FD Popularity
01-07-09, 02:27 PM
#3
Sounds like your asking TWO questions.
Popular? I would say they are in this forum
Demanding sports car? They are prone to oversteer in inexperienced hands.
Resell prices show that they are still DESIRABLE compared to a 93-95 Vette, Mustang, Camaro........................
01-07-09, 02:31 PM
#4
Rotary Enthusiast
Thread Starter
01-07-09, 02:42 PM
#6
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I know it is a rare car but was unsure if it is still popular.
Rotary powered FDs are getting even more rare with the popularity of the LSX swaps. Seems like everytime I am in the classifieds someone is selling a full pullout.
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01-07-09, 06:16 PM
#8
the biggest change in the forums over the last few years is the broke *** kids who can barely afford their cars and parts and lowball everyone.
remember the days where an M2 IC sold in about an hour for $1000? yeah no longer, not even close. But most still love the FD
remember the days where an M2 IC sold in about an hour for $1000? yeah no longer, not even close. But most still love the FD
01-07-09, 06:21 PM
#9
Its popular and demanding for LSx swaps. Thats about it.
Very rare will you find someone who is willing to pay 10k+ for an FD to restore it to their likings. And if that happens, usually ended up being sold because lost of interest or lack of funds.
To answer your question, i think you should keep it. At least til it gets more rare and maybe the value will increase. Or unless you have money to get the M5 while keeping the FD til someone buys it.
I dont know your plan.
Very rare will you find someone who is willing to pay 10k+ for an FD to restore it to their likings. And if that happens, usually ended up being sold because lost of interest or lack of funds.
To answer your question, i think you should keep it. At least til it gets more rare and maybe the value will increase. Or unless you have money to get the M5 while keeping the FD til someone buys it.
I dont know your plan.
01-07-09, 06:58 PM
#10
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In Ireland the FD is still very rare and therefore very popular with everyone (WOW factor) except mechanics, most of which will just turn you away before you even get a chance to explain your needs. I often have young people shouting compliments at me, men that I have never seen before approaching me and asking questions and professionals like Architects/Consultants/Engineers commenting on the marvel that is the rotary engine and its design.
I am very fussy about cars and to me there is very little other than the FD that would interest me in the slightest. I have always wanted one!
However, if I were to sell it, the only other car I would consider is the BMW M3 with the SMG gearbox/transmission.
I am very fussy about cars and to me there is very little other than the FD that would interest me in the slightest. I have always wanted one!
However, if I were to sell it, the only other car I would consider is the BMW M3 with the SMG gearbox/transmission.
01-07-09, 09:07 PM
#12
Rotary Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Not too long ago I am always on this forum...lately I am here maybe once a month.
I have lost interest modding the 7 and recently I've lost interest driving it. Don't get me wrong, the FD is the most beautiful sport car out there, so timeless. But it is a PITA to drive even when most reliable.
I am getting old...approaching 50 yrs old...however still like going fast but it have to be "comfortably", reason for picking the M5 over Z06; Cayman; M3.
500 hp with one push of a button...yeah.
I have lost interest modding the 7 and recently I've lost interest driving it. Don't get me wrong, the FD is the most beautiful sport car out there, so timeless. But it is a PITA to drive even when most reliable.
I am getting old...approaching 50 yrs old...however still like going fast but it have to be "comfortably", reason for picking the M5 over Z06; Cayman; M3.
500 hp with one push of a button...yeah.
01-07-09, 10:31 PM
#14
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Hey TP,
don't know if I ever got to see you at dallas meets. I personally think the popularity is waning. It kinda has to as the car ages and more advanced/powerful cars come out.
I have a E46 M3 and while its a nice daily driver, it doesn't put a smile to my face like the FD. However, the FD is just as quick to make me cry when the AC stops working, plastic creaks are heard, and the sinking feeling when you think you blew an apex seal.
It was my first car that I had that "emotional" connection with that even Jay Leno talks about.
I have driven a Gallardo in anticipation to buy...I'm currently contemplating the Audi R8, GT-R or ZR1. But after test drives, I get in my old car and hear the engine turn over and boost kick in....I start smiling like I when I first got it.
don't know if I ever got to see you at dallas meets. I personally think the popularity is waning. It kinda has to as the car ages and more advanced/powerful cars come out.
I have a E46 M3 and while its a nice daily driver, it doesn't put a smile to my face like the FD. However, the FD is just as quick to make me cry when the AC stops working, plastic creaks are heard, and the sinking feeling when you think you blew an apex seal.
It was my first car that I had that "emotional" connection with that even Jay Leno talks about.
I have driven a Gallardo in anticipation to buy...I'm currently contemplating the Audi R8, GT-R or ZR1. But after test drives, I get in my old car and hear the engine turn over and boost kick in....I start smiling like I when I first got it.
01-07-09, 10:48 PM
#15
After 5 years of driving FD's, it's the only car that still puts a smile on my face ever time I drive it. It's a free rollercoaster ride whenever I want, besides being one of the most distinctive cars anywhere.
It's not as pillowy as the Cadillacs I used to drive, but that's not it's forte. It was designed to be different and fun, and it's definately both.
