When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm not looking to replace my FD. Rather getting another car that's newer and easier to maintain when I don't feel like driving the FD. I always keep coming back to the C6 Z06.
505hp LS7
Dry sump
Factory widebody
Big brakes
Aluminum frame
Carbon floor pans
Magnesium engine cradle
Can fit huge tires
The C6 Z06 is a beast! Have not driven one, but would love to. I have a feeling they will be worth a lot one day. The last mechanical NA big bore vette with looks to kill.
The 3rd gen Rx-7 is my favorite car. I love enjoy driving it like nothing else. Since 1995 (or 2002 depending on where you live) no car manufacturer has built a car that is a suitable replacement in my bigoted opinion. I have driven newer, faster cars, but none of them feel so pure in the ball park of 300hp. There is one problem; its old.
I am starting this thread to see what cars you would replace your FD with in the event you could no longer own it.
Here are the rules:
It has to be under $65k (the median household income in the US)
It has to be a small light weight package. Back seats are allowed, but they better be small (think 911 or JDM FD).
It has to be reasonable to maintain. Nothing like an ultra rare exotics that require an engine out timing chain replacement every 30k miles.
It has to be made in the last 15 years.
You have to have driven the car or at least rode in it and describe the experience.
Under $65K? I suggest an alfa romeo giulia quadrifoglio. Very direct driving experience, and quick AF.
Timing belt is a bit of a pain to change and is required every 4 years, but does not require the engine to come out to replace it. Pretty small back seat too.
I've owned my BRZ since 2014, it's my only other car aside from the FD, and I'll fight for it a little bit.
I'm not a "suspension guy" so it's hard for me to describe this but I think that as far as "feel" goes, the BRZ seems just that bit sharper to me. Sort of like, it gives me more confidence than my FD does. That said, my FD on it's sticky tires and upgraded coilovers WILL outhandle versus the stock suspension'd BRZ but I think the way they set up the BRZ from the factory is just so well done, I have no intention of touching it. Not that it isn't sort of tempting, because it also has a crazy amount of aftermarket support if modifications and handling / performance improvements are your thing.
Like basically everyone, I was dissatisfied with the 200 crank HP (mine dynoed at 175 WHP) that the engine puts out stock. Folks also say that the FA20 engine in it can be a fragile thing. However, it's a fine block if you're not shooting for the moon. I kept mine stock for a year before I supercharged it (and again, tons of aftermarket forced induction options out there), it's now at 270WHP, not a monster by any stretch of the imagination but it's exactly what it should have come with from the factory. It's just like all the initial reviews said back in the day- It's just a fun car to drive, period. Not to mention, it's been reliably boosted for 6 years at this point, with zero problems I've encountered.
I've only got space for two cars. I desperately want something more practical than either of my small sports cars. The logical thing would be to keep the FD as my fun car and swap the BRZ for a light truck or something. But I just can't bring myself to do it, and I think that says something.
Wow this gained traction. The three cars that keep coming up are the mk V Supra, ND, and C8.
Has anyone driven the new Supra? It does nothing for me. Might as well get a Z4, because at least you can get a manual. Still do not see why the old Supras are priced so high. They are pretty cars, but lack the uniqueness of the FD. They seem more akin to today's mustangs.
I think an STi turbocharged version of the BRZ would be a decent Rx-7 replacement. I just can't stand how Subarus sound and it is my understanding the engine they have in it now has zero top end.
Last edited by suzukisteve; 05-04-21 at 07:30 PM.
Reason: grammar
I've owned my BRZ since 2014, it's my only other car aside from the FD, and I'll fight for it a little bit.
I'm not a "suspension guy" so it's hard for me to describe this but I think that as far as "feel" goes, the BRZ seems just that bit sharper to me. Sort of like, it gives me more confidence than my FD does. That said, my FD on it's sticky tires and upgraded coilovers WILL outhandle versus the stock suspension'd BRZ but I think the way they set up the BRZ from the factory is just so well done, I have no intention of touching it. Not that it isn't sort of tempting, because it also has a crazy amount of aftermarket support if modifications and handling / performance improvements are your thing.
Like basically everyone, I was dissatisfied with the 200 crank HP (mine dynoed at 175 WHP) that the engine puts out stock. Folks also say that the FA20 engine in it can be a fragile thing. However, it's a fine block if you're not shooting for the moon. I kept mine stock for a year before I supercharged it (and again, tons of aftermarket forced induction options out there), it's now at 270WHP, not a monster by any stretch of the imagination but it's exactly what it should have come with from the factory. It's just like all the initial reviews said back in the day- It's just a fun car to drive, period. Not to mention, it's been reliably boosted for 6 years at this point, with zero problems I've encountered.
I've only got space for two cars. I desperately want something more practical than either of my small sports cars. The logical thing would be to keep the FD as my fun car and swap the BRZ for a light truck or something. But I just can't bring myself to do it, and I think that says something.
