Hi guys, trying to buy an FD at the mo to replace a skyline, checking out options.
Need some advice, I\'m pretty up to speed with a lot of the buying basics for FD\'s from the great forum( :D ) but what would you think to a UK FD (not import) with 100000miles on the clock, BUT has had a very recent rebuild (5000miles ago). Was going to have a look today, but wanted to get a reaction first before I trek over.
Bear in mind haven\'t seen 1st hand just pictures, looks totally standard, with FSH BTW. Price was a fiver shy of 5000.
Have been a vw nut before gettin my skyline so I\'ve never been phased by high miles. Just wondering if the FD holds up on 100000miles?
Any help greatly appreciated and when I finally meet you with a new FD, beer is yours(or tea)(depends if u r drivin!)
J
Its tricky to say, as it really depends on the owner, but my guess would be a rebuild at 95,000 (if its the first one) probably means it is standard and has been looked after :)
Go over it well, check everything, the engine probably isn\'t a concearn, at 100k its more likely the bushing and suspension components that will be warn :(
Heard about the suspension, a tricky beast, presume replacing would cost 1000-2000?
So may still be a pretty good price,
Always the same with buying special cars, you\'re never quite sure if it\'s under/overpriced - that nagging doubt - it looks/runs/sounds fine, but what will happen next?
Any probs with modifying a UK instead of Jap car.
I understand the power is stated as different, is that partly down to fuel as well, higher octane should give increased power when set up correctly.
J
I would say at 100,000 with a rebuild your biggest worry is going to be wear on other components.
Is it a standard car, or modified? If its standard then theres a chacne the exhaust could be going rotten (if its the origional), and as has been said the bushes will be getting tired too. Bushes are not hard to replace but they are pricey from Mazda.
But if it has 100,000 on the clock and the owner has had a rebuild (where from btw?) then it shows signs of being a well loved car, so good luck! :D
Not sure on where the rebuild was from, just about to call in a few mins, so can find out. It is totally standard i believe, no mention of any bits but surely an old exhaust is the best excuse to put a lovely shiny new one on mmmmmmm.
if its been looked after to the point that its had its first rebuild at 95k miles then Id say its probably worth it. a UK rex (which should fetch a higher premium alone) thats not long ago been rebuilt for £5k is a bargain. just make sure its checked over well :)
About the bushes, I am in contact with a UK polyurethane engineering company, they have manufactured kits for rally cars, planes, trains etc so I am trying to get an FD kit made which would then obviously be available.
No details on prices but probably cheaper than the Jimlab kit and certainly cheaper than Mazda! :)
Definately be lookin out for those bushes mate.
BTW rebuild by RX motors in dorset i believe, will have to check paperwork to be sure of course.
Just called them, going to have a look later on, sadly, some numpty keyed one door a coupla days ago, its in the paint shop to get the side sprayed before its sold, chap said I should go down inspect the damage for myself today before its sprayed tomorrow! why do people bother being so rubbish, resect for property grumble grumble, youth of today grumble grumble (i\'m 26 so can\'t really talk i suppose.)!!!!!!! grrrrrrr!
How do you know when the bushes are gone? just out of interest !!!
sorry for the hijack
thanks
^ people today are arses.
I don\'t get it either, FDs can be purchased for cheapish, any ass with two braincells could work enough hours to buy one, its not like we\'re driving SLRs :)
Good luck with her anyway, as soon as I have news on the bushes I will post up. It could be a few weeks away yet as they are going to need 1/2 my car for R&D :( :cry:
Thanks dude, really appreciate it
Beer or tea (whichever) will be yours (and of course folding paper stuff if/when i buy bushes!).
J
Regarding the bushes, its simply a question of age+wear, The car is over 10years old and has done 100,000 miles, even if they are not worn to MOT failure std a new set will transform the cars handling.
Been to see it. It looks like a 100000mile car, if that makes sense, wear on interior what you\'d expect etc, nothing that can\'t be fettled. No show car but it has been serviced properly/looked after.
It was in paint shop cos some a**e had keyed the driveres door a day ago! but it does mean they are respraying the whole side (pin dents sorted and all), saw it at primer stage, I always like to see a car at its worst before i buy!!
On inspection it has a Blitz Nur spec (cat back, still has cat) and induction cones (not sure make), by the state of exhaust looks very recent so may have been at time of rebuild, will try Tim at RX see if he can find any record. Oil looked dark but couldn\'t see any gunk, needs a change.
Service book has regular stamps from Mazda all the way up from 500 mile service to now.
Sorry to ring Anthony! but definately want you guys at Sterte to check it over, dealer has agreed wholeheartedly, one of them travels to Poole regularly anyway. will call to work out a time. Need a status check - is it sound etc. will anything fall off in near future. One of the reciepts from mazda mentioned some play in the front end, presume bushes but for 5000 can\'t complain.
All in all looks pretty non dodgy, FSH takes a weight off the mind i suppose.
Any ideas or advice would be cool, pics comin soon
Why do people feel the need!!!!!!!
blimey, pic was bigger than i though (as the bishop said to the actress :) )
Tianbao, Why not give Chris a ring, he\'s in Bournemouth too, and did my rebuild, i\'m sure he had one for sale not long ago,
Bob Christchurch.
ot sure who chris is dude, new to this forum sorry, what company?
i will send you a pm, ok
Sorry i can\'t seem to send you a pm! if you want a number for Chris, phone me on 07799523900,
Cheers Bob
thanks mate,am not a full member yet, that will be why!
Thanks again Bob, spoke to chris, am gonna get some tips and have a look at his current for sale car.
Am at the point where I think the high miler isn\'t so bad (with the engine rebuild), cheap buying price is somewhat offset by
a)resale possibilities after i put another 20000miles on it (anyone bought one with that many miles?)
b)replacement of bits other than engine
Anyone had rear/front bushes done recently, presume you wouldn\'t see change of 1000?
Mines only done 50000, i wanted a lowish miler one as hopefully all the suspension/steering etc, would have a lot more life/use left in it. and it is nice to drive, but recent m.o.t. showed up worn rear top suspension bushes, but on a 93 car it can always be worse.i just wanted to get the best i could at the time, if it needs a lot of work it\'s false economy in the long run, not so bad if you can save on labour of course.
Bob