Hello, I'm new here. I've always wanted one of these cars but was reluctant because of the rumored mechanical problems. I'm always of the opinion that people don't take care of their stuff and then blame it on who ever made the item. After getting an RX-8 last year, I came to the conclusion that FDs can't be that bad because I was convinced that it was because people didn't follow all the items outlined in the owners manual. So that's my story in a nutshell...

So it says I have to post a bunch of times before I can send any messages to people. I might as well get started.

I just picked up a 93 R1 the other day and it's already got non-functioning AC and a fuel leak. I don't have time to dig into it so JLC has my car.

I've heard that people have good experiences with JLC, does anyone know what his shop rate is? Do you guys know if he's going to charge me 5 hours of labor just to diagnose the fuel leak since he has to pull the UIM?

 

welcome to the forum!
and your best bet is to call up JLC and ask them

 

JLC is a great guy...got my 12a installed by him..and he was the only one who touched my car in the shop..he does great work and knows what he is doing..

 

Post pics of your new ride.

 

All I can say is: good luck.

 

^ did you read the title?

I don't know anything of JLC, Congrats on the Rx-7!

On to the making fun of the new guy!

Leon Cheung, The newb knew he was too yeung, but he didn't think he was too deumb, now he's got a seveung, but wants JLC to do the maintaineung. His R-eoung has no ac bloweung, and smells like petroleung. Glad you ditched the 8 becuase the 7 has turbochargeung!!!

Just kidding, welcome to the Foreung! Er, Forum.

 

Actually, I didn't ditch the 8. I have both. I know, I am nuts.

 

No rumors about the mechanical problems they exist. My turbo fb was on it's 4th engine when I sold it last fall.

My Volvo on the other hand has 150k miles on the original engine, is chipped for 17psi, normally hits 19 psi, and laughs off detonation., and eats stock FD for lunch. Welcome to the club.

 

You should sell the RX-8 and put that money towards the Fix the FD fund, cuz you're gonna need it. I had a fund but when I changed from dead end jobs to a self employment career I used my over $10k to pay bills until I had an income. Now my car has been parked since July 2005 driven occasionally and in 2006 it blew a coolant seal when the thermostat seized and overheated the engine.

 

I say keep them both! Both cars are fun to drive and very different. I always have a smile on my face when I drive mine!. Just keep up with the routine & preventative maintenance and lastly do the reliabilty mods on the FD and you should be set. And what mazdatim says put some $$$ away for the FD fund.

 

Welcome. Sell the 8 and buy a cheap DD that gets good gas mileage. Jerry is a good guy and I trust him. However, it takes time to pull the UIM and put it back together (unless you have have Zack to do it for you) so the shop time will add up. Face it, FDs are expensive if you do the work yourself, and horribly expensive if you pay others to do the work for you. They are fun cars however.

 

I have DDs. The 8 and a CRX (I like any car with 'RX' in the name... jk). So what you guys are all telling me is that this car is going to be the best looking statue and/or headache I've ever purchased?

I think I'm pretty decided that I'm going to the work myself. I have way too many cars and access to a couple more. So working on this car should be no problem.

I hear there is a club gathering every month? Maybe I'll join you guys for that.

 

welcome to the club

 

welcome to the club. i bought an fd thinking the same thing u did. then when i started looking over the car i realized that way to many hands that dont know how to work on rotarys or sports cars in general have touched my car so its a happy nightmare for me. i find stuff that should be done different or stuff missing all the time. best thing to do is take ur time and go over every inch of the car inspecting things and replacing them. this will keep u from ending up in a real nightmare down the road. but if i were u id keep a small amount of cash saved for when things turn ugly and take ur time fixing things correctly with quality parts. but welcome to the club and ill see u around.

 

Thats right I got quick hands lol . Welcome to the club oh and I agree with chris the issues arent rumors trust me dont push your luck with this car. Get the reliability mods as soon as possible.

 

Welcome to the club and congrats on getting your first Financial Disaster.

Mazda cut a lot of corners when putting together the FD, and it shows in their (well-deserved) reputation for unreliability. But when they do work, they're fantastic sports cars.

Yes, we have meets at Del Taco in Federal Way and Izzy's in Olympia every month (last Friday and second Monday, respectively).