1985 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE from North America - Comments

The catalytic pre converter seized dumped into the main cat which dumped into the muffler. This happened as of this April. Best part is that all of the parts that went bad were all stock! So after 75000+ miles and over 17 years I had to replaced the exhaust system. The only draw back to this is that the Rx7 in 85 had 3 catalytic converters.

My first car was a 1985 Mazda rx7. Since then I have had an 86 Toyota pickup then a 2000 Chevy s10. In 2002 I sold my brand new car and bought a 1985 Mazda Rx7 GSL-SE. And from now on will never own anything other than a rotary powered car. They are easy to maintain and have a longer life than most piston driven engines. Also with the new Renisis engine from Mazda featured in the Rx8. I wouldn't doubt we'll see another REPU.

The Rx7 family of cars are by far the best bang for your buck. If you are lucky to find an 85 GSL-SE it's a light weight car with a good amount of power. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a car that can take the turns with the best of them.

Rotary engines are actually some of the least reliable engines money can buy. They rarely last over 150K w/out a rebuild and good look finding someone to rebuild it other than a dealer. Also for a small 1.3 liter engine (Mazda RX-7) it has horrible fuel economy. The dual rotaries are slightly better in general but still unreliable.

And don't get me started on the Turbo rotaries.

As someone who has owned 4 1st Gen RX7s over the years (I keep coming back) I have to say that I have never found a more fun to drive, reliable (virtually bullet proof) car... and I've owned Toyota's, Honda's, Fords, Dodges, etc.

Are they hard on gas...yes...it's a SPORTS CAR with a 4bbl carb!

They are only problematic if you take them to someone who has no idea what they are doing for maintenance.

They are so well designed the average talented back yard mechanic is more than capable. The problem is when you try to take to a mechanic/dealer who is used to doing brake jobs and tune ups on Cavalier's etc.

I have had a 1985 RX7 GSL-SE for 3 years now, and have done a lot of home work! It is the cheapest motor to rebuild and the cheapest to get big horse power out of! This is my kind of car. I have owned a lot of hot rods and built all of them. You can keep them!!! Nothing sounds like a 13b twisted up!!! Ya baby, now that's power, I would rebuild one every week if I had to!