Just wondering how much the average owner pays yearly for maintenence.

 

That's a broad spectrum depending on miles driven, odometer reading, and condition of car. You talking fluid/filter changes on a cherry FD? Depends if some component goes south on you.

 

Just oil changes, tune ups ect. I know a major component failure'll most likely rape your wallet.

 

Really just basic maintanence like any other car, except more often. Example, instead of changing the motor oil at 3000 miles, I do it at about 1500 to 1800 miles. Keep in mind that the rotary consumes oil by design like a two stroke, so you do not want to go too long between changes, or have to keep the oil topped off.

It's when something goes wrong, is when FD cost of ownership kills you. If you do not know how to work on cars, be rich - very rich (and I'm not talking about A/F ratios either hehe).

If you know how to turn a wrench, it's not too bad. Example, my rear driver's side ABS sensor went out. Shop wanted $300 labor and $200 for the part. I bought a used sensor for $35 and spent two hours removing the rear storage bins to get at the plug. A few bolts holding the sensor in, and that was it.

 

Most of my automotive knowledge is completely vicarious, but I'm pretty good at fixing stuff. So minor stuff and easy fixes shouldn't be too much of a problem.

 

I believe that if you have to pay someone else to maintain your cars, you will not be a happy FD owner. That's because it may be hard to find a quality rotary mechanic that you trust near where you live, and the costs charged by mechanics for FD parts and repairs can take your breath away.

I believe that the happy FD owners are the ones who do it themselves. Parts are cheaper if you search around and/or pick-up used parts. It will take longer to do your own repairs, and you'll usually face a lot of frustration diagnosing FD problems. In the end you'll have learned a lot with the satisfaction of accomplishment to go along with a fabulous car to drive.