Why are there so many crapy fds out there?
Garaged
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 651
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From: Central Jersey
I can relate to what every one here is saying on the other side of my town there is some kid who owns a montego blue 94 FD and it is totally beat up! I would say it would take anywhere from $6-10,000 to fix it up to looking like *new*. When i go to car shows i see FD's all moded up with huge Batman style wings and 5 inch exhaust tips, body kits that look like garbage and take away the beutiful lines of the RX-7. WHY??? Is the car that ugly that you have to bolt all that crap to it to make it look fast? They should have spent the $$ on reliability mods and then the correct mods if they wanted to go faster not look faster. It seems like this younger crowd wants to rice everything up! Go do that to a Honduh and stay away from the FD. If i didnt buy my car last summer i would have never found one in as good as shape. I am the proud owner of an all *stock* 93 brilliant black R1, and you know what i am keeping it all stock because i want to be different too because you dont see all stock FD's anymore. (I am not saying modding your car isnt right and i would do it to, but due to the current situation of dying FD's this is my choice. One day i will take the car to a car show and show people how they came from the factory. Flame suit on)
Garaged
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 651
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From: Central Jersey
Originally posted by Roland
Let's not forget to mention that a clean FD is a major aid if your trying to stick your dick in a lot pussies. I don't know if yoy guys agree but from my experience most girls walk right past a supra (they know its fast and it looks different but dont care too much) But when they see an RX7 they begin to experience extreme dehydration due to the fact that their totas are wetter than Niagara Falls, as a matter of fact this is responsible for much of the flooding throughout the country especially where FDs are located.
Let's not forget to mention that a clean FD is a major aid if your trying to stick your dick in a lot pussies. I don't know if yoy guys agree but from my experience most girls walk right past a supra (they know its fast and it looks different but dont care too much) But when they see an RX7 they begin to experience extreme dehydration due to the fact that their totas are wetter than Niagara Falls, as a matter of fact this is responsible for much of the flooding throughout the country especially where FDs are located.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: SOUTH LOUISIANA
Like Enthu, I was also a new guy whenever I bought the Fd. I didn't buy the car b/c of Fast &Furious. I bought because I had an interest for the 3g since I was 13. Yeah I know. I'm only 22. But still, I can afford the car. I make good money and have no intention of putting that LED $h*t on it. I am in the process of getting all reliability mods done and even plan on getting a J & S knock sensor to keep a better ear out for me than the stock one.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
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From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Its all about the Benjamins. The fd is now affordable to most anyone who wants one bad enough which unfortunatley means they buy one with very high miles and spend any extra money they have on useless body piercings. I continually hear people complaining about the limited availability of fd's which is not the case just limited # selling for 12k ( and boy do you get what you pay for ) I believe the fd is a classic that many enthusiast will continue to own and maintain at a very high level.
We all know how expensive that is so don't worry those beat up ones will either get saved or scrapped and eventually most will look new and sell for 20k and up.
We all know how expensive that is so don't worry those beat up ones will either get saved or scrapped and eventually most will look new and sell for 20k and up.
Full Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 101
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From: Austin, TX, USA
When I sold my FD, the buyer was telling me how they were looking at all these other FD's that were in crappy condition. I thought they were exagerrating, but I guess you are right. Mine was in near mint condition and I was uber-paranoid about every little thing with it (had it for nearly 3 years). I sold it for $13k (the guy who bought it got a huge loan). I miss her. 
I don't miss the headaches. 
I don't miss the headaches.
It's never fast enough...
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,760
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From: Miami - Given 1st place as the POOREST city in the US as per the federal government
I can't imagine selling my FD for an NSX. I NEVER liked the way the NSX looks, and believe me, I've tried several times to try to like it. Even to the point of parking next to one at the malls in such.
I even remember once, when the FD was my daily driver, I went over to Best Buy, and like usual, I parked ALLLLLL the way at the back of the parking lot wedged next to a corner. I come out and I see a car parked next to me. Motha Focka!! As I began to get nearer and nearer, I noticed it was an NSX. You know, there were like 3 other different little corners at the back of the lot where this NSX owner could have parked, but the guy decided to park next to the FD
AND he parked butt first like I usually do. The guy also parked as close to me as he could as to prevent anyone else from dinging his car, but not TOO close as to prevent me from getting in the FD.
