View Poll Results: Which would you rather buy?
A nice FD for $16k
70
66.04%
A cheap project FD
36
33.96%
Voters: 106. You may not vote on this poll
What would you rather buy?
02-25-04, 03:40 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NY
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What would you rather buy?
Kinda interested in your opinions:
Say you had $16k to spend and you were in the market for a 3rd gen RX7. Would you rather buy one in good condition that doesn't need any work or would you rather buy a cheap one that needs work but still runs (for example blown turbos) and fix it up yourself?
For me I'd rather buy a cheap one and do all the work myself. What about you?
Say you had $16k to spend and you were in the market for a 3rd gen RX7. Would you rather buy one in good condition that doesn't need any work or would you rather buy a cheap one that needs work but still runs (for example blown turbos) and fix it up yourself?
For me I'd rather buy a cheap one and do all the work myself. What about you?
02-25-04, 03:48 PM
#2
Glug Glug Glug Burp
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Scott AFB, IL
Posts: 3,819
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd buy one in decent shape with a blown motor and lots of miles. I'd strip it and start from the shell. Way I figure, no matter what FD you buy, they are all at least 9 years old.. Well, in the US anyway. 
02-25-04, 04:14 PM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NY
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok i guess i have to be a little clearer...but your right...lots of variables.
By project FD I mean something with typical problems of a 10 yr old car. Blown turbos, worn clutch, some dings/scratches on the paint.
I'd rather buy a cheap FD because then I'd be doing the fixing and I'd know the quality of the work done, the newness of the parts, and the confidence that goes with knowing how recent things were replaced.
By project FD I mean something with typical problems of a 10 yr old car. Blown turbos, worn clutch, some dings/scratches on the paint.
I'd rather buy a cheap FD because then I'd be doing the fixing and I'd know the quality of the work done, the newness of the parts, and the confidence that goes with knowing how recent things were replaced.
02-25-04, 05:40 PM
#7
Olympic Muff Diver
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i would if i could but i dont have the funds for a project car. but with a modded car my main criterion was rebuilt motor/reliability mods.
i got mine for $16.5k its about halfway to what i want it to be already(a 450-500hp daily driver running on 93, 98 and higher boost on weekends) the previous owner got it for $10k and spent like $15k on it.
i got mine for $16.5k its about halfway to what i want it to be already(a 450-500hp daily driver running on 93, 98 and higher boost on weekends) the previous owner got it for $10k and spent like $15k on it.
Trending Topics
02-25-04, 06:48 PM
#8
Finally Knows
iTrader: (21)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by turbojeff
For most people buying a fixer ends up being more expensive. A LOT more expensive.
Jeff
For most people buying a fixer ends up being more expensive. A LOT more expensive.
Jeff
02-25-04, 07:05 PM
#9
That totally depends on what kind of skills you have, what kind of project car you bought and what you want it to end up looking like. Restoring an interior can end up costing as much or MORE $$ than a good paint job.
The great thing is I've got more experience than you and I can do it cheaper. But then again I've got parts and parts cars, I've got motors, turbos, trannies, interior, exterior, etc. Parts just sitting around waiting for the right project car. Most people don't want to buy a wreck, sit on it for a year just to find another FD they can fix.
The great thing is I've got more experience than you and I can do it cheaper
. But then again I've got parts and parts cars, I've got motors, turbos, trannies, interior, exterior, etc. Parts just sitting around waiting for the right project car. Most people don't want to buy a wreck, sit on it for a year just to find another FD they can fix.
02-25-04, 07:15 PM
#10
Finally Knows
iTrader: (21)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by turbojeff
That totally depends on what kind of skills you have, what kind of project car you bought and what you want it to end up looking like. Restoring an interior can end up costing as much or MORE $$ than a good paint job.
The great thing is I've got more experience than you and I can do it cheaper. But then again I've got parts and parts cars, I've got motors, turbos, trannies, interior, exterior, etc. Parts just sitting around waiting for the right project car. Most people don't want to buy a wreck, sit on it for a year just to find another FD they can fix.
That totally depends on what kind of skills you have, what kind of project car you bought and what you want it to end up looking like. Restoring an interior can end up costing as much or MORE $$ than a good paint job.
