mikeyb3

Hey everyone.

My name's Mike, and I'm seriously considering purchasing a 1993 FD3S R1 (63,500 miles) this weekend if I can get the dealer to give me a good deal.

Currently, I'm driving a 2006 Scion tC (which I'll use for trade-in), but have been hungry for something quicker and RWD. Anyone have any advice?

I'm sure there's great things that I should be aware of and I've printed off the "buying guides" that the site has to offer. Everything seems really cut and dry, given that I perform the proper maintenance on the car.

Soooo, s'pose I'll leave it up to you guys to educate me a little bit here, and I'll lurk around the forums for everything else.

Thanks. See ya 'round.

VegasFD

Is the FD going to replace the Scion as your daily driver? I'm all for people buying RX-7s, but you should always have a DD/backup transportation.

-Scott

FD3S2005

iTrader: (11)

yes, if something goes wrong with the car, you will be in trouble if you have to go places and its in the shop....also have rebuild money in the bank!!

RXtacy

iTrader: (7)

Cut and dry and the FD dont really go together.

mikeyb3

O.o


... well, as it stands right now... The scion IS my DD. But, since I'm in CA, the RX wont be modded - much.

it appears to be in great shape. Are you saying that me getting it to replace my Scion is a bad idea?

yuichiror

iTrader: (1)

Although many people DD their FD's, it's generally recommended to have a beater car for when, not if, your FD breaks down for some reason.

Oh yeah, since you're getting the car from a dealer, I would insist on a compression test since the car has 60k+ miles.
Well, you should get a comp test regardless from where you're getting the car, but at least the dealership should do it for "free".

Rx72Heaven

iTrader: (2)

Its just scary, cause you never know how well the 7 was maintained, and who knows what will happen in the near future. Like me ive had my Fd for a bit now, and only had a few issues, but overall completely satisfied. But for some it dosent work that way.

So all were saying is that, be Prepared to fix little things for a while ( be prepared, i don't mean you'll HAVE to) And read the FAQ's to make sure you know which reliability mods, and how to maintain the 3rd gen properly.

Its an amazing car, and you'll LOVE IT!!!

-Mark

mikeyb3

Well, I coudl ride my bike to work, if that helps.

DarkLikePoe

I bought a $250 Camry as a beater. It doesn't have to be flashy, just something to get you around. Figure that into the cost of your FD.

mikeyb3

Ahh, i see what you're saying.

You guys are freakin' awesome compared to some other forums out there for other cars.
I have printed out alot of the FAQs and buying guides and such. I'm studying them for Saturday's "meet the car." I am a little nervous, because my Scion has been really good to me, I am METICULOUS about maintenance on my cars, (thanks Dad.) and enjoy the whole process.

In all honesty, I dont want something that'll destroy a Ferrari, BUT, I would like something that'll put a pretentious EVO driver to shame. And something that's fun to drive, and maybe take 'er to an open track day. I dont mind fixing a couple minor glitches. I just dont want to have to rebuild the engine next month

I know a couple dudes who are car guys (mechanic types), one is a Hot Rod Modder named Hot Rod Todd (he was in Junkyard Wars or something)...


EDIT>>> They also have a 1994, non R1, on their lot as well. Would the desire be more for a 94, despite it not being an R1?

Rx72Heaven

iTrader: (2)

R1 is lighter, and is the "RACE rx-7, with dual oil coolers, harder suspension, suede seats to keep you in your seat while taking fast corners, no sun roof, no cruise. Its the Race car 7. I have one, and i love it.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Actually the base model is a smidge lighter b/c it has one less oil cooler, no spoiler, no sun/moonroof.

You can add all of the performance adders after you get the car. The main thing IMO is whether you have enough headroom with a helmet. I bought a non-sunroof car for that reason.

Dave

Rx72Heaven

iTrader: (2)

the R1 dosen't have a sun roof either. So the BASE model is like maybe 10 pounds lighter haha But R1 dual oil coolers is a nice touch. Anything that will cool the Rotary is a GREAT thing!

mikeyb3

So based on all that I've read, the less miles, the better. I think that for a 14 year old car, 63,5K miles is pretty good. I saw the pictures, and it appears extremely clean. I WILL be asking the dealer all of the question that you've posed.

