Mazda RX-8 SE3P
Import a Mazda RX-8 (SE3P) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 2003–2012
- Engine
- 13B-MSP Renesis naturally aspirated twin-rotor rotary, rear-wheel drive
About the SE3P
Mazda says RX-8 production began in April 2003 and ended in June 2012 (Mazda newsroom, Apr 2012). Carsensor lists the same April 2003 to June 2012 production run. Japanese Wikipedia gives a Japan sales period of May 2003 to April 2013. At launch the Type S six-speed made 250 PS and other versions 210–215 PS (ja.wikipedia).
A facelift on 10 March 2008 added the Type RS. The high-power engine was cut to 235 PS and the base engine raised to 215 PS (ja.wikipedia). The Spirit R final edition went on sale in November 2011. Mazda doubled its planned run from 1,000 to 2,000 cars. Production had reached 192,094 by March 2012, including export cars (Mazda newsroom).
The RX-8’s Renesis was the first production rotary with side exhaust ports, which Mazda says removed valve overlap to improve economy and low-speed torque. It won the 2003 International Engine of the Year with 44 of 50 jury votes. The four-door layout came from a Ford requirement, and Mazda used rear-hinged “freestyle” doors to keep weight down. A three-rotor racing RX-8 won its class at the Daytona 24 Hours in 2008 and 2010.
- Power
- 250 PS at 8,500 rpm (Type S, 2003–08)
- Torque
- 216 Nm at 5,500 rpm
- Weight
- 1,310 kg (Type S, Carsensor)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Engine
- 13B-MSP Renesis 1,308 cc rotary
- Built
- 192,094 by Mar 2012 (all markets)
Can an SE3P come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on an SE3P
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Rotary compression test
Ask for a test on a rotary tester. Readings should be even across every rotor face. Below 7 suggests engine work (MicksGarage).
Oil history
Ask what oil is used and how often it was changed. If the owner cannot answer, treat it as a warning sign.
Ignition coils and plugs
The coils fail early and cause weak spark. Look for genuine Mazda or upgraded coils, with plugs changed about every 20,000 km.
Catalytic converter
Weak spark can send unburned fuel into the converter and melt it. Check whether the converter has been removed and look for a warning light.
Hot starts
A slow or hesitant hot start can mean low compression. Ask whether an uprated starter motor has been fitted to hide this.
Rust
Check the sills, the wheel arches and the area around the high-level brake light.
What we check on every SE3P
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What an SE3P costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Japan used-car average asking price, whole Apr 2003–Jun 2012 generation Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥1.23 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| 2012 Spirit R, 63,000 km, Japanese dealer listing Kurumaerabi, Oct 2026 | ¥3.49 million vehicle price (¥3.606 million total) | Kurumaerabi , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
SE3P buyer questions
Can I import an RX-8 to Canada?
Cars built up to October 2011 are past the 15-year rule now. Later builds, including most Spirit Rs, qualify month by month until June 2027. The US is further off: the earliest April 2003 builds qualify from April 2028.
Which RX-8 should I buy?
The six-port Type S six-speed makes 250 PS at 8,500 rpm with a 9,000 rpm redline. After March 2008 it was rated at 235 PS. The Type RS (2008) and Spirit R (2011, 2,000 cars) are the most sought after.
What goes wrong?
Ignition coils, low compression and hot-start trouble. Japanese Wikipedia also notes that the side-port design runs hot and builds up soot. Ask for a rotary compression test and oil records, and treat a missing answer as a warning sign.
Want an SE3P?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.