Assisitance
 

I just moved to Japan for work recently, and I have been toying around with the idea of buying a used FD.

But I am not that familier with what I should be concerned with before I buy.

I know that Japan has a nice supply of used 2002 FD's but, I would like to know what improvements they made over the 93' model that we last recived in the U.S.

Would any of you mind helping a NOOB?

FD3S_FAN

Informative site! Thanks alot.

Mainly I am concerned with any improvements to the engine or tweeks that they did to improve the life of the engine. I don't nessisaryly want to do a rebuild after I decide to make the purchase.

Any insight?

FD3S_Fan

don't worry you wouldn't have to rebuild the engine because you would have to replace that motor anyways according to their laws over there.

The expected engine life is practically the same.

Dave

Replace the motor?

Why would they require that?

At worse I was just expecting to find a shop to replace some seals..

If I am not mistaken the 13Bs seals were good for about 100K miles, but Japanese don't drive as much as americans. I am looking at realy low milage cars, but it's hard to find one that hasn't been "fiddled with"..if you know what I mean.

FD3S_Fan

yeah I thought by law they make you replace the engine at like 30,000 miles. anyone in Japan care to fill us in?

The story I heard is this: Japan's tech inspections are so stringent that the inspectors can and do fail many cars to generate repair work. It's to the point where you might as well get a new engine or turbos and pass the inspection because you spend the required repair limit.

Dave

Hadn't heard of that before. Wow. And I thought the "Safety Inspections" my state used to require were bad. :pity:

I have been doing research, because I am going to be here for while, and I am planning on keeping the FD once I make the plunge (even if I have to come back to the U.S), the Japanese inspection or SHAKEN is rediculasly stringent on modified cars. From what I have read, any modification to the car is subject to rejection by the Japnese goverment.

Currenlty I am reaserching insurrance and a reputable shop once I decide to make the dive. There are lots of options though. On my way to work I pass several used MAZDA dealerships with FD's on the lot.

I am also using www.carsensor.net to find a good one. All you have to do is type in RX7 in the search feild and the pages never end...

But, going price for a un-molested 2002 FD is still in the 40K range. Wich, is not bad all things considerd.

Because I am makeing a long term commitment here, it doesn't have to be pristine. I am looking forward to spending some money on it..I just want to be prepared.

FD3S_Fan

I'm going on memory, and the info was secondhand to begin with - so take it with a big grain of salt. But it explains a lot.

Dave

I am going to play slow and steady with this one, and take my time before I dive in. I am just happy that at least being here in Japan, I have the can be choosey. There is no shortage of available FD's for canidates.

FD3S_Fan

Here are my first list of potential candidates.


http://www.re-amemiya.co.jp/old_cp/o...fd_4_b_up.html


http://www.carsensor.net/cgi-bin/CS/...HOP=217656001E

http://www.carsensor.net/cgi-bin/CS/...HOP=030482018M


http://www.carsensor.net/cgi-bin/CS/...HOP=204203001E

http://www.carsensor.net/cgi-bin/CS/...HOP=030482005M

http://www.carsensor.net/cgi-bin/CS/...HOP=213811001K

http://www.carsensor.net/cgi-bin/CS/...HOP=081696002W

I found that the there is ample supply of FD's on the market here in Japan, but the cheaper you go, the more modifications you find...

I am looking for a VIRGIN FD3S, but, it looks like I will have to pay a premium for one.

FD3S_Fan

I can't believe this shit is still being perpetuated! don't take it with a 'grain of salt' - throw away the entire shaker, lol.


"yeah I thought by law they make you replace the engine at like 30,000 miles"

"don't worry you wouldn't have to rebuild the engine because you would have to replace that motor anyways according to their laws over there"

no, I don't know which arse monkey started that myth - but there isn't any truth to it.

"the Japanese inspection or SHAKEN is rediculasly stringent on modified cars. From what I have read, any modification to the car is subject to rejection by the Japnese goverment."

nah - not really. The usual knock-backs are things like aftermarket HID, ridiculously loud exhaust dB (though the allowed limit on later FDs will be 92dB, 96 for the early ones), huge t-wings, canards, and so on.

put it this way - my car has most of the bolt-ons and has sailed through shaken. All I had to replace was a leaking diff seal.

the japanese system is not draconian at all - it's just been mythologised by people who have no idea what they are talking about. As it's a two-year system, I find shaken to be cheaper than the equivalent system in australia.

however, the following things do make owning a car in japan a bit of a shocker:

1. insurance - for foreigners
2. yearly car tax (city tax) - differs by region, but should be around 40,000 for an FD
3. fuel (though 100+ octane is sweet)


I've lived here for four years and have owned four cars.

Could also try:
Spirit web site for info.