problem. I love my car, dislike the garages attitude. andyharvey@aol.com.

Don't buy a Rex unless you are some kind of mechanic diy or otherwise. It's not enough just to drive it you need to make it your hobby to keep it in good shape. That said when its right, its about as good as a 1000cc sports bike...

I own a 1992 Efini RX-7, it is a dream come true, looking at the problems that I have read on here people need to take care of their cars, I have done a few changes on mine I have changed all of the seals, belts, plugs, filters, separator, and the turbines in my turbos. The only problem I have had with the car is with my AC, sometimes it works great, but sometimes it is a little rough and gets pretty warm in the car. Since the car is still running on an R-22 system refrigerant is hard to come buy, I have checked the evaporator and condensers both seem to be leek free, but I still have air and some moisture in the system. I plan on putting in a new inter-cooler and intakes does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on what to put in or who to use. I am still out in Japan so original parts are easy, but some custom kits are expensive to ship out. Any advise would be great thanks.

I've just bought myself an rx7 regardless of all the 'problems' these cars tend to suffer from, it is by far the best car I have driven yet, considering my previous car was a TVR Chimera. I'm going to get it serviced by a specialist garage and fingers crossed nothing will go wrong, either way, I LOVE THIS CAR and can't believe I haven't got one sooner. ks

I have a 92 RX7 that I have owned since 1994. When I bought it the mileage was 32,000. It now has 156,000. I used it pretty much as an every day commuter (although I also had other cars, including a Jag XJR and an old Buick) I would take the car that was easiest to get to. I've had very little trouble with it. I have replaced things as they needed replacement, last was a new engine at 153,000. Not bad for a high performance car. Turbos at 120,000, clutch at 110,000.

Overall, it has been a reliable car. It always got me home. even with a slipping clutch. It still ran even when the turbos were shot. Even when the engine quit, it gave me plenty of warning, running hot and getting difficult to start. I maintained it pretty much to schedule, but I wasn't fanatical about it.

The key, I think was that I kept the car bog standard, no mods at all. Occasionally I would say to myself "I'd like another 50 hp" but I resisted the temptation.

Other comments:

I love the effortless performance, just keep the revs up, above 3000 at all times.

Fix things, there is no excuse for driving with accessories that do not work.

Resist the temptation to modify the engine,

Get it repainted, the factory finish sucks.

If you look out the window and it's white, take another car or stay home. The car is un-drivable on snow. Don't even think about it.

I used to think I could drive any car, anywhere, in any conditions. Wrong. The first and only time I drove the RX7 on snow, was the worst experience of my life. It did several 360s on me, just sliding down the camber of the road. The last straw was turning into my own driveway. I was turning left, over the camber and it did a slow motion 720. I got it into my driveway and left it there, walking the rest of the way.

But I love the car. My daughters (23 and 27) are already fighting over who gets it when I die.

Hi. I am thinking of Buying a second hand RX7. Is it true that after 60000 MILES, the engine has to be changed. Does this Apply for all RX7 models?

Thanks Chris. badiboychris@hotmail.com

I have my 92 twin turbo rx7 about a year the only problem I've had is a hole in the radiator ill never sell this car.

I have a 2000 model RX7 FD. Have read all the horror stories about how these motors die on you and all the rest, but I bought one anyway. Fuel economy? Forget about it, and just drive the thing. Pretty soon you will fall in love with these magnificent rotary engines and the cost of running it will seem insignificant. Have owned mine for 4 months. Had to fix master/slave cylinder, and had a new set of check valves fitted because second turbo was not working. Near future: a suspect clutch and pillowball bushes. Its only money. I love everything about these cars. They are unforgettable.