And over the years, my two FD's have helped me to become a pretty good mechanic, too.
But if you're finances are straight, I'd actually prefer the M3 ...or another 1976 Coupe DeVille, 500ci ftw!!
Josh
It's not as pillowy as the Cadillacs I used to drive, but that's not it's forte. It was designed to be different and fun, and it's definately both.
And over the years, my two FD's have helped me to become a pretty good mechanic, too.
But if you're finances are straight, I'd actually prefer the M3 ...or another 1976 Coupe DeVille, 500ci ftw!!
Josh
01-07-09, 11:03 PM
#16
I love my FD. But really I love every rotary machine I have owned.
I plan on keeping my FD. And I'm sure I'll buy other rotary machines
in the future. Even though they are not my daily driver, they have been in
the past. Never have I had one let me down, or break down on the
side of the road.
I plan on keeping my FD. And I'm sure I'll buy other rotary machines
in the future. Even though they are not my daily driver, they have been in
the past. Never have I had one let me down, or break down on the
side of the road.
01-08-09, 09:45 AM
#23
Constant threat
Popular? No. Only to a certain demographic these days. Most people don't even have a clue as to what they are.
Demanding? The FD is a hard car to drive spiritedly, the turbo lag and then kick makes for some unpredictability that can catch a driver off guard.
One thing the FD will always have going for it in North America is...there simply weren't many of them imported, only around 15,000 cars total. That is a very insignificant number, consider approximately 400,000 Accords are sold ANNUALLY in the same market.
I still say the FD is like the Jaguar XKE in SO many ways. When the E-type ceased production in '74 (and the Series III cars were not that popular anyway) within a few years you could find trashed and thrashed versions for just a few thousand dollars, pristine ones brought only dimes on the dollar of their original price. And you saw them rusting away in backyards everywhere. They faded from the sight and memory of all but enthusiasts.
Then...in the late '80s, people started "rediscovering" the XKE. Suddenly the dearth of available cars made for skyrocketing prices. Nowadays...it takes $100K to get a Concourse level Series I or II car. Hell, I saw a 302 Ford V8 powered one that was needing a LOT of work going for $25K in Fort Worth not long ago.
You simply can't find a 'project car' XKE anymore....those have all been snapped up by speculators and restorers, and go for 5 to 10 times their original sticker.
I see the FD following this same scenario, personally.
In another decade, two for sure...a FD that is close to stock or stock will command some incredible (to us today) prices.
Demanding? The FD is a hard car to drive spiritedly, the turbo lag and then kick makes for some unpredictability that can catch a driver off guard.
One thing the FD will always have going for it in North America is...there simply weren't many of them imported, only around 15,000 cars total. That is a very insignificant number, consider approximately 400,000 Accords are sold ANNUALLY in the same market.
I still say the FD is like the Jaguar XKE in SO many ways. When the E-type ceased production in '74 (and the Series III cars were not that popular anyway) within a few years you could find trashed and thrashed versions for just a few thousand dollars, pristine ones brought only dimes on the dollar of their original price. And you saw them rusting away in backyards everywhere. They faded from the sight and memory of all but enthusiasts.
Then...in the late '80s, people started "rediscovering" the XKE. Suddenly the dearth of available cars made for skyrocketing prices. Nowadays...it takes $100K to get a Concourse level Series I or II car. Hell, I saw a 302 Ford V8 powered one that was needing a LOT of work going for $25K in Fort Worth not long ago.
You simply can't find a 'project car' XKE anymore....those have all been snapped up by speculators and restorers, and go for 5 to 10 times their original sticker.
I see the FD following this same scenario, personally.
In another decade, two for sure...a FD that is close to stock or stock will command some incredible (to us today) prices.
01-08-09, 09:52 AM
#24
Rotary Enthusiast
Thread Starter
I went to the meet once...it has been 3 yrs since.
Beside being a beautiful body style, I love the boost BUT feel uneasy pushing it to the limit.
Officially the car isn't for sale but here is some info and pic. Please no question on price at this time.
1994 PEP
54K miles original, run beautifully, still smell like new. Except for the CD player everything works on this car.
Purchase new by my brother in Conroe, TX 1994, mine since 2004
Trust SMIC
Intakes
HKS DP
RB dual tip
Power FC (tuned S. Kan) 12 psi if PFC set to .80 bar; 10.8 psi at .70 bar setting.
Defi Boost/Temp gauge
HR Springs
Bilstein HD shocks/struts
CCW 17" wheels
Seibon Scoot hood (removed)
Beside being a beautiful body style, I love the boost BUT feel uneasy pushing it to the limit.
Officially the car isn't for sale but here is some info and pic. Please no question on price at this time.
1994 PEP
54K miles original, run beautifully, still smell like new. Except for the CD player everything works on this car.
Purchase new by my brother in Conroe, TX 1994, mine since 2004
Trust SMIC
Intakes
HKS DP
RB dual tip
Power FC (tuned S. Kan) 12 psi if PFC set to .80 bar; 10.8 psi at .70 bar setting.
Defi Boost/Temp gauge
HR Springs
Bilstein HD shocks/struts
CCW 17" wheels
Seibon Scoot hood (removed)
