The low auction price for the Spirit R simply tells me that the Japanese market price is hitting the bottom and will probably trend upwards later as FDs leave for export.

I'd still get a 2001 Bathurst R or 2002 Spirit R if I had the money... these things are only going up in value here. We're lucky enough to have a few shops and a bunch of people who are good at fixing FDs in Toronto.

 

What still blows me away is the very high percentage of R grade FD's.

RHD will always be a niche market in North America - it's not for everyone. But regardless, the prices in Japan continue to go up will not stop. The FD has become the trendy car again to own in Japan and that trend has already started here in North America.

The increased local Japanese demand in conjunction with the demand from exporting countries like Canada, Australia are very high and US will only make this worse.

The point is that these cars still perform at a fantastic level even for today's standards in addition to the timeless looks and iconic history. If you want a RHD FD, better get one sooner than later.

 

I'm thinking that it's ironically good that the V8 swap guys have given us a bigger supply of rotary engines...

 

What if Japan decides they want to stop giving away their "classic" cars for cheap? And even start reimporting. On a Sunday in Tokyo a few years back I saw a number of classic US and European cars cruising about. I wonder if there is some sort of classic car permitting already?


Maybe some tuners in Japan will work their way into politics and say WTF are we giving these cars away for?

 

Redbul do you work for this company...

 

Redbul does not. But he has one of the cleanest stock FD's I've seen, and also 99 spec RHD.

I beleive if you look to Austrailia, they have unreal prices for FD's. There are the ones driving up 1999-2002 prices as they aren't allowed to import 1992-1998 since they were available domestically.

But since they are RHD to begin with, there is no stigma to JDM's. They are in fact even more desireable. (See link)

https://carsales.mobi/cars/details/Mazda-RX-7-1999/OAG-AD-14209566

 

Drivers orientation is personal prefference. I personally don't didnt mind driving RHD, but preffer my now LHD. At the end of the day a clean FD is a clean FD. Even if there is a floor of RHD's... it won't affect LHD prices as only a small percentage will.

 

I am just accessing auction data results through a importer's website. They seemed to be based in Calgary judging by their number. Anyone can get a password quite quickly. "Bpro"

 

I have been studying FD prices worldwide and Canada may be the cheapest place to buy outside Japan, or now even cheaper than Japan. I want to understand that and try to discover the proper price point for the cars. My view is RHD FD here might be one of the cheapest "classic" cars anywhere on a comparative value basis.

 

Up for sale today (13th) in Japan. Sharpen your pencils!

 

This badboy fetched Y155,000 yesterday night. 1999 base RB. The other side looks just as bad. Can you see the value proposition here?

 

The database also lists about 160 FD at dealers and what seems to be the fixed prices they are asking for. There are eight pages of cars, but almost all are 1997 or newer. Prices seem much higher than auction prices generally.


Here is a sample from the 1999 list:

 

Cool,

What's the difference between the type's in the Series 8?
RS, RB, Type R?

 

The results of the sale of the 2003 Bathurst are not up yet. I note now it is a Grade R, which seems to indicate it has had an accident (front bumper is marked XX in diagram). A late production 2002 with 41,000 km sold for US$20,240 equivalent, which would indicate, to me, market is holding.

 

The Type RB had a carry forward of the 265 hp set up established in late 1995 for the 1996 model year. The R and RS had the 280 hp set up. The Type RB Special Edition had some of the upgraded cosmetic equipment of the R and RS. Here is a summary of the different models of S8.

 

The database I am looking at actually lists 92-97 cars separately as Efini RX-7. There are about 40 examples posted for dealers across Japan. About 10 are 1982 models:





The lowest listed price seems to be about US$11,000! Interesting to watch the progress on this.

 

I believe there will be a slight increase in price , now that 92 FD3S are good to go in US, it will probably more in 2024...

 

Some already have. I've had a large amount of dealers refuse to export their high quality vehicles.

 

The retail prices attributed to dealers across the country seem very high. I wonder how that works? I thought the taxes and inspection requirements on and after eight years old were prohibitive; thereby causing a crash in resale value. Are people willing to comply with those taxes and inspection in order to keep these cars? I notice on the auction sheets they often highlight a box call "taxation date" if such date is favourable. The Japanese year "30" seems to equate to 2018 (i.e. 30 years after the new emperor took over in 1988) So if you see a date like "30/5" it probably means May 2018.


I notice in some tuner magazines, Japanese cars with a red stripe across the plate (i.e. that white four rotor). I wonder if that is some sort of temporary plate, or collector car plate or something?

 

The dealers simply buy cars from the auctions like us and mark them up significantly to create the retail market.

Yes I get the dating system but the inspection date is key as it has an effect on the value of a car (being still valid or expired) since the inspection cost (required every 2 years) is significant. My guess is that taxation date may be confused with inspection expiration date.

You are referring to 'slash plates'. They are temp plates with restrictions (ie cannot drive at night, etc). They are often associated with the drift scene being rebellious and has caught on as a trendy thing.

 

Last night in Japan: 2002 Type RB Special Package 74,000 km VIN 603628: Y1,321,000 (US$11,750). Seems to be substantially stock; sales summary mentions after market wheels and muffler. Grade 4 (interior B).

 

From Vintage Motorsports Magazine...


.

 

Here is a summary for FD3S and FC3S Auction Prices in Japan January 17 to 28th

 

I'm still on the hunt for a FD, and prices are kind of all over the map. I live in the Shuswap so getting a imported FD form Japan is easy. lots of them look really nice, and others not so nice. Some of the most beautiful LHD RX7s in the states are going for very high US prices.

I truly want a LHD but have have thought of RHD from Japan recently. this is what is rolling around in my head.

buy a RHD from japan for 10-15K Canadian from a importer in Van, then spend 5-6k Canadian for rebuild. (that's the numbers u guys are throwing around on this forum.)
so we are up to 20+ thousands dollars for a running rebuilt RHD RX7.

OR

A LHD rx7 from North America (most likely from US) that is in "running" condition for 15K all the way up to 30K US. increased cost because it "is" a LHD running car, But you still don't REALLY know the condition of the motor, just what the seller tells you and your questions you are asking.

that's almost 20 to 40 thousand dollars Canadian for a unknown motor as well.

OR

A LHD rx7 from North America (most likely from US) that is "Not running" or "need Rebuild" condition and get it rebuilt. most of these are still in good shape but the owner has blown a seal and is not interested anymore. (buyer beware)
these are for sale for 6, 8, 10, 12 grand US depending on condition of car and and aftermarket parts installed. then 5-6K Canadian to get it rebuilt when you get it home.

the last idea is almost the best bet as after a rebuild from a reputable source, as least you know what under the hood, and is the cheapest option for someone really wanting a used 20+ year old LHD RX7. of course without taking it for a test drive you don't know the condiciton of transmission and other parts?

thoughts?

thanks guys!
Diggy = NooB

 

A local RHD with blown motor might be a fourth option. If that car already has its BC registry and has had a VI, you could stand to save several thousands compared to the other options.


Abbotsford rotary shop is pre-rebuilding 13bs, so you could swap your blown one and be back on the road in a week.


I think the $5-6 thousand you are speaking of for a "rebuild" would only encompass the engine. You may find you need a new turbo solution. So another $5000.