Domestic VS. JDM
More Mazdas than Sense
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 0
From: Sunny Downtown Fenwick
Amen Sir. I, however, welcome the importation of FD's by people trying to save a buck, as it means there will be many clean shells with blown motors when it comes time for my track car.
I'm with Orion84gsl.
I don't care what the hell you're buying or what you're buying it for - but for me personally - I would ***NEVER*** buy a car sight unseen. I suppose if I saw an FD with an engine and drivetrain for $500 I would.........but for an average, non-deal-of-a-lifetime purchase I can't imagine buying a car solely based on a rating of one to five and 3 or 4 pictures, thats nuts.
I need to hear it, smell it, put my head under it, take it for a little jaunt.........before I throw any money at something. To each his own though.
I don't care what the hell you're buying or what you're buying it for - but for me personally - I would ***NEVER*** buy a car sight unseen. I suppose if I saw an FD with an engine and drivetrain for $500 I would.........but for an average, non-deal-of-a-lifetime purchase I can't imagine buying a car solely based on a rating of one to five and 3 or 4 pictures, thats nuts.
I need to hear it, smell it, put my head under it, take it for a little jaunt.........before I throw any money at something. To each his own though.
94 Single Turbo FD
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I simply dont like the rhd fds because on average they are:
1. in rough shape
2. bought by someone who cant afford to maintain it
3. flood the market with a car that used to be rare to own.
All though there are a couple posiitive things that do come out of having jdms around.
1. more parts available
2. bigger rx7 community
1. in rough shape
2. bought by someone who cant afford to maintain it
3. flood the market with a car that used to be rare to own.
All though there are a couple posiitive things that do come out of having jdms around.
1. more parts available
2. bigger rx7 community
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Canada
Exactly my point, you have changed your driving style in appreciation for the increased danger. Sounds perfectly reasonable to me.
What is unreasonable is to suggest that there are no increased risks that need to be addressed, which is the what specialedition is saying.
This should not be a concern when buying an FD. Maybe you'll save a little on initial purchase price, but they will cost the same to maintain. Maintaining an FD is what is expensive from my perspective, not the initial purchase.
What is unreasonable is to suggest that there are no increased risks that need to be addressed, which is the what specialedition is saying.
This should not be a concern when buying an FD. Maybe you'll save a little on initial purchase price, but they will cost the same to maintain. Maintaining an FD is what is expensive from my perspective, not the initial purchase.
how do my points not make sence? Ive owned 4 jdm cars and 2 usdm Cars and everysingle time this was the case,
JDM - No Rust, Low kms, Very affordable
and when i has usdm cars this was the case
usdm - Rust on frame rails and underbody also on suspension parts, High Kms over 140,xxx. And affordablity is what you want to pay.
Bottom line on this "I THINK" is your going to pay that much more for a mint Usdm car then a mint JDM car.
Now another point that was brought up was the cooling issue on jdm cars, Now i understand that The cars sit for long periods of time which in some cases allow the seals to dry up and evnetually leak and no longer do there job. Now this only happens occasionally ive yet to have a car do this to me and ive owned 4.
I think alot of this is speculation people are assuming alot of negative stuff about jdm cars because of other peoples stories. Just like Tigre JDM auto. I myself would never buy a car from them unless i was planning on making it my track car in this case i would rebuild the engine and put a new 2 way lsd and suspension parts ECT. Like every used car dealership you need to know what your looking for otherwise your going to get ripped off.
I myself dont understand why there is so much hate towards jdm cars in alot of car scenes here included. Alot of people have bias opinions because they have yet to own or even drive a jdm car and there just siding with usdm because they dont know better.
just my .02$
JDM - No Rust, Low kms, Very affordable
and when i has usdm cars this was the case
usdm - Rust on frame rails and underbody also on suspension parts, High Kms over 140,xxx. And affordablity is what you want to pay.
Bottom line on this "I THINK" is your going to pay that much more for a mint Usdm car then a mint JDM car.
Now another point that was brought up was the cooling issue on jdm cars, Now i understand that The cars sit for long periods of time which in some cases allow the seals to dry up and evnetually leak and no longer do there job. Now this only happens occasionally ive yet to have a car do this to me and ive owned 4.
I think alot of this is speculation people are assuming alot of negative stuff about jdm cars because of other peoples stories. Just like Tigre JDM auto. I myself would never buy a car from them unless i was planning on making it my track car in this case i would rebuild the engine and put a new 2 way lsd and suspension parts ECT. Like every used car dealership you need to know what your looking for otherwise your going to get ripped off.
