How to value your FD
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,833
Likes: 3,232
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
I thought along the same lines as you did when I first saw it but then I remembered how I tend to appreciate certain cars as they age. Cars like the second gen camaro as up to just a few years ago, I hated that thing. I thought it was just really unfortunate looking and only people sporting a mustache with a matching mullet drove those things (obviously I'm sorta joking but you get the idea). But for some reason my mind changed and now I appreciate them for what they are.
you also have to keep in mind the early ones are actually badass, and then the later ones just have neat stripes and chickens on the hood and stuff
The Ancient
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 244
From: Pennsylvania
I remember the first generation Camaros and Firebirds pretty well. They came out as GM tried to catch the Mustang phenomenon. I really liked the Firebirds styling. Sort of still do. They were pretty quick. When the 1970 Camaro came out, I was working at Nickey Chevrolet, which produced one of those special edition dealer cars, a 427 Camaro. One of the fastest cars I ever drove. The Z28's were the best production version and they were very fast and handled pretty well. I ended up buying a 327 Camaro "RS", I think it was called.
I partially agree. Some things definitely come back into style and become collectible. But a 2014 mustang GT or a 2015 charger are not collector cars. There are tons of them. A Mustang GT350 or GT500, now yes, that is a future collectible. I just don't see how a GT would be a next generation collectible unless all the owners go to cars and coffee and crash 90% of them.
Don't get me wrong, I think Mustang GTs are good cars with tons of potential. I just don't want to be referred to as one of those mustache guys haha.
Don't get me wrong, I think Mustang GTs are good cars with tons of potential. I just don't want to be referred to as one of those mustache guys haha.
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 190
Likes: 33
From: Connecticut
The trickle of FDs on Bring a Trailer continues:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mazda-rx-7-92/
Not the best presentation :/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mazda-rx-7-92/
Not the best presentation :/
The trickle of FDs on Bring a Trailer continues:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mazda-rx-7-92/
Not the best presentation :/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-mazda-rx-7-92/
Not the best presentation :/
Yep actually he's posted on this thread his forum name is: RCCAZ 1
Oh yeah his car is immaculate. You've might have spotted it when you came to sevenstock.
I thought along the same lines as you did when I first saw it but then I remembered how I tend to appreciate certain cars as they age. Cars like the second gen camaro as up to just a few years ago, I hated that thing. I thought it was just really unfortunate looking and only people sporting a mustache with a matching mullet drove those things (obviously I'm sorta joking but you get the idea). But for some reason my mind changed and now I appreciate them for what they are.
Oh yeah his car is immaculate. You've might have spotted it when you came to sevenstock.
I thought along the same lines as you did when I first saw it but then I remembered how I tend to appreciate certain cars as they age. Cars like the second gen camaro as up to just a few years ago, I hated that thing. I thought it was just really unfortunate looking and only people sporting a mustache with a matching mullet drove those things (obviously I'm sorta joking but you get the idea). But for some reason my mind changed and now I appreciate them for what they are.
Here’s another take on the day via Autoweek:
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/cl...uld-i-buy-now/
Guys, thanks for the props. It was an incredible week capped off by this Best of Show recognition. So many beautiful builds, it could have easily been awarded to a half dozen cars, so I was fortunate to get the W. Funny how many are finally seeing the value in FDs; something we’ve been saying for so long. Now, when parts are becoming scarce and clean cars harder to find every year, folks are finally waking up! Go figure!
Here’s another take on the day via Autoweek:
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/cl...uld-i-buy-now/
Here’s another take on the day via Autoweek:
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/cl...uld-i-buy-now/
The Ancient
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 244
From: Pennsylvania
Noticed turbo sw20's are also doing well in the market.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...ScHST8rqH4BrVw
Wish I had enough room and coin for one each of all the peak turbo japanese cars...
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...ScHST8rqH4BrVw
Wish I had enough room and coin for one each of all the peak turbo japanese cars...
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...ykjtfm2bVXnKCQ
2002 Spirit R with only 1615km listed for $140k USD
7 more years until legal importation into US.
2002 Spirit R with only 1615km listed for $140k USD
7 more years until legal importation into US.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...ykjtfm2bVXnKCQ
2002 Spirit R with only 1615km listed for $140k USD
7 more years until legal importation into US.
2002 Spirit R with only 1615km listed for $140k USD
7 more years until legal importation into US.
Yellow Dragon is no more
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville, TN
I know we've all talked endlessly about the value of these cars but a practical perspective is ripe or timely because the majority of the high priced FDs (prices north of 25k) I see for sale are not selling.
I've bought and sold hundreds of these cars so it's really easy for me to wax on and on about it.
The biggest reason I see for the prices hitting a wall is the availability of good cars priced 20k and below. When I say good I just mean they are straight, no rust, decent interior etc...
Follow that up with the cost of refurbishing the above car and this is where the wall is created.
Now add in the fact that most irons in these cars are 25 plus years old (most 93s built in 92) and have seen better days and they will eventually fail because of rust etc....or in other words the engine will need to be rebuilt on even the lowest mileage FD unless the maintenance was stellar. This usually isn't the case. Most low mileage FDs just sit in someones storage facility which is a great way to create internal engine rust.
