c0rbin9

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys, going to look at an FD tomorrow and wanted to ask the experts here on any tips on checking the body for accident damage.

I know the chassis is worth at least a certain amount if accident free so it's important to me to do a thorough inspection.

I know the basics like look at shut lines, wrinkled body panels, body panel fitment, etc. - that said, I was wondering if there are any FD-specific things I should pay special attention to. AFAIK, FD's didn't come with VIN tags on the panels, so it will be up to my skills to do the inspection.

Littleguy

iTrader: (5)

Don't think you need to know anything special for the FD body wise, but here is a link to the body repair manual in case you want to take a look, may help you know what stuff should look like.

http://www.fd3s.net/shop_manual_s_body.pdf

Congrats on getting one, you will love it.

c0rbin9

iTrader: (2)

https://jackson.craigslist.org/cto/6194377640.html

That's the car. I know, there are a lot of red flags but I'm going to take the chance. Ugh, don't have a warm fuzzy feeling, that's for sure.

TomU

iTrader: (11)

What's making you anxious? The price, which seems a little low for an unmolested BB with low miles.

Pull the spare tire and look for any body crinkles. Get underneath and look for any damage/rust or any out of place/missing parts. Other areas of possible damage would be the front headlight assemblies. I assume Carfax checks out ok.

Mechanical condition would be the next to check.

I would say the price is fair even if there are some issues

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

so there are a few little ways to tell if an FD has original paint/panels. most cars have had some paintwork by now.

Mazda built ALL of these cars the same, and to a very high standard, so finding any body/paint work is usually really easy. you can see from the body manual, that they are very specific about everything.

Mazda assembled the body shell, painted it, and then all the trims/glass/weather strips/drivetrain/wiring get installed. translation, there should be no overspray on anything really.

Mazda also went around and under the car and undercoated it. so there is a nice crisp line to the undercoating all the way around on the metal panels. if its missing a corner, or the line isn't crisp something happened.

the 93-94 cars have the rocker panel seam painted black from the factory (maybe 95 too, i forget), although on a black car it won't be, because the car is black.

the fenders have alignment holes in them, Mazda installed the fenders and then put a little piece of tape over the hole, and then the car got painted. the 93-94 tape is an oval, and 95+ is square. its JDM tape too, so US tape has a different grain to it. under the tape is primer.

there are two more on the headlight support part of the radiator shroud.

the rear bumper was painted separate from the car, and under the license plate there was a white sticker with the paint code on it. these do tend to get removed when the car gets detailed, so if its missing, its not a huge deal, its just paper.

c0rbin9

iTrader: (2)

Update: I decided not to pursue that car. Was all ready to leave early in the morning to go look at it, but some things came to light in my conversations with the seller that indicate possible accident damage, just too many question marks on this one.

The fender bolts were turned, headlight covers are aftermarket, and bumper fitment isn't perfect - which to me indicates a possible accident in the front. RX7 badge was missing on the back which could be nothing, but it was another question mark, more than I'm comfortable with to spend the whole day looking at the car. On to the next!

Anyone have a nice R1/R2 for sale? Wouldn't mind a base SSM either. Budget is around $20k, not expecting perfection for that price, though no wrecks/rust is a must.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

FD headlight covers are a wear item, they last about as long as the alternator belt.

MK3Brent

iTrader: (6)

Ain't that the truth.

OP,
What's your real concern about the car being in an accident?
Drive the cars, have a solid look around... I don't see what the big deal is if the car drives true, and everything looks in order. But, I'm sure you have your own personal reasons.

FWIW, my FD was in an accident the year it was made. The damage was repaired, and the car drives great.

Littleguy

iTrader: (5)

FWIW, the bumper fitment could have been off from something as innocent as a paint job on the car. These front bumpers are usually put on incorrectly (not pulled tight) by people without experience on it.

Natey

iTrader: (19)

The only real red flag I see is the aftermarket exhaust...Maybe the guy's spelling, too, but maybe english isn't his 1st language or something. My car's never been wrecked and the front bumper on that black car fits just as well and is no less wavy than mine. I also 86'd the RX-7 badge in the back and put in new headlight covers when I had the car painted. I never crashed my car, but it is from 1993, and almost 25 years takes it's toll on plastic body parts (HL covers). That car looks like a winner and I'll bet the guy's got a couple emails since you posted the eggslist ad here. lol

If there are no puddles underneath and it starts up and drives well, I'd pull the trigger. That's a nice FD with low miles.

c0rbin9

iTrader: (2)

Well you guys who said to buy the car were right, I'm kicking myself now, it got sold 12 hours after I sold the seller I couldn't make it. Said 30+ people had contacted him.

MK3Brent

iTrader: (6)

Happens dude!