HoustonMS3

So I have been driving some of the same country roads for the last 4 years as part of my job. On one of these roads there is a lot where this FD has been under a cover for the duration. The wind finally blew a portion off and I recognized what it was when I saw the tail light peaking out.

I figure after sitting for four years this can go two ways. The guy will just look to get it off his lot for a nominal amount, or he will think that he has been sitting on a pile of gold that he will eventually get around to fixing. It has front end damage, and what looks like an "awesome" ebay body kit, missing window, missing head and tail light assembles, but straight looking frame and limited rust.

I have no idea what I' do with it: parts, major project, stare at it a while and re-sell, etc. I have enough to do, but that stupid part of my brain is telling me to get it.

Does anyone want to take a stab at what a reasonable starting point should be, or what a very vague parts value would be?

StrykerFD3S

iTrader: (1)

I would classify that as a roller at best, sitting outside all that time could of done a good amount of damage. Best case would be to approach the guy with out an offer at all, get the scoop and run the v.i.n. it may just be a salvage in which case you could run into mounds of problems before even wanting to consider a build, also, check out the interior and see what shape that's in, see if it has any nice or rare parts worth parting, I wouldn't even count on that engine and just go in thinking swap or rebuild, so all in all, I wouldn't consider offering more than 3-4k just by judging its state, but try and go as low as possible if its being mistreated like that. Building an FD is one of the most time consuming and costly tasks, take it from the guys who have dumped tens of thousands of dollars, you're much better off buying a built one that comes with credible reputation. But hey, 5 years and 40,000 dollars later and she might be a beauty.

HoustonMS3

I was thinking about starting at $500 and just see his reaction from there. This is out in the country, and he might just be happy to have it off the lot.

I don't think there is any way I'd go up to 3-4k, it seems like it would be impossible to sell it as or parted and make enough $ to recover the initial investment and $ for my time if I decided to get rid of it quickly.

Maybe 2k max, or I could be undervaluing it? Anyone else?

whiteweazel21

iTrader: (2)

I agree. You'd be much better off checking Autotrader and Craigslist for a car in better condition. Save up and buy something more functional, easier to fix starting at 8k+, and you will have saved a ton of money and effort in the long run. New paint alone would cost ~6k, plus new weatherstripping, get rid of that hideous hood and fender, it's all going to add up fast -- and that's before tackling any existing mechanical, electrical issues etc. Sitting so long, the engine might have damaged coolant seals, so may need a rebuild, another 4k there. You can find a used car that's lightly modified, or recently rebuilt, or tastefully modified for pennies compared to what the owner has spent on modifications (reliability & performance).

If you can get it for 500-1.5k and you're mechanically inclined, have a shop or access to one, and enjoy fixing & restoring, then maybe. Does it start, what exactly is the condition of it? Doesn't hurt to throw out the $500 and see what happens.

HoustonMS3

Yeah, I was betting on the engine not working. I literally looked at it for 5 min, and the owners minions knew nothing about it.

...but my FC didn't look like this or run when I started with it either.


Here were my two main thoughts, parting it out or maybe v8 swap if need be (heresy!).
Maybe I am letting my ambitions get ahead of my common sense. But in the unlikely chance he accepts a sub 1k offer, I will give a whirl. I think I have made up my mind not to go over $1500, thanks.

Rubbish

iTrader: (1)

if you dont want it let me know, lol ill pick it up

whiteweazel21

iTrader: (2)

Gotta follow your heart!

FDs really are financial disasters though. I'd save up a bit more, no reason not to get an FD.

Here's a nice one in Texas
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/3808745770.html

Mdessouki

iTrader: (7)

You would have to pay me to take that thing. FD's aren't classics yet, so why start with a rust bucket?

whiteweazel21

iTrader: (2)

1994 Mazda RX7
1994 rx7
1993 rx7 or trade for 06-07 750li BMW il pay difference

If you keep an eye open you will find something at a good price. That's how I got my 17k mile FC, still smells new The one in the post above has 12k original miles if anyone wants mint lol.

druggist

iTrader: (4)

Definately not more than 2k. I'd offer them 1k to start. If you do end up getting it, post where you found it, I've driven many country roads around Houston.

Natey

iTrader: (19)

You never know. Maybe under all that ugliness is a '95 R2 with 35k on the clock (I see the rear wiper, but still..you know what I mean). I'd talk to the guy, get a good close look at it (vin number, pop the hood, etc) then make a decision.

jetlude

iTrader: (9)

Start at $500, you never know.

ArmyOfOne

iTrader: (12)

I got mine for 5K and it had loads of problems, blown engine, interior was molded beyond repair, wire harness had tire rub and had shorted out. All of these things added up to a lot of time and money. But I would not trade this experience for the world. I can now say I know what is in there, every last nut and bolt has passed through my hands to it's rightful place.

Just make sure you check everything!

ka24det92

iTrader: (3)

Driving around town is a good way to find good cars for cheap I found my fd in the back of a shop under a tree and I was running and driving. I also found another one on a storage lot that I'm about to pick up that I found driving to get parts.

Rubbish

iTrader: (1)

I wish I could find an fd like that, lucky!