So the elephant in the room is obvious to me. Why would I spend 35k for an FD with 20k miles that's mint when I can still buy a good one for 17? When the price was 25k it made sense to get the expensive FD (low mileage FD) but 17k goes a long way and rust never sleeps so the older these cars get the less reliable the original engine will be.
Example below of a decent FD I'd buy long before buying a 30k plus priced FD. The one below may already be sold or will sell soon where as all the ones listed for 30k plus will sit on autotrader for years (until the market catches up to the price) unless the sellers wake up or decide to take that cough cough low ball offer.
Cars for Sale: Used 1994 Mazda RX-7 Turbo for sale in Gainesville, GA 30501: Hatchback Details - 424192926 - Autotrader
Lets talk money and what that extra 17k you have in the bank will buy you. With some cars like the 993 911 for example the 17k will only rebuild your engine, BUT with the FD you get significantly more.
Engine 5k (NEW ENGINE)
Paint 7k (above car doesn't need paint)
Misc interior parts 2k (above car doesn't need interior work)
Used low mileage JDM trans 750 to 1k (every FD with 50k plus miles could use some trans work)
Labor to put said parts in 2k
So once the engine blows on the fairly priced FD you purchased you go through everything in the engine and you'll be out 7500 max BUT your engine should be solid for another 50k miles or more.
Over the winter you have it painted and put in some new weather stripping etc... 7k
Once the trans dies you either rebuild or replace 1500
etc...etc...
And it's not a matter of if on the original engine but when. So add 5k to your 35k total and it's starts to become pretty damn clear the FD isn't a good value at 30 or event 29k if you can still find them in good shape for 17k or anywhere below 20.
Anyway that's why you can't sell your FD for 30k if it has more than 30k miles on it. If someone decides to buy it well good for you (there is an *** for every seat), but if you want it to sell (and not waste money on taxes, storage fees, ins and or risk damage/mechanical loss), you may want to reconsider your price at this time.
There are clearly lots of FDs listed for 30k by owners who don't care if they sell and I am also sometimes in that camp so I understand the reason to keep it versus sell for anything less but if that's true then your car really isn't for sale, you are simply testing the market and your test failed LOL.
I've bought and sold hundreds of these cars so it's really easy for me to wax on and on about it.
The biggest reason I see for the prices hitting a wall is the availability of good cars priced 20k and below. When I say good I just mean they are straight, no rust, decent interior etc...
Follow that up with the cost of refurbishing the above car and this is where the wall is created.
Now add in the fact that most irons in these cars are 25 plus years old (most 93s built in 92) and have seen better days and they will eventually fail because of rust etc....or in other words the engine will need to be rebuilt on even the lowest mileage FD unless the maintenance was stellar. This usually isn't the case. Most low mileage FDs just sit in someones storage facility which is a great way to create internal engine rust.
So the elephant in the room is obvious to me. Why would I spend 35k for an FD with 20k miles that's mint when I can still buy a good one for 17? When the price was 25k it made sense to get the expensive FD (low mileage FD) but 17k goes a long way and rust never sleeps so the older these cars get the less reliable the original engine will be.
Example below of a decent FD I'd buy long before buying a 30k plus priced FD. The one below may already be sold or will sell soon where as all the ones listed for 30k plus will sit on autotrader for years (until the market catches up to the price) unless the sellers wake up or decide to take that cough cough low ball offer.
Cars for Sale: Used 1994 Mazda RX-7 Turbo for sale in Gainesville, GA 30501: Hatchback Details - 424192926 - Autotrader
Lets talk money and what that extra 17k you have in the bank will buy you. With some cars like the 993 911 for example the 17k will only rebuild your engine, BUT with the FD you get significantly more.
Engine 5k (NEW ENGINE)
Paint 7k (above car doesn't need paint)
Misc interior parts 2k (above car doesn't need interior work)
Used low mileage JDM trans 750 to 1k (every FD with 50k plus miles could use some trans work)
Labor to put said parts in 2k
So once the engine blows on the fairly priced FD you purchased you go through everything in the engine and you'll be out 7500 max BUT your engine should be solid for another 50k miles or more.
Over the winter you have it painted and put in some new weather stripping etc... 7k
Once the trans dies you either rebuild or replace 1500
etc...etc...
And it's not a matter of if on the original engine but when. So add 5k to your 35k total and it's starts to become pretty damn clear the FD isn't a good value at 30 or event 29k if you can still find them in good shape for 17k or anywhere below 20.
Anyway that's why you can't sell your FD for 30k if it has more than 30k miles on it. If someone decides to buy it well good for you (there is an *** for every seat), but if you want it to sell (and not waste money on taxes, storage fees, ins and or risk damage/mechanical loss), you may want to reconsider your price at this time.
There are clearly lots of FDs listed for 30k by owners who don't care if they sell and I am also sometimes in that camp so I understand the reason to keep it versus sell for anything less but if that's true then your car really isn't for sale, you are simply testing the market and your test failed LOL.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
YEP
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
Yellow Dragon is no more
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville, TN
YEP
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
YEP
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
YEP
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
YEP
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app
At 55 I've slowed down a lot. My body is worn out (lots of mileage hehe). For most of the past 20 years I've had 5 plus FDs laying around in different configurations until this year.
I still have a nice VR R2 and my VR R1 track/race car.
I used to have a nice GT3 until a mustang hit me at the track last year: https://streamable.com/rfcyd?utm_sou...medium=ios_app