D Car — July 2004

Like other sports cars, the RX-7 has a high accident-damage rate. When considering an example priced below market, carefully check its repair history. Be prepared for a high share of cars with tuning or cosmetic modifications; finding a completely stock car can be difficult. Alongside Mazda dealers, there are RX-7 specialists and shops focused on sports cars. Look where selection is broad. Their expertise—from pre-sale servicing through after-sales support—can help you find a used car that is safer and more reassuring to own.

This grade came standard with luxury and convenience features such as a Super Premium music system, power sliding sunroof and fully automatic climate control. At launch, it was the only grade with standard SRS airbags. However, because manual-transmission cars sold in greater numbers, Type X Touring is rare on the used market and seldom appears at dealers.

This special edition commemorated victory in Australia’s Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race. Later versions kept the performance equipment—spoiler, alloy wheels and strut tower bar—while simplifying other features, such as removing the audio system. That cut the price by more than ¥600,000 and made the model noteworthy. It is relatively easy to find among the special editions.

6/10/2004

Used-car market

The RX-7 used-car market is plainly expensive. Production has ended, no new cars are available, and strong enthusiast demand keeps sales steady. Late models—especially the final Spirit R—can sell in excellent condition for nearly their original new-car price. These high prices are unlikely to ease soon.

RX-7 market information by grade

Type R

A sporty grade offered from the model’s debut. Front aero skirts and a floating rear wing set it apart visually. Driving-focused equipment included a front strut tower bar and dedicated Expedia S-07 tires. It is the most plentiful grade on the used market.

Plentiful

Prices remain high and steady.

Type X Touring

Availability

Type RZ — First offered in 1993, this special edition returned several times and later became a catalog grade after a facelift. Based on the Type R, it added Bilstein shocks, BBS alloy wheels and a reinforced Torsen limited-slip differential for racing. A revised final-drive ratio further improved performance.

Common

Availability

R Bathurst

Common

Availability

RB / same Bathurst

In the January 1996 facelift, the Type R Bathurst moved from special edition to catalog model. The lineup included the basic Type RB and the better-equipped Type RB Bathurst. The RB is harder to choose between, while the Bathurst offered useful performance equipment at a lower price, making it a strong value and a popular seller.

Common

Availability

Type RS — When the 1995 model year launched, the Type R-S arrived with substantially upgraded equipment. It used staggered 17-inch ultra-low-profile tires (Expedia S-07), BBS alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel and a redesigned rear spoiler as standard.

Common

Availability

Spirit R — The final special edition, offered in Types A, B and C, was limited to 1,500 cars sold from March through August 2002. The two-seater Type A improved braking with drilled ventilated discs and high-performance stainless-steel braided brake hoses. It is the most performance-focused FD.

The strongest—and final—FD commands a premium.

The Spirit R series, the final limited-edition RX-7, can fetch more than ¥3.5 million—close to its original price—when in excellent condition. The Type A, billed as the ultimate RX-7, commands especially strong prices.

Availability

RX-7 used-car prices by model year

The chart summarizes asking prices for RX-7 (FD3S) cars on the used market, excluding examples with extreme modifications. It includes all grades and special editions.

model year

¥4 million

¥3 million

¥2 million

¥1 million

Price (yen)

D Car — July 2004

About this issue

Page 104 — English draft translation