Mazda Repair: 1993 Mazda wont idle, coolant levels, mazda rx7

Question
I've got a 1993 Mazda RX7. The car won't idle, but I can drive it around if I keep the engine above about 1500 RPM. I don't want to keep driving it like this, and I know it can't be good for my car, especially my transmission and brakes (I've been driving with one foot on the gas and one on the brakes when I have to slow down or stop to keep from dying). What are some possible reasons for this, and what are some possible fixes I could try myself with minimal car knowledge? I'm a single mother on a tight budget so I'd like to avoid taking it to a mechanic if possible.

Answer
You own a very complex Mazda.  Sadly, the symptoms you describe can relate back to as many as 11 different service malfunctions.  I'll try my best to help narrow things down but you will have to be hands-on on a car that is NOT easy to work on for even an experienced mechanic.  This is a real internet challenge.

1. Is the check engine light on.
2. Simple stuff, check the oil and coolant levels.  This car consumes oil and so it must be checked often, it also has a sensor if the oil gets low that can affect then engine speed or shut the car off.  Same for the coolant.
3. Last time the air filter was changed, was it recently.  Accessing it can dislocate hoses that can affect the idle characteristics if disturbed.
4. Do a general once over looking for anything that may appear out of place.  Hoses, wires.

How many miles, original engine or has it been swapped out.  Recent services/parts changed, any body worked on it lately.

Now, based on your description of you situation your trying to avoid a shop.  I seriously recommend you do not let "your cousin" or "your bro" touch this car as they will screw it up hunting down the wrong path in a vain attempt to find the problem.  They will create more than they solve, it is not a Toyota Tercel.  You could face worse issues if someone screws up something else trying to find what "could" be an easy fix.  Enough said on that point?

Get back to me with the "simple" stuff and I'll go more from there.

Are you near New Orleans or possibly Houston Texas?