How to value your FD
Full Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 59
Likes: 17
From: Miami Florida
And he looks like every other new-Z-car super bro in a pig of a car. No thanks.
FD has class, style, mystique, looks better, and you don't have to pass another one every 5 seconds.
The new Z cars are for the tasteless.
The problem is most people are asking 30+ for cars that don't warrant it. Well sorted, well optioned, low-ish mileage FDs are worth every penny of 30k and going up.
FD has class, style, mystique, looks better, and you don't have to pass another one every 5 seconds.
The new Z cars are for the tasteless.
The problem is most people are asking 30+ for cars that don't warrant it. Well sorted, well optioned, low-ish mileage FDs are worth every penny of 30k and going up.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
Im curious what mine will be worth in a few years time. Im hoping to hold on to it till I can grab a 997 turbo without breaking the bank. The FD will probably only be a downpayment as I dont see 997 turbos going under 70k in the next few years.
93 FD
Stripped to the shell and painted Midnight purple 1 including bay, doors, jams exc.
OEM 99 spec front swap
Interior gutted and refinished, also sprayed lizard skin sound damping
Rebuilt LS6 with heads/cam, samberg rad.
Sakebomb garage oil cooler
Brand new T56 Magnum
Next im going to replace all the bushing and get some new suspension bits.
And get some AP racing brakes.
Sadly my chassis has 110k on the body so thats going to set me back. But ill enjoy the car for a while till I can grab my 997 turbo in a few years.
93 FD
Stripped to the shell and painted Midnight purple 1 including bay, doors, jams exc.
OEM 99 spec front swap
Interior gutted and refinished, also sprayed lizard skin sound damping
Rebuilt LS6 with heads/cam, samberg rad.
Sakebomb garage oil cooler
Brand new T56 Magnum
Next im going to replace all the bushing and get some new suspension bits.
And get some AP racing brakes.
Sadly my chassis has 110k on the body so thats going to set me back. But ill enjoy the car for a while till I can grab my 997 turbo in a few years.
Last edited by Dabocx; Jun 5, 2017 at 07:50 PM.
^ I think you need to find the right kind of buyer for that. From your description, it's sort of in between categories.
It seems like you have buyers who like the car in its mostly OEM configuration (stock or mild modded rotary, mostly stock appearance or mild change), those who like the stock looks and chassis but are turned off by the rotary (wouldn't mind a V8 swap), and those who want to stay rotary and do major mods it like a single turbo swap.
I'd have to see pics but if it's as unusual of a color as it sounds that's going to be polarizing to the market.
It seems like you have buyers who like the car in its mostly OEM configuration (stock or mild modded rotary, mostly stock appearance or mild change), those who like the stock looks and chassis but are turned off by the rotary (wouldn't mind a V8 swap), and those who want to stay rotary and do major mods it like a single turbo swap.
I'd have to see pics but if it's as unusual of a color as it sounds that's going to be polarizing to the market.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
^ I think you need to find the right kind of buyer for that. From your description, it's sort of in between categories.
It seems like you have buyers who like the car in its mostly OEM configuration (stock or mild modded rotary, mostly stock appearance or mild change), those who like the stock looks and chassis but are turned off by the rotary (wouldn't mind a V8 swap), and those who want to stay rotary and do major mods it like a single turbo swap.
I'd have to see pics but if it's as unusual of a color as it sounds that's going to be polarizing to the market.
It seems like you have buyers who like the car in its mostly OEM configuration (stock or mild modded rotary, mostly stock appearance or mild change), those who like the stock looks and chassis but are turned off by the rotary (wouldn't mind a V8 swap), and those who want to stay rotary and do major mods it like a single turbo swap.
I'd have to see pics but if it's as unusual of a color as it sounds that's going to be polarizing to the market.
https://static.carthrottle.com/works...89644a9218.jpg
The 2 and 3 versions are the fancy color shifting versions.
The problem with major mods is that you may like them, but most buyers wont. With that color, your market is pimps that like V8 conversions. It may be very difficult to sell that car.
Let's not forget Jeff's car (another rare deal)
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...stock-1111773/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...stock-1111773/
Is everyone watching this? IMO, still $4 to $8K under value...
34K-Mile 1993 Mazda RX-7 | Bring a Trailer
34K-Mile 1993 Mazda RX-7 | Bring a Trailer
Looks like the bidders just showed up.
