Anyone driven/owned the most recent Maxda RX7?
Discussion
[I mean MaZda RX7!]
If so, opinions and comments would be welcome as I'm thinking of purchasing one soon - Jap import, few years old, but with low mileage.
I'm worried about reliability issues surrounding the wankel engine and its scary handling in the wet!
>>> Edited by JasonS8 on Thursday 11th April 13:34
If so, opinions and comments would be welcome as I'm thinking of purchasing one soon - Jap import, few years old, but with low mileage.
I'm worried about reliability issues surrounding the wankel engine and its scary handling in the wet!
>>> Edited by JasonS8 on Thursday 11th April 13:34
TW White (Mazda) based in Kent/Surrey still import them. They are pukka examples (Series VIII RB Sport - 261 bhp) and come with a three year warranty. All vehicle history is supplied including deregistration documents. These cars were featured on Top Gear. Series VIII is the ultimate model range with the problems encountered on earlier versions fixed.
www.twwhiteandsons.co.uk
All usual requirements for turbocharger maintenance are recommended i.e. allow engine to warm up completely before using full power, idle for 60 seconds after a fast run before shutting down and change oil every 2500 miles/6 months. Rotarys use mineral oil (10W/30) - synthetic will eventually wreck them.
Full power in the wet is not recommended unless you have a reasonable space around you. Otherwise you won't be disappointed.
For detailed advice try the RX-7 global club:
www.rx7club.com/forum/index.php
www.twwhiteandsons.co.uk
All usual requirements for turbocharger maintenance are recommended i.e. allow engine to warm up completely before using full power, idle for 60 seconds after a fast run before shutting down and change oil every 2500 miles/6 months. Rotarys use mineral oil (10W/30) - synthetic will eventually wreck them.
Full power in the wet is not recommended unless you have a reasonable space around you. Otherwise you won't be disappointed.
For detailed advice try the RX-7 global club:
www.rx7club.com/forum/index.php
Fuel consumption is still poor for the series VIII - even with its 16 bit ECU. In my experience 16 mpg average on 95 RON (only one tank), 18mpg on Supergreen rising now to 19 mpg on Optimax with 23 mpg achievable on a motorway run. However all things considered e.g. genuine 160mph top speed, 0-100 in a shade under 12 seconds and superb rwd handling, it's a fair trade off.
Rotary engines are more tolerant to octane variation than their piston counterparts but 95 RON should be avoided (as a matter of principle if nothing else). All Japanese high performance imports are optimised for 100 RON (US 93/94 octane) so Optimax (or Supergreen) should be used.
Rotary engines are more tolerant to octane variation than their piston counterparts but 95 RON should be avoided (as a matter of principle if nothing else). All Japanese high performance imports are optimised for 100 RON (US 93/94 octane) so Optimax (or Supergreen) should be used.
As a well chuffed owner of an RX-7, I highly recommend you get one. They are a handful, but bloody quick and leave a lot of others (porsches, NSXs, GTI-R etc etc) somewhat standing. The rx-7 community is staggering in it's support and help. The only thing I would say is make sure you have recovery, cos if it does break down, the AA won't even be able to find the spark plugs (exerience). A blinding car, and one of the smartest things I've done.
And in the wet, it's a blast (bearing in mind I'm not a brilliant driver either)
And in the wet, it's a blast (bearing in mind I'm not a brilliant driver either)
Deadly dog,
I read somewhere the Wankel engine needed rebuilds sooner than 'classic' engines; is this true?
If so, what is it linked to? I know the main trouble of this engine is the three joints of the rotary piston are prone to wear out quite quickly, but is there any other inherent illness to this engine?
Thank you for the information; I have a friend who is interested in either this or a Supra...
I read somewhere the Wankel engine needed rebuilds sooner than 'classic' engines; is this true?
If so, what is it linked to? I know the main trouble of this engine is the three joints of the rotary piston are prone to wear out quite quickly, but is there any other inherent illness to this engine?
Thank you for the information; I have a friend who is interested in either this or a Supra...
Hi All,
I currently own a 1997 Mazda RX-7 RB Bathurst type X (a limited edition version) and am a member of FDUK (FD3S is the manufacturers code for the RX-7 twin turbo)who are a 3rd generation only RX-7 owners club made up of all flavours of the last series of RX-7 from 1992-2000. To get an idea of what the clubs about take a look at www.lifelike.co.uk/fduk/about.htm
and then send a mail to the list to join the forum. We are having a meet this weekend and its a good opportunity for you to see some of the latest RX-7's and talk to the owners first hand.
