IS 1988 R/X 7 A GOOD CAR TO BU 88000 ON IT I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ROTORY MOTORS

http://www.autobuyguide.com/1988/12-aut/mazda/rx-7/recalls/index.html http://www.faqs.org/car/mazda-rx7-1988/

Take it from the previous owner of a 1991 RX-7 who also didn't fully understand the Rotary (Wankel) Engine. It's not so much the year of the car as the fact that the engine is high maintenance and need to be babied. Rotary Engines spin at a high compression ratio and during that process, consume a fair amount of oil....The triangular gears must stay properly lubricated at all times...so you got to keep an eye on this at ALL times..or you risk engine damage. With 88,000 miles on it, it might not be in the best of shape...so I wouldn't risk it. If you want a Mazda convertible without Rotary hassles, go with an MX-5 instead.

I don't understand why you would consider the Wankel high maintenance. Ok, the spark plugs are more expensive because of their special design but what else is there other than oil changes? Practically nothing. The engine is designed to burn oil as you say to keep the apex seals lubricated - that's the nature of the beast. It's equipped with oil spraying jets in the intake for that purpose. It has no higher compression than any other regular gasoline burning engine. If it did, it would ping like Hell. So what could possibly be the hassles you mention? I've serviced and repaired plenty and besides, you don't tear down and rebuild a Mazda Rotary when you can get a fresh one in the crate with a warranty for around $1500. Simple, 2/3 fewer moving parts than an Otto Cycle, capable of high revving, Just doesn't meet the Emissions criteria for the US because it's designed to burn oil. Want to worry about something on the car - worry about the clutch - there isn't enough surface area to support all that engine can dish out.