WTB FD RX-7 $30-40k range preferred

Wanted

1993 - 1995 Mazda RX-7

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Dec 27, 2025, 02:10 PM | Replies: 13 | Views: 1099

mmaluso

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Posts: 335

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Price
$30,000 - $40,000
Location Timnath, CO, 80547, USA
Condition Used
Transmission Manual

Description:

Cash ready. Open to different options that are realistic within fair market value of sold comps. Budget is not super strict but I'm confident within that $ range so above would need to be something special beyond that. Not really looking to pamper a 5k mile car right now, and on the other end of spectrum, I already have a couple fast street cars so not looking for a beater race car that's falling apart. Want something clean and reliable to cruise around and tinker wtih. 30-60k miles is probably the sweet spot I'm looking for where I won't feel bad about putting some light mods on it.

Most important:
- Running w/ good compression & no smoke
- 5-speed
- LHD
- Black Interior
- No fuss passing emissions (so probably stockish)

Other preferences:
- All stock body w/ no previous paint work
- No sunroof / no rear wiper / no bose
- Low owner count
- Warm states w/o salt exposure

Deal breakers unless significant discount:
- Salvage title
- Rust
- Chassis cut up for aggressive body kit
- Gutted interior
- Enough mods to make it annoying for me to quickly pass emissions. I'm guessing this rules out all single turbos and aggressive porting for now.

Anything out there that isn't already listed for sale? LMK. If I don't find anything within 6 months and get my rx8 project running then I'll open up the search to other options with the additional garage space for a project.

Dec 28, 2025 | 12:14 AM

Redbul

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From: B.C.

Several cars meeting these targets on BAT recently, including the one closing tomorrow (Sunday).

Seems sellers are setting RNM maybe 10% above your target band.

Dec 28, 2025 | 05:41 AM

mmaluso

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From: CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbul

Several cars meeting these targets on BAT recently, including the one closing tomorrow (Sunday).

Seems sellers are setting RNM maybe 10% above your target band.

I've been a lurker there for a while now and agree it seems like pricing has been settling into my range with some decent options recently, especially compared to other sites. Maybe the patience is finally paying off. Definitely a few slipped through that I didn't see and wished I bid on. I'll become more active there now that I'm motivated and open to more paint colors. Needed to rotate a couple other cars but that's mostly done.

Thought I may have found an FD this past week but didn't work out so figured it I'd take a shot here as well to spread the feelers out.

Dec 28, 2025 | 12:28 PM

Redbul

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From: B.C.

Here is a poll done a while ago. To the extent that your targets meet the opinions of the poll, you may have to expect to pay somewhat higher prices.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...tions-1160648/

Dec 28, 2025 | 01:13 PM

mmaluso

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From: CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbul

Thanks for the link. Will definitely adapt as needed after trying for a bit whether that means upping my offers or expecting more of a project.

Dec 28, 2025 | 08:27 PM

Redbul

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From: B.C.

One approach would be to secure one of the new crate motors Mazda is still making.

This will eliminate a big risk.

In recent years several very good condition cars have gone for 'parts car" pricing, for sake of a running motor.

Put 2 + 2 together and you might get to 5.

Dec 28, 2025 | 10:12 PM

mmaluso

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From: CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbul

That's an interesting idea. For $10k+ and no warranty I worry about how long those things have been sitting around in potentially less than ideal storage conditions. Have people here been buying and using them as-is with good luck or pretty much need to count on opening them up and checking before installing just to make sure everything is ok?

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Dec 29, 2025 | 12:01 AM

Redbul

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From: B.C.

I think you could talk to sakebomb. I believe they brought in a pallet of new built motors from a recent batch from Hiroshima.

Those are what I am referring to.

On the otherhand, you could get a motor rebuilt for yourself for about US$7500.

Even if you buy a 40~50,000 mile car, you'd likely want to have a spare motor on hand , in any event.

The concept being to swap out the old motor and put in the new, and send the old motor for an internal refresh - new seals and, possibly, some machining.

Then you are set for life!

Dec 29, 2025 | 12:06 AM

Redbul

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From: B.C.

BTW @silverTRD has a rebuilt keg on marketplace (low miles).

Dec 30, 2025 | 02:12 AM

#10

7mike

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Keep in mind those BaT numbers include RHD

Dec 30, 2025 | 07:10 AM

#11

mmaluso

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From: CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mike

Keep in mind those BaT numbers include RHD

That's a fair point. I hate that you can't filter it out on that site but FD sales on BaT seem heavily weighted for USDM cars so I don't think it's really skewing my mental model too much. Classic.com sale chart shows the same. Based on recent listings and some of my recent negotiations I can tell I'm getting close. It's pretty obvious where the main liquidity band is based on last 2 years of sales showing what majority of people are willing to pay for an FD right now. Could even go down more from here for all we know, but I'm ready at this level.