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Having both RHD and LHD vehicles in the US, I prefer LHD, as it feels more natural to me since that's what I learned how to drive in. My philosophy is if I can get the car in factory trim LHD, that's what I'll aim for. If it's not available, I am totally fine driving RHD, as it's really not that much of a pain except for the little things. The only time I'd buy a RHD over LHD if both are available is if there is a significant cost savings and the engine configuration is beneficial to have in the RHD format. Examples are Silvias and the 180SX. Turbo side is on the left hand side, so a RHD car will have more room for manifolds and turbochargers. Having a LHD S14 and S13 myself, this can be a royal pain! FDs and Mk4 Supras have an advantage being LHD for the same reason.
I have sat in both LHD and RHD back to back and also with a tape measure in hand...it seems that the driver seat in RHD is much more cramped, perhaps the transmission tunnel is the same shape and creeps up close to the driver's legs.
Also the RHD seat rails don't go back as far, I think due to most Japanese FD's having a back seat. I believe there's a peg or limiter of some kind on the rail to keep it from going all the way back.
The parking brake also intrudes into the driver's sitting area.
Curious as to what the seating area shape/size differences actually are.
when I installed the Bride seats the RHD drivers side fits perfectly with no rubbing, yet the passenger side (US driver) the seat rubs against the tranny tunnel when pulled forwards.
Curious as to what the seating area shape/size differences actually are.
when I installed the Bride seats the RHD drivers side fits perfectly with no rubbing, yet the passenger side (US driver) the seat rubs against the tranny tunnel when pulled forwards.
Also, even if the RHD car drivers side is tighter, I like it. I feel very secure and having my left knee against the tranny tunnel for support/stability to use the clutch feels good.
As for the hand brake, I actually think it looks odd from the US drivers position reaching over to use it. I do not find it obtrusive at all in a RHD car, and it looks like it is supposed to be there. Much more cohesive in my opinion. The car was definitely designed to be RHD from an ergonomic and interior aesthetic standpoint.
Last edited by FEED AFFLUX v5; Jun 7, 2019 at 08:46 AM.
From my perspective RHD FDs in the US are good for parts and nothing else. At this time the price isn't that far away from LHD so even from a parts perspective I'm not likely to ever own one unless it's cut in half LOL
From my perspective RHD FDs in the US are good for parts and nothing else. At this time the price isn't that far away from LHD so even from a parts perspective I'm not likely to ever own one unless it's cut in half LOL
Fair enough, everyone is entitled to their opinion and preference. I also agree that like for like (year, mileage, condition, colour, modifications etc) a RHD in the USA should be cheaper than a LHD car for several reasons such as insurance and ease of city driving.
However, what I find super interesting is that overall a foreign RHD car in the USA seems to be looked down upon as inferior. Whereas in the many RHD countries I have lived, a LHD US car is just accepted for what it is and people are happy to have them and even admire and embrace the fact it is different.
one to ponder.....
Last edited by FEED AFFLUX v5; Jun 7, 2019 at 09:24 AM.
Fair enough, everyone is entitled to their opinion and preference. I also agree that like for like (year, mileage, condition, colour, modifications etc) a RHD in the USA should be cheaper than a LHD car for several reasons such as insurance and ease of city driving.
However, what I find super interesting is that overall a foreign RHD car in the USA seems to be looked down upon as inferior. Whereas in the many RHD countries I have lived, a LHD US car is just accepted for what it is and people are happy to have them and even admire and embrace the fact it is different.
one to ponder.....
YEP
Same thing here in the US, you'll find some who appreciate the RHD but I'm guessing it's a low number which comes back to demand or pricing differences. I'm sure you'd get used to sitting on the right side and using your other arm to shift but it's not for me. The only positive I see is it would give my brain a work out LOL. I drove a LHD car while driving on the LH side of the road for 10 days on vacation and it was weird to me.
Last edited by Fritz Flynn; Jun 7, 2019 at 10:30 AM.
Lot's of people I know actually prefer RHD, but I just think they are trying to "be cool" saying that, lol. I honestly don't mind it all that much, but do prefer LHD.
However, what I find super interesting is that overall a foreign RHD car in the USA seems to be looked down upon as inferior. Whereas in the many RHD countries I have lived, a LHD US car is just accepted for what it is and people are happy to have them and even admire and embrace the fact it is different.
one to ponder.....
I think the "difference" that is embraced is the car, not what side the steering wheel is on. If you have the same car, and the steering wheel is on the wrong side, i doubt it will be embraced
And FWIW, driving on the left is just plain stupid as is the metric system
Lot's of people I know actually prefer RHD, but I just think they are trying to "be cool" saying that, lol. I honestly don't mind it all that much, but do prefer LHD.
same, all things being equal i would have prefered a LHD vehicle. but i ended up getting the black on black hard top with low miles that i wanted in RHD for a price that i could afford. i couldn't find anything LHD for less than 28k.
