Sorry Newbie Questions!!

[Scottrw]

Hello all,  

I am looking into an FD3 after having admired them for many years but being too scared to get involved (due to expensive rebuilds, running costs, horror stories etc).

Well I currently have a modded CRX Del Sol that is my pride.... But I have someone interested in buying & it\'s got me thinking.  The choice I have is to continue modding & add a turbo to my Sol or sell up & move onto an RX-7.  I realise there may be some bias as to what you guys think I should do!?  :mmmm

I have to admit I am also terrified of buying a car that gives me more grief than pleasure..... I have looked into importing a car from Japan in the spec I want as I reckon I could get a good mechanically sound one for maybe 6 - 6.5k (which would be more like 8k plus from a dealer in the UK right?)....... I have also thought of the other option of buying a cheap car & getting it straight to Jimmys (or the like) for a rebuild..... Which would probably equate to the same price overall.

I\'m not really mechanically minded but I have done alot of reading up.  There are a few questions.... Firstly Im 6\'3 tall.. Am I gonna fit in one!?  I think someone mentioned legroom as opposed to headroom may be the issue, is this right & can it be overcome!? rails lengthened steering wheel height adjust!??  Also I play to keep it fairly standard engine wise.... So is there anything I need to keep on top of?  Obvious oil changes etc... but after how many miles?  Is it as often as with Evo\'s?  I have also read a little about the car running rich as standard!  Is this a problem!?

I have found out about insurance & that doesn\'t seem too much of a problem.  Only thing is that aftermarket parts seem to cost a hell of a lot.

Apologies for the long winded post, I\'m hoping you helpful friendly guys & gals will be able to help make my mind up!?  As well as putting it to rest........... :Giggle

[davegttph1]

I was in a similar dilemma to you back in May when I decided fook it I\'ll just get one... got mine in a private sale that had been rebuilt not that long ago and since then Ive not had a problem with it.  (7months on) petrol is expensive but what do you expect. I top my oil up every weekend as they do burn it and I change the oil every 3k miles aswell using mineral oil from Halfords at £10 a pop so its not expensive to keep up on them services but plugs etc need to be changed I think every 6k miles which make up for the cheap oil. about £50-£60 and a pain in the ar$e to do but its always best to make sure the motors are running on form.  

Im not a lanky git like some so cant comment on the space you\'d have, sorry.

My main gripe with the car is mods and petrol, petrol being so expensive I cant afford to spend any money to mod the car pain really but the joy I get from driving the rex makes up for it by a country mile. Id suggest buy a modded motor from the start. save you lots in the long run

[Scottrw]

Thanks... That kinda makes sense.

I have thought about importing as it seems I may get a better car for my money than sourcing here..... But I will be buying a car I have never seen or driven!

Alternatively there are a few cheaper cars on Autotrader that I could pick up & get rebuilt!?  Would this be cost effective!?

All help is appreciated... Im based in Swindon... Anyone in the nearby are that would be prepared to view with me!?

[davegttph1]

To be honest mate, there are that many cars over in the UK at the moment that are awsome cars for the cheap money Id look around here... theres a rebuilt silver one going for £5500 IIRC, stupid money. go snap it up...lol

[Warthog]

First welcome,  :Thumbsup!

You are about to purchase the best looking Sports car that us mere mortals can afford, IMHO. It also goes like stink, is a real headturner and is a joy to drive and can be modded. :3gears-rh

[andyroi]

well said! got to agree with what you said, dont think there is much nicer!

[sadgoth]

Check out the for sale section on here for some good cars up for sale.

[iaint]

In my opinion you can get a good deal importing one yourself but you can get right royally shafted too.  You have little in the way of guarantees on rebuilds and quality of the engine (primarily).

On the other hand you can be fairly certain of the provenance of a car when you can see the bills.

At your height you may well need to mod the seat runners or possibly replace the driver\'s seat with something lower (i.e. a bucket).  I\'m 6\' and find it a little tight for leg room - headroom (even with a helmet on) is no problem as I\'ve got a recaro bucket seat in place.  Currently having it altered to make it sit a little further back!  You could also look at extending the steering wheel boss to bring it closer to your body (and therefore higher).

Rex ownership can be a bit of a roller-coaster but, for me at least, well worth the minor troubles!

[Freddy]

One of my previous cars was a CRX del sol and they do have very little to go wrong with!

Importing from Japan can save you some money, especially if you import through someone that knows a little or two about rotaries. Most import companies out there do not. Which could result in a cheaper car with work required. We source vehicles for customers wishing to import from Japan and believe me -when you are trying to purchase the best available example of a certain model, you are fierecely competing with the Japanese domestic market customers also - which would result in an import not as cheap as first thought but a thoroughly good car. The trade off is not actually seeing the car in person, but with any good importer this would be little to worry about. We can import one for you or supply one from stock, you can e mail on the below.

Alternatively, you can buy a cheap fresh import from from one of the many importers and decide to give it an engine rebuild. However, it is not just the engine aspect to look at. Any costs arising from Suspension leaks, bushes, link, box can land you with a big dent to the wallet. If you do want to FD to be running right.

A near standard FD which you intend on having will prove very reliable and safe for every day driving. Providing regular maintanence is carried out (Oil, filter, Spark Plugs, Fuel Filter)

You should have no real problems fitting in to an FD. I say this because of one of last customer\'s was your height! Adjust the runners on the stock seats and you would be fine. Or, you can get a bucket seat and be much more comfortable.

And Warthog is right - certain car shapes never date. The FD is one of these, superb looks with drive/handling to match and exclusive.

Good luck!
Freddy__k@hotmail.com

 

[Kieron]

Welcome to MRC  :Santa

Make sure you do your research, buy with your head not your heart, FD ownership can be very expensive if you get the wrong one!

There is a lovely pearl white one for sale at the moment  :InLove

Good luck.

[bluerx]

Bumpety bump!

Tracked this ancient thread down via search- in following on with the discussion above, I have a query with regard to the more portly gentleman driver, and seat space.

Think big fella, 6\' 2", a wider frame and the sort of midriff that tells a tale of a few long nights in the pub. Will a rex be unforgiving of my ample frame, unless (even when) above mentioned mods are undertaken?

Let me down gently, guys

[T11MNM]

I\'m 6\'3 and quite well built, wide shoulders and legs.

My car is standard inside even down to the steering wheel and it\'s a bit of a squeeze but i manage. I think i\'m going to look into altering the standard runners, to give me a little more leg room.

I think if i had skinny girl legs i would be fine, i\'m sure it\'s more down to the way your built than your actual height. Best bet is to go find some to have a sit in.

[bluerx]

Cheers fella.

[m1tch]

im sure when the turbos kick in, you will be snuggly in the seat