Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

What discontinued cars should return, and how would you build them?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    #46
    FD prices are skyrocketing. They're next in line behind the NSX and Supra in terms of rising resale value.

    I'd love to see a new RXsomething. Apparently, Mazda is promising one for 2020 or something... (though the rumor was 2017 two years ago...) RX-9 they're calling it. Not sure if it will keep that name, or if they'll be smart and go back to RX-7. With multiple generations of RX-7 in the past, there's no real need to try to switch to a rising number naming scheme now. The RX-8 was a cool thing in its own right, but it was no RX-7. It was actually a very good thing that they named it differently!

    Anyway, I do agree that the rotary makes no sense whatsoever. I mean, it made sense when it was first being used in racing... because they could use a 1.3L engine to make the power of something MUCH larger. Until people caught on, and started rating them as 2.6L engines for racing purposes.
    But yeah, crap gas mileage, no low-end torque, no long-term reliability... I want one.






    Comment


      #47
      http://boulder.craigslist.org/cto/5695469628.html

      The RSX will be paid off in a couple weeks and I can afford this. But it would mean I'm for sure not going back to school for three to four more years.
      Last edited by CyborgGT; 08-01-2016, 10:49 AM.

      Accord Aero-R

      Comment


        #48
        Man... yeah, that's where they are right now. If that full throttle problem were fixed, that could be $16,000. If it has under 100k miles, closer to $20k (rotaries like to pop at 100k). I'm curious about the mileage, as he neglected to mention that (probably not an accidental oversight...), as well as the condition of the driver's seat. He mentions major wear, but conveniently doesn't include said wear in photographs. I wouldn't trust a seller like that!

        Still... they're definitely collector's items now. They'll probably increase even more dramatically if Mazda follows through with a legitimate replacement. Just like with the Miata... the NA Miata (1st gen) jumped considerably in price as the ND (4th gen) was released, due to favorable comparisons of the two generations. The NB and NC Miatas gained a great deal of weight and complexity. The ND took it back to the roots, with a car that is within 100lbs of the NA (rather than having a car like the NC that is damn near the weight of an S2000... but lacking nearly 100hp). Fueled by nostalgia, positive press, and a general regard as "the closest thing to a new Miata", the NA became the car everyone wanted. Hell, that was part of the reason I wanted my NA over an NB or NC (I liked the modern luxury of the NC, and the earlier NB was just as light as the NA... but still... the NA is iconic.)
        If Mazda releases a new RX-7, the old one will jump in value by 20%, I expect.

        The Supra may do the same once the new Toyota/BMW project sees the light of day. Though I'm wondering how much Supras can really rise in value before they're truly considered classic rarities. We're another 15 years away from the Mk4 Supra being on a level comparable to late-60s and early-70s muscle cars today, I feel. It'll happen, though. A pristine, unmolested, all-original 96 Supra TT will eventually be as sought-after and high-priced as a 70 Chevelle SS in comparable condition today.



        That brings me to another car that could feasibly make a comeback. GM basically has the car already in the SS, though that's going away along with the Holden brand that produced it, I believe. Still, the "SS" name is already a bit of a nod to the Chevelle SS. I understand that Chevy would be a bit hesitant to release a car using that cherished name without it being absolutely incredible (and even then, it's likely to be hated by many.) Still, large sedan with 4 doors, aggressive styling, and monstrous power would do it justice. As much as I hate to say it... they have the platform underpinning the CTS already. Perhaps a Chevy version of the CTS-V with a high-performance N/A engine would do the trick. Priced somewhere around $50,000.






        Comment


          #49
          Pff, I couldn't care less about a seat. Leather sucks, my seat's torn too. I was wondering about the mileage as well; it's an odd thing to leave out, everyone looks at mileage.

          Accord Aero-R

          Comment


            #50
            Budget like 5-6k for a new engine. I'm not talking out my ass either. Helped a friend replace the engine in his RX8, the long block alone was 5k for a re-mand unit. No thanks. He was quite rotary obsessed however, he had a first gen since high school that he drove everywhere and is pretty mint.
            1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

            1986 Chevrolet C10|5.3L|SM465|Shortbed|Custom Deluxe

            1983 Malibu Wagon|TPI 305|T5 5 speed|3.73 non-posi


            1992 Accord Wagon (RETIRED)

            Comment


              #51
              Does a rebuild cost about the same? I don't get the point of replacing an entire engine when there isn't structural damage. Not to mention, "numbers matching" would help the value of the car.

