Fickert

I am in the market for an FD in the US, and have come across a few people saying that the LHD model will hold its value more in the US, compared to the RHD model. Is this true? If so is it purely just the availability of interior parts?

I personally was wanting to find an RHD model for the true "JDM" feel of the rx7, but I would like to know peoples thoughts if you were in the market for one today. Should I be looking for a LHD purely for the availability of parts?

Thanks

Pete_89T2

iTrader: (4)

Since I live in the USA, my personal preference is for a LHD model, for rather pragmatic reasons - driving a RHD car in a country that has roads designed for LHD vehicles kind of sucks. You'll realize this quickly when you have to pass a slow truck on a 2 lane road, or the first time you roll into a drive-thru place or a toll booth.

The LHD FDs also tend to be more valuable here in the states. Though with the 25 year importing rule, you can now get a slightly "newer" FD if you opt for a RHD one from Japan.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

LHD all the way. These aren't R34 GTRs where you don't have a choice...... US spec LHD will always be more desirable and more valuable. This is the case IMO for any FDs that currently adhere to the federal 25 year law. The only exceptions down the road are 2001 RZs and 2002 Spirit Rs. I wish like hell that they'd been available here as a LHD, but that's not an option.

Fickert

I didn't mind the thought of drive throughs and stuff but the passing a car could be a bit annoying. IDK, if that would detour me that much in my choice though.

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

The argument about rhd cars on lhd designed roads and safety is crap. BEAR IN MIND there are plenty of other countries that have had a combination of both for many many years. Having been in japan for a few years myself, driving lhd on rhd is no different than rhd on lhd.

I've driven lhd on rhd, rhd on lhd, lhd on lhd and rhd on rhd and I can say no combination is anymore safe, dangerous or difficult. Just like any type of driving, you will adjust and it becomes all the same. The laziness of Americans in general to use something like drive throughs as a reasonable argument to choose one car over another is ridiculous to me.

Tolls are crap too, I don't know of any toll road that doesnt have some sort of fast pass. In addition to that, if you HAVE to pay a toll person just reach over. The fd is not so wide that you wont be able to reach other. From the driver seat in a recaro bucket, I can touch the roof on the passenger side without any kind of straining. I'm 5'8.

Get whichever you want and you'll be happy with either. Parts cost and availability between the two isn't too far off from each other but in theory rhd specific parts would be cheaper and easier to get even if they have to come from japanland. Maintenance and troubleshooting is about the same up until the 16bit situation as well.

The novelty of the rhd doesnt wear out, at least for me, and it makes the drive more fun. It also makes for some funny conversations at red lights with some people.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

If you're going to get a RHD car, don't get a 92-95. At least get a newer one with the simplified rats nest, updated ECU, slightly higher power, factory keyless ignition, that type of thing.

R-R-Rx7

iTrader: (24)

to add to that, if you can get an RS model (upgraded brakes, shorter final gear) along with other goodies that they are shared iwth the R models, its definitely worth it

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

Hopefully those factory upgrades that most people use aftermarket parts and upgrade anyway are worth the increased electrical troubleshooting difficulty if it should arise. Keep in mind documentation on the later 16bit models is very limited. I'm sure it could be figured out but until you're there, who knows. Just something to consider...

Fickert

Interesting, I never knew they came with keyless ignition on any models. Do you know of the reliablity of those systems? I'd imagine a broken or lost key would be an absolute nightmare to replace. But would be very cool.

RS, also noted.

Fickert

Glad to hear you do not have any regrets with having a RHD, gives me some reassurance that it would be what I want. I am still open to either depending on the deal but RHD is where my preference lays currently. Thanks!

Natey

iTrader: (19)

If you're a mailman definitely go for the RHD.

Remember that some parts, like a downpipe for example, will only work with one or the other, not both. So if you go RHD, parts may be a little tougher to find in the US.

Also, keep in mind there are about 1/3 as many LHD cars around, and they are more desirable in the biggest market, the USA,

moconnor

iTrader: (14)

Interesting study of RHD cars in Quebec: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/do...hand-drive.pdf

TL;DR: significant increase in accident rate (~32%).

Similar study in British Columbia showing a 40% increase: https://www.researchgate.net/publica...ITISH_COLUMBIA

c0rbin9

iTrader: (2)

As stated previously, keep in mind that your visibility on a two-lane road is greatly reduced with an RHD car, because you're sitting at the very outside edge of the lane, instead of toward the middle as you would be in an LHD car. If you're not driving on two-lane roads, the other annoyances are rather minor.

I would be worried about the government pulling some nonsense to rescind registrations on 25-year-rule imports, that's just me though. Also the fender turn signal lenses are ugly. : p

Huber190

The LHD FD's will always be more valuable just due to the fact so few were made compared to RHD. Interior parts are around, join other forums or Facebook groups but if interior parts are an issue get a car with full interior. I had a RHD imported two years ago and I still am in love with it. I have never had an issue with any traffic situations and I don't eat/drink in it so no drive-throughs. I believe these cars will hold their value and continue to appreciate, especially low mileage/km clean examples but yes LHD will always be more valuable in the United States. If YOU prefer RHD over LHD, get one don't let anyone here change your mind.

provels

The headlights will also be designed for RHD roads.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

This argument is crap…for all the demonstrably accurate reasons stated earlier. Plus headlight being wrong although there’s probably a work-around for that. I’m also unsure of crash worthiness differences either but no FD is very safe in a serious collision. And there’s no work-around for the weird factor that goes with that “true JDM feel”.
All that said I agree he should get what he wants. RHD imports….God love ‘em for a spare parts source.

Montego

iTrader: (1)

Personally, I think this thread is pointless. By looking at the replies from the OP on this thread, it seems he has already made up his mind.

OP,
Getting something based on perceived future value rather than passion is the quickest way to the disappointment line so just get the car you truly want.

With regards to the RHD vs LHD: Bottom line is that most financially established men, you know the target audience that is increasing the value of these cars stopped caring about how JDM/race-car-like/modified/faster-than-everyone-else their cars are. Comfort and original condition take front row seat and as such stock LHD FDs will always be more desirable so they (& will) fetch more money than equivalent RHD models. Key word equivalent as I am parroting the sentiments about Spirit R cars and RZ's. Yes kids and young 20's somethings will drool after JDM examples but let's face it those aren't the people that are dropping $50K plus for these cars.

On the upside, RHD FD's (if already shipped here) can be fetched for less money so there's that.

Fickert

I've been dreaming and attempted to get an FD for the past 8 years, but life wouldn't line up. Fortunately at this point I can justify buying one, within reason (NOT 35-55k). which to my post, I was merely asking why is there a price difference.

That being said, resale value is a so-so requirement for me. I am not rich, and do expect to keep an fd for most of my life. And it will not be a garage queen to keep miles off of it. I plan on driving it weekly during the summers, and occasional track days / DGRR trips. This post was trying to find the reason for the value hike for LHD versions as compared to most other Japanese cars in this 90's, the RHD variants still carry great value. I didn't want fall in a trap of some odd difficulty to finding parts for either, or something else.

But I believe I got my answers from a majority of you, so thank you.

Mardanov

iTrader: (1)

I bought a RHD one because it was significantly less expensive than an LHD one when I was looking... that's really what it came down to.

There are some mild annoyances that come with having a RHD car in a LHD country, mostly related to turns and people gawking at me being on the wrong side in traffic or wanting to chat about what driving on the other side is like every time I get out. (I don't care for attention much, so this may actually be a perk to you)

I decided it was worth dealing with that in exchange for saving several thousand dollars because its a car I drive once a week or every other week.

Good luck.

madhat1111

I bought RHD because it was the nicest one I could find and it's not a daily. I wanted the car to truly be an occasion to drive, so having a RHD FD felt more magical than a LHD one. You get a lot more comments as well. Having bought this one, I would totally get an FC and FB in RHD...I found RHD to be extremely natural for me. No, I don't go through drive throughs alone, but that's not what I do anyway when I get it out.

ign 5

iTrader: (1)

I was looking for a LHD, but ended up with a RHD.... and I LOVE IT. It just makes the whole car feel more...special. I have my daily cars, that are all LHD, so when I hop in my RHD, its just a whole different experience. That being said, there are bad that comes along with RHD that can be annoying if not in the right mood. Driving a RHD FD you know what it is like to be celebrity, or what it would be like driving some crazy exotic. Everywhere I go people are snapping pictures, taking videos, young and old asking tons of questions because it is RHD, Did you convert it, did you import it? why is it on that side? Is this a race car? What is it. So, if you are in the mood to just drive and not feel like talking to anyone, it can be a little annoying. Literally everywhere you want to go, people talk to me about it. I dont mind 99 percent of the time, but if you are not social, it can be a big problem.

Driving, it feel naturally, and normal. making lefts at times can be a pain when you cant see around the car on the other side, but like others said, the car is small so you can just lean over to see if you need to. Drive thru can be an issue, but I dont use them, so no big deal to me. Although, my Son wanted McDonalds, and it was a fun experience having him be the one to hand them money and get the food, he loved that experience.

but all said and done, wanting a LHD, and getting a RHD...I fell in love with it, and I see it as a plus now, and plan to always have one.

some of the things I enjoy...
Car shows and car meets, people non stop are like whoa! thats an rx7, oh my god, its rhd too! Also at shows, someone who does not care about Japanese cars at all, become curious and look the car over just because its RHD.
Garage parking! my 2 car garage is not too wide with all my stuff in it also, so I pull my FD on the left as close as I can, and my daily on the right side as far as I can. And, I get out in the middle with lots of room.

working on them, LHD and RHD both have good and bads. on a RHD the downpipe and the steering shaft dont have much room, so some aftermarket downpipes on stock twins will not work, but more work for both, when you go single turbo, there is room for either one. Working on ignition stuff, plugs, wires etc you have more room on a RHD than a left. Like installing my twin power took a few mins to install because nothing is in the way.