Naturally, I Looked at the NSX up and down, and it was in excellent shape. It didn't surprise me the guy wanted to park next to another well preserved Japanese supercar. You know, it IS kinda cool looking, but I could never own one. I just don't like the styling of it at all. I've sat in them and the interior doesn't give me the race car feel, either. I'm **** about my car, but not to the point where I will forget about what the FD was built for.
I even remember once, when the FD was my daily driver, I went over to Best Buy, and like usual, I parked ALLLLLL the way at the back of the parking lot wedged next to a corner. I come out and I see a car parked next to me. Motha Focka!! As I began to get nearer and nearer, I noticed it was an NSX. You know, there were like 3 other different little corners at the back of the lot where this NSX owner could have parked, but the guy decided to park next to the FD
AND he parked butt first like I usually do. The guy also parked as close to me as he could as to prevent anyone else from dinging his car, but not TOO close as to prevent me from getting in the FD.Naturally, I Looked at the NSX up and down, and it was in excellent shape. It didn't surprise me the guy wanted to park next to another well preserved Japanese supercar
. You know, it IS kinda cool looking, but I could never own one. I just don't like the styling of it at all. I've sat in them and the interior doesn't give me the race car feel, either. I'm **** about my car, but not to the point where I will forget about what the FD was built for.
It's never fast enough...
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,760
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From: Miami - Given 1st place as the POOREST city in the US as per the federal government
Hey 2-Rotor, I can respect your decision in keeping it stock. After all, some of the BEST examples of an FD are the completly stock ones. I thought about keeping mine stock, but tinkering is my hobby. I won't win any concours prizes, but I'm not looking for one, either. Besides, when mine is done, it will look clean . I promise :angle:
. I promise :angle:
cool story bro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 158
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From: Berkeley
I have plans to own an FD some day, but not now. I surf E-bay for pictures sometimes, and I usually end up feeing very bad....so many beautiful cars in the hands of dumbshits who don't know what they're doing. I saw many of them with intakes, and exhaust. One of them had nothign more but a conical filter attached to the stock intake tube. I've seen the a few with the "reliability mods" outlined by Rob Robinette.
Even on 3rotor.com, there are dumbasses. One of them submitted pics and videos of their FD Type-R (We call them R1s or R2s) and they had an intake, exhaust, boost controller...no fuel management.
And as far as I can tell, many FDs have died horrible deaths by engine fire, blown engines, crashed...
The only Japanese supercar that I regularly see in pristine condition are Supras. I've seen good 3000GT VR-4s, 300ZX TTs, and NSXs, but the majority could be described as "scruffy." And if you think finding a good FD is hard, finding a used NSX with a clear title is rather hard. Many people crash them, don't bother fixing the expensive aluminum bits, and someone else buys it and sells it...
Even on 3rotor.com, there are dumbasses. One of them submitted pics and videos of their FD Type-R (We call them R1s or R2s) and they had an intake, exhaust, boost controller...no fuel management.
And as far as I can tell, many FDs have died horrible deaths by engine fire, blown engines, crashed...
The only Japanese supercar that I regularly see in pristine condition are Supras. I've seen good 3000GT VR-4s, 300ZX TTs, and NSXs, but the majority could be described as "scruffy." And if you think finding a good FD is hard, finding a used NSX with a clear title is rather hard. Many people crash them, don't bother fixing the expensive aluminum bits, and someone else buys it and sells it...
Last edited by AREITU; Mar 28, 2002 at 03:23 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 339
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From: Seattle / Bothell
Naa, I see all sorts of problems on the supra forum too... its all about pushing your car too far, is the rotary a bit more sensitive or are the problems more costly? Maybe, but its all about setting yourself up for success, proper planning and being ready when the inevitable failure occurs...
There are plenty of burned out honda engines along the way to FI glory...aren't those supposed to be reliable, if slow?
There are plenty of burned out honda engines along the way to FI glory...aren't those supposed to be reliable, if slow?