BAT seems to bring out the high rollers and is really hot right now for specific models. It's a fad though, and they are boosting the value of vehicles that appear to be rare but in reality are not, but bidders don't know where else to find them. The first few examples of a model to go across the block get the bidders going crazy, but once they post a few more, people realize they don't need to pay BAT auction prices to get one, and the high rollers have theirs so they aren't bidding anymore.
BAT seems to bring out the high rollers and is really hot right now for specific models. It's a fad though, and they are boosting the value of vehicles that appear to be rare but in reality are not, but bidders don't know where else to find them. The first few examples of a model to go across the block get the bidders going crazy, but once they post a few more, people realize they don't need to pay BAT auction prices to get one, and the high rollers have theirs so they aren't bidding anymore.
Looks like the bidders just showed up.
BAT seems to bring out the high rollers and is really hot right now for specific models. It's a fad though, and they are boosting the value of vehicles that appear to be rare but in reality are not, but bidders don't know where else to find them. The first few examples of a model to go across the block get the bidders going crazy, but once they post a few more, people realize they don't need to pay BAT auction prices to get one, and the high rollers have theirs so they aren't bidding anymore.
BAT seems to bring out the high rollers and is really hot right now for specific models. It's a fad though, and they are boosting the value of vehicles that appear to be rare but in reality are not, but bidders don't know where else to find them. The first few examples of a model to go across the block get the bidders going crazy, but once they post a few more, people realize they don't need to pay BAT auction prices to get one, and the high rollers have theirs so they aren't bidding anymore.
Recovering Miataholic
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 50
From: Fountain Valley, CA
It will never be worth more than a bone stock low mileage FD so keep that in mind.
We bought our car new, for about $29K in September 1994. At its first smog test it was a gross polluter. Turned out that "someone" had switched a couple of vacuum hoses and managed to pinch one of the zillions of wires under the upper intake manifold. When this was fixed (under warranty) we were back in business. Then about a year later, the engine started running roughly, and the EGR was allegedly at fault. Replaced under warranty, but a few months later, it was rough again. This was also remedied under warranty.
The fan recall basically did in the car's battery after a few months. The lower intake manifold's fiberboard gasket burned through, causing a raised (and lean) idle.
So as a "bone stock" car, I was not impressed with its reliability. But after the "mods" I did (none attempting to increase power), it has been very reliable, up until 113K miles, when the engine required (requires... still in work) to be replaced.
IMHO, and according to the wisdom of the RX-7 Club forum, the FD cries for certain mods, and I think they add to the value of the car. It is certainly true that "bone stock" is, out in the big world, a major selling point, but I would take our car as it will be (coming out of the shop with a new crate engine) over an FD that is completely OEM.
(It's not for sale.)
Last edited by wstrohm; Jun 12, 2017 at 05:43 PM.
Maybe....but I wonder if the gap in valuations between FD and Supras boils down to perceptions of engine reliability (and interior plastics). Solve the drag caused by the concerns on engine reliability and perhaps the gap will narrow. (As far as plastics - who knows? Maybe 3D printing will save the day.)
Looks like the bidders just showed up.
BAT seems to bring out the high rollers and is really hot right now for specific models. It's a fad though, and they are boosting the value of vehicles that appear to be rare but in reality are not, but bidders don't know where else to find them. The first few examples of a model to go across the block get the bidders going crazy, but once they post a few more, people realize they don't need to pay BAT auction prices to get one, and the high rollers have theirs so they aren't bidding anymore.
BAT seems to bring out the high rollers and is really hot right now for specific models. It's a fad though, and they are boosting the value of vehicles that appear to be rare but in reality are not, but bidders don't know where else to find them. The first few examples of a model to go across the block get the bidders going crazy, but once they post a few more, people realize they don't need to pay BAT auction prices to get one, and the high rollers have theirs so they aren't bidding anymore.
That is one view of BAT. Another is that they actually have many fairly rare and nice cars and are a good auction system. The propensity of many to want the prices of their cars, whether Rx7's or some other car, to stay low exists on many car websites I belong to. I haven't figured out why yet, though clearly those who want to buy would obviously want prices low. But, I haven't figured it out completely yet. If you want to believe that BAT is over-priced and not reflective of pricing for our cars, please feel free. I believe their prices are realistic for what are often slightly better or rarer examples. This is going to be a very very long fad.
That caught my eye and inspired the following comment.