I myself dont understand why there is so much hate towards jdm cars in alot of car scenes here included. Alot of people have bias opinions because they have yet to own or even drive a jdm car and there just siding with usdm because they dont know better.
just my .02$
when you say you owned 4 jdm cars and 2 usdm cars and every single time this was the case. do you mean you owned 2 usdm rx7s? cause i dont think you did.
its really hard to believe the canadian and US rx7s which has high mileage also has rust and a high price tag, when i was in the market for a 3rd gen rx7, 90% of the cars i checked out were all very well maintained at a very fair price at that time, yes alot of them have high mileage, but they all had rebuilt engines or were in very good shape, you cant say the usdm cars are all rotted and rusted, and overpriced just because the two USDM cars you've owned were.
plus you cant say ppl here are bias, when you concluded that list of bad things towards usdm cars from owning 2 out of i dont know a million usdm cars?
94 Single Turbo FD
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
It is also becoming more evident that a rhd fd seems to get less respect from the community and other car enthusiasts.
now when i get asked about my fd, the question: Is it right or left hand drive? always comes about, when i answer it is a lhd it yields a smile and a thumbs up from the person who asked.
If your content with a second rate fd, buy a right hand drive i guess.
now when i get asked about my fd, the question: Is it right or left hand drive? always comes about, when i answer it is a lhd it yields a smile and a thumbs up from the person who asked.
If your content with a second rate fd, buy a right hand drive i guess.
My thoughts exactly. Most of the points said here are valid, to each his own. I have a RHD rx7 that was already here, I was able to see and drive the car and so far have had a great time driving it for the few months Ive had it.
It is unfortunate that RHD cars dont get the respect that they do since they are Cheap, a ticking timebomb...yaadda yadda yadda. But if you do your research there are some cherry ones out there.
If you are lucky enough to own a LHD, more power to you, I will still give you a nod when i see you. If you have a RHD, still the same thing. I just like the fact that our community keeps growing.
And for the arguement that the flooding of RHDs into the market diminishes the value of the LHD 7's, although that may be an unfortunate truth....let me tell all of you (car enthusiasts) cars are not good investments....lol....unless you have a classic or numbers car. But really i dont think thats why we do it.
Anyways, i look forward to seeing everyone this year, both LHD and RHDs
Cheers
It is unfortunate that RHD cars dont get the respect that they do since they are Cheap, a ticking timebomb...yaadda yadda yadda. But if you do your research there are some cherry ones out there.
If you are lucky enough to own a LHD, more power to you, I will still give you a nod when i see you. If you have a RHD, still the same thing. I just like the fact that our community keeps growing.
And for the arguement that the flooding of RHDs into the market diminishes the value of the LHD 7's, although that may be an unfortunate truth....let me tell all of you (car enthusiasts) cars are not good investments....lol....unless you have a classic or numbers car. But really i dont think thats why we do it.
Anyways, i look forward to seeing everyone this year, both LHD and RHDs
Cheers
And for the arguement that the flooding of RHDs into the market diminishes the value of the LHD 7's, although that may be an unfortunate truth....let me tell all of you (car enthusiasts) cars are not good investments....lol....unless you have a classic or numbers car. But really i dont think thats why we do it.
Cheers
Cheers
Flooding the market with RHD Rx-7's hasnt diminished LHD value. In fact, its the same as it always was. The fact is that Rx-7's are simply getting older, so the price adjusts accordingly. They are getting more and more miles because typically the cars get more and more owners. You can buy a USDM Rx-7 for alot less than 5 years ago because its simply an old car.
I disagree. I've seen the price of the FD fluctuate quite dramatically, even FC's. You could buy a really great condition FD for less than 20g's prior to the Fast and the Furious. After FnF you could not find an FD for less than 20g no matter what condition.
The market for FD's is very small. Most people are afraid of these cars due to the maintenance required. Prior to RHD, a potential FD buyer would have to pay a premium and had a limited number or cars to choose from. The price of a great condition FD has dropped by about 40% in just 2 years that the RHD's came out.
It's all about supply and demand. During FnF, supply was small and demand was high. Nowadays, due RHD's, supply is great and demand is smaller.
I'm not sure how old you are but it's easy to say you'd never sell it when you're young. I could find many other things that would be a better investment than my FD and I would sell my FD right now if I could get a decent amount for it. I would have never said this 5 years ago.
One reason why I spent "alot" of money on a 15yr old FD as opposed to buying a new RX8 with warranty is because it will yield a better return. The RX8 is now in the price range of a a good condition FD. I think the FD will be a classic someday.
