Hi, guys. This post is my first on this board after reading on and off for a bit. I'm really much enthusiastic about the rx-7 from both a visual and performance stand point and the car has been on my mind for a few months now. Having looked around on classifieds for a good car, I've only found one that I considered a reasonable price at ~$9000 for a 1993 R1. However, that car sold almost immediately for good reason.

The reason I mention this fact is that I rather want a stock car with no mods what-so-ever, and that is very hard to find in good condition. I also prefer an R1 package for its rawness. After all, the RX-7 is supposedly one of the closest things to a race car for the streets.

So, having come upon a potential Japanese importer just recently, I wonder what the legalities of importing one would be... Apparently, the importer has newer RX-7s in stock, or can obtain one to my specifications. Shipping, papers, and inspections will all get arranged beforehand. What concerns me, however, is if the car will be driveable in the U.S? I can get the car here, but will I be able to use and insure the thing?

I tried to find any information from the search, but I yielded no results. And I'm simply in the theorizing stages before moving forward. If this process is wholely dueable, I hope to have my hands on a prestine RX-7 with which i can exercise on track days, tracking events, driving schools, and anything to put it and my own skills to the test.

 

I thank you for the speedy response, speedking. Having read only half of the responses in that thread, I now know the challenges which may possibly lie ahead. I will need to take time later to read the rest.

Please, forgive my question. My searching skills are a bit lacking. I know this topic must come up, but I wasn't aware how often, and my search yielded no results. I knew this task of importation wouldn't be the easiest (or possible), but my curiosity got the best of me. Again, I am only theorizing and seeing the possibilities. This question, by no means, is a definite that I will eventually import an rx-7. Reading some of the posts in the thread which speedyking made available to me, I am very skeptical now that I can get it done legally. However, the thought of a newer rx-7 does intrigue me very much. The only downsides I can foresee right now are the costs of federalizing and a right hand drive model.

Moreover, value is still subjective, is it not? Maintenance costs aside, I simply feel the majority of RX-7s available are not the best examples, and I prefer to have a newer example with which to begin if possible. A 1993 RX-7, as nice and unique as it may be, is still a 12 year old car. I see the advantages of buying used since they have already suffered the majority of the depreciation percentage wise. I had another point to make, but the time of day has thrown me off my train of thought.

Nevertheless, I feel that I can make my own decision as to what car befits me. Afterall, I am the one expending the money, and my choices are my own.

And given the time of day, I didn't expect so many replies. And SiKoPaThX,

 

I see. However, an online forum can only represent so many people. With that in mind, I find it impossible to determine an exact amount of high maintenance vehicles versus those that require little to none. But, point taken...

Indeed, a track car requires a lot of money. A cheap track day will only run a few hundred for entrance fees. The real prices pile up when tires, fluids, brakes, and various other issues arise. Off the top of my head, I'd say an average track day costs $1000 at the very least. That number takes into account a very aggressive and competitive day, food, housing, and miscellaneous equipment.

I suppose there is no arguing with you there. Then I thank you for your concerns. Of course, I would never buy a used car without a thorough inspection by a trained professional of my choice. Because a car that I've found is cheap is rare does not make the task of obtaining one at my terms impossible. Like a person in the linked thread above stated, a car off the Japanese used market has an excellent price due to their weak used car market. If bringing one over is legally and economically feasible, I don't see why I shouldn't try. If after doing more research finding it's not possible, then I agree the car just isn't for me. After all, I can always obtain a Radical, but then I wouldn't be able to drive it on the street.

By the way, having money doesn't mean I should spend any hard earned money frivolously. Hence my original intent of obtaining information beforehand... And as I stated above, a 1993 car to me isn't worth $12,000+.

 

The issue here isn't whether I want to pay as little as possible for an FD. Rather, the value of a U.S. RX-7 isn't worth the price of entry when I can have a "new" one for proportionally less money relative to the cars age. If the process were value-oriented to me, the import would be done.

But upon further thought, the importation process will be very costly. But I am in no way thrashing those who pay more for the U.S. model. Frankly, what you pay is your choice but as I'll say again, the value isn't there for me. With the costs I'm encountering now with importing an RX-7, perhaps I was a little over my head, but if it were within $30-$50,000 I would try to import one, but apparently that's not feasible.