We bought our car new, for about $29K in September 1994. At its first smog test it was a gross polluter. Turned out that "someone" had switched a couple of vacuum hoses and managed to pinch one of the zillions of wires under the upper intake manifold. When this was fixed (under warranty) we were back in business. Then about a year later, the engine started running roughly, and the EGR was allegedly at fault. Replaced under warranty, but a few months later, it was rough again. This was also remedied under warranty.
The fan recall basically did in the car's battery after a few months. The lower intake manifold's fiberboard gasket burned through, causing a raised (and lean) idle.
So as a "bone stock" car, I was not impressed with its reliability. But after the "mods" I did (none attempting to increase power), it has been very reliable, up until 113K miles, when the engine required (requires... still in work) to be replaced.
IMHO, and according to the wisdom of the RX-7 Club forum, the FD cries for certain mods, and I think they add to the value of the car. It is certainly true that "bone stock" is, out in the big world, a major selling point, but I would take our car as it will be (coming out of the shop with a new crate engine) over an FD that is completely OEM.
(It's not for sale.)
We bought our car new, for about $29K in September 1994. At its first smog test it was a gross polluter. Turned out that "someone" had switched a couple of vacuum hoses and managed to pinch one of the zillions of wires under the upper intake manifold. When this was fixed (under warranty) we were back in business. Then about a year later, the engine started running roughly, and the EGR was allegedly at fault. Replaced under warranty, but a few months later, it was rough again. This was also remedied under warranty.
The fan recall basically did in the car's battery after a few months. The lower intake manifold's fiberboard gasket burned through, causing a raised (and lean) idle.
So as a "bone stock" car, I was not impressed with its reliability. But after the "mods" I did (none attempting to increase power), it has been very reliable, up until 113K miles, when the engine required (requires... still in work) to be replaced.
IMHO, and according to the wisdom of the RX-7 Club forum, the FD cries for certain mods, and I think they add to the value of the car. It is certainly true that "bone stock" is, out in the big world, a major selling point, but I would take our car as it will be (coming out of the shop with a new crate engine) over an FD that is completely OEM.
(It's not for sale.)
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
That caught my eye and inspired the following comment.
We bought our car new, for about $29K in September 1994. At its first smog test it was a gross polluter. Turned out that "someone" had switched a couple of vacuum hoses and managed to pinch one of the zillions of wires under the upper intake manifold. When this was fixed (under warranty) we were back in business. Then about a year later, the engine started running roughly, and the EGR was allegedly at fault. Replaced under warranty, but a few months later, it was rough again. This was also remedied under warranty.
The fan recall basically did in the car's battery after a few months. The lower intake manifold's fiberboard gasket burned through, causing a raised (and lean) idle.
So as a "bone stock" car, I was not impressed with its reliability. But after the "mods" I did (none attempting to increase power), it has been very reliable, up until 113K miles, when the engine required (requires... still in work) to be replaced.
IMHO, and according to the wisdom of the RX-7 Club forum, the FD cries for certain mods, and I think they add to the value of the car. It is certainly true that "bone stock" is, out in the big world, a major selling point, but I would take our car as it will be (coming out of the shop with a new crate engine) over an FD that is completely OEM.
(It's not for sale.)
We bought our car new, for about $29K in September 1994. At its first smog test it was a gross polluter. Turned out that "someone" had switched a couple of vacuum hoses and managed to pinch one of the zillions of wires under the upper intake manifold. When this was fixed (under warranty) we were back in business. Then about a year later, the engine started running roughly, and the EGR was allegedly at fault. Replaced under warranty, but a few months later, it was rough again. This was also remedied under warranty.
The fan recall basically did in the car's battery after a few months. The lower intake manifold's fiberboard gasket burned through, causing a raised (and lean) idle.
So as a "bone stock" car, I was not impressed with its reliability. But after the "mods" I did (none attempting to increase power), it has been very reliable, up until 113K miles, when the engine required (requires... still in work) to be replaced.
IMHO, and according to the wisdom of the RX-7 Club forum, the FD cries for certain mods, and I think they add to the value of the car. It is certainly true that "bone stock" is, out in the big world, a major selling point, but I would take our car as it will be (coming out of the shop with a new crate engine) over an FD that is completely OEM.
(It's not for sale.)
injectors
engine harness
all sensors
FPD
etc...etc..
Later you'll need a cluster, CPU 2 and on and on and on
Modded cars can go either way. It's really hard to find one that's been modded correctly and then driven correctly.
I just bought a 29k mile car that hasn't been touched and there's something to be said for leaving EVERYTHING alone.