For sure without a doubt it will be a classic. Someday you'll be watching Barret Jackson and you'll see Shaun's car sell for 100G's. Well, maybe not. RX-7's have definately gained more reputation. I often dont hear talk of 'un-reliable rotary crap'. I simply hear, 'Thats a nice car' or 'Rx-7's are Fast'.
It is also becoming more evident that a rhd fd seems to get less respect from the community and other car enthusiasts.
now when i get asked about my fd, the question: Is it right or left hand drive? always comes about, when i answer it is a lhd it yields a smile and a thumbs up from the person who asked.
If your content with a second rate fd, buy a right hand drive i guess.
now when i get asked about my fd, the question: Is it right or left hand drive? always comes about, when i answer it is a lhd it yields a smile and a thumbs up from the person who asked.
If your content with a second rate fd, buy a right hand drive i guess.
, haha.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Pluto
The fact that a large number of "RHD" FD's are coming in to North America, should not in any way diminish there quality in comparison to there "LHD" brethren. Many of these "RHD" cars that we get in Canada are arriving with good quality performance parts from top Japanese tuning companies, such as: FEED; Tein; Greddy and many more.
Take the time to find the right car that comes into our market and you will have a car just as good as a "LHD" one...Not to mention, I have seen many "LHD" FD's in terrible shape too.
Cheers
Take the time to find the right car that comes into our market and you will have a car just as good as a "LHD" one...Not to mention, I have seen many "LHD" FD's in terrible shape too.
Cheers
94 Single Turbo FD
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ah yeah, i call u bullshit on that one, I worked at a rotary shop and have seen 100+ fds.
Most lhd cars are owned by guys who had to shell out big dollars to obtain them and keep them up. most of the time the dont even leave the garage and are definetly not driven in shitty conditions or rain even.
RHD fds are mostly owned by kids in or just out of highschool. There cars are parked in front of there parents house braving the elements, while the owners search this site wondering what kinda blow off valve sounds the best. They would rather spend money on ricer **** instead of saving there allowance to have the badly faded VR 4 tone repainted or the dent in the quarter panel fixed.
SIGH, sad but true
Most lhd cars are owned by guys who had to shell out big dollars to obtain them and keep them up. most of the time the dont even leave the garage and are definetly not driven in shitty conditions or rain even.
RHD fds are mostly owned by kids in or just out of highschool. There cars are parked in front of there parents house braving the elements, while the owners search this site wondering what kinda blow off valve sounds the best. They would rather spend money on ricer **** instead of saving there allowance to have the badly faded VR 4 tone repainted or the dent in the quarter panel fixed.
SIGH, sad but true
ah yeah, i call u bullshit on that one, I worked at a rotary shop here in calgary and have seen 100+ fds. most lhd cars are owned by guys who had to shell out big dollars to obtain them and keep them up. most of the time the dont even leave the garage and are definetly not driven in shitty conditions or rain even.
RHD fds are mostly owned by kids in or just out of highschool. There cars are parked in front of there parents house braving the elements, while the owners search this site wondering what kinda blow off valve sounds the best. They would rather spend money on ricer **** instead of saving there allowance to have the vr 4 tone repainted or the dent in the quarter panel fixed.
SIGH, sad but true
RHD fds are mostly owned by kids in or just out of highschool. There cars are parked in front of there parents house braving the elements, while the owners search this site wondering what kinda blow off valve sounds the best. They would rather spend money on ricer **** instead of saving there allowance to have the vr 4 tone repainted or the dent in the quarter panel fixed.
SIGH, sad but true
As i believe this to be true for MOST just as JDM owners to LHD owners, there are the LHD owners who don't take care of their car, and rice them up as well. And on the other side of the spectrum RHD owners who love their car (ME) and don't put any half-assed parts into it, and will spend the money where needed (FULL ENGINE REBUILD) and i am young (21) but i live 300 km south of my parents, out of collage, perusing my career in 3D Animation, and living with my girlfriend.
So lumping people into one category or another is naive. But i do agree, the MAJORITY; not ALL RHD owners are young guys thinking there awesome cause they own a Japanese super car. Until of course the motor pops, and they sell the car cause they could not even afford the car payments, alone a new engine.
-mark
94 Single Turbo FD
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
^^
I didnt say all.... I said most.
I hate to say it, but its true. i have seen it with my own 2 eyes. a 18yr old kid wondering where he is gonna get 5grand to get a rebuild done on a car that is in desperate need of a paint job and some body work.