Originally posted by kwikrx7
Like posted earlier, if I hadn't dumped 5K into a streetported engine with silicone o-rings, seals, and 2mm Hurleys I might have gone a different route. Now my turbos need replaced and I'll be down another 1.5K!!!!!!!! This car gets on my freakin nerves. If you go into the Supra forum, it looks nothing like our 3rd gen forum like "Boost problem, what can it be?" or "Coolant leak - do I need a new engine?" They just have "Put on a dp and now have 380 rwhp!!" Just about everything on the damn FD needs replaced for "reliability" and if you want it fast, it will become a money pit. After my turbos and secondary injectors I'll have dumped about $12K in the engine and mods department alone - not including wheels and such - The FD is a POS in my book - but a car that can pull 1.00g and put out over 400 hp at the flywheel ......I'll live with it for a while
Like posted earlier, if I hadn't dumped 5K into a streetported engine with silicone o-rings, seals, and 2mm Hurleys I might have gone a different route. Now my turbos need replaced and I'll be down another 1.5K!!!!!!!! This car gets on my freakin nerves. If you go into the Supra forum, it looks nothing like our 3rd gen forum like "Boost problem, what can it be?" or "Coolant leak - do I need a new engine?" They just have "Put on a dp and now have 380 rwhp!!" Just about everything on the damn FD needs replaced for "reliability" and if you want it fast, it will become a money pit. After my turbos and secondary injectors I'll have dumped about $12K in the engine and mods department alone - not including wheels and such - The FD is a POS in my book - but a car that can pull 1.00g and put out over 400 hp at the flywheel ......I'll live with it for a while
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,158
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From: Bay Area, CA
well, driving around today, i see this silver FD with just about the ugliest rims i have ever seen, and a rusted exhaust system that was crooked, and a really big crack in the windshield. it was a really shitty model with no wing and front lip, and might i say...IT WAS UGLY! i looked at it for a while, and now do i realize just how ugly FDs with no R1/R2 body parts are. i was honestly disgusted.
but later, i see this red FD with the R1/R2 body pieces, and it is amazing how much different the car looks. this FD looked like it was in a little better condition, with small paint chips and a pink rear bumper, but all stock.
almost two full years of non stop research, and time devoted to reading/posting about this car, and recently, i am looking interest. if only there were more in half decent condition. if only there were more knowledgeable owners. if only the car was somewhat trouble-free...
but later, i see this red FD with the R1/R2 body pieces, and it is amazing how much different the car looks. this FD looked like it was in a little better condition, with small paint chips and a pink rear bumper, but all stock.
almost two full years of non stop research, and time devoted to reading/posting about this car, and recently, i am looking interest. if only there were more in half decent condition. if only there were more knowledgeable owners. if only the car was somewhat trouble-free...
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,158
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From: Bay Area, CA
another turn-off point for the FD is that they are money pits. you get it, and you HAVE TO do "reliability mods" (i honestly have never heard of another car that certain modifications were necessary to keep the car somewhat "reliable").
you get a couple simple mods, and that mandates another major mod. you do that, and you say "ehh...might as well do this while im at it". you do that, they you have to do five times more ****.
are there any "reliabilty" mods that one must do before even thinking about anything else with Supras, NSXs, S2000s, M3s, S4s, or MR2s??????
you get a couple simple mods, and that mandates another major mod. you do that, and you say "ehh...might as well do this while im at it". you do that, they you have to do five times more ****.
are there any "reliabilty" mods that one must do before even thinking about anything else with Supras, NSXs, S2000s, M3s, S4s, or MR2s??????
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2001
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Roland is a pervert!! J/K.
I didn't buy the FD thinking it's gonna be trouble free. Luckily, I bought one that's in showroom condition 2 yrs ago and has not spend too much money on it. However, you just have to save the money for the raining day. Lots of ppl buy the cheapest one thinking they can afford to fix it but they realize that the engine and turbos are no good.
My advice is to wait until you get the right car. Or else, don't buy one yet. There are tons of crap out there but finding a good one is rare indeed.
I didn't buy the FD thinking it's gonna be trouble free. Luckily, I bought one that's in showroom condition 2 yrs ago and has not spend too much money on it. However, you just have to save the money for the raining day. Lots of ppl buy the cheapest one thinking they can afford to fix it but they realize that the engine and turbos are no good.
