this question is all one big what if and in 10 years we can come back and do a recap

 

...In the interest of getting back on topic, i would have to say that unfortunatly the value of the Fd will continue to decrease, until it reaches the sub 10k mark as an average. The car doesnt seem to have any sort of "collectors" value. Especially if Mazda stops making engine parts for a car that typically needs "major" engine work quite frequently. The beauty of the 60's and 70's muscle cars was the parts were for the most part readily availble... something that we may not be able to say about our cars 15, 10 or maybe even 5 yrs down the road...

Matthew Walsh

 

In general, "reliability"--or the perception thereof--is a significant factor affecting used car demand and prices.

However collectors/enthusiasts do not consider a particular model's reputation for reliability as important. There are numerous less "reliable" and even notoriously "unreliable" cars with strong good-sized followings, including many classics. In the longer term, a "non-reliable" reputation will not matter.

 

Here's the 4-1-1. The 1993 Operators Manual, on page 3-10 and 3-11, is dedicated to: "vehicle information labels".

- It clearly shows a photograph identifying the "VIN" location. As we know, it's on the plate on the edge of the dash which can be seen through the windshield.

- It also shows a photo where the "Chassis Number" is located. Although it does not convey any relationship to the VIN, We know that it's another location for the VIN, in stamped form.

- Another photograph shows the location for the "Engine Number". It seems to be located underneath the stock compression tube just behind the Alternator. Again, this illustration does not contain information that the Engine Number correspondes to the VIN,.... but neither did the "Chassis Number" illustration......??.

Still a mystery, it seems..

I'll post photos tomorrow.

Sorry guys. I don't mean to steal the thread.
Good Question. I think supply (FD availability) and demand will govern the amount the Seller and Buyer intend to place on the vehicle.

Let's face it, We're losing FDs every day to F&F wantabies who wreck them as soon as they fix their boost related problems. And if they aren't wrecked, the 13B-REW is abused and ultimately imploded by ignorant drivers. The cars are then usually parted-out.

If you had one of the last few well maintained, properly running twin'd HT-12, beautiful uninhibited body'd FDs, what would it be worth,...TO YOU AND THE BUYER??

 

In 1997 all Toyota Supra Twin Turbos were automatics! Did you know that? Due to emission laws the 6 speed for '97 could not pass regulations, so they were all made in automatics.

 

Actually, that was 1996... not 1997.

 

5 years ago I bought my first FD for 12k. Sold it two years later in worse condition for 13k. That was the least I've ever paid for one and I've owned plenty. The writing is on the wall already. Prices have been steadily climbing or remaining constant for years and this will continue. However if the car is in bad condition the price will reflect that and it's getting harder and harder to find nice ones so currently there is a wide price variance which will of course just get wider. People may think there getting a deal when they buy an FD for 7500 but in reality they just bought a sinking boat that will break them trying to make it float.

 

oops your right!