1996 Mazda RX-7

2dr Coupe

2-cyl. 1308cc/255hp Twin-Turbo

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$57,500 CAD*

-1.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$20k$40kOct 2024
Pricing adjustments
+8% for R2 package.
+5% for PEP package
Adjustments are in USD
+8% for R2 package.
+5% for PEP package
Adjustments are in USD
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1993-2002 Mazda RX-7 stats
Number produced **
4762
Highest sale
$141,636 CAD
Lowest sale
$7,730 CAD
Most recent sale
$29,995 CAD
Sales
295
** Number produced is specific to this year and configuration.

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1994 Mazda RX-7 Turbo Coupe
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Model overview

Model description

Mazda fully embraced Wankel rotary engine technology way back in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the RX-7 of 1978 that they really got it right, and it’s the RX-7 that is most fondly remembered in the world of rotary-powered cars. The first generation SA/FB RX-7 was a relatively humble car despite its novel engine, and the second generation FC was similarly somewhat basic, although an optional turbocharged model was added to the mix. The third and final generation FD RX-7, however, was an entirely different car. It was more exotic both in its look and in the technology under the hood. It was also more expensive and sold in far fewer quantities. From 1978-90, about three-quarters of a million RX-7s had been built, but there were less than 70,000 FD RX-7s built from 1991-2002.

Aside from its gorgeous rounded bodywork which was arguably one of the most attractive automobile bodies of the decade, the big news for the third generation RX-7 was under the hood. A new version of the 1.3-liter 13B rotary engine (called the 13B-REW) was now twin turbocharged with a particularly complicated system in which one turbo provided boost from 1800 rpm while the second turbo, though pre-spooled, waited to come on until 4000 rpm. The goal was to provide a wide torque curve for the otherwise peaky rotary engine. This worked reasonably well, but under hard driving and in the middle of corner, such a big jump in power made the RX-7 a bit of a handful.

U.S. models included base, Touring and “R1”. The RX-7 Touring came with a sunroof, fog lights, leather upholstery, Bose Acoustic Wave audio and a rear window wiper, while the R1 model came with stiffer suspension, an additional oil cooler, a strut tower brace, spoilers, special upholstery and Z-rated tires. The Touring model was eventually replaced by a Popular Equipment Package (PEP) and the R1 became the R2. The twin-turbo RX-7 was relatively light at about 2,800 pounds, had nearly 50:50 weight distribution and came with a limited-slip diff. 0-60 mph came in the five-second range, so even though it cost well over $30,000 and had a Mazda badge, it could hang with most other cars in its price point.

Even so, the FD RX-7 was certainly not without its problems. Aside from the usual rotary issues like apex seal failures, oil consumption and muscle car-like fuel economy (17 mpg in the city is common), the sheer complexity of the car’s powertrain that made it a technical marvel when it was introduced eventually became a headache for owners. Heat in the engine bay was a common issue, with underhood temperatures getting so high that the vacuum- and pressure-operated hoses than ran the sequential turbo system would harden and crack. This has led many people to convert their RX-7s to a single turbo, removing the turbo control system that was so prone to failure. The result is more noticeable turbo lag, but many enthusiasts feel that the added simplicity and reliability under the hood is worth it.

The RX-7 only lasted until 1995 in the U.S. market and less than 15,000 were sold here. It was a hard sell since, even though it was gorgeous, it was expensive and overly complicated, and it quickly gained a reputation for being fragile. The lack of qualified mechanics to service these cars didn’t help matters, either, and the unfavorable exchange rate that plagued all high-performance Japanese cars at the time pushed RX-7 prices towards $40,000 by 1995. Today, people shopping for one of these cars should be particularly careful and particularly patient, as they are fairly rare and over the years plenty of them have been track day toys or drift cars. A compression test on the engine is a good idea, and buyers should not be wary of cars converted to a single turbo, provided the work was done professionally. A sound, well-kept example is worth the wait, though, as the final RX-7s are very well balanced and fun cars with a unique exhaust note as the revs approach an 8000 rpm redline.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1996 Mazda RX-7 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $42,600 USD for a 1996 Mazda RX-7 in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1996 Mazda RX-7 at auction over the last three years was $72,450 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1996 Mazda RX-7 at auction over the last three years was $35,786 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 5 1996 Mazda RX-7s sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1996 Mazda RX-7 was $38,356 CAD on July 30, 2024 by Cars & Bids.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.