Hi all,

A bit about me... I love old Japanese cars, grew up driving an 87 Nissan Maxima and would like to get my hands on one again someday! I also had the pleasure of driving an R33 for a while, and currently own a 2004 WRX and a 2001 SV650S (motorcycle). I also got my PPL recently, which really opens up a whole new hobby for me!

I've been a big fan of Mazda since I worked at their research center in Yokohama many years ago. All the guys back then had Miatas and FDs, although I never had the pleasure to drive one.

I'm a light wrencher, can replace all the fluids, do the brakes, but I've never had the pleasure of rebuilding an engine or tranny (yet).

I'm thinking about buying a 1985 GSL-SE (FB) from a buddy of mine. His car has been sitting outside for the last 13 years in NorCal and he's looking to get rid of it. The car has 167k miles and he last drove it 2 years ago to move it across the street. Otherwise, it literally hasn't been driven in over a decade.

I looked at it today, the body is in good shape, there's a little rust and the clear coat is partially gone. The engine is missing an AC belt, and we're not sure if the engine will turn over or not. At the least, I need to replace all the fluids and probably the radiator, brakes, and who knows what else? Left tail light and front blinker are broken, radio antenna is missing, but the window gaskets seem to be holding.

I'm trying to decide if I want to take this project on, or if it's better for him to donate the car and take the tax deduction? As it is, we need to tow it to my place, and judging from other posts, it looks like it'll be at least 2-3k to get this running again. Let alone the back reg fees of $850! For that kind of money, I could probably pick up a used FB that is running and much less hassle.

So... I really need to know two things from you guys:

1) Are parts still readily available for these cars? If I need to rebuild the motor, will I be able to get all the necessary bits and pieces?

2) What would be a fair price to give my friend for a non-running project car like this? He's the first owner, and he loves the car, but has come to the realization that he will never wrench on it and he just wants it gone now. I'd love to restore it, but the reality is that I don't have a ton of time either....

TIA!

 

At least it's from California. If it was in Canada I wouldn't touch anything that had been stored outside for 13 years. If it doesn't run and the paint/body aren't great, it's probably worth scrap value to $500. non-running shells are dime-a-dozen. The only thing it really has going for it, is that it's a GSL-SE. Personally I would recommend finding a good running car, or pickup a really nice condition shell and put a new engine in it.

 

At this point, I think he'd give it to me for a couple hundred bucks. I'd like to tinker with it and possibly get it running. The body is in good shape, it could use new paint but it's mostly intact.

 

Welcome.
Since you are asking about Buying the car You need to be aware that this is Strictly an Introduction section.
Please use it as it is Intended(look at the RULES above please).
Many sections were created to research questions about these fine cars.
ONE section was created to Introduce new guys or gals..Please do not make this Intro section a TECH section.
I thank you for your Cooperation and wish you great luck in your endeavor.

 

I hope to be a FB owner too, but for a car that has been sitting outside for 13 years might not be the best way to start.