What is the best place and way to buy a Mazda RX-7 FD?

Finding a Mazda RX-7 (FD) requires casting a wide net, as they are rare and highly sought after. Here is the best approach for locating and buying one:

Where to Look

• Search Aggregators: AutoTempest is highly recommended because it consolidates searches across multiple sites like Craigslist, eBay, and Cars.com ².
• Classifieds & Auctions: Keep a close eye on Bring a Trailer, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and the RX7Club Marketplace ¹.
• International Listings: If you are open to importing, check Canadian sites like Kijiji. However, keep in mind that Canada has a 15-year import rule compared to the US 25-year rule, so some right-hand-drive Japanese imports legal in Canada may not yet be legal in the US ².

The Best Way to Buy

• Have Cash Ready: These cars sell quickly. Have your budget sorted and money in hand so you can put down a deposit immediately and travel to see the vehicle ².
• Buy Complete: Purchase a car that is as close to ready-to-drive as your budget allows. Buying a cheap project car or rolling shell can easily snowball; for example, a $5,500 salvage project can quickly turn into an $18,000 to $30,000+ headache ².
• Expect Immediate Maintenance: Where you buy matters less than what you buy, as these are old cars that will need work regardless of the source ³. Be prepared to spend money right away. Low-mileage collector cars will likely need old, dry-rotted tires replaced, while modified or high-mileage cars might have weak compression and need an engine rebuild sooner rather than later ².

Decide exactly what you want—whether that is a pristine stock model, a right-hand-drive import, or a lightly modified weekend driver—and be patient until the right configuration pops up.