Wow sounds like you built a stellar BRZ! Why would you keep the 7 over it?
Re: the Ferraris – there are track experiences where you can drive Ferraris without the hassle of ownership. There's limitations, but I think they let you drive fast if you're not an idiot.
Hagerty made a whole video telling us why the BMW M2 is better than the Supra (my vote is neither):
I think an STi turbocharged version of the BRZ would be a decent Rx-7 replacement. I just can't stand how Subarus sound and it is my understanding the engine they have in it now has zero top end.
As far as sound goes, if it's that typical "Subaru-y" dugga dugga low grumble you're referring to, the BRZ/FRS/86/YADDAYADDA don't have the unequal length headers which are responsible for that, so it sounds more like a typical 4 cyl. Power is nicely linear I think, but there's a big caveat to that, this car wakes up with a tune. I went to a tuning house who does a lot of work with these specific cars, so that's not something you can get in stock form. Here's the power curve I ended up with (red line is finalized, the blue line was after I installed the supercharger, but was just the "get me to a tuner" base map that the kit came with).
Originally Posted by suzukisteve
Wow sounds like you built a stellar BRZ! Why would you keep the 7 over it?
Welp, I bought the FD because I needed to rely on my BRZ for daily driving and reliability but still wanted a project. As a result I've now dumped way more time, effort, money, blood, sweat, everything into the FD. So the FD is faster, handles better, and gives me more of a thrill. I also think that whether many of us want to admit it, the FD fulfils a social job as well. It's nice to be noticed in it. I like getting thumbs ups and waves. I like talking about it at meets. I like bringing it to the track and seeing folks stare in awe that not only is one still running, but is healthy enough to keep up with the mid-pack (despite my driving skills haha). This thread has been a "what if" you wanted to replace the FD. If I lost my 7 I'd for sure get a "real" daily driver and then pump the same attention and effort into the BRZ that I did with the FD. I have confidence I can make it just as good... but that's not a reality I want to think about anytime soon .
I'm surprised there isn't more love for the Cayman in this thread. When I was looking for a compliment to my 20 year old FD the Cayman was, to me, the obvious choice. Stellar flat 6, about 3K pounds and still mostly analog in the 981 series, except for the electric steering (although it's quite good). Although prices are strong right now, especially for the MT cars, a very nice 981 Cayman S can be had for well under $65K. For an even more analog experience, the 987.2 (2009-2012) is a great car, but with so few produced they are even harder to find than a 981 MT.
Buyers' Guide to Zoom-zoom.....or how to get you zoom on for $10.00 ~ $350,000.
Ideas that have caught my eye the last 24 hours. Spot which one I bought.
9:30 each morning I am woken up to this starting. Is he actually commuting in this thing. Which of these cars recently cost GBP60,000 (or equivalent)? An affordable classic? No for long! When stock is not enough. New kits keep coming. This from a recent Rays wheels catalogue The winner! Wallmart $9.95. Easiest to sneak into the house by a country mile!
I'm surprised there isn't more love for the Cayman in this thread. When I was looking for a compliment to my 20 year old FD the Cayman was, to me, the obvious choice. Stellar flat 6, about 3K pounds and still mostly analog in the 981 series, except for the electric steering (although it's quite good). Although prices are strong right now, especially for the MT cars, a very nice 981 Cayman S can be had for well under $65K. For an even more analog experience, the 987.2 (2009-2012) is a great car, but with so few produced they are even harder to find than a 981 MT.
I would have mentioned the Cayman/Boxster, but I didn't think that one could be had for under $65K. I know you can't buy them new that cheap, though I admit I don't know what used Cayman's go for these days.
Was I dreaming or was there, at that $60,000 FD auction, a Ferrari Daytona Convertible for $44,000?
IN other words, what sort of Ferrari could you get for $65,000?
In other, other words, what is the cheapest 15 year old Ferrari could you acquire?
Is there Ferrari timeshares? Like one week per year of a 250 SWB?
that is something i would do. back when i had an FD it was worth about the same money as a 308GTS and i seriously thought about the downgrade. the FD is way faster, and way cheaper to maintain.
but yes, i have heard of time shares, in fact one of my dad's friends had one in a 250GT SWB before buying the thing outright, literally this one 250 GT s/n 2617GT
i have this book about the 250 GTO, and every car has a page or two, its really awesome, although it needs to be updated, they have all been re-bodied and are all different colors and stuff
but yes, if you can buy a Ferrari for $65K i would, if not, ND miata
Do you actually care about running costs? A Ferrari is not cheap to own. I mean neither is an FD.
C6 Z06 is a great car, but they had an issue with the exhaust valves that needs to be taken care of. Mark V Supra is a reskinned Z4 with different suspension tuning and no manual.
The magazine above is fresh from Indigo (the Canadian bookstore chain). It is a British publication. But shows how much JDM still "flies under the radar" with the mainstream mags. Their table of car prices, assisted by Hagerties, lists Gen 3 RX7 at GBP 8000 (US$11.131). Hard to trade up to a Ferrari based on those values. A good many of the remaining original import FD in the UK seem to be trashed, based on the used parts available there. (Excluding, obviously, the fine examples of Ceylon, and friends.)
