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FD3S
Mazda RX-7
マツダ RX-7
- Years
- 1991–2002
- Engine
- 13B-REW sequential twin-turbo rotary
- Power
- 188–206kW
- Price in Japan
- ¥2.5m–¥9m; Spirit R models are the top of the market
The best-looking Japanese car of its era and the most demanding to own. Sequential twin turbos, near-perfect balance and a rotary engine that punishes neglect.
What costs money
- Apex-seal wear — always ask for a compression test with printed figures.
- The rat's nest of vacuum hoses; many cars are converted to a single turbo because of it.
- Overheating history: check for a warped alloy nose and mismatched coolant.
- Rust behind the front wheel arches and under the battery tray.
What a good one looks like
- Documented engine rebuild within the last 40,000km.
- Standard sequential system still functioning.
- Grade 4 with clean underbody photos.
Importing one
Pre-2001 cars are age-exempt for Australia; the final Spirit R cars need SEVS/RAW until 2027. No barrier for New Zealand.