I have wanted an RX-7 for a long time and now it looks like I might accualy be able to pull the money together and get one.
Here is the problem. I am looking at all the options and models and it is all getting really confusing. I live in an area where RX-7s are really rare. (There is only one in my town and it isn't for sale.) So I am sort of limited and I can't just say "ya, I want this model and these options." I know that they changed a lot of stuff in '94 and made a bunch of improvements. Can I just buy the parts and add this stuff or am I going to have to get out my welder to get it to be the same. Also I know that some had sun roofs and some didn't. First what models had them, because that is something I really want, and second where they availible in glass or just solid. And if they where availible in glass can you swap the solid for the glass or was the design competely different.
I know I am asking for alot here, but I want this car to be the best and if it means that I'll have to wait forever until I can find that perfect one I'll do it, but if I can just buy a '93 and add everything else, that would be great. I am greedy. What can I say?

 

If you are looking at a '93, I believe there were only three different types:

Base
Touring
R1

Base is base..

Touring is the model that includes the sunroof. I don't think they ever had the clear moonroof style, I think they were all solid. They also have cruise control, leather seats, rear windshield wiper and a Bose stereo system.

The R1 model doesn't have the sunroof, rear wiper, cruise control, or leather seats but has an upgraded suspension and an extra oil cooler.

You can purchase a '93 Touring model and upgrade the suspension to match or better the R1 suspension. Most people usually do, but very few go all the way and add the extra oil cooler.

 

Oh, another question ... sorta along the same lines.
Is the dash black in all 3rd gens? And how much of a pain is it to change interior color down the road?

Thanks,

 

• All models have black dashes regardless if its a tan, black, or red interior

• Only Touring, PEP, and PEG packages were factory built with sunroofs/moonroofs

• only 94 Touring/PEG packages had the glass moonroof standard and they're easily swappable into any of the other sunroof models

• Mazda constantly made improvements throughout the years so the last year/build date available would be the best(i.e. late 95). Even with a '93, there's lots of differences between an early '93(one built before 6/92) and later ones.

• In most every case, you can add the later year parts if you desire but factory parts are expensive. Something like a sunroof is obviously not something you can really add.

Generally speaking, the condition of the car itself will be the most overriding factor more than what year the car is. A good owner will have done improvements beyond what Mazda offered as standard on the car such as an upgraded radiator, downpipe, boost gauge, etc. as well as frequent oil changes.

if you haven't done so yet, read up everything you can on buying a used RX-7 on the sites that are out there

 

Thanks JspecFD,
There is a '93 FD for sale about an hour from me and I just want to make sure that if I end up buying a '93 that I am not going to regret waiting to find a later year. Also does $10,500 sound right if it is in good condition? I haven't looked at it yet so I can't tell ya what it's like.

 

10,500 would be a steal if it were in great condition. Does the car have a clean record, no rebuild, or salvage title? Taking it to a reliable local rotary mechanic would be the best thing to do.

 

I would be very hesitant on buying one for $10,500. Especially in an area where the cars are rare.

It's bound to have some pretty serious problems.

 

Hmmmm
I'll try and get the VIN.
Also, does Mazda keep track if the TSBs where done?