D Car — July 2004

As discussed on the previous page, a relatively high number of cars have a repair history. Check for previous repairs when buying, but a car does not have to be accident-free. A minor accident or a proper repair is not necessarily a problem. Confirm its history, then insist on a test drive. Check that it tracks straight, that the steering returns properly after a turn and that there are no unusual noises. Electrical systems are another weak point, so test the air conditioning and power windows as well.

U-Park GT Sports — more than 250 sports cars in stock at all times. A used-car specialist handling sports cars such as successive generations of GT-Rs, Silvias and RX-7s. It normally stocks 250 cars; during our visit there were more than ten RX-7s on the lot and over 100 Skylines and Silvias. It also ships nationwide and can arrange delivery. Address: 1104 Tsurukami Shinden, Iwatsuki, Saitama. Tel. 048-791-3332 · http://www.u-parknet.com

When choosing a used sports car such as the RX-7, pay special attention to accident repairs. Like the GT-R, the RX-7 has a high accident rate. Because minor damage rarely sends one straight to a scrapyard, the share of cars with repair histories is high. This is common among sports cars. Buyers generally avoid repaired cars, but a properly repaired vehicle is not automatically a problem. Most buyers cannot judge what kind of accident occurred or how it was repaired. Ideally, find an unmodified car with no repair history and build it to your taste. If you insist on a car with no accident history and no modifications, be prepared to spend time searching.

Lesson 2

Sport Compact Academy

Buying information

Another issue is almost a fact of life for an FD with a rotary engine: many cars have low compression. Start the engine and wait about ten minutes, then see whether the idle is stable. Rotary engines tend to vibrate more than others, but

Mileage: 62,300 km

1994 model · Type R · 62,300 km. With adjustable suspension and aftermarket alloy wheels. A clean car with low mileage for its age; the price under ¥1 million is attractive.

SAMPLE #1

is appealing.

¥950,000

048-791-33

Repair histories and modifications are common. Compare several cars.

Excessive vibration is a reason to walk away. To check both points, compare as many examples as you can—at least two or three. That makes it easier to judge idle stability and vibration.

Amemiya aero kit,

Type RS · mileage unknown

1996 model

Heavily modified, including RAYS TE37 wheels. The aftermarket meter makes the mileage unknown, but the installed parts alone total more than ¥1 million.

SAMPLE #2 — ¥1.39 million

1998 model · Type RS · 45,000 km. Fitted with an aftermarket stainless-steel muffler. Low mileage and otherwise nearly stock, this is an excellent example. Expect to budget ¥2 million for a car in this condition.

SAMPLE #3

¥1.89 million

048-791-33

048-791-333

Another characteristic is that few cars remain stock. An exhaust-muffler replacement is normal, but if the catalytic converter has been removed, inspection can cost ¥100,000 or more. Be sure to check. Few cars have aero or meters

Aftermarket parts are often fitted. If they are parts you like, consider it a lucky find. A completely stock example can be surprisingly hard to locate. Many cars also show signs that add-on gauges or audio equipment were removed. Previous owners may have taken them out, so check for missing pieces or damage.

A leading automotive journalist who knows the used-car business inside and out. He covers everything from choosing a used car to analyzing the market and serves on the Japan Car of the Year selection committee. Professor Matsushita’s used-car buying advice.

POINT ADVICE

part of sports-car ownership. Shop carefully.

A high accident-repair rate is

or other aftermarket parts. If the car has the parts you want, it may be a good deal. Aftermarket parts add little to a used car’s sale price—usually only about 10–20% of retail—so buying a car already equipped can be far cheaper than adding them later.

Electrical systems are another FD weak point. Always test the power windows; erratic movement can signal trouble. The doors are naturally heavy, but check that they open and close smoothly.

and minor accidents are not always enough to send one to the scrapyard.

Along with model and budget,

it is important to be clear about the car and image you want.

ADVICE!

Interview courtesy of

came from

the person who

Buying advice

“Back then,”

properly

if it has been repaired properly.

It will be fine

sales representative at the store.

U-Park GT Sports

Mr. Matsumoto,

The line of cars

The rows of cars in stock

make an impressive view of the lot.

U-PARK

in stock is striking.

You could spend a full day

and still not see them all.

just comparing cars

D Car — July 2004

About this issue

Page 105 — English draft translation