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FD model year for purchase

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Old 12-12-11, 02:25 PM
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CA FD model year for purchase

I'm starting to look for a nice low mileage FD to use as an occasional use vehicle. I notice that there are many more 1993's available at any given time than 94 or 95 models. I suppose this is due to higher sales volumes of the 1993.

I know that the 93 had some issues that were corrected for the later years, also that the 95 uses R134A as opposed to R12 refrigerant for the AC system so all things equal a 1995 would be the best year to get if I can find one.

It seems like the issues that affected the 1993 models should have all been corrected by now or else the vehicles would have failed in some manner or caught on fire, so my thinking is that there is little reason to exclude 1993 models from my search just because of the model year at this point.

What's the opinion from the board on this?

Thanks!
Old 12-13-11, 04:17 PM
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All 3 years will give you problems. IF you can find a 95 for a good deal than you should hop on it, but getting a 93 will be fine as well.
Old 12-13-11, 05:58 PM
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Arrow

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/faq-3rd-gen-other-useful-links-68640/
^If you haven't already, scroll down to 'B' for "Buying an RX-7 / Buyers Guide / Used Car Shopping:" and read through those links. Lots of good info to consider.

93 was the first model year and there were a three recalls. It's hard to imagine a car not having them yet, but easy enough to confirm with a VIN from a car you were considering. The interior hard plastics were also changed after 93 in favor of a surface less prone to scratchs but (IMHO) not as nice looking.
An issue frequently associated with the 93's was the weak 5th gear synchro, which was NOT a recall item. Subsequent years had a stronger synchro and stiffer shift select spindle which supposedly cured the issue. Regardless, it would immediately apparent during a test drive.

No offense to any other owners, but I've never had regrets over chosing my 93 R1 over a 94 Touring/PEP...same colors and virtually the same mileage and price.
Old 12-14-11, 03:00 AM
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I have a 1993 and love it. great car and very well designed, much better than my dsm lol
Old 12-14-11, 03:39 AM
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happy JDM 1993 owner here, 99spec are also nice.
Old 12-14-11, 08:32 AM
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These cars are so old at this point that I would just try and find one in good condition. The odds of finding a 95 have to be slim as well, I think there are probably only 300 of em still on the road.
Old 12-14-11, 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Sgtblue
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=68640
^If you haven't already, scroll down to 'B' for "Buying an RX-7 / Buyers Guide / Used Car Shopping:" and read through those links. Lots of good info to consider.

93 was the first model year and there were a three recalls. It's hard to imagine a car not having them yet, but easy enough to confirm with a VIN from a car you were considering. The interior hard plastics were also changed after 93 in favor of a surface less prone to scratchs but (IMHO) not as nice looking.
An issue frequently associated with the 93's was the weak 5th gear synchro, which was NOT a recall item. Subsequent years had a stronger synchro and stiffer shift select spindle which supposedly cured the issue. Regardless, it would immediately apparent during a test drive.

No offense to any other owners, but I've never had regrets over chosing my 93 R1 over a 94 Touring/PEP...same colors and virtually the same mileage and price.

Thanks for the feedback! I have read most of that and there is a lot of good info there (some dead links, too...)

I am also looking for an R1 or R2, or base model with no sunroof. The sunroof models seem to have about 1 inch less headroom (which I need!)
Old 12-14-11, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by funkjaw
All 3 years will give you problems. IF you can find a 95 for a good deal than you should hop on it, but getting a 93 will be fine as well.
Thank you for the feedback!

Just noticed that I have 20 posts now! Now I can post to the regular sections!
Old 12-14-11, 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by jza80
....I am also looking for an R1 or R2, or base model with no sunroof. The sunroof models seem to have about 1 inch less headroom (which I need!)
Correct, especially so with a helmet. The other things that I personally liked with an R model is the LACK of a BOSE system, which also meant you had the speakers just behind the seats....and dual oil coolers.
Old 12-14-11, 08:26 PM
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Base models also allow room for a helmet and no Bose stuff to take up space.
Old 01-09-12, 04:21 AM
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I had my Fd for about 5 months ..its not the greatest of lookers at the moment but i turn heads and feel amazing driving it
Old 01-09-12, 05:18 PM
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most 94s-95s will be way more pricier and have the same issues. get a 93 and correct those issues and it will be more reliable than a 95 for less money
Old 01-10-12, 02:25 AM
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Yee!!! 95's!!!
Old 01-10-12, 09:36 AM
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TX

Originally Posted by Kutrina87
most 94s-95s will be way more pricier and have the same issues. get a 93 and correct those issues and it will be more reliable than a 95 for less money
So true. The way i saw it, I had a couple extra g's to get newer parts, make it more reliable myself... and was able to mod it to my liking. And you can do a lot with that money if you DIY.
Old 01-10-12, 09:42 AM
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and good luck with the R1/R2 search. I'm jelly of R1/R2s and their twin oil coolers.
Old 01-10-12, 10:15 AM
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once again. install your own it will be better than oem you can generally always build a car cheaper than the factory did
Old 01-10-12, 12:57 PM
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Probably best to always go newer when you can...
Old 01-10-12, 07:13 PM
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dam those threads help a bit for me im looking for an fd as well
Old 01-10-12, 10:30 PM
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I think the cars of any of the model years may have had their problems and kinks worked out by now! Just find an example you're happy with. But, the extra oil cooler on the R models is a bit of a bonus.
Old 01-11-12, 03:04 PM
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Thanks for all the feedback, everyone. I guess the question will be what is available and in what condition. Not too worried about fixing anything, I'm a little more concerned about a R12 based AC system (AC is a must have where I live) but I guess that can always be converted to R134A for some $$.
Old 01-11-12, 03:52 PM
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I love these cars but they are so freaking expensive for a near 20 year old car.
They are beautiful though.
Old 01-11-12, 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by funkjaw
All 3 years will give you problems. IF you can find a 95 for a good deal than you should hop on it, but getting a 93 will be fine as well.
+1 on this. Trying to find a decent shape lower mileage is getting harder and harder to find. Good Luck.
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