How many of you are using your FD as a daily driver?
Not the company
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 9
From: United States
The days that it wasn't in a shop somewhere (and they were few) it was a daily driver for me when i owned it. I used to take it to college and actually parked it next to another FD driver who used his as a daily driver as well.
People that say the FD RX-7 and its rotary engine are "unreliable" either drive the car wrong, are too ignorant of it, or dont respect it. IE they act like a complete and utter noob around the car, and the FD RX-7 does not tolerate fools well in return.
Or they're slapping on monster turbochargers and aviation spec fuel systems and poor quality ECUs, and attempting to run before they learn how to walk.
I take a little offense to that , sometimes you just inherit a bad egg from the previous owner .
My car was and still is a daily. 95k out of the rotary and currently about 30k on a piston.
so those that bag on the rotary probably ones that's abused or have no idea what they are doing. Now which motor is more practical for daily driving is however another story
so those that bag on the rotary probably ones that's abused or have no idea what they are doing. Now which motor is more practical for daily driving is however another story
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 1,484
From: West Coast
Damn. I missed that. I didn't search and that's my fault. I'm usually keen on forum etiquette too. Thanks for pointing that out.
Back on topic: I'm considering buying a small hatchback or wagon for the sheer space I sometimes need. The FD doesn't have **** for space, but then, most sports cars don't. I've always had some sort of coupe that I drive because the few times I bought and DD a "normal" car, it bored me to death, and I think it takes a certain type of individual to endure the negative aspects of daily driving an FD and outweigh it with the pleasures of driving it. I was always told by some people that I would outgrow driving stiff sports cars and come to my senses when I got older, but I'm now 35 years old, and can't imagine driving anything other than these types of cars.
Back on topic: I'm considering buying a small hatchback or wagon for the sheer space I sometimes need. The FD doesn't have **** for space, but then, most sports cars don't. I've always had some sort of coupe that I drive because the few times I bought and DD a "normal" car, it bored me to death, and I think it takes a certain type of individual to endure the negative aspects of daily driving an FD and outweigh it with the pleasures of driving it. I was always told by some people that I would outgrow driving stiff sports cars and come to my senses when I got older, but I'm now 35 years old, and can't imagine driving anything other than these types of cars.
I drove a Protege5 for 10 years and LOVED it. We traded it in on a new 4runner or I'd still be tossing my dog in the back and using that little *******' wagon as a surf/beach car. I miss the 30mpg, great cornering and "zippyness" around town. Such a fun little car.
Also, a 1st gen Mazdaspeed3 ain't a bad looking car. You can get one for around 10-12k these days and those things are pretty much sleepers. Just DON'T stance it!!
Here's my old P5:
http://www.mazdas247.com/members/Nat...eca%20022a.JPG
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
I've daily driven the FD since 1999. I get a little bored with them in stock form but with approx 300 rwhp (usual bolt ons), coilovers, sways and a good radio it's the perfect car AND IT'S A VERY RELIABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS CAR DESPITE WHAT YOU READ ON THIS FORUM 
Reasons:
1) There's nothing more fun to drive. From GT3s to Corvettes this car has a special feel that so far is beyond compare. For me it's the crisp handling from the susp and light weight chassis along with the personality that the twins have which isn't offered by any other car and the cart like seating position is phenomenal oh and all those great sounds. I still smile each time it pops after accelerating.
2) It's a super cool looking car with just the right blend of all business looks but not over the top boy racer styling and no matter what car I park next to I still get out and look at the FD with nothing but love.
3) Bang for the buck. Really inexpensive for me to own because I have most any part that breaks and I can usually fix it myself (can't remember the last time one of my DD cars was at a shop), prop tax is low and not much to insure compared to say a corvette or something else equally enticing to drive.
4) I love working on it, swapping parts around, trying new things etc.... because the car responds so much to any change it is always cool to feel the differences.
5) It fits me like a glove. I'm 5'9 and weigh 150.
I could go on and on but the bottomline is the FD just suits my personality and life style and there's nothing else I'd rather DD. It's raining today so I'm driving the big F350 and I'm already looking forward to jumping into the FD tomorrow.
Reasons:
1) There's nothing more fun to drive. From GT3s to Corvettes this car has a special feel that so far is beyond compare. For me it's the crisp handling from the susp and light weight chassis along with the personality that the twins have which isn't offered by any other car and the cart like seating position is phenomenal oh and all those great sounds. I still smile each time it pops after accelerating.
2) It's a super cool looking car with just the right blend of all business looks but not over the top boy racer styling and no matter what car I park next to I still get out and look at the FD with nothing but love.
3) Bang for the buck. Really inexpensive for me to own because I have most any part that breaks and I can usually fix it myself (can't remember the last time one of my DD cars was at a shop), prop tax is low and not much to insure compared to say a corvette or something else equally enticing to drive.
4) I love working on it, swapping parts around, trying new things etc.... because the car responds so much to any change it is always cool to feel the differences.
5) It fits me like a glove. I'm 5'9 and weigh 150.