I split my driving time about 50/50 between my FD and my 2007 RX8. I enjoy the RX8 so much and at the price they can be picked up at I would likely just get another one with it being an R3.
I had a buddy that was looking to buy a decent, not trashed, running RX-8 recently. They are getting VERY hard to find. In about 5 years you'll see about none of them left, they are being parted out and junked at an alarming rate. If you want one, get it pronto.
I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to have one, have had a blast figuring out how to work on it, learning all the ins and outs, and of course driving it.
I think in Britain Japanese cars aren't as popular as they are in the US. No data to back that up just observation over the years.
On Ferraris, the affordable ones are most likely going to be pretty primitive cars. Older Ferraris have really crude wiring and build quality. They also aren't necessarily fast or handle that great. But they are very good looking of course . And maintenance can be a killer. Some models you bone yourself if you do the work yourself as far as resale value - people want to see receipts that it was maintained by a specialist, if not the resale tanks. That's the problem in general with a lot of exotics, they are worth so damn much that doing ANYTHING with the car will devalue it.
Also I really enjoy having a car I can modify, tinker with, etc. You're not going to start modding a Ferrari. Not to mention go-fast parts have to be BANK.
In 2017, I did a 1300km driving tour of GB, visiting many of my "ancestral homes" (F-pace rental; diesel, 3 tanks). I saw a fair number of RX8 in prideful ownership, mainly at freeway gas (petrol) stops. Miata, of course, were everywhere.
In 2005 , I saw a Red Ford Probe (16V) at St. Andrews. It stood out so much you likely could have seen it from the space station.
I came back with some hen's teeth, but did not see an FD.
Forgot to mention BMW M2 in a 6 speed manual. You can find those used for around $60k. Have yet to drive a newer one, but everything I have heard is that it is an amazing sports car.
This seems related so I'll put it here: Car and Driver has been logging lap times at VIR for the last 15 years. They have some great data broken up by cost and model year. You can put most of it into a spreadsheet without much effort. They have some interesting cars on there, including a Miata Cup Car and a 1999 NSX.
Forgot about this guy's channel. He has a Z4, FD, NA, NB, S2k all the stuff... He praises the Rx-8 and if I were to pick up another one I would copy everything he did to his.
I think Mazda really missed the ship by not putting the Renesis in the NC. Would have saved them a lot of money and been a faster car than the Rx-8.
Forgot about this guy's channel. He has a Z4, FD, NA, NB, S2k all the stuff... He praises the Rx-8 and if I were to pick up another one I would copy everything he did to his.
I think Mazda really missed the ship by not putting the Renesis in the NC. Would have saved them a lot of money and been a faster car than the Rx-8.
Well, technically you are driving an NC if you get into an RX8.
Some friends of mine and I were talking about the lack of good Japanese sports cars. If one of the major Japanese car makers would crank out a good looking, rear wheel drive, turbo 4 cylinder for a reasonable every man price they would sell the hell out of it.
I'd love to see something more like the 1st/2nd gen RX-7, 240sx, Mitsubishi Eclipse sort of deal - an every man car with a non-turbo and turbo version priced to sell.
All that said, I'm loving my 2005 RX-8 Touring daily driver. Fuel economy sucks but the car is an absolute hoot to drive and you don't need to drive at dangerous/hooligan speeds to have fun in it. The fact I got it for $800 and put another $2-3k into it (rebuilt the engine, tires, brakes, cooling, etc.) and have a killer daily driver is awesome. No car payment on this one
Dale
I completely agree that I would like to see a RWD, turbo, coupe. An updated, but not overweight 240sx or FD would be a blast.
There are many aspects that make me want to drive my FD again.
1. It always puts a smile on my face.
2. Only car in the fleet that is manual transmission, and I have not yet outgrown the desire to shift for myself
3. Love how it looks.
4. Lack of traction control/stability control and lack of slop in the driveline (great for how it lacks slop, but the associated NVH is an issue as I am looking to rectify) connects the driver to the car.
5. Has enough creature comforts to allow it to be driven for hours at a time.
A lot of this may be biased by the fact that I I have always wanted an FD since first being released overseas, and hoping they would bring it to North America.
Despite loving my other cars, I would have gladly jump into the FD and take it to work, for a spin, or to the mountains.
To answer the OP, if you can manage with RWD.
1. BMW M2 6 speed
2. BRZ and as a previous posted mentioned get a SC
3. Miata
4. C6 z06
If you need AWD
1. 997 C4
2. Audi RS3 / S3
Good luck in the quest, and a great thinking thread which many of us likely waste a lot of time doing
05-04-21, 07:14 PM
.
Buyers' Guide to Zoom-zoom.....or how to get you zoom on for $10.00 ~ $350,000.