I have also seen kids turn and sell these cars shortly after importing them because they got a harsh reality of what it cost to maintain one. You can make excuses and try to deny it all u want. but its true, like i said, i have personally seen it.
To the RHD owners like RX72heaven who give the fd the attention it needs and keep it garaged all year and parked for the winter, my hat goes off to u.
I didnt say all.... I said most.
I hate to say it, but its true. i have seen it with my own 2 eyes. a 18yr old kid wondering where he is gonna get 5grand to get a rebuild done on a car that is in desperate need of a paint job and some body work.
I have also seen kids turn and sell these cars shortly after importing them because they got a harsh reality of what it cost to maintain one. You can make excuses and try to deny it all u want. but its true, like i said, i have personally seen it.
To the RHD owners like RX72heaven who give the fd the attention it needs and keep it garaged all year and parked for the winter, my hat goes off to u.
^^
I didnt say all.... I said most. I hate to say it, but its true. i have seen it with my own 2 eyes in more cases then not. a 18yr old kid wondering where he is gonna get 5000grand to get a budget rebuild done. on a car that is in desperate need of a paint job and some body work.
I have also seen many kids turn and sell these cars shortly after importing them because they got a harsh reality of what it cost to maintain one. You can make excuses and try to deny it all u want. but its true, like i said, i have personally seen it.
I didnt say all.... I said most. I hate to say it, but its true. i have seen it with my own 2 eyes in more cases then not. a 18yr old kid wondering where he is gonna get 5000grand to get a budget rebuild done. on a car that is in desperate need of a paint job and some body work.
I have also seen many kids turn and sell these cars shortly after importing them because they got a harsh reality of what it cost to maintain one. You can make excuses and try to deny it all u want. but its true, like i said, i have personally seen it.
-mark
same here, i have seen a lhd 3rd gen that looked like it was beaten the hell of, driver looked rather young, i couldnt tell if the car sounded like it was dying or just some crappy exhaust, car doesnt look like it has been washed for 2 months, scratchs and color fadin all over the car, and he still challenged me to a race on the streets without even greetin me or a friendly wave first.
im also really young compared to the rest of the rx7 community, but if you seen my car, id say i do take care of it very well
im also really young compared to the rest of the rx7 community, but if you seen my car, id say i do take care of it very well
I've owned TWO beat up LHD rx-7's, a quick scan through the classifieds shows me 20+ more, they're FAR from rare.
I'm pretty sure the only maintainence I did to my last FD was change the oil and change the plug wires once, otherwise it was problem free.
I've NEVER had a close call at an intersection in the GTR, and I put 25,000+ KM on it this summer. Only close call I've had in the car was being stupid in it on cold tires, and that would've happened in anything LHD with a decent amount of horsepower too.
I drove it all over the states and most of ontario this year, no issues with RHD. Tollbooths and the timmies drive-thru are a bit of a pain in the ***, but that's it.
I think the nicest FC's I've ever seen were RHD as well.
Just because some importers chose to import junk doesn't mean all the cars are.
I'm pretty sure the only maintainence I did to my last FD was change the oil and change the plug wires once, otherwise it was problem free.
I've NEVER had a close call at an intersection in the GTR, and I put 25,000+ KM on it this summer. Only close call I've had in the car was being stupid in it on cold tires, and that would've happened in anything LHD with a decent amount of horsepower too.
I drove it all over the states and most of ontario this year, no issues with RHD. Tollbooths and the timmies drive-thru are a bit of a pain in the ***, but that's it.
I think the nicest FC's I've ever seen were RHD as well.
Just because some importers chose to import junk doesn't mean all the cars are.
Odd how there are people in the States doing RHD conversions. . .
RX7 is a RX7. Made in Hiroshima. I personally have no issue with imported cars as long as they're in good condition.
I know my RX7 passed inspection flawlessly and I do have JDM service records up to 37000km.
Its obvious most of those <$10000 JDM RX7s with the ricer wings and mismatched wheels have been drifted to death. Now those cars shouldn't have any place in Canada. If people want to import they should at least go for quality (damn cheap people buying junk).
RX7 is a RX7. Made in Hiroshima. I personally have no issue with imported cars as long as they're in good condition.
I know my RX7 passed inspection flawlessly and I do have JDM service records up to 37000km.
Its obvious most of those <$10000 JDM RX7s with the ricer wings and mismatched wheels have been drifted to death. Now those cars shouldn't have any place in Canada. If people want to import they should at least go for quality (damn cheap people buying junk).