Hi guys,

I am a new member to the forums and I am about to buy an FD. Found a 1993 with 68,000 miles for 9,500. Hoping to pick it up this weekend if everything goes well. I rode in the car but the current owner is pretty sensitive about me messing with anything so I have been unable to compression test or boost test the car. Would you guys recommend looking elsewhere or do you think with only 68,000 miles the car should be ok.

It ran great during the test drive except for a slight smell of gas/oil but I just think that may have been because I am not used to turbo cars exhaust fumes.

Opinions advice criticisms welcome.

I tired to read all the threads about buying an FD.

 

Depends what your going to do with it. If your going to start working on it then go for it. If it runs great and doesnt seem to have any problems i dont see a problem with it. but dont really know if he has swaped stuff out or not. so use on parts are a question.

 

I can't comment on the price because they are so different over here in aus. But the fact that he won't let you compression test it is a bit odd, I'd ask if you could pay for a workshop to do it, and if he won't allow that I'd walk away then and there.

 

Be sure to go to the FAQ sticky in the 3rd Generation section. Scroll down to 'B' for buying. Some great info.
I guess I understand the sensitivity with these cars. Every 16 yr old showing up at your door wanting to take it for a "test drive". But if I'm a serious prospective buyer I ABSOLUTELY would want to go to full boost (WOT) runs with it and watch the gauge... closely. If not, I'd walk.
Nice steady vacuum at ~ 850 to 900 rpm smooth idle, along with easy starting when hot should tell you a little about compression. But a professional test is best.
There should be NO smell of fuel under the hood. If there is, it's NOT normal and could be a potentially serious issue. There are two turbo hot-sides under there and they don't play well with fuel or coolant leaks.

 

I agree here. Ask the owner about taking it in for an inspection at a reputable rotary shop in the area on your dime. It's better to pay a shop $100-200 to know what you're getting yourself into, than to have $3k in repairs pop out of nowhere after you buy it.

 

Definitely get a pre purchase inspection done.

 

So I ended up buying it unfortunately I couldn't get a pre-sale inspection, but I did take it to the local rotary expert afterwards. Compression was great boost was great, all recalls have been preformed. So I guess I lucked out. Here is a picture.

 

Nice body! I took mine my VW mechanic one time to show off. He said "Looks like someone got up there and sat on the sunroof, someone was definitely up there." He wasn't being sarcastic, I just smiled and took off

 

Congrats! The car looks pretty clean from the picture. Did you ever figure out the odd fuel smell? If you haven't a leak can be a very serious condition and without a proper checkup could result in some hefty repair bills or a potentially dangerous fire situation. I'd get it checked out right away. If it's an exhaust leak then you could also be losing boost. Make sure that you are getting what you paid for with your rotary and have fun with it!

 

... I feel stupid but it was actually a really strong smell of leather cleaner and a slight smell of oil. Its gone now.

 

non the less, have a look on the FPD, Fuel pulsation dampener.
Its a small "bellhousing" or "clock" that sits at the end of the fuelrails, they tend to start leaking
after some years and is the cause of countless engine bay fires.

 

^That, and:

Nice purchase. The car seems to be in good shape!
Wish you lots of happiness with that car. Take good care of it.

Cheers