Hi, I am new to this forum and wanted to get some feedback on a potential purchase. It is a black 1993 R1 FD3S with cloth interior. The car has a brand new engine and turbos (4k) installed by a local Mazda dealer. There is only 45k on the chassis. However, the clutch is slipping and I don't know condition of the flywheel. The guy let the car sit for 9-10 years and the APEX seals leaked. However, he didn't know he could just have the engine rebuilt so he spent 9k on a new engine and turbos. Anyway, the car isn't in great condition; it needs a hell of a wax job, and the interior needs a lot of work. The bumper has spider web cracks on it from the weather and the passenger front quarter/fender has a 4 inch indention in it. The antenna has been ripped off (should be an easy cheap fix), but nevertheless is still detrimental to the overall appearance.

The seats look appalling and the driver side window/lock control is missing. For the most part everything would clean up nicely in my opinion and I can do everything myself with the help of an experienced friend.

What do you guys think this car is worth? I would appreciate any input and if anyone could help me locate replacement parts at bargain prices.

Thanks.

 

45K miles?

What is the asking price and does he have reciepts for the motor and turbos?

The bumper WILL NOT get spider cracks from the weather if it is the original paint. I'd be wary of the condition of the rest of the body if has been poorly repainted.

Pics will help.

 

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the reply. I am not sure if the car has been repainted, so the cracking on the bumper could be due to poor paint prep for the plastic. He has the reciepts for the engine and the turbos. He is asking 12k but I have him down to 10.5k, right now and looking for a little more off. A 7 with such mileage is so hard to find, so I am very tempted to do it, if it passes a certified Mazda inspection (which might not mean much.) Have any ideas on having the car inspected?

Thanks.

 

be damn careful about what you're getting into. these things aren't cheap to keep when they are in GOOD condition let alone beat to hell. don't start throwing around words like "cheap" and "easy." they simply don't exist in the FD world. (from what i've noticed at least) it doesn't sound like the car was taken care of well at all. its got 45k on it and is beat to sh*t. mine has 38k on it and the interior is still show room new. keep hunting my friend... that is my advice to you.

a good dealer is few and far between. it may "pass" just enough for you to buy it so they can bleed your bank account fixing it for you. my local dealer has been good to me, but that is not the case for most.

you really are better off getting a car with 85k on it that's in good condition than being hung up on a number. condition is condition, whether its 35k or 135k.

 

Thanks for the advice pugg57.

 

It's pretty easy to swap out a lower mileage gauge cluster too.

Personally, with the interior and exterior shot, I'd have a tough time paying $10k, new motor and turbos or not.

 

Thanks for all of the opinions. I believe I have made the car appear worse than it really is, but I would rather be to harsh than too lenient. I would really like to have a like new FD3, for the cheapest price possible (like everyone I am sure). The guy is a employee of a friend if that sways anyone's judgment.

 

I don't think you made it sound worse than it is. It sounds like it's been beat on pretty bad. I would walk away. You are better off spending $16k on one in good shape. As an aside, this is not the car for a pennypincher to own.....

 

and he let it sit "9-10 years"? that would mean he drove it for only two years and put 45k on it.

the BS meter is starting to rise a bit.

the bumper *will* get spider cracks from a low speed impact however. think about it.

at 45k, the car should not show that much abuse, not if it were taken care of. i would be *very* wary of this seller.

btw, the antenna is not an easy, nor inexpensive thing to fix.

-bill