With all these costs in mind, I may as well import the radical and/or atom for off-road purposes only and have a simpler time with the entire process. And no, I don't have an urge to get a Z06, but thanks again for making yet another suggestion for me, rynberg... You have made your intentions well known now that you don't feel the RX-7 is the right car for me. I simply don't understand why, however, you can determine what is right for me when you don't know my level of skill nor ability to get this process done.

Again, thank you to everyone who made suggestions and comments. I appreciate all of your time.

 

Kento, I felt rynberg's suggestion was his attempt at swaying my decision to purchase an RX-7 yet again. He had made a prior suggestion that the car was not the one for me, so can you see where I'm simply stating that my decision is my own?

As for saving me headaches I appreciate whatever information that was already provided and I need no more. Also, I don't see where the confusion is for you. The market value and market price are two completely different things. I simply think the market value and price should be ~$7000 with a high of $9000 for a 12 year old car with an intial 15% depreciation then roughly 10% every year after.

So no, an $18,000 1993-1995 rx-7 isn't the car for me. I'm not stating it's out of my pricerange, though. I'm simply saying the value isn't there. If I were to import a "NEW" rx-7 (if possible realistically speaking), then the value is still there. However, with all the hidden costs, I realized my mistake since I hadn't thought THAT far into the process. So yes, a "new" 1999-2001 rx-7 for $40k is still a reasonable price if it were possible to bring it in and drive it for that much total.

I want to point out "off-road use" in my previous post. That statement alone would mean a radical or atom would not be used on the street nor be street legal at all (although that would be a BLAST!). From what I've read, there was an atom for sale in Seattle that was in use on the street. The source seemed credible, but I never looked into it. However, I never wanted a street legal atom or radical. I did, in fact, state off-road use only.


And woldpackfd32, I can handle the costs for maintenance, don't you worry. If I could have found a good condition for what I consider a reasonable price, I'd make sure that the thing runs as perfect as an rx-7 can. I don't want to shell out $12k+ for an rx-7, you're right. If you could buy a 997s or an m3, which would have more value? From a price to performance standpoint, I'd have to say the m3. That means I would not pay the $20k+ premium for a 997 when there's nothing more than a badge and a depreciating rock. Just because I can afford it doesn't mean it's affordable, if that clicks with you then you'll know what I mean.


And I don't want to sound pompous all, but I have to get this off my chest: If the mentality here reflects the typical RX-7 owner, one where even information gathering or my "theorizing" is offset by such comments as "yeah, it's not the right car for you because we know you better than you know yourself" then perhaps the car isn't right for me.


I'll say this once again: I don't think the RX-7 we have in the states is worth $15k+ nor is it worth $12k or $10k. I think the value SHOULD BE AT $7000 to $9000 because there is... for what I assume to be the reason... a demand for it because of the anime series called Initial D(rift). If you buy one for more than what I wouldn't buy one for, then the car has a higher value to you than it does for me.


I'll thank you all for the comments again, but I think you misunderstand my idea of value here. And for the price of a brand new c7 z06, I rather get a slightly used 996 GT3 because that's what I would want, simple as that


Guys, sorry if we got off on the wrong foot, alright. But I seriously think you guys misinterpretted some of the stuff I've said. And please, no more suggestions of what you think is right for me. I really feel I've been on the defensive for this entire thread. I got the information I needed from this board for importing an rx-7, so I'll probably stop replying here. I wish you guys well with all your endeavors because you have a great car.

 

All right, I considered replying after seeing speedking's reply of infinite wisdom. Seeing his enthralling response convinced me to do so. I'll address everyone in order with speedking last.

First, you guys really need to read a little more. For example:

I addressed twice the fact my searches yielded nothing. Perhaps I used the wrong parameters? Perhaps I operated the search wrong? Needless to say, I couldn't find what I needed and asked a question on a public forum to seek advice and help. Rather than be a prude, I'll be blunt and say for the most part everyone's been quite obnoxious in their responses. Maybe there's some clique-ish mentality here that I have not been privied to, but I know now that that, may in fact, be the truth.

