Pretty much what is said in the topic. I am looking to import an FD this winter or in the summer time in 2007 and was wondering what the major differences mechanically between these two cars. Any issues one has, but the other doesn't?

I will be mainly looking to buy either a high auction grade car, 3.5 and higher or from a private seller. I would want to compare it to something in the same age bracket, KMs/miles, wear/tear.

If you have any opinions, it would be great. I also understand what I am getting into by buying a JDM, instead of buying one from North America. I don't want to debate that, just the differences in the cars. Or should I wait one more year and then buy a 93 RHD JDM FD? Are there major differences in the two cars?

Thanks.
npham

 

and pretty much stated in the topic...

rhd and lhd.. pretty much laid out except that rhd cars are available past 1995 and made all the way through 2001.

You can get a newer RHD, but you have less hassles getting an LHD

 

there's lots of little differences - but nothing major. One of the biggest has to be the downpipe/cat in the USDM cars - the extra heat generated seems to have caused a LOT of issues with the already fragile (mountain of) hoses under the hood - whereas it doesn't seem to be as big a deal in the JDM cars (if japanese magazine troubleshooting guides are anything to go by).

If you can get over the LHD/RHD deal, I'd say go for a JDM all the way - but if it's a 93, make sure it's manufactured after August (and therefore a version II) - the first run had more teething issues, and haven't stood the test of time very well at all - this is reflected in markedly lower prices.

The other good thing is that type-r cars - basically equivalent to R1 (for version I) and R2 (for version II) are plentiful in the JDM market, whereas the US cars are mostly luxury versions (roughly equivalent to the JDM type-x) - heavier, slower, worse suspension, and with less fruit.

 

Thanks for the replies, I will probably have to wait another year before 93's are legal in Canada since I'd rather buy something more reliable and a car that has had its kinks worked out a bit.

I was also wondering if there were any colors available to the JDM market that wasn't available to The USDM market?

 

Just buy a good quality Canadian car! A car that you will have maintenance knowledge of at least.... The low price is attractive but I think there are alot of nice Canadian cars out there that will not have safety and insurance issues out there.....

And this is for no reason because my FD is for sale wink wink.....

http://www.clubrxquebec.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1802

Negociable on the price.......

And seriously stick with Canadian FDs......

Good luck,

Alex

 

I dont think I would be saving that much money since I'd be looking at buying a high auction grade or private sale upwards of 15K and planning to spend another 5k into a "in case fund" so I am hoping to see a car with low mileage and a great body that will be ready for some fun mods. Plus here I am in Calgary, we have a few great rx7 mechanics in town which is always a huge bonus.