I could go on and on but the bottomline is the FD just suits my personality and life style and there's nothing else I'd rather DD. It's raining today so I'm driving the big F350 and I'm already looking forward to jumping into the FD tomorrow.
I've daily driven the FD since 1999. I get a little bored with them in stock form but with approx 300 rwhp (usual bolt ons), coilovers, sways and a good radio it's the perfect car AND IT'S A VERY RELIABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS CAR DESPITE WHAT YOU READ ON THIS FORUM
Reasons:
1) There's nothing more fun to drive. From GT3s to Corvettes this car has a special feel that so far is beyond compare. For me it's the crisp handling from the susp and light weight chassis along with the personality that the twins have which isn't offered by any other car and the cart like seating position is phenomenal oh and all those great sounds. I still smile each time it pops after accelerating.
2) It's a super cool looking car with just the right blend of all business looks but not over the top boy racer styling and no matter what car I park next to I still get out and look at the FD with nothing but love.
3) Bang for the buck. Really inexpensive for me to own because I have most any part that breaks and I can usually fix it myself (can't remember the last time one of my DD cars was at a shop), prop tax is low and not much to insure compared to say a corvette or something else equally enticing to drive.
4) I love working on it, swapping parts around, trying new things etc.... because the car responds so much to any change it is always cool to feel the differences.
5) It fits me like a glove. I'm 5'9 and weigh 150.
I could go on and on but the bottomline is the FD just suits my personality and life style and there's nothing else I'd rather DD. It's raining today so I'm driving the big F350 and I'm already looking forward to jumping into the FD tomorrow.
Reasons:
1) There's nothing more fun to drive. From GT3s to Corvettes this car has a special feel that so far is beyond compare. For me it's the crisp handling from the susp and light weight chassis along with the personality that the twins have which isn't offered by any other car and the cart like seating position is phenomenal oh and all those great sounds. I still smile each time it pops after accelerating.
2) It's a super cool looking car with just the right blend of all business looks but not over the top boy racer styling and no matter what car I park next to I still get out and look at the FD with nothing but love.
3) Bang for the buck. Really inexpensive for me to own because I have most any part that breaks and I can usually fix it myself (can't remember the last time one of my DD cars was at a shop), prop tax is low and not much to insure compared to say a corvette or something else equally enticing to drive.
4) I love working on it, swapping parts around, trying new things etc.... because the car responds so much to any change it is always cool to feel the differences.
5) It fits me like a glove. I'm 5'9 and weigh 150.
I could go on and on but the bottomline is the FD just suits my personality and life style and there's nothing else I'd rather DD. It's raining today so I'm driving the big F350 and I'm already looking forward to jumping into the FD tomorrow.
I agree with a lot that you said here. I am sure my FD will be a lot more fun after I 5 speed swap it. 5'9 @ 150? I'm 5'6 @ 145 and I consider myself skinny haha.
Been DDing mine for over a year even after going single. I even had to hunt down a set of JDM rear seats because I'm having my first kid soon and can't imagine not take him/her with me for a ride.
I think it's a shame to have a car like this and keep it cooped up in a garage all year. Set it free! DD.
I think it's a shame to have a car like this and keep it cooped up in a garage all year. Set it free! DD.
Been DDing mine for over a year even after going single. I even had to hunt down a set of JDM rear seats because I'm having my first kid soon and can't imagine not take him/her with me for a ride.
I think it's a shame to have a car like this and keep it cooped up in a garage all year. Set it free! DD.
I think it's a shame to have a car like this and keep it cooped up in a garage all year. Set it free! DD.
Full Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Chilliwack - Mission
I DD my FD.. so far besides the constant to work and back trips, I've gone to Revelstoke BC, and all the way to Salem OR.
The two trips that I took are both about 7 hr drives from my place, car didn't give me any issues.
The two trips that I took are both about 7 hr drives from my place, car didn't give me any issues.
Fe3 FD
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Cape Town, South Africa
Just curious, for those of you who dont daily your FD, how often do you drive it? I dont daily my FD, but I do drive it about 4 times a week, mostly short distances to gym and mall occasionally. However at least one weekend a month a take a trip around the coast.
I daily my FD, mainly because school is 5 miles away and work is 3 miles. So it really isn't so bad like some people driving two hours, or getting stuck in that LA traffic everyday to work.
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 1,484
From: West Coast
I daily drive mine quite frequently, that's my favorite part about the car (driving it)!
I bought the car with 70k miles on it, seven years ago. I have since put about 10-15k miles a year on it. It's a little expensive to drive but nothing crazy, just keep up with your regular maintenance. I plan to keep driving it as well, even while it climbs the 500-600rwhp E85 ladder. I do have a second vehicle though.
Lately though, I am more concerned about a better insurance plan that lets me drive it as much as I want but still covers most of the modifications/work.
I bought the car with 70k miles on it, seven years ago. I have since put about 10-15k miles a year on it. It's a little expensive to drive but nothing crazy, just keep up with your regular maintenance. I plan to keep driving it as well, even while it climbs the 500-600rwhp E85 ladder. I do have a second vehicle though.
Lately though, I am more concerned about a better insurance plan that lets me drive it as much as I want but still covers most of the modifications/work.