The great thing is I've got more experience than you and I can do it cheaper
. But then again I've got parts and parts cars, I've got motors, turbos, trannies, interior, exterior, etc. Parts just sitting around waiting for the right project car. Most people don't want to buy a wreck, sit on it for a year just to find another FD they can fix.
02-25-04, 09:20 PM
#11
Buy the one in best shape you can find, IMO.
EX. 9K blown motor-turbos.
Fix yourself cost 5K for those parts, yet more trouble come up after intalling those parts, ie brake or sus. Also, time is valuable if you're working full time and have family.
16K and ready to go.
Polly another 2-3K for some smaller problems touch-ups if any. Also, time is for enjoying your new car. Plus, you can test drive it to see if it's in good condition.
POM HB
EX. 9K blown motor-turbos.
Fix yourself cost 5K for those parts, yet more trouble come up after intalling those parts, ie brake or sus. Also, time is valuable if you're working full time and have family.
16K and ready to go.
Polly another 2-3K for some smaller problems touch-ups if any. Also, time is for enjoying your new car. Plus, you can test drive it to see if it's in good condition.
POM HB
02-25-04, 09:44 PM
#12
Racing is life!
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Grapevine, TX
Posts: 2,173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by turbojeff
That totally depends on what kind of skills you have, what kind of project car you bought and what you want it to end up looking like. Restoring an interior can end up costing as much or MORE $$ than a good paint job.
The great thing is I've got more experience than you and I can do it cheaper. But then again I've got parts and parts cars, I've got motors, turbos, trannies, interior, exterior, etc. Parts just sitting around waiting for the right project car. Most people don't want to buy a wreck, sit on it for a year just to find another FD they can fix.
That totally depends on what kind of skills you have, what kind of project car you bought and what you want it to end up looking like. Restoring an interior can end up costing as much or MORE $$ than a good paint job.
The great thing is I've got more experience than you and I can do it cheaper
. But then again I've got parts and parts cars, I've got motors, turbos, trannies, interior, exterior, etc. Parts just sitting around waiting for the right project car. Most people don't want to buy a wreck, sit on it for a year just to find another FD they can fix.
TurboJeff has some serious skills and most likely a very understanding wife.
Unless you've got the skills and the time buy one that is in good shape. Even so expect to spend, spend and spend.
Last edited by cpa7man; 02-25-04 at 09:47 PM.
02-25-04, 09:48 PM
#13
Rotary Freak
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Salem, IN
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i bought mine for $10,900 and don't regret it. it had lots of problems when i bought it and popped a motor within 2 months. i saw it coming, that's why i bought it so cheap. i figured since my list of mods i wanted to do were so extensive, i'd be replacing virtually everything that wasn't that great anyways.
sometimes i do wish i woulda found one with better interior condition because those parts aren't as easy to find. but the motor, drivetrain, and exterior are all parts i had big plans for anyways
sometimes i do wish i woulda found one with better interior condition because those parts aren't as easy to find. but the motor, drivetrain, and exterior are all parts i had big plans for anyways
02-25-04, 10:17 PM
#14
BOYCOTT EXXON MOBIL!!!
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Westchester County, New York. USA
Posts: 2,048
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you got the money bye a mint one... If you don't got the money keep saving till you do... It will be well worth the wait....
Most people put tons of money into these cars and never get it back... Don't be one of these guys... Be the guy that spends $16,000 - $20,000 on a car that some one put $20,000 into plus whatever they paid for the car.........
Most people put tons of money into these cars and never get it back... Don't be one of these guys... Be the guy that spends $16,000 - $20,000 on a car that some one put $20,000 into plus whatever they paid for the car.........
02-26-04, 06:43 AM
#17
Boricua
rotaryrage: Great post!
I know some FD owners out there have some beautiful machines. Others have a little too much rice on them.
When I purchased my FD(for $12K), my plans were to make it a full track car, and today, they are still the same. She looks rough: mismatched spoiler, paint color doesn't match, scratches everywhere, broken plastic pieces everywhere, holes in the seats, clunk noise from susp. bushings, you name it, but mechanically speaking, everything is in good working order. My FD is currently a daily driver right now, because I cannot afford to ship 3 vehicles back to the states(mine, the wifey's, and another one?? No!) I have rounded up about $6,000 in 3 months, which means she'll get a stand alone (possibly Microtech LTX-8), and a strong rebuild engine (+porting maybe) for now. I am moving to the states soon, and it will be one of those garage projects (race track type, not rice trick guy) that I've always dreamed about. I wanted to do this with a DSM that I had, but life turned me around and gave me a full blown kick in the *** (totalled it). Wish me luck
I know some FD owners out there have some beautiful machines. Others have a little too much rice on them.
