Is it a 1996 model?

[mikeMK]

Hi all,

Newbie here. I\'ve put a deposit down on a \'Late Spec - 1996\' model rx7. When I went to see it I forgot to check what I think was the only tell-tale sign of a (fairly modified) Series 5 FD; whether the dash illumination was green or amber. This has only bothered me since I got the HPI report stating its year of manufacture was 1995.

The questions are:

--> Can a the HPI report be trusted considering the car is an import (date of UK registration 17/01/06)

--> Is it possible that it is a 1995 car but a series 5?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers,
Mike

[andrewrx7]

Ring up whoever is selling the car and get the VIN number. Then have a look at this (http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48065) thread and see what the date of issue was in Japan. General concencous is that it is a pretty accurate database.
VIN number will also tell you which version it is: generally FD3S1*= 91/92/93, FD3S2*= 93/94/95, FD3S3*= 95, FD3S4* 96/97/98, FD3S5*= 99, FD3S6*=00/01/02.

[mikeMK]

Thanks for the link.

Arse, turns out it is a 1995 Model, and not even late...May! How would DVLA have allocated that an N reg and not an M?

Given that I\'ve already put a deposit down, what\'s the general feeling on this? Is it worth less because its a \'95 and not a \'96? Most of the changes between the S3 and S4 seem to have been swapped out for aftermarket parts, bar the larger brakes (if that means bigger calipers?!)....

[andrewrx7]

Some cars are plated up wrongly....example - when I was looking for mine, I went to see one advertised as one of the last RX7s, and on an 02 plate. Got the VIN number and found out it was actually a 99 car - presumably someone at the DVLA somehow misread the export/import forms (or the dealer just plain lied when he registered it). Needless to say, I left it well alone!
Check the VIN number - that will tell you definately whether it is a 95 or a 96 (which may have been made in 95 ready for the 96 launch i.e. it may of 96 spec.).
Changes between the 2 years are small anyway and given that you say it is modified anyway, I\'d guess there is not alot of difference in value between either year. These are the suggested changes from 95 to the 96 model;

Computer changed to 16 bit
Manual models 10 ps more 265ps, 7500 rpm 13ps more
Hard "Y" Pipe all changed to alloy
Round tail lights
Adjustable dash illumination deleted.
Changed dash illumination from Amber to green
Last glass sunroof option
Spare wheel changed from aluminium to steel (grade down)
Carpet changed from cut pile to loop pile (grade down)
All interior parts cost reduced
Colours:
Vintage Red
Silverstone metallic
Brilliant Black
Chaste White

[FDRZRich]

Hi all,

Newbie here. I\'ve put a deposit down on a \'Late Spec - 1996\' model rx7. When I went to see it I forgot to check what I think was the only tell-tale sign of a (fairly modified) Series 5 FD; whether the dash illumination was green or amber. This has only bothered me since I got the HPI report stating its year of manufacture was 1995.

The questions are:

--> Can a the HPI report be trusted considering the car is an import (date of UK registration 17/01/06)

--> Is it possible that it is a 1995 car but a series 5?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers,
Mike

Are you still after a late spec car mate?