Hey folks I just found an '88 TII with really low miles that I'm kinda considering for purchase and I'm just curious how reliable they are overall. It's bone stock other than an upgraded stereo. I just sold my FD a little over a month ago (I won't get into that ) and am looking for something to replace it and it'll be my only car as my current beater is a little worse for wear. Would it be an alright only car/daily driver? I'm going off to school full time soon and need something that'll last me through school, but I want something at least a little sporty. Anyway, any info will be greatly appreciated. TIA

 

there's been a thread going the past few days on the same exact subject...should be on the 2nd or 3rd page by now

 

Hey thanx...I'm not too familiar with 2nd gens so I don't visit this section much. I'll look that thread up Thanx

 

Well I found the thread, but it didn't give much info at all. Oh well.

 

I think it varies. Some people have no problems and some people are plauged with them. It mainly depends on how they were maintained. I have a 88 AE..it is turbo in case you didnt know..but any way it mainly sits in the garage and i dont drive it much. type of work i do; it would get filthy. i have put approximately 5,000 miles on it since i have had it. I have had it for a little over 1 year. I do religious 1500 mile or usually way less oil changes on it. it has never left me anywhere in those 5,000 miles. other than the oil changes i have only done one service to it. my fathe-in-law really did that though. We replaced all the vaccum line,upper intake gasket, oil filler neck gasket, slave cylinder(that wanst bad yet..just did it cause it was easy to get to with the intake off), upper and lower radiator hoes...replaced coolant. and that is about it. it cost approximately 150-200 dollars from mazda in parts. One other thing i forgot is i had to replace the pinion seal...that was 100 bucks with the dealer doing it. So my opion is just check it out real good and hope for the best.
later

 

Thanx Greys. The one I found has 78k on it and from the way the owner describes it is it's basically like yours...a garage/weekend/fun car. I'm just waiting for him to email me the VIN so I can do a CarFax on it. :p

 

I've got an 88 tII with about 76k miles on it and I daily drive it and i've have no problems yet. just be sure to CHANGE THE OIL ON TIME or even earlier would be better

 

Before I got my FD I had an 87 TII for 2 years. It was my daily driver in Colorado.I changed the oil between 3 and 4k miles. I bought it at 85k miles and sold it with over 120k on the oiginal motor. The only problem (other than flooding really bad twice) was a sticking TPS. Just cleaned that up every month or so and it was good to go again. From my experienc it was quite dependable.