1988 Mazda RX7 GXL from North America - Comments

Since they were inexpensive I decided to try the RX-7. It was a DISASTER of problems from the beginning. My first really big surprise was that it was NOT a fast car by any stretch of the term. 4-cylinder subcompacts routinely embarrassed me at stoplights. I talked with a Mazda mechanic who basically told me "It isn't very well built". Gee, like I hadn't noticed!! At any rate, unless it had a late model 4-cylinder GM engine I don't want another one, even though they do look cool. Getting beaten by Cavaliers is no fun. I'm considering buying an older one (1984) (I can get one very cheap) and dropping in a late model "quad 4" GM engine. They are reliable and put out way more power, as well as getting 30+ mpg.

Recently got an 88' Rx-7 convertible, I absolutely love it, not only does it handle great, but it has more than enough power for not being the turbo model. However I do have some of the average problems, wipers only work on one setting, surround sound electronics stopped working, headrest speakers don't work, and a few other small electronic problems. But the car is road worthy. Did have a small problem with the coolant system leaking, but quickly put a stop to that. The convertible is great fun, they really do a good job in the design of this car.

Purchased a 1988 RX-7 in 1992; still have it with 112K miles. Absolutely love this vehicle. It still has the original clutch. To keep the sunroof working perfectly I clean the track every couple of months and then apply a high grade silicone spray. It works perfect. Had to replace the wiper switch two years ago.

Also replaced the aerial cable and now all works fine. The car is always garaged. All servicing has been done by a Mazda Technician who owns his own repair shop after a Mazda Dealership closed.

Someday will have to sell this beauty when moving South.

I too have an 88 Rx 7 the sun roof needs to be pushed to open, and the center console is broken. has some mods like:

cold air intake

lowered suspension

exhaust

17" wheels

and body kit.

Love the car handles so good.

David.

Hey all.

I'm looking to purchase a 1988 RX7 rag top, but it has an idling problem. The car will start and accelerate fine, but it won't idle properly and tries to die. I've been told that it's an idle sensor or something, but I'm not finding anything online along those lines. Anyone have any ideas on a fix for it? And also if I should even consider the car? Any help would be good. Thanks :D.

I have a 1985 Mazda RX 7 coupe, 76,000 miles, running into an

electrical problem, after the car is on the road awhile it will just shut off, can anyone offer any help? I just replaced the spark plugs and the distributor cap. Thanks.

Just obtained a 1988 RX7 convertible 78,000 miles on it one owner, never wrecked, garage kept every winter... Haven't had a chance to drive the car much since its winter here in Indiana now, but I absolutely love it and can't wait for spring to get there!!!

I've had my second RX-7 for a year and it is time to report. My first one was a charcoal '86 and an awesome car. Unfortunately it was stolen and never found. Now I have an '88 GXL. It is claret in color, and that version of burgundy color was only available in '88 & '89. The '88 has about 40 more horsepower than the '86, and the difference is very apparent. This car is insanely quick. Just keep the rpm between 3500 & 5500. Furthermore, the handling is beyond description. It is stock except for performance exhaust. I routinely leave Mustang 5.0s in the dust as the acceleration from a running start is incredible. I will forever be a Wankel Rotary driver and will buy a 3rd generation RX-7 when this one blows.

I just got an 88 RX7 convertible and non turbo, and love the car, but need to fix a few bugs and I am hoping I can get some advice. The warning lights and clock are not working right now, but they do flash on occasionally, and the dash lights and headlights work fine so far.

My other issue is that the car is very underpowered in low gear, it just seems to lack torque. Once it gets up to speed, highway, it has OK acceleration, but getting there takes a while. This is my first rotary and I am still learning about it, so any advice or help would be great.

I have a 1984 Rx GSL with 80,000 miles. I just bought it and the car runs great. So I decided to take it on a little road trip. It started to get up there on the temp gauge, so I was keeping an eye on that when I heard something from the motor. It was a belt and it took me awhile to get over to stop the car, and it over heated. Now it does not run smoothly after I fixed the problem. What does over heating the car one time do? Does it affect the rotor seals? Or is it something else?

Hey, I bought a 1988 RX7 a couple of years ago, and put in a turbo motor that only had 20,000 miles on it. I put on a light weight fly wheel and a nice clutch, now I stomp z06 Corvettes,5.0 and whatever else tries to race, and I only run 7 pounds of boost on it, so to all those people that say rx7's suck, try me and you'll get embarrassed, make you cry to your mom.

For the comment about your car with the idling problem.. is you have a multimeter, check the resistance on the TPS, and AIC (throttle position sensor, Air Idle Control) they were known for failure, (mainly the AIC), I have owned four and im currently looking into my 5th one for my next project car.. but not with a 13B... I've decided to mod up to a 20B, good luck.. and love the R.P.M'S!!!

Just going to say I have enjoyed a 1984 GXLSE, I think that was the badging. Fun car, only 19mpg on a good day, now a 1988 convertible on craigs list with some parts for V8 conversion, zz3 in the corner of my shop for 6 years, needs a home. Came with t5 for $1500. Grannys has a huge amount of info. Am looking forward for embarrassing a few vettes, what a candidate for real horsepower. Auto-x is going to be wild.

I bought an '88 RX-7 GXL last month, and have been poking at it on and off for awhile. For some reason, I'm not getting any power to either of the ignition coils or the injectors. Thinking it might be a grounding issue.

However, from what I've heard from the owners of this vehicle, $750 was a great investment. Still have to do the brakes, sand down the body, lots of other things, but I'm very much in love with the car. Can't wait to get the girl running and see what she can do.