Yep it is of course for sale. I should list it on BAT but won't. This forum is my preferred spot
For those interested it's a CW 94 PEP original owner car 434 981 6714
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Fritz... You are a real "insider" and can find cars at very low prices for very nice cars. And, you may be selling them for less than $20,000. For now. But, there is just no doubt that a number of cars with less than say 75,000 miles are now trading at $20,000 or more. The red R1 is not pristine cosmetically, but is a very straight low mile car and will probably sell for $24,000 plus the 5%. People note that the $20-25,000 or greater prices are "asking" prices. As little as 5 years ago, the "asking" prices were $15-18,000. These days we are seeing a fair number of sales over $20,000 for nicer cars. So, saying the red R1 is already too expensive comes from a very insider perspective and I would caution anybody looking to buy a really nice low mile car not to wait for a notably sub $20,000 price. That train may have left the station.
The market is super hot.
If you are looking for a nice FD you may be buying at the top or you may be buying at the bottom. Who knows. I just know it's a market I want to be in
Recovering Miataholic
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 50
From: Fountain Valley, CA
Yep AND nope. At this point it's all about the mileage and overall condition. High mileage FDs will nickle and dime you to death. I hope you replaced:
injectors
engine harness
all sensors
FPD
etc...etc..
Later you'll need a cluster, CPU 2 and on and on and on
injectors
engine harness
all sensors
FPD
etc...etc..
Later you'll need a cluster, CPU 2 and on and on and on
Engine harness... both engine and ignition harnesses are (now) new.
Sensors... coolant temp sensor replaced during this overhaul, knock sensor replaced (leaking goo) about a year ago, fan switch replaced with FC type about 2 years ago, oil pressure switch replaced maybe 5 years ago (still glitchy). Others are original.
FPD... replaced once at about 90 K miles.
CPU 2 replaced about 5 years ago.
On and on... I expect this car will outlive me. (Now if I could just get the power antenna permanently fixed...)
etc...etc
It's inside what counts.
At some point you want to divert dollars to refurbishment of the interior. I have spent considerable time replacing sound-deadening materials that have turned to dust and anti-squeak ribbons that have become unstuck due to age. That, plus putting in more proactive shocks (Bathhurst Showas) and returning to 16 inch wheels and 225/50 tires, has created a much more pleasing internal environment for touring (da-dum vs ba-bam). Adding a new steering wheel skin makes the wheel seem thicker and, therefore, more modern; and a Tanabe medallion muffler keeps the brrrr without the headache inducing highway drone.
As a result the car just seems that much more modern and valuable. The downside is I am running up the mileage at an alarming rate.
As a result the car just seems that much more modern and valuable. The downside is I am running up the mileage at an alarming rate.
Just SOLD on BAT for $32K
34K-Mile 1993 Mazda RX-7 | Bring a Trailer
If you haven't already, UP your insurance values
34K-Mile 1993 Mazda RX-7 | Bring a Trailer
If you haven't already, UP your insurance values
Last edited by RCCAZ 1; Jun 13, 2017 at 05:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Not surprised at all. Didn't John B sell his VR R1 with 30k miles for 29 here on the forum? Just wow. You have to love this market
Low mileage R cars could be selling for 40k next year. Crazy world OR not and this might be the biggest economic bubble we've ever faced LOL
Low mileage R cars could be selling for 40k next year. Crazy world
OR not and this might be the biggest economic bubble we've ever faced LOL
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Fritz... We've been through 8 years of an administration that was not kind to business and now there is one that supports business. You would expect business to pick up, right? If Congress spends the next few years pursuing some Nouveau McCarthyism and never gets around to any legislation, that will dampen the improving economy, but deregulation alone is worth a few GDP points. Short brick-and-motor retail stocks before ghost malls dominate the landscape and buy whatever low mileage FD's you can on the cheap and hoard them for a while.
We've been through 10 years of economic stimulation and taken on massive debt and it's paying off in the form of inflated stock, inflated used car prices, inflated home prices etc...etc... but there's isn't equal inflating salaries and that's what ultimately makes an economy healthy. We have massive health care cost and over all higher living expenses versus 10 years ago. That's not a healthy economy it will crumble.
Who knows maybe trump has all the answers and will save us but from where I'm standing it doesn't look good.
I think we'll see a big stock market move higher and then it will be the biggest drop any of us has ever seen. This will happen in the next 2 years.
Buckle up and enjoy the ride but bring a parachute