1988 Mazda RX7 FC Series 4 review from Australia and New Zealand

Wouldn't start (engine was turning over, but not starting). After much research, and time off the road, was only a AUD$55 fix. Too easy, and I'll tell you how.

Alternator died. This is uncommon, but mine was due to the excessive heat I exposed it too. Mechanic said I cooked it. whoops!

Extremely fast car. At standard, you will clean up most competitors sports cars up to 1991 models (quite a few later models also). This was the car branded porche beater of its day (actually looks like the porches of that year).

Don't buy one if you don't have experience with fast cars. You may injur yourself. These produce 150kw out of a car that has a kerb weight of 1.2 Tonne. But, in saying that, this is a very safe car, as there is solid steel bars all around you.

When driving a turbo charged 13B rotary, the power doesn't kick in until the engine speed is higher than 2800 RPM. Below that engine speed is fine for economic driving, but quite sluggish. once over that at 3500 RPM, the turbo kicks in, and you're glued to the seat.

Fuel efficiency is how you make it. Although definately below the average family sedan economy. If you drive it hard, you consume as much as a V8. But drive it slowly, and keep away from turbo boost, you have an affordable V6. I get 400kms out of 50L with mixed driving styles.

Handling is brilliant. This car is glued to the road, no matter what suspension you get on it. The RX7 has always been known for it's great handling.

Reliability wise, with the right knowledge of rotarys, and knowing your mechanic, they are more reliable than most cylinder engines, and especially of this year. The rotary actually has less parts that can go wrong compared to cylinder engines. I have had no electrical faults that I see reported so often in rx7's (most of which are due to previous owners neglect anyways)

Below is a need to know if you're buying an RX7.

The starting problem I had is inherent with rx7's from 1987 through 1990. The problem is that the car actually floods once turned off (this is due to fuel left in the pipeline leaking accross the spark plugs). The fix for this particular year, is to install a switch that cuts the fuel pump. Simply turn the pump off while trying to start, then when the engine speed starts to pick up, switch it back on, and you're on your way. In the later models (some 1989 onwards) have this feature built in to the accelerator (when starting, put the pedal flat to the floor and it turns off the pump).

All in all, this is an amazing vehicle that should not be over looked. If you are in the market for a sports car this is one you don't want to miss.