My advice is to wait until you get the right car. Or else, don't buy one yet. There are tons of crap out there but finding a good one is rare indeed.
Passenger
Posts: n/a
I must sadly agree. 2 weeks ago I test drove a 93 with 85K miles. The paint was all chipped, leather seats ripped, etc. The car drove ok, rattled in back. Dealer wanted 17 for it. I bought a blk 94 with 138K original miles. in perfect condition, the interior is just like new, etc.
It makes me very sad because this is a very special car. I live in bay area and rarely see one on the streets. Today I was behind a silver one coming home from work, Seeing this car from behind I realize that this car is truly a work of art, there will never be another car like this.
It makes me very sad because this is a very special car. I live in bay area and rarely see one on the streets. Today I was behind a silver one coming home from work, Seeing this car from behind I realize that this car is truly a work of art, there will never be another car like this.
Full Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Bay Area, Cali
great post fellas... im currently trying to research the hell out of these cars so i know what im getting into and so far it doesnt look good. i want a FD w/ under 60k miles, and they are a bit out of my $13k-$14k price range. i know i might get lucky if i search really hard for a low mileage one, but id think it would probably be beatin up....curse these damn riceboys 
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 567
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From: Chicago, IL
Re: Why are there so many crapy fds out there?
Originally posted by widebody2
I've noticed that there are a hell of a lot of FDs that basically, are crap. When looking to buy my car I ran into a lot more Fds in really bad condition than Fds in nice shape. Its very rare to see one with everything original and still look basically mint. Now I'm looking for one for my buddy and it seems even worse. Most of them have dings everywhere, faded paint, the door handles are gross, and the interior is absolute garbage. On the other hand, when looking at Supras its very rare to find one in bad condition. Most of them look basically mint...even the 93.5s and 94s. Now I know the Supras are slightly newer but not that much to make this large of a difference. It even seems like the 300zs are in better overall shape than 7s and those things are ancient. What is the deal? Do Mazda products not hold up that well??? or were most of the original owners of 7s very abussive and careless? Has anyone else noticed this besides me?
I've noticed that there are a hell of a lot of FDs that basically, are crap. When looking to buy my car I ran into a lot more Fds in really bad condition than Fds in nice shape. Its very rare to see one with everything original and still look basically mint. Now I'm looking for one for my buddy and it seems even worse. Most of them have dings everywhere, faded paint, the door handles are gross, and the interior is absolute garbage. On the other hand, when looking at Supras its very rare to find one in bad condition. Most of them look basically mint...even the 93.5s and 94s. Now I know the Supras are slightly newer but not that much to make this large of a difference. It even seems like the 300zs are in better overall shape than 7s and those things are ancient. What is the deal? Do Mazda products not hold up that well??? or were most of the original owners of 7s very abussive and careless? Has anyone else noticed this besides me?
Lives on the Forum
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 14,716
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From: San Lorenzo, California
Originally posted by G69ING
great post fellas... im currently trying to research the hell out of these cars so i know what im getting into and so far it doesnt look good. i want a FD w/ under 60k miles, and they are a bit out of my $13k-$14k price range. i know i might get lucky if i search really hard for a low mileage one, but id think it would probably be beatin up....curse these damn riceboys
great post fellas... im currently trying to research the hell out of these cars so i know what im getting into and so far it doesnt look good. i want a FD w/ under 60k miles, and they are a bit out of my $13k-$14k price range. i know i might get lucky if i search really hard for a low mileage one, but id think it would probably be beatin up....curse these damn riceboys
BTW, getting an FD w/under 60k doesn't mean ****. The repairs on my 95 FD with 54k on it:
rear suspension bushings: $700 (warranty)
oil metering pump: $2400 (warranty, thank god)
60K mile service (new fluids, filters, etc): $480
oil filter mount o-rings: can't remember
power antenna mast: $80 (warranty)
clutch: replaced by dealer as part of purchase (normally at least $800)
All of these things can go out on FDs, regardless of how well it was maintained. If you notice, the total repairs/maintenance were $4500, almost all of which was covered by warranty/dealer repair. True, I could have gone w/o fixing these things (except the clutch) for a while, but I wouldn't.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2001
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Yeah, mileage really shouldn't be a big deciding factor. The condition of the car is the most important thing. Some people drive it hiway only but that's more gentle than cars with half the mileage.