              Accord Aero-R

              Comment


                #52
                Rotaries are popular for DIY rebuilds. There's a whole video series on Youtube showing how it's done. They're very simple engines when compared to modern piston engines. They just require a bit of learning. I always wanted to buy one to rebuild just for S&Gs. The Renesis was a good deal more complicated than the rotaries found in earlier cars, fortunately. The FC is probably not too far off, though. They got complicated with increased emissions laws, not to mention the search for more power in the 90s Japanese horsepower wars.

                I wouldn't pay $12,000 for a car with a ripped-to-shit seat, honestly. That's a lot of money for something that can look so terrible (and something that I'd actually see each and every time I got in the car!) Getting the interior redone is another significant 4 figure expense... to have it done right, anyway. Quality replacement seat covers alone will probably top the 4 figure mark. AND it won't be original anymore.






                Comment


                  #53
                  I recall it was a rebuilt engine from a shop somewhere in Washington, new engines were not available from Mazda and local machine shops didn't have the experience to do a proper rebuild. It was also his daily driver so he wanted to do it right and quickly. That's what I recall was his reasoning. Can't really ask him now. Numbers matching, who cares on a high mile late model car??

                  I love how people be like, minor issues, engine cuts cut, interior torn up, $12000 FIRM. 4 crappy pictures and missing info like MILEAGE. Likely a flipper, got it cheap from the last guy and is trying to flip it with no investment. "Yo dog I gotz this RX7 fo' sail and it's mint just needs engine fixed will pass inspection no problem they don't make them like dis no morh!"
                  1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

                  1986 Chevrolet C10|5.3L|SM465|Shortbed|Custom Deluxe

                  1983 Malibu Wagon|TPI 305|T5 5 speed|3.73 non-posi


                  1992 Accord Wagon (RETIRED)

                  Comment


                    #54
                    Probably. Pick it up un-running for $8000, get it running like crap and sell for $12,000. Put another $1000 or so into having a professional get it running well, and sell it for $16,000.

                    If I was to buy an RX-7, I'd probably be most concerned with the body's condition. I can replace anything mechanical, but I want a clean, rust free, dent free body. Those cars have subtle lines that are difficult to repair when damaged... and enthusiasts can tell.






                    Comment


                      #55
                      Well. I just don't think 12k is asking much for an FD. It's probably about 3/4 or even 2/3 of what a good model is worth in my own opinion, especially since the performance is about on the same level as an NSX (the argument between the two seems to swing both ways), and the same era of NSX is currently going for anywhere between 50k and 150k:

                      http://autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/...5D%5D%5B%5D%5D.

                      A 350Z, for example, goes for 10-14k+, and that car has nowhere near the soul. I love a Z33, but I'm just saying. Given a solid car, which would your heart rather own?

                      If I was to buy one like the 12k car, the seat would be a non-issue. I'd replace both with Recaros or something, then take my time either reupholstering or shopping for good used seats on a forum, which would be stored until I sold the car. It's no secret these cars are modified to hell, so people are getting rid of factory parts all over the place. The car could be taken to a shop for an engine inspection pre-purchase. I'm even fortunate enough to have a rotary specialist local, if the owner could be convinced to let it go an hour away for a serious buyer.

                      The "numbers matching" thing I mentioned was just in mindset of an owner purely looking for an investment. That's a big deal for any classic car owner that prefers originality over a resto-mod/hot rod. To the right buyer, it gives the car significantly more value, and Japanese classics are finally starting to make quite a name for themselves in America. The FD is a shoe-in future classic.



                      Anyway, sorry for going way the hell off topic. One car I did see today that made me wonder what a modern retro-styled version would look like is the VW bus. And I know about the Transporter/Eurovan; it's not the same thing. The market probably doesn't exist for one, but I could see it going down well with at least the hipsters, if priced cheaply enough. It'd be cool just to see them on the road.

                      Accord Aero-R

                      Comment


                        #56
                        VW actually ceased production of the T2 Transporter in Brazil in 2013, by that time they had water cooled engines, fuel injection, AC, etc. Kinda cool the design survived that long in production.



                        The aircooled engine was discontinued in 2005

                        1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

                        1986 Chevrolet C10|5.3L|SM465|Shortbed|Custom Deluxe

                        1983 Malibu Wagon|TPI 305|T5 5 speed|3.73 non-posi


                        1992 Accord Wagon (RETIRED)

                        Comment


                          #57
                          Originally posted by CyborgGT View Post
                          Well. I just don't think 12k is asking much for an FD. It's probably about 3/4 or even 2/3 of what a good model is worth in my own opinion, especially since the performance is about on the same level as an NSX (the argument between the two seems to swing both ways), and the same era of NSX is currently going for anywhere between 50k and 150k:

                          http://autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/...5D%5D%5B%5D%5D.

