Hello,

I don't have an RX-7 yet, my aunt had one a while back, making her my favorite aunt when she had it.

Now I'm looking to buy an S4 or S5 TII to drive daily and have a few questions.

Are there any reliability problems with the S4 over the S5, or do they have there share of problems.

I've heard that the S4 takes to modifications better and has more/cheaper perfomance products for it, Is this true 'cause most of the products I've seen are for the S5.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

 

You can also search for more info, but having purchased a S4 TII new and an S5 TII new, no doubt as the the reliabily of the s5. You'll get confliting opinions due the the type of car each person owns. You know, the omp on the S5 etc, the S5 is heavier, but not by much because the curb wgt on the S4 does not include PS, ABS, AC all optional, but on the S5 it's standard.
Don't forget these cars are 13/18 years old and most have seen hard times. Finding one in the condition/price you're looking for may be difficult.
As far as mods, I didn't have the '88 but for slightly over a year before Mazda bought it back. The '89, now running @ 11 lbs boost is real quick and a delight to drive.
Good luck

 

If I were you I would go another way. My first car is an S4 and Ive had all kinds of problems. If i were you I would get something else until you really have the money to pay for an RX-7.

 

Well, on the flip side of the S4 coin, I bought mine with 96K on it, and didn't have to do anything other than oil, clutch, and brake pad changes till it hit 175,000 or so (THEN everything started going to $hit, LOL)...Oh, I think the oil cooler hose busted at about 150,000, so that counts...She has NEVER left me stranded, she either lets me know something's wrong while still running, or she'll break at home

 

i have a s4 and never a problem with it. only one when a rad hoze blew when i first bought it.... just goes to show that your first "upgrade" schould be belts and hozes especially if the car had been siting for a while when u buy it. No real input on the s5 short of i know a guy with one whos starter went out at 70,000mi.

 

Thanks for being helpful,

This will not be my first car, I have a '91 BMW318is that is at the shop and a 1985 Toyota Corolla GTS coupe which is a project car, but is now my temporary commuter.

The BMW in my opinion is not worth the money I spend on repairs & insurance, and I feel I'd rather have a TII.

 

That's not why there is such a weight difference. We get all those weight numbers because they were quoted in magazines and all of those cars were loaded up with all the goodies, except for ABS because it wasn't available in '87. AC was standard. Mine doesn't have PS, but that seems to be rare, infact it was standard in countries like Canada. Besides the S5 rims are ~24lbs (total) lighter than the S4s which makes up for the ABS difference.

 

Ah, you are wise beyond your years!

In my experience, it seems that most happy S5 owners are the ones who want a good daily driver with a little pep, while the happy S4 owners are the ones putting on all the mods to make it fast as hell. Of course, fast as hell does not equal reliable, but if you're not modding it to hell it's not a problem.

I really don't think one is as reliable as the other, just check to make sure whichever one you buy has been well taken care of.

 

I have an S4 vert manual and I love it, drives great and strong at 158K on the engine. I would not buy this car as my daily because these cars are more than 10 years old and you have to expect problems related to the age and cost of maintaining the car should factor in. I bought this car because I wanted a fun car to drive and learn auto mechanics with. I also wanted a car that didn't look or feel like an old Honda. If you want the opinion of someone driving their 7 as a daily you need to talk to Tofuball. He's the man! and he puts crazy mileage on his S5.

-Max

 

If you want more reliability, get an N/A. If you get a TII and plan on modding it, you need to be armed with ALOT of knowledge on how to do it right, and alot of cash.

-Joe

 

I second that.

 

Another Question.

Is it really that hard to find a Series 5 Turbo II?

Me personally would like to have one no matter what color it is or what options it has. I would also fly out to pick the car up.

I just want a zippy, well balanced car to drive to work everyday.

Like I said, I have an AE86 that I'm currently modifying, but the first upgrade to the FC if purchased would be a turbo timer.

Thanks again for your help

 

I was prepared to do several repair and maitanence projects to my FC before any real upgrades. I'd like to puts a nice LSD on it and Catback. I don't need tons of HP as long as I can keep up with they new cars that cost several times what mine did and they don't understand the sound of the exhaust. The confusion gives me the greatest ammussment.

-Max