I don't think $13-14k for a 93 is unreasonable. I got my 94 for $17k two years ago. I figure with the economy today and two years of depreciation, a 94 in good condition can be bought for $15k. Dealers and ppl will ask for more (typically $16-17k) but you can always talk down $1-2k easily.
I don't think $13-14k for a 93 is unreasonable. I got my 94 for $17k two years ago. I figure with the economy today and two years of depreciation, a 94 in good condition can be bought for $15k. Dealers and ppl will ask for more (typically $16-17k) but you can always talk down $1-2k easily.
Full Member
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Coral Gables,Fla
The problem is these cars are loosing there value, they have a reputation of being to fragil and unreliable, they are being used and abused than put up for sale for some one else to fix up.I looked 3 years for a clean 94 R2 I could not get over how abused some of these cars were, saw many that were leaking oil all over the dealers lot they didnt care, I saw some that had wire harness disconnected in a mess , modded up with really low power.You have spend 16K or more for a good car, what you think is a bargin will later cost $$$$ just because the motor has been replaced on a car with 90K+ dosent mean youre problems are over.
Last edited by juliof; Mar 29, 2002 at 10:12 AM.
Passenger
Posts: n/a
I believe that alot of people driving these cars abuse them. There are some design flaws, I give you that. The car does
require more maintenance and detail than your average mazda, but if properly maintained you can have a great car at any mileage.
I have all the maintenance records for my 94. As I mentioned earlier, the car is spotless. The seats are like brand new, as is the
dash. The body has a few dings, all that will be removed by paintless repair. It has 138K original miles and I grant you that most of
them are highway miles (as evident by lack of wear on the seats). The engine has never been rebuilt (it did have some seals replaced (partial rebuild?) and has full power (engine runs strong).
I have all the maintenance records, I paid 12,7 for the car and is in better condition that ones with half the miles that I have driven. The guy
was asking 15K, but needed the money now so I got it for less.
I will not say that you will never have problems with the car if properly maintained. My car has had the water pump replaced, some of the hoses
and the most expensive was a 2400.00 bill for some seals in the engine.
When buying a car just make sure you look at the condition of the engine, look under the car. Look at the condition of the interior. That will tell you alot about the car. If its worn out, you
probably got alot of city miles. I guess my point is you can spend 16-17 and get a worse car if your not careful. I will take 138K highway miles over 80K city miles any day. Besides, If my engine
does blow up, I saved 4,500 K on teh car anyway.
require more maintenance and detail than your average mazda, but if properly maintained you can have a great car at any mileage.
I have all the maintenance records for my 94. As I mentioned earlier, the car is spotless. The seats are like brand new, as is the
dash. The body has a few dings, all that will be removed by paintless repair. It has 138K original miles and I grant you that most of
them are highway miles (as evident by lack of wear on the seats). The engine has never been rebuilt (it did have some seals replaced (partial rebuild?) and has full power (engine runs strong).
I have all the maintenance records, I paid 12,7 for the car and is in better condition that ones with half the miles that I have driven. The guy
was asking 15K, but needed the money now so I got it for less.
I will not say that you will never have problems with the car if properly maintained. My car has had the water pump replaced, some of the hoses
and the most expensive was a 2400.00 bill for some seals in the engine.
When buying a car just make sure you look at the condition of the engine, look under the car. Look at the condition of the interior. That will tell you alot about the car. If its worn out, you
probably got alot of city miles. I guess my point is you can spend 16-17 and get a worse car if your not careful. I will take 138K highway miles over 80K city miles any day. Besides, If my engine
does blow up, I saved 4,500 K on teh car anyway.
Full Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 227
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From: Coral Gables,Fla
You have that rare FD that has made it to 138K, the seals installed might have freshened up or fixed some problem with the motor.But there is no garentee on that, plus the trans,bearings,bushings,auxilery components,shocks,turbos if never replaced are on there last leg highway mileage or not this car is not made by Toyota.