Fair enough, everyone is entitled to their opinion and preference. I also agree that like for like (year, mileage, condition, colour, modifications etc) a RHD in the USA should be cheaper than a LHD car for several reasons such as insurance and ease of city driving.
However, what I find super interesting is that overall a foreign RHD car in the USA seems to be looked down upon as inferior. Whereas in the many RHD countries I have lived, a LHD US car is just accepted for what it is and people are happy to have them and even admire and embrace the fact it is different.
one to ponder.....
When the popular 90's Japanese sports cars were first legal for Canadian import, the same opinions came up. RHD was thought to be inferior, but largely it seemed to come from people who were afraid that their cars would become less special/unique as more of the same cars were getting brought over. Now that time has passed, nobody really cares anymore. Going back and forth from Japan and chatting with rotary leaders in the tuning industry, it seems that there has been a bit of a spike in business as RX-7s are being exported out of Japan and becoming more rare. US enthusiasts are also buying more parts for their RX-7s as well, so there has been more incentive for shops to continue developing new parts and Japanese enthusiasts are picking these cars up knowing how special they are. Going to rotary events in Japan in the past few years, I am always amazed by the turn out not just by the owners, but by people who aren't RX owners, yet IDOLIZE these cars.
I have seen a few LHD cars in Japan, and you are right, they are accepted as is and then some.
FWIW, for track, I prefer RHD. For public driving, I guess LHD as it's the norm here, but I don't have a preference. Overall, RHD, just because I love the authenticity of it, and I think it's a great tribute to my Japanese friends that have treated me so well over the years.
I am astonished at pricing for the private sale market on our cars. I can't even afford an FC right now, and that was my first car in high school LOL. The price for an FD has become basically a down payment on a mortgage, and I am currently actively avoiding relationships as I know what ultimatum will be thrown at me once it's time to purchase a house for the family we wouldn't even have yet
How would a re-spray affect value of a 93 BB touring? I am looking at a car with 18k miles on it... from initial conversations with the owner, the clear coat is failing. My plan would be a multi-year restoration of the car with 100% OEM parts.
Well it depends on what you want out of it. Non-Original paint probably hurts the top of the market 5-10%. Anyone south the 66th percentile probably actually values recent/nice paintwork. And, it's definitely an improvement, with regard to the specific vehicle. It's only in comparison to some hypothetically perfect car that the new paint job hurts value.
How would a re-spray affect value of a 93 BB touring? I am looking at a car with 18k miles on it... from initial conversations with the owner, the clear coat is failing. My plan would be a multi-year restoration of the car with 100% OEM parts.
Minimal if you document the before and after. Most people automatically assume it was wrecked and folded in half if the car was repainted. All long time FD owners know how terrible the factory paint was on these cars and if wasn't stored in doors it fades and peels.
Man, that's insane that it's peeling at 18k. Stored outdoors?
Discussion is sorta relevant to me as I'm getting the front bumper on my car resprayed before selling to address some scrapes. Mine is in that 50k driver range so I think it'll just make the sale easier. Don't think I'll make any money on the bumper painting but shouldn't lose any either.
Last edited by colditz_II; Jun 13, 2019 at 11:01 AM.
I haven't seen it in person for most of a decade... I left the guy a note on the windshield almost 10 years ago and he just now texted me about selling it.
I haven't seen it in person for most of a decade... I left the guy a note on the windshield almost 10 years ago and he just now texted me about selling it.
I'll know more this weekend hopefully.
lmaooo now that's some forward thinking! Maybe you can score a crazy deal if he hasn't kept up on prices lately..
Here's an interesting one... Back in the day Re-A was a god around these parts. I wonder if that translates to today? Personally, I'm not much of a fan of this car but that's just me.
At first I balked at the $40k price tag for a wrong drive car in the US. But after thinking about it, I realized the car has some merits. As in that it is an actual true RE-A made car, is already in the states and according to the seller it is 100% legal. Assuming all of that is correct, it just may be worth it to the right buyer.
I’ll be curious to see what this one brings after a kind of long drought. My guess is $40/$35 (compression results/no compression results).
its a 1994 Touring, engine is 13BE 123911, Federal emissions, built 3/25/1994. interestingly the owner field shows Carmax, so it may be a dealer selling it not a private party
Whoever it is, they are a pretty lame seller. Took the time to create some very professional photos, but couldn't clay bar the car or clean up lint and dust on the interior and engine shots? Lazy.... If I were a buyer, it would translate to my opinion of how the car was likely maintained or serviced. Just say'in...