I just sincerely hope that all seems well, so I can have it. (if they'll deal) and enjoy it as much as you guys obviously do.

Oh, Dave, I'm 5'7". Not much of a problem with headroom in any car I've ever been in



EDIT>>> Anyone know a good RX 7 mechanic in the San Diego Area (that I might take it to for a look over) and one in LA??
Also, what is the average gas mileage are you guys getting? (forgot to ask about that)

jeff p

you will need a daily driver. at least for the first year or two. even if the car is in good shape expect to put at least $2,000.00 into it in the first year and that will be just for maint items and working out the bugst. don't let the dealer B.S. you. I'll bet your the only one looking at this car right now. be smart ask them to throw in an extended warranty if they are so sure the car is in great shape. before you buy but take it a rotary shop for inspection and get a list of repairs then start the dealing.

Jeff

mikeyb3

2000 might be what I've put into my Scion "working the bugs out" (suspension) and general maintenance...

I dont know of any rotary shops in San Diego. ... anyone know? Also, check out my previous post

money

iTrader: (2)

the best thing is, u should also check the motor mount. cause u dont want to buy the car and then u have to change the motor mount later. ( one cost about 300 to 400). and make sure the car that you going to buy have as much as stock part. and test drive to car to see if there is noise. 2 gear and the 5 gear. and make sure the interior of the car is in good condistion also. cause those parts are dam expensive. well, basically, everything is expensive so make sure u have extra cash in your bank. Good luck! and if u have extra money, buy another car for DD.

mikeyb3

This is the R1

However, there's this one, (R2)

And this one (a 95, non R1)

BlouZbee

iTrader: (7)

that red R1 looks very very clean, someone loved and took care of it, but damn!....22k

doesn't look like the stock ride height.

good luck getting your car.

mikeyb3

yeah, I like the R1, but there's no way I'm paying 22k for it. I have a car, so really, they're really going to have to actually sell me the car. As in, come off the 22k pricetag.

money

iTrader: (2)

is that dealer call Sahara ? in San Diego? well. make sure u test drive it and make sure everything is fine. buy a 1994 r2.

gracer7-rx7

iTrader: (16)

Are you from LA or SD? Those cars aren't too far away from me if you want an extra set of eyes. I think the prices are a bit high though. I'd only pay 22k for something with lower mileage - like around 20-40k.

The FD is a wonderful car. Total pisser to drive and play with but can be a pita to fix when something breaks due to age and availability of parts and delays in getting a competent mechanic to fix stuff when you don't have time.

If you are done with school and have a good job and can live with being car-less if/when it breaks, then start checking out some cars and do your homework. Take your time and find the right car.

grimple1

iTrader: (1)

teddy is in San Diego. His screen name is Teddyrx2. I was gonna use him but i didn't realize he was in San Diego. (i'm in la, so lucky7 is getting my rex at the end of the month).

grimple1

iTrader: (1)

teddy is in San Diego. His screen name is Teddyrx2. I was gonna use him but i didn't realize he was in San Diego. (i'm in la, so lucky7 is getting my rex at the end of the month).

DarkLikePoe

A few things to consider

93's tend to sell cheaper because there were more of them and, between the 93 and 94 model years, Mazda issued a series of particularly critical recalls. If you find yourself going for that 93, make sure the car has had ALL of the TSBs addressed.

70K miles on a 13-year old car might mean it was garaged and babied. It might also mean it sat and sat for a while. Be prepared to replace vacuum and coolant lines regardless of the shape it's in.

Others have suggested that you look for a respectably stock car. This is fine, but know that Mazda didn't pump out a perfect car. The RX-7 is a production car, which means that cost-saving techniques were implemented where possible. Its imperfections include a barely-adequate cooling system, a brittle-with-age-and-heat engine harness, and a too-temperamental twin-turbo system. If you're looking for a stock or stockish car, you do need to keep these issues in mind for ALL production years, as you will undoubtedly need to come up with solutions for each in the time you own the car.

Also, check this thread for other members' recommended So Cal rotary shops.

Hope some of this helps!