Mazda RX-7 FD3S Series (1991–2002)
Import a Mazda RX-7 FD3S from Japan, with estimated landed and complied pricing from around $37,100 AUD.
Mazda RX-7 FD3S Series
The third-generation Mazda RX-7 FD3S remains one of Japan’s best-known rotary sports cars. Produced from December 1991 to August 2002, it pairs a lightweight rear-wheel-drive coupe with Mazda’s 13B-REW sequential twin-turbo rotary engine. From early touring specifications to the Type R, Type RS and final Spirit R editions, the FD3S offers a wide range of factory grades.
Prestige Car Imports can help source an FD3S from Japan, arrange an inspection and organise shipping and Australian import arrangements. Depending on its build date and specification, an FD3S may qualify under the rolling 25-year-old vehicle pathway or the later SEVS pathway.
Production History
- December 1991: The third-generation ɛ̃fini RX-7 FD3S launches in Japan with the 13B-REW sequential twin-turbo rotary engine.
- August 1993: Mazda introduces an early FD3S product update.
- March 1995: The 1995 model receives further revisions.
- January 1996: A further update continues the development of the FD3S.
- October 1997: The Japanese-market model name changes from ɛ̃fini RX-7 to Mazda RX-7.
- January 1999: A substantial update introduces 280 PS Type R and Type RS grades, revised aerodynamics and chassis tuning.
- October 2000: Brake, suspension, instrument and side-impact protection updates arrive alongside the limited Type RZ.
- 2001: The Type R Bathurst R and Type R Bathurst special editions arrive.
- April–August 2002: Mazda releases the final Spirit R series in April and ends FD3S production in August.
The FD3S is commonly described in six Japanese production revisions. Equipment and engine outputs changed across those revisions, so a later Type RS specification should not be assumed to apply to an early car.
FD3S — Mazda RX-7
Approved for Import to Australia
Two import pathways are available, depending on the individual vehicle.
25-year-old vehicle pathway: An FD3S may qualify when its relevant build date is at least 25 years before the application. The qualifying date moves forward over time. Significant modifications can affect the relevant build date, and Australian import approval is still required.
SEVS pathway: SEV-000749 covers the FD3S within September 1999 to December 2002. The corresponding in-force Model Reports are MRE-000011 and MRE-000167, subject to the selected report’s vehicle specifications.
View Model Report MRE-000011 →
View Model Report MRE-000167 →
Australian Government: Importing a vehicle 25 years or older →
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Generation | Third-generation Mazda RX-7, FD3S |
| Japanese production | December 1991 – August 2002 |
| Engine | 13B-REW, twin-rotor sequential twin-turbo petrol rotary |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, depending on grade and year |
| Late Type RB manual (1999–2000 reference) | 265 PS / 195 kW |
| Late Type RB automatic (1999–2000 reference) | 255 PS / 188 kW |
| Late Type R / Type RS manual (1999–2000 reference) | 280 PS / 206 kW |
| Australian import | Rolling 25-year-old pathway or SEVS, as applicable |
Engine output, suspension, equipment and trim vary across the FD3S production years.
Estimated Landed & Complied Pricing
Pricing is indicative and varies with Japanese auction results, exchange rates, condition, shipping and applicable import costs. Registration and other on-road costs are separate.
Estimated from around
$37,100 AUD
landed and complied
- Entry-level FD3S pricing reference.
Price on enquiry
- Performance specifications; price depends on year, condition and grade.
Price on enquiry
- Special editions are individually sourced and priced.
Factory Grades & Equipment
The FD3S was sold in different specifications throughout its production run. These are the principal documented later Japanese grades; earlier examples can have different factory equipment and outputs.
| Grade | Factory equipment and differences |
|---|---|
| Type RB 5MT | 265 PS manual in the 1999 specification, with standard-type dampers and 16-inch tyres. |
| Type RB 4AT | 255 PS four-speed automatic, with the Type RB touring-oriented suspension specification. |
| Type RB S Package 5MT | 265 PS manual with an optional equipment package adding Type R features, including the adjustable large rear spoiler and front fog lamps. |
| Type R 5MT | 280 PS manual, firmer damper tuning and an adjustable large rear spoiler. |
| Type RS 5MT | 280 PS manual with Bilstein dampers, staggered 17-inch performance tyres and twin engine oil coolers. |
Australian Market Pricing & Potential Savings
Potentially save $10,000+ by importing from Japan. The Japanese market provides access to different FD3S grades, colours, transmissions and special editions. Australian availability and asking prices vary considerably, particularly for low-kilometre manual cars and limited editions. The potential saving depends on the exact vehicle, its condition and the Australian market at the time of purchase.
Sources: ROVER SEV-000749 · ROVER Model Report MRE-000011 · ROVER Model Report MRE-000167 · Australian Government: Importing a vehicle 25 years or older · Mazda: RX-7 production chronology · Mazda: 1999 RX-7 update and factory grades · Mazda: 2000 RX-7 and Type RZ · Mazda: 2002 Spirit R
Have more questions?
See our Import FAQs for shipping, compliance and timelines, or browse all vehicle guides.
Enquire About an RX-7 FD3S
Tell us which FD3S revision, factory grade, transmission and approximate budget you are looking for. We can discuss suitable vehicles in Japan and confirm the applicable import pathway before purchase.