That just some quick thoughts while i am eating lunch. But in my opinion, if you are buying one to dive, and enjoy vs a collection, just search for one, and dont let RHD or LHD be a decider either way, just like me, I just LOVED the car, and in the end I would have been happy either way. But, I now Prefer my fun car to be RHD, and if I was in the market for a fun car right now, I would only pick RHD. I catch myself all the time looking at Japanese cars for sale, and see LHD I am like oh dang..what a let down haha its like smoking meth, vs sticking it in the vein haha

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

of the people that are anti rhd.... have any of you actually lived with one? not just driven one....... actually owned and lived with one? just want to make sure we are giving our opinions from the same plane. the rhd people are speaking as owners and not as an observationist (a word that accurately describes the other stance). having simply driven one doesnt do it. if you havent owned one or lived with a rhd car here in the US then you cant confidently speak on what its like to drive one. your opinion is just guessing on what it MIGHT be like.

twinturborx7pete

iTrader: (3)

Ultimately, whatever you decide is what you decide.

I have a RHD Type RZ, so it is a rare model, which was part of the reason I ended up getting it. However, I've owned 2 prior LHD FDs.

I don't have any issues driving on the right and nothing really is annoying. It is true, you will get asked questions, people naturally are curious about you on the "wrong" side of the car.

Parts wise, RHD RX-7s were made longer than their LHD counterparts. So, the parts availability is a bit better on the RHD through sources like nengun and rhdjapan. Also, keep in mind Japanese tuners are building parts for cars in their country, RHD. So it is nice to buy FEED, RE, etc parts and they all fit perfectly. I think this was best illustrated when I installed my GReddy VMIC. I didn't have to do any crazy stuff to make it fit since it was designed for a RHD RX-7.

I think worrying about the resale value of the car only makes sense if you plan to drive it for a short time. Also, who buys a car to let it sit, collect dust, pay for it, and not enjoy it? I think someone said it best... it is like not having sex with your girlfriend so she remains a virgin, just so the next guy can enjoy her.

Montego

iTrader: (1)

What thread have you been reading? Just because people are pointing out the negatives of having a RHD car in an LHD country doesn't mean they are against it. It's just reality that there are negatives.

^^OP,
And that's exactly why you should get the car you truly want. Owner satisfaction should be #1 top priority. He loves his car and so should you.

Given that global production run for FDs sits right around 70K, I am under the impression that it's probably easier to find parts for RDH cars than it is for LHD ones. I have nothing to back this up other than production years for RHD FDs ranged from 1992-2002. So logic suggests that in a world scale, there's a greater abundance of RHD examples and therefore available parts compared to our measly LHD 3 year production run.

***estimated World wide FD production numbers*** - RX7Club.com - Mazda RX7 Forum

Actually and as an FYI - Although the topic of conversation for your car revolves around where the steering wheel sits, people aren't taking pictures/videos/asking questions because it's its RHD. No its because it's FD.

We all get that attention and it comes with the territory. As an example, a week ago I took a drive from the apple valley to San Diego that took me through the back side of LA. Within that 145 mile drive I had about 12 different instances where people honked/waved/thumbed-up/took-pics/followed-while-taking-video/yell/ask-me-to-rev and my car isn't anything special. But like I said, it comes with the territory.


Edit- Beat me to it:

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

its a negative based on what? first hand experience or a perceived experience... this is what im getting at. you guys are pointing out things that arent *REAL* negatives. whats an opinion from someone who hasnt adequately experienced the thing theyre giving an opinion on? a guess? who here has a/lived with a rhd car in the US and shares the same opinion with those that havent? this will tell the real story. if all the people that havent are saying something different than the people that have, it tells you that the perceived inconveniences are in fact nonexistent.

seeing as how i have the privilege of owning both versions here and abroad, i can say as a FIRST HAND opinion that none of the negative things mentioned here are real. i dont feel any more or less safe or more capable or incapable in either car on either formatted road. just the same as any vehicle that youre not used to driving: truck, rv, mini car, forklift, boat, whatever. you will adapt with repeated use and it all becomes the same. having simply driven one a couple times doesnt tell the whole story.

it bothers me because threads like this perpetuate false realities and those that dont know, simply take it as fact and it is what it is to them. it becomes a regurgitation of an opinion from those that have not been in a circumstance to give a credible opinion on the circumstance. if im wrong in my perception of the situation, please correct it.