The meet is taking place at Brooklands Museum on Sunday 14th at around 10:30 onwards.
Brooklands Museum , Brooklands Rd,
Weybridge,
Surrey,
England,
KT13 0QN.
I currently own a 1997 Mazda RX-7 RB Bathurst type X (a limited edition version) and am a member of FDUK (FD3S is the manufacturers code for the RX-7 twin turbo)who are a 3rd generation only RX-7 owners club made up of all flavours of the last series of RX-7 from 1992-2000. To get an idea of what the clubs about take a look at www.lifelike.co.uk/fduk/about.htm
and then send a mail to the list to join the forum. We are having a meet this weekend and its a good opportunity for you to see some of the latest RX-7's and talk to the owners first hand.
The meet is taking place at Brooklands Museum on Sunday 14th at around 10:30 onwards.
Brooklands Museum , Brooklands Rd,
Weybridge,
Surrey,
England,
KT13 0QN.
Hi everyone
Bought one that landed in Dec from Japan. It's a 1992, done 80 000 Km's. The performance is stunning, and you have to say it's a nice looking car too.
Reliability - If the engine is not abused, I believe it will be good for 150 000 miles or so. Even then if its just the Rotor tips, and a gasket set, a rebuild can be done for for around £1500. If you drive it hard, then you will have to be extra diligent on maintenance. One thing you never want to do is overheat it. This requires a strip down and rebuild. Also, it consumes a small amount of oil, like a 2 stroke. About 1/2 a litre every 2/3 tankfuls. So, keep checking the oil level!
Knowledge - The Rotary community is strong, friendly, and helpful. There are plenty of websites set up by owners that have tips, mods, and technical sharing.
I may be biased, as this is my 4th RX-7, but its an awesome car! You're doing the right thing by asking here, because the Rotary's bad reputation belongs in the 60's and 70's, and people remember the NSU and it's problems. I think technology has come along a little bit since then, dont you?
Hope you can make Brooklands this Sunday, so you can come and meet us!
Martin Yates
Red 92 Mazda RX-7
Bought one that landed in Dec from Japan. It's a 1992, done 80 000 Km's. The performance is stunning, and you have to say it's a nice looking car too.
Reliability - If the engine is not abused, I believe it will be good for 150 000 miles or so. Even then if its just the Rotor tips, and a gasket set, a rebuild can be done for for around £1500. If you drive it hard, then you will have to be extra diligent on maintenance. One thing you never want to do is overheat it. This requires a strip down and rebuild. Also, it consumes a small amount of oil, like a 2 stroke. About 1/2 a litre every 2/3 tankfuls. So, keep checking the oil level!
Knowledge - The Rotary community is strong, friendly, and helpful. There are plenty of websites set up by owners that have tips, mods, and technical sharing.
I may be biased, as this is my 4th RX-7, but its an awesome car! You're doing the right thing by asking here, because the Rotary's bad reputation belongs in the 60's and 70's, and people remember the NSU and it's problems. I think technology has come along a little bit since then, dont you?
Hope you can make Brooklands this Sunday, so you can come and meet us!
Martin Yates
Red 92 Mazda RX-7
quote:
Deadly dog,
I read somewhere the Wankel engine needed rebuilds sooner than 'classic' engines; is this true?
If so, what is it linked to? I know the main trouble of this engine is the three joints of the rotary piston are prone to wear out quite quickly, but is there any other inherent illness to this engine?
Thank you for the information; I have a friend who is interested in either this or a Supra...
Thom - I cannot speak from personal experience. I've been lucky so far. The two most common points of failure I'm aware of are the rotor tips and the engine water seals.
Some engines are reported to have failed at 60,000 miles (100,000kms); others have exceeded 100,000 miles (160,000 kms) without problems. I guess a lot of it is down to basic care and maintenance. To minimise risks any car that shows signs of abuse or has no service history should be avoided, especially if it has a lot of miles/kms on the clock. I've also heard that a compression test can help - the higher the compression result the better the condition of the engine.
I had an earlier turbo 2 that did 90k miles in two years,with no probs. Left it for two weeks and just moved it 10 yrds on my return. Later that day, no compression. Maxda gave me a £5k complete engine in panic, we worked together!! Turns out the tips stuck in, so no compression. If i had towed the car all would of "flown" out. I have since learnt, if you start a high miler(ish) let it warm up before you turn off. It was also dependent on fuel, no supermarket fuel. Thats what they told me!
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