I considered importing an rx-7, yes. Upon further research, I assume that $15k is just a number you pulled out of nowhere to make a point. And why would I want to convert to 99 spec? From my understanding, there is more to 99 spec than a body kit. For instance, turbos and other essential underbody parts changed. The purpose of importing new was to have a pristine condition rx-7 that represented the true end of its line.

Did I change the topic? I thought the topic changed when someone insisted I get another car. Please reread and notice several instances where a different car was suggested to me because they thought the car wasn't right for me. To be frank again, I believe I am going into this situation better than most. To put into perspective, I am going in with money to buy, restore, and maintain the rx-7 with no strain on my part. But I will emphasize now that I didn't get to my situation by spending frivolously. I take care to make decisions which I think are smart. Not only am I secure enough with funds to purchase the car, but also have the ability to maintain it. Unlike some posts I have read prior to signing up for an account and posting, people purchase the car with their last cent and scramble to find money to work on it. Sometimes, these modifications are junk, to say the least. Also, people mod to extropolate the most power they can with whatever money they have. In the end, the modification is often incomplete and they have no understanding of how to put that power to the ground. In fact, I recall one post of a kid who crashed his white FD3S shortly after purchase because he could not handle the car.

I never entered this conversation arguing the value. To me the value isn't up to snuff, all right? That glass of champagne to me isn't worth $5000 so I'm not going to buy it. Is it to you? You may buy whatever you want and I am not challenging you. It seems, however, that my mentality isn't shared on this board. You all hold dearly that your rx-7 is worth some amount and won't budge. There are cars I've seen on classifieds that have stayed for months without selling because the price is wrong. I have kept in touch with some rx-7 owners and found they won't budge on the price. Prices I speak of are in the $15k-$18k range. Some even clipse $20k and many ask for much more.

I tried to be humble, but all I faced were obnoxious responses in my opinion. There's nothing more I have to say on that. I also don't believe I attacked anyone, so if anything you are placing some needless blame on me, the newcomer with a valid question, dedicated responses, and a pleasant demeanor until now. I have also been thankful in many of my posts.


I apologize if I came off as angry towards you particularly. My questions have met nothing but frustration from the board. I have read the many FAQs and I am well aware of the costs of maintenance. That was another reason an imported RX-7 would have eased my mind because it would have been thoroughly examined by a trained rotary mechanic. Thanks anyway for your support, I suppose.


I took supply and demand into consideration, but I wasn't aware of one factor: fads. A recent fad determined the value of the RX-7 as it seems to be right now. For the most part, however, a low value for the car should be in the range I specified many times earlier. Apparantly the market price isn't. While the market value is quite low, the market price has been affected by its cult/fad following.

The new Mustang is slated by analysts to be quite the car. It's not the best car in the world, but as an overall car it's not bad at all. Looks alone have already determined its future since the previous generation was a disappointment. The previous car was all show no go. I suppose I expected nothing less from a car with a fake air scoop.

Yes, the 7th generation has been out for quite some time. Depending on where you are, the price may still be at MSRP. Otherwise, you can obtain one with a discount. The Z06 is slated for a release sometime this year with 500hp and will compete in line with the Dodge SRT-10/Viper. It is a very impressive car performance wise for the money.


Speedking, you alone prompted my responses.
Supply and demand have prompted the market price to flutuated. However, the market value is what I've been looking for in a used U.S.A. car and that depreciates every single year like most any other car. Please do look at sales figures for the RX-7 in the used car market and let me know what you find. Since the premiere and popularity of the cartoon show, the demand has increased dramatically. Correlate that finding to the market prices of cars and again let me know what you find. You spout information for which you know nothing. Your reponse was ridiculous to say the least and is what I expect of the typical teenager who owns the car. Am I generalizing the population now? Sure. I expected this board to consist of serious trackers with considerable experience and knowledge. Speedking, you're no longer worth my effort after this post. By the way, if you don't think NADA or KBB base their values on market price then you are quite naive.

Finally, I wish to thank ANYONE who had good intentions. Before I cancel my account, take it to the track, guys. I've seen enough "incidents" on the streets from kids in fast cars who couldn't handle them. I can't say it's been a pleasure exchanging words here, but it's been an eye opener.