Mazda RX-7 Buying Guide: FD, FC & FB Generations Compared

Rankings

1. 1
   RX-7 FDAvg $49,511 12-mo -26.8%

   n=135 sold

   The twin-turbo masterpiece — 255hp from a 1.3L rotary in one of the most beautiful sports car bodies ever designed

   Aug 24, '261993 Mazda RX-7 Touring 5-Speed$22k

   Aug 22, '261994 Mazda RX-7 Touring$59k

   Aug 20, '261993 Mazda RX-7 R1$61k
2. 2
   RX-7 FCAvg $11,806 12-mo +1.4%

   n=57 sold

   The second-generation RX-7, a capable and underrated chassis that punches well above its weight

   Sep 9, '261986 Mazda RX-7 GXL 5-Speed$16k

   Sep 2, '261991 Mazda RX-7 Convertible$9.5k

   Aug 28, '261990 Mazda RX-7 Convertible$8.5k
3. 3
   RX-7 FC Turbo IIAvg $22,687

   n=11 sold

   The turbocharged FC with 200hp, offering serious performance at a fraction of FD prices

   Jul 23, '261987 Mazda RX-7 Restomod$6.5k

   Mar 10, '261988 Mazda RX-7 Turbo 10th Anniversary$24k

   Feb 21, '261988 Mazda RX-7 Turbo 10th Anniversary$27k
4. 4
   RX-7 SA & FBAvg $15,415 12-mo -23.4%

   n=92 sold

   The original lightweight rotary sports car that started the legend, pure and simple

   Sep 8, '261984 Mazda RX-7 SCCA E Production Race Car$7.4k

   Sep 4, '261982 Mazda RX-7 S 5-Speed$14k

   Sep 4, '261985 Mazda RX-7 12A$11k

Comparison

How to Choose

• Compression testing is the single most important pre-purchase step. Anything below 7.0 across all faces means a rebuild is coming ($3K-$6K).
• FD prices surged for years and have cooled recently — clean stock examples still open around $40K, and modified cars are worth significantly less. Originality is everything.
• The FC Turbo II (1987-1991) offers 80% of the FD experience for about half the price. The non-turbo FC is underpowered.
• JDM-spec FDs (right-hand drive, sequential twin-turbo) are entering the US under the 25-year rule. Verify import paperwork carefully.
• Never buy a heavily modified RX-7 unless you can verify the builder's reputation. Bad rotary builds fail catastrophically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the RX-7 rotary engine?

The rotary is reliable when maintained correctly but has a finite lifespan. Expect apex seal replacement every 80K-120K miles ($3K-$6K for a quality rebuild). Use premix oil in the fuel (1 oz per gallon), never lug the engine at low RPM, and let the car warm up fully before driving hard.

How much is a Mazda RX-7 FD worth?

Stock FDs range from $35K-$80K depending on condition, mileage, and color. The best low-mile, unmodified examples in original colors can exceed $80K. Modified cars sell for 30-50% less than stock equivalents.

RX-7 FD vs Supra — which should I buy?

The FD is lighter (2,800 lbs vs 3,400 lbs), more agile, and more exotic-feeling. The Supra is more robust, easier to modify to extreme power, and more comfortable. The FD rewards driving skill; the Supra rewards horsepower. Both are icons.

What kills a rotary engine?

Low-RPM lugging (starves the apex seals of oil), inadequate warm-up, coolant leaks into the rotor housings, and poor fuel quality. The rotary needs to spin to stay healthy. Short trips with no warm-up are the worst use case.