                          A 350Z, for example, goes for 10-14k+, and that car has nowhere near the soul. I love a Z33, but I'm just saying. Given a solid car, which would your heart rather own?

                          If I was to buy one like the 12k car, the seat would be a non-issue. I'd replace both with Recaros or something, then take my time either reupholstering or shopping for good used seats on a forum, which would be stored until I sold the car. It's no secret these cars are modified to hell, so people are getting rid of factory parts all over the place. The car could be taken to a shop for an engine inspection pre-purchase. I'm even fortunate enough to have a rotary specialist local, if the owner could be convinced to let it go an hour away for a serious buyer.

                          The "numbers matching" thing I mentioned was just in mindset of an owner purely looking for an investment. That's a big deal for any classic car owner that prefers originality over a resto-mod/hot rod. To the right buyer, it gives the car significantly more value, and Japanese classics are finally starting to make quite a name for themselves in America. The FD is a shoe-in future classic.



                          Anyway, sorry for going way the hell off topic. One car I did see today that made me wonder what a modern retro-styled version would look like is the VW bus. And I know about the Transporter/Eurovan; it's not the same thing. The market probably doesn't exist for one, but I could see it going down well with at least the hipsters, if priced cheaply enough. It'd be cool just to see them on the road.
                          It's cool. I'd rather have a genuine conversation than just see "bring back the Grand National!" I was hoping people would not only present cars they would like to see reborn, but go into detail about how it might actually come about. Otherwise, the "conversation" just seems like a bunch of clucking chickens in a coop! Since it was going that direction, a conversation about buying a used FD is an acceptable substitute!

                          You may be right, considering how much a beat Supra would still likely pull in. Remember the way the F&F Supra looked when they first towed it in? Yeah... I bet that would be worth $10,000, given what Supras go for these days! The FD isn't quite at Supra level, but it's a step above Z32-TT level (though that's catching up.) I'd say the FD is the third most valuable USDM Japanese sports car of the 90s, surpassed only by the Supra and NSX.
                          I'm curious to see production numbers for those three cars... I wonder which had the fewest made. I'm assuming NSX, but there may have been more Supras than RX-7s.

                          Originally posted by Accrdwgnguy View Post
                          VW actually ceased production of the T2 Transporter in Brazil in 2013, by that time they had water cooled engines, fuel injection, AC, etc. Kinda cool the design survived that long in production.



                          The aircooled engine was discontinued in 2005

                          Wow, I didn't realize that was still in production! I know the Beetle was still being made until 2000-something, but I didn't realize the ol' Bus was still being made! I just read an article in a magazine about a guy that converted one of those to full electric. Gets about 90 miles per charge.

                          Now THAT would be a cool thing to see make a comeback... as a practical electric.






                          Comment


                            #58
                            It's kinda funny the stuff that comes out of Mexico. I was just reading about this, apparently Nissan Mexico never stopped making the B13 Sentra, you can still buy a new one.

                            http://www.nissan.com.mx/tsuru/

                            I remember on a family vacation in Cozumal 15ish years ago, riding in these Sentra taxis. I recall there were wagon versions as well. Of course plenty of bugs as well.

                            Is this off topic...not really. I don't know why cars need to be crammed with electronic gizmos and junk these days, when all most people need is basic cheap transportation without being jammed into some silly tiny eurocar. Something like this old Sentra, easily serviced and with maintenance will last you 20+ years. But now cars are ranked by their entertainment systems first, and service life last. I guess times are a-changin.
                            Last edited by Accrdwgnguy; 08-02-2016, 03:33 PM.
                            1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

                            1986 Chevrolet C10|5.3L|SM465|Shortbed|Custom Deluxe

                            1983 Malibu Wagon|TPI 305|T5 5 speed|3.73 non-posi


                            1992 Accord Wagon (RETIRED)

                            Comment


                              #59
                              Yeah, I remember hearing about the B13. That's my favorite Sentra of all time, so I'd kinda like to get one! Are they still being made, or did they finally stop making them?

                              I'd love to get a brand new one and turn it into an SE-R (which I'm sure they don't actually make anymore.)






                              Comment


                                #60
                                It seems they still make them, website I linked shows a 2017 model for 142000 pesos (about 7500 US). Don't know how strict your inspection requirements are in NJ, but up here I could slap on a VIN from a $200 junker Sentra and register a new one!
                                1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

                                1986 Chevrolet C10|5.3L|SM465|Shortbed|Custom Deluxe

                                1983 Malibu Wagon|TPI 305|T5 5 speed|3.73 non-posi


                                1992 Accord Wagon (RETIRED)

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X