Trifecta99

New member here in the research phase of an FD purchase. Presently open to most any approach, roller to low mile box stock. Assuming most of you in this section and truly new users I am interested in having your view on challenges your own new purchase as presented for you. Your feedback might help me make a better decision on which path I choose in my own FD adventure.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

Welcome to the board.

I'm going to put this in the Intro forum since it's not a technical question. I don't necessarily want to move it to the Gen 3 Discussion since you're brand new (3 posts) and this should still be a warmer environment for you. You can include a short intro with your next post (name, car history, what got you interested in FDs, etc.).

For now, you can browse the FAQs: HERE

XanderCage

iTrader: (1)

I've heard this advice before and think it's pretty good: find something with a decent to good interior. Many mechanical tasks won't be as costly or time consuming as trying to find long-discontinued brittle interior plastics. Really, certain parts can be crazy expensive!

Johnny Kommavongsa

iTrader: (13)

Welcome and what he said ^.

The FD will nickle and dime you to death.

nopistons1994

iTrader: (1)

Find the best car you can get for the $, lowest miles, and disregard any of the R1 vs R2 vs touring vs PEP etc. Just get the car that is physically in the best condition you can find at your budget.

Trifecta99

Thanks for the feedback.
Yes I was thinking some of the engine related items would be easier to sort. Metal, electrical, interior can be more troublesome.

Trifecta99

The other generalization I'd like to sus out are the sensible performance and reliability upgrades that are additive and then those that should be avoided.

XanderCage

iTrader: (1)

I think a good starting point is to scroll down to the "R" for "Reliability" section of the FAQ's in the link that diabolical1 posted. Lots of great stuff there. I'd click on the link next to the text that says "read the post by jimlab" and... read the post by jimlab.

Not 100% of everything on there is going to be ultra-critical (his recommendations 1 thru 6 ARE) but at any rate it's good to know what to look for when buying.

nopistons1994

iTrader: (1)

Quick and dirty is, replace stock downpipe heat sink, upgrade the radiator, change or remove the stock ast, look over all your vac lines, flush all the fluids, get a boost gauge, maybe fuel filter if it's old enough, and check all hose couplers. That's what I did within the first month of buying my car, from there you can mess with getting an ecu, maybe an intercooler etc etc.

KDR83

I've had a friend that has owned multiple RX7 and never had good luck with keeping them reliable yet he's still obsessed with them, that should say something about how these cars feel