1987 Mazda RX7 GXL review from North America

There were a lot of little things when I first bought the car, mostly electrical. Some research on the web and several hours with a soldering iron on bad solder joints took care of inoperative windshield wipers, intermittent clock, random idiot lights, etc.

A cracked windshield was replaced, which has been the most costly fix so far at $400.

The broken self-retracting antenna mast was replaced thanks to parts and how-to from Mazdatrix.

The clutch hydraulics were replaced mostly due to my own desires to eventually "zero-time" the car, not because of any failure. This helped shifting tremendously. Again, Mazdatrix provided parts and advice.

The car is very easy to work on. All easy stuff, web is great resource of how-to.

If you looked past the nit-noids of the problems stated above, this car was the proverbial cream puff. An enthusiast owned it before me and kept it immaculate.

This is my third RX7, the previous two were first-generation. I like the electronic fuel injection much more than the carburetted 1st gens.

Interior comfort is better, although with the sunroof my headroom is limited.

An advantage of the rotary engine is it is very happy on regular grade pump gas.

The ergos of the car are excellent. Controls are very intuitive and easy to operate even during spirited driving.

Perfect car for enthusiast on a budget: responds well to maintenance and mods, commutes, hauls groceries, looks good, is a blast on weekend mountain curves, an entire cottage industry of aftermarket support.