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Tips for finding FDs
Gentlemen (and ladies),
New member here looking for tips to find a ‘93-95 FD and up my post count to gain further access to this site. Looking to get a project car that has seen better days. Understand these are getting more difficult to find for cheap. Haven’t had much luck with eBay/Craigslist/part finder/junk yards. Also, has anyone had any luck with Copart/IAAI or other auction sites with all their fees for the average consumer. Thanks to anyone who replies. Cheers, -milly |
Another possible option you could look at is trying to import a car. 93's are legal to import and 94's will become legal this year (check manufacture date). If that is too much work there are quiet a few websites that sell imports that are already in the states but these are usually nicer condition cars.
How much work are you willing to put in to the project? I've seen several gutted FD shells in Southern California on Craigslist. |
Originally Posted by wryder
(Post 12325157)
Another possible option you could look at is trying to import a car. 93's are legal to import and 94's will become legal this year (check manufacture date). If that is too much work there are quiet a few websites that sell imports that are already in the states but these are usually nicer condition cars.
How much work are you willing to put in to the project? I've seen several gutted FD shells in Southern California on Craigslist. Thanks for the response. Looking to put in a good amount of work, but definitely case by case depending on what I can find. No rush to make it happen, would like to have a longer term project. I have read about the 25 year import rule, but haven’t seen a solid sure fire way of importing one over. Again, I’m sure there is easier ways, but I’ve never spoken with anyone who has experience with that. Assuming you need to know what you’re doing with the language barrier, exchange rates, and import process as a whole. I have seen the yahoo Japanese auction site (in English) but don’t know of any other sites than that. (Open to suggestions). Looks like ill have to dive deeper down the craigslist rabbit hole. Thanks again |
I think wryder meant buy one from an importer thats already brought one over. Or contact an importer and see if they can find one for you.
My suggestion is to look everywhere and anywhere. Any project or cheaper than the norm FD typically sells really quick so you need to see it as soon as it comes up and be ready to buy. |
Originally Posted by AE_Racer
(Post 12325200)
I think wryder meant buy one from an importer thats already brought one over. Or contact an importer and see if they can find one for you.
My suggestion is to look everywhere and anywhere. Any project or cheaper than the norm FD typically sells really quick so you need to see it as soon as it comes up and be ready to buy. Gotcha. Any recommendations for an importer or companies that have a quality track record? -milly |
I don't have any direct experience with any companies but japanese classics is well regarded. Best thing would be to search for one near you and look for reviews. If you're wanting them to find a car for you it is a long and extensive process so trust goes a long way.
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I imported my fd through an importer, I used top rank international, wasn’t completely satisfied, long story short, car wasn’t 100% as described, few safety issues that should have been addressed prior to shipping. The shipper they chose was not a very nice person to say the least and communication was very slow, which is worrysom when doing something like that lol it all ended up working out tho. I’ve been following RHD specialties LLC on fb, they seem great, But there are many, definitely check fb and google. What I’ve learned is, if there is a lack of information or they fail to tell you the good AND bad there’s a reason. Especially look at compression numbers and understand there are 3 per rotor not 1 like a piston engine. If you end up going that route let me know I’ll help out as much as I can, I seem to see decent imported one anywhere from 18-25k |
Originally Posted by AE_Racer
(Post 12325205)
I don't have any direct experience with any companies but japanese classics is well regarded. Best thing would be to search for one near you and look for reviews. If you're wanting them to find a car for you it is a long and extensive process so trust goes a long way.
Originally Posted by ecurbd02
(Post 12325222)
I imported my fd through an importer, I used top rank international, wasn’t completely satisfied, long story short, car wasn’t 100% as described, few safety issues that should have been addressed prior to shipping. The shipper they chose was not a very nice person to say the least and communication was very slow, which is worrysom when doing something like that lol it all ended up working out tho. I’ve been following RHD specialties LLC on fb, they seem great, But there are many, definitely check fb and google. What I’ve learned is, if there is a lack of information or they fail to tell you the good AND bad there’s a reason. Especially look at compression numbers and understand there are 3 per rotor not 1 like a piston engine. If you end up going that route let me know I’ll help out as much as I can, I seem to see decent imported one anywhere from 18-25k I’ll check those guys out. Thanks for the help. // ecurbd, Thanks for the info. I’ll give both companies a look. How long was your import process from start to finish and what’s a safe estimate for fees to tack onto the price of the Vic? And is it basically if a car is 25 years old or older you can just send it over, not additional checks or anything? Haven’t done all the research on that. Im sure it was a joy getting paired up with a grimy dude working the transfers. Any large issues working RHD vs LHD for maintenance? Lastly, any issues with insurance or DMV with a foreign Vic? I know this is state dependant, but I can totally see folks at the DMV giving you the blank stare. Thanks for all the info. |
Maintenance, no issues rhd vs lhd. Interior pieces those are specific to one or the other, but I think rhd are easier to find to be honest. The whole process from start to car in my driveway took about 6 weeks. Mainly because I claimed it before it was inspected and gone through and the time it took for documents to ship back and forth between Ohio and Cali. Insurance I went through Hagerty with no problem. DMV did look at me weird Bc the vin is much shorter. They just needed to see the car in person. Importing and what not and all the port fees and what not, are all taken care of by the importer, you don’t have to worry about any of that. The importer provides all of the paper work for the DMV so you literally hand them a folder of it lol and as long as it’s 25 years or older you can import it. The only state I’m aware of that has a few other hoops to jump through would be cali because of their emission, other than that they are exempt |
Originally Posted by ecurbd02
