2001 RZ...etc, etc.

[Gomez]

G'day all.

In 2004 I was enlightened when the RX-8 won the (Australian) Wheels magazine Car Of The Year award. It handled like a demon and had sufficient poke, so I bought one.

Around 18 months ago, I bought a 1984 RX-7 so I could do something with my hands (the RX-8 was too reliable). I handed the RX-8 keys to my wife and drove the RX-7 for a year or so, having rebuilt the carb, replaced a lot of rubber stuff....etc, etc.

The RX-8 is gone now, but the RX-7 lives on.

I was all set to buy another RX-8, but the new model wasn't going to be a lot different from the old one...so that idea was shelved.

Over many years I've read a lot on forums about the FD RX-7. I knew enough to be dangerous, and being someone who likes to tinker with cars, I was won over by it's technical complexity. I'd learnt that it's unforgiving of stupidity, that it requires an observant owner, and that it's one of the best looking cars that God ever invented.

I put what I'd learnt to good use earlier this year when I embarked on a hunt for a nice Spirit R, or RZ RX-7. To limit the dickhead previous owner factor, I sought out cars that were one owner, unmodified, very low mileage as-new examples.

In the end I limited my search to the last model RZ (many don't realize that the RZ was sold over many years in Japan). The last of the RZ's (2000-2001 models, 175 total build) are virtually identical to the Spirit R, but come only in the gorgeous Snowflake White Pearl. I'd decided that the Spirit R was a little too "show pony" for me. I prefer my brake calipers un-red!!

With only 175 examples to pick from, I soon realised that Japan was my best bet. A small number of RZ's had been imported to Australia, but I didn't find any that met my strict criteria.

Eventually, I found a car yard outside of Tokyo that had two very low km RZ's. The car I purchased and imported was a one owner, unmarked, 15,000km (9300 mile) 2001 model. It had been modified...the owner had installed $1000 worth of Xenon headlights.

It arrived here in Australia unmarked, unblemished (and un-washed!). It runs like a train, and I drive it every day. Great cars are meant to be driven, IMO.

Here's the two beasts together, this pic taken just after the RZ arrived here. I haven't taken many photos of the RZ....too busy driving it!!

Enough from me......I look forward to learning a lot more here, and maybe passing on a little of what I have learned along the way.

Cheers,

Gomez

[Herblenny]

Welcome!!

[Gomez]

Thanks mate...nice to be here .

[Whizbang]

wow, that must have been a pricey endeavor!

[Gomez]

Originally Posted by Low Impedance

wow, that must have been a pricey endeavor!

Only $795USD to ship the car to Australia.

All up, less than buying a new RX-8.

[Whizbang]

huh, that is a actually not too shabby. Although i would have NO idea on how to organize such an feat. Do you have to go through a broker or the like? I know our laws here a little less...friendly....towards importing cars, but i have always wanted an ACTUAL infini or a 12a turbo or an older Cosmo

[Gomez]

A few more pics of the car in Japan, just prior to export:

It came with all the service documents and owners manuals etc. It'd had twelve dealership services in 15,000km.

It's been loved senseless!!

[Gomez]

Originally Posted by Low Impedance

huh, that is a actually not too shabby. Although i would have NO idea on how to organize such an feat. Do you have to go through a broker or the like? I know our laws here a little less...friendly....towards importing cars, but i have always wanted an ACTUAL infini or a 12a turbo or an older Cosmo

I tried to buy the car directly from the dealer....but they refused to sell it to me.

I found an Australian broker who is based in Japan. He used my cash, bought the car, and exported it.

Buying a car and importing it is no harder than doing your own tax return.....it's ugly, but sometimes it just has to be done!!

[Herblenny]

Very Nice! I recently picked up a Red recaro seats for my FD... I guess its time I start a thread about my BLK FD project

[Whizbang]

hmm....my current long term car plan is to save a hefty deposit for the arrival of the new rx7. Pending on how badly the end product is, i will use the money to buy another "dream car".

[Gomez]

Originally Posted by Low Impedance

....the new rx7....

Don't start that rubbish, we all know the world will end before a new RX-7 eventuates

[Whizbang]

or at least then whatever the 16x gets shoved in to.

[Miata_mx5]

Awesome Gomez!

My dream FD is a 2001 Type R Bathurst R in Sunburst yellow.

I will have one, one day.

[Herblenny]

My Dream FD is the one I'll be building

[Phoenix7]

welcome to the club. Sweet car, great story and great posts!

the world WILL end before the new RX7 is out!!!