Here's the scenario. I'm a 20 year old engineering student. Last month i was broadsided making a left hand turn in my old Jag. The car is essentially totalled as it will cost more than its worth to repair. Thus i am in the market for a new vehicle. I adore the performance and aesthetics of a 3rd gen, but am somewhat hesitant at the thought of purchasing one. With my insurance money, and some savings i can probably muster around 12 grand. This is obviously the lower extremity for pricing a 93 touring, but I think its possible to secure a mediocre FD for approximately 10-11k in the mid-atlantic from my research. Unforetunately, at that price, a new engine, a rebuild or at least some basic repair will surface rather quickly down the road. Though the car would be my soul vehicle, it would only be driven on the weekends, and minimally. I estimate I would put no more than 3k-3,500 on it in a year. Also i luckily found that a frat-brother of my room mate has exstensive rotary experience, professionally rebuidling a number of 13bs and currently owns 3 FDs in varying condition (a project car, a street TT, and his 10 sec. single turbo w/ Nos.) A few nights ago i sat down with him and he enthusiastically offered to help me track down and test/inspect a 7. He even went as far as to say he would assist me in vacuum line replacement, downpipe installation, and any other basic work i was curious about. Despite all this, i wonder if as college student (though he is too) if i can truly afford the long term costs of an RX. My friends and family seem to be divided, some say go for it while others insist i would be better off with something much safer like a GTi VR6 or a 318i Hatchback. Anyways, i would greatly appreciate some feedback from you guys as to longterm ownerships costs, regular maintainence, and repair. Thanks ahead of time. BTW, i am in the DC metro area.

 

From my experience:

Avoid it. When it runs well its an awesome car.. But when it doesnt it costs BIG $$$. So affording it initially is one thing but constant maintinace is something else!

IF you need to get places on some days Id say get the GTI! This car is not what it seems unless you find one with new engine,turbos and generaly in awesome shape.. And for $12k your not going to find that!

~Jonathan

 

That's right, find one with a new engine. But you better have $15k to be safe.

 

Follow your heart! If it's what you truly want, then you'll find a way to cover the cost. I dreamed about one for 4 yrs then jumped on one w/49k.....now it's got 115k and I just had it rebuilt.
Gotta Love it!

 

I have mixed feelings as you do. I have had my 94 FD for about 6 months I believe and it has had to sit for awhile due to problems and upgrades. I had to spend $1000 right when I bought it but it was normal repairs (brakes and new windshield). As far as the engine goes, when that thing goes your out $5000 or so. That is if you buy a new one from Mazda. They are, however, very worth it. I have 2 other cars to drive so if it does not work for a while I'm okay. It sounds like you might be okay if you are only planning on 3K miles a year. Do what you think is right.

~Strike

 

Go test drive one then let us know what you decided. AFTER YOU BUY THE ONE YOU JUST DROVE, go buy a shitbox as a backup car and make your friend fix anything that breaks in the fd. The car is well worth whatever is needed to keep it happy.