When I purchased my FD(for $12K), my plans were to make it a full track car, and today, they are still the same. She looks rough: mismatched spoiler, paint color doesn't match, scratches everywhere, broken plastic pieces everywhere, holes in the seats, clunk noise from susp. bushings, you name it, but mechanically speaking, everything is in good working order. My FD is currently a daily driver right now, because I cannot afford to ship 3 vehicles back to the states(mine, the wifey's, and another one?? No!) I have rounded up about $6,000 in 3 months, which means she'll get a stand alone (possibly Microtech LTX-8), and a strong rebuild engine (+porting maybe) for now. I am moving to the states soon, and it will be one of those garage projects (race track type, not rice trick guy) that I've always dreamed about. I wanted to do this with a DSM that I had, but life turned me around and gave me a full blown kick in the *** (totalled it). Wish me luck
02-26-04, 06:45 AM
#18
3rd motors a charm I hope
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Central New York
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
an already nice FD, will end up costing you less in the long run, unless you know hot to do ALL the work yourself. You seem to be new to rotary, so i would suggest browsing the forums for a while before you make your decision.
02-26-04, 10:39 AM
#20
SUPRAMAN
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well i just sold my TII and im thinking about saving up around 5k and taking out a loan for 10 and buying one for about 15 hopefully with a rebuilt motor and a few mods. Then I'll go single most likely and buy like a jeep cherokee as a daily driver. Expensive hobbie but i already miss my boost.
02-26-04, 01:21 PM
#23
the first question you have to ask youself is, "do i know what im doing?"
cause anything else after that without an answer to that question will get you nowhere..
like lets say you want to buy a cheap fd and fix it all up yourself, do you know how to do it? would you trust your own work (if its at a beginner level) for a car that you're putting SO much money into rather than pay a little more and have a "trained, experienced tuner/tech" do it for you and prob have a warranty with it?
i, myself cannot build a car from scratch.. i wish i could but i cant.. i do, however, know how to do minor mechanic work here and there..so thats why when i bought my fd, i bought a pretty low mileage one (67k) with an already rebuilt motor with a warranty on it.. the interior is about an 8 out of 10 and the paint is pretty good for a 93. and the 5th gear is fine..
so its all about preference, experience and talent..
why buy an fd for cheap and do the work yourself when you total it all out when you're done and it comes out to more than if you would've bought one ready to go? and plus it would've saved you lots of time..
cause anything else after that without an answer to that question will get you nowhere..
like lets say you want to buy a cheap fd and fix it all up yourself, do you know how to do it? would you trust your own work (if its at a beginner level) for a car that you're putting SO much money into rather than pay a little more and have a "trained, experienced tuner/tech" do it for you and prob have a warranty with it?
i, myself cannot build a car from scratch.. i wish i could but i cant.. i do, however, know how to do minor mechanic work here and there..so thats why when i bought my fd, i bought a pretty low mileage one (67k) with an already rebuilt motor with a warranty on it.. the interior is about an 8 out of 10 and the paint is pretty good for a 93. and the 5th gear is fine..
so its all about preference, experience and talent..
why buy an fd for cheap and do the work yourself when you total it all out when you're done and it comes out to more than if you would've bought one ready to go? and plus it would've saved you lots of time..
02-26-04, 09:17 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SC
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I have gone the "buy one cheap ($5k) and fix her up route" although its in really good shape and runs great . Only interior prob is the seats but I have a set of new leather seat skins coming ($500) . I have already gotten my downpipe and midpipe and Im onto my Power FC , catback etc.
This is how she looked when I got her.
This is how she looked when I got her.
02-27-04, 10:39 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Phila suburbs, PA
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The problem is that if you want to upgrade for performance and mod to your tastes, even if you buy a nice car for 16K you will spend thousands quickly. It is neverfuckingending. I still believe that is the way to go, especially if you are like me and depend on shops for the work.