(Post 12325275)
Maintenance, no issues rhd vs lhd. Interior pieces those are specific to one or the other, but I think rhd are easier to find to be honest. The whole process from start to car in my driveway took about 6 weeks. Mainly because I claimed it before it was inspected and gone through and the time it took for documents to ship back and forth between Ohio and Cali. Insurance I went through Hagerty with no problem. DMV did look at me weird Bc the vin is much shorter. They just needed to see the car in person. Importing and what not and all the port fees and what not, are all taken care of by the importer, you don’t have to worry about any of that. The importer provides all of the paper work for the DMV so you literally hand them a folder of it lol and as long as it’s 25 years or older you can import it. The only state I’m aware of that has a few other hoops to jump through would be cali because of their emission, other than that they are exempt Cool man. Thanks for all the info! Let the hunt begin! |
Originally Posted by ecurbd02
(Post 12325275)
Maintenance, no issues rhd vs lhd. Interior pieces those are specific to one or the other, but I think rhd are easier to find to be honest. The whole process from start to car in my driveway took about 6 weeks. Mainly because I claimed it before it was inspected and gone through and the time it took for documents to ship back and forth between Ohio and Cali. Insurance I went through Hagerty with no problem. DMV did look at me weird Bc the vin is much shorter. They just needed to see the car in person. Importing and what not and all the port fees and what not, are all taken care of by the importer, you don’t have to worry about any of that. The importer provides all of the paper work for the DMV so you literally hand them a folder of it lol and as long as it’s 25 years or older you can import it. The only state I’m aware of that has a few other hoops to jump through would be cali because of their emission, other than that they are exempt exurbd02, Can you speak to the price range of working FDs on the auctions in Japan right now? And any idea of the hassle involved getting these cars to comply with emission standards in Cali? Looking at pursuing an avenue outside of one of the major importers you mentioned. -milly |
I have no idea on emissions compliance in Cali, the importers will most likely be able to at least point you in the right direction as far as that goes, I live in Ohio so I didn’t have to worry about any of that. No hassle at all getting them, the importer takes care of all the hassle and for the buyer it’s just like getting a regular used car, for the most part. I don’t surf the auctions though, that’s way beyond me. I follow importers on fb jusy to see what they have goin on and from what I’ve seen, 16k seems to be the bottom of the barrel which would get you something that runs good but may have body work needed. I haven’t seen any for sale that don’t run well. Average 18-24k for pretty good ones |
Ive been looking for one as well. They aren't easy cars to find unfortunately. If you can deal with RHD a JDM car is a great value.
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Originally Posted by Promackid
(Post 12325758)
Ive been looking for one as well. They aren't easy cars to find unfortunately. If you can deal with RHD a JDM car is a great value.
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Been looking for a rolling shell or possibly importing using RB motoring. Anyone used them before?
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I've been finding that FaceBook marketplace has a similar type of market that craigslist does, so you should check there to see if anything's listed. It's kinda nice too cause you can just message the person directly and you know who you're talking to
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What are peoples opinions for imports vs usdm cars and future resale values? Seems like the Supra market has a large difference in pricing...
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Originally Posted by Beard
(Post 12330384)
What are peoples opinions for imports vs usdm cars and future resale values? Seems like the Supra market has a large difference in pricing...
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RHD is not that bad, since you can get it for cheaper
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I actually had mine imported, as I had trouble finding one with the minimal mods I wanted for a reasonable price.
Had no issues with the paperwork or mechanical issues, but maybe $1000 in small parts and fluid changes (mostly small cosmetic things for being a 25 year old car like broken passenger door handle and badly scraped door sills). There are some good importers who already get it titled for you in FL or VA, just make sure you get a copy of the 3520-I and HS7. Depending on your state, you will need those to get the emissions/registration complete, like I ended up needing. |
I was lucky enough to nab my FD via Bringatrailer.com I check that website pretty frequently...like an addict.
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Originally Posted by Mcw0ng
(Post 12336549)
I was lucky enough to nab my FD via Bringatrailer.com I check that website pretty frequently...like an addict.
Fee to the site? shipping costs? pay immediately after the auction or contact the seller? Etc.... Thanks -milly |
Fee to the site? 5% of whatever the winning bid is. (Example, $10,000 winning bid = you pay $500 to BaT)
Shipping costs? Luckily for me, it was local. You would have to source the shipper which BaT has some recommendations Pay immediately after the auction or contact the seller? IIRC, payment must be received within 3 business days to the seller. BaT automatically takes their cut because you have to register your CC info before bidding. Before payment to the seller, it is recommend that the seller send the buyer a photocopy of the title and a bill of sale prior to the buyer sending payment. Wire transfer is the recommended way to send payment. My experience was pretty seamless, had a buddy drive me to the car and I drove it home with a huge smile. |
Originally Posted by Mcw0ng
(Post 12336578)
Fee to the site? 5% of whatever the winning bid is. (Example, $10,000 winning bid = you pay $500 to BaT)
Shipping costs? Luckily for me, it was local. You would have to source the shipper which BaT has some recommendations Pay immediately after the auction or contact the seller? IIRC, payment must be received within 3 business days to the seller. BaT automatically takes their cut because you have to register your CC info before bidding. Before payment to the seller, it is recommend that the seller send the buyer a photocopy of the title and a bill of sale prior to the buyer sending payment. Wire transfer is the recommended way to send payment. My experience was pretty seamless, had a buddy drive me to the car and I drove it home with a huge smile. Thanks for the tips! |
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