Getting back into it

[Chiangstar]

Hello all,

Not sure if there is still any action on this forum. I was a member a looong time ago. Sold my FTO almost 20 years ago and have always missed it. I'm thinking of getting another, but they all seem pretty beat up now - the ones I can find in Sydney anyway. Is the dream of owning another decent one dead? Would I have any more luck if I imported one?

Probably wont get and answer... but thought it worth a shot.

Cheers

Simon

[bjk]

Not much action, but a little action

Depends what you're willing to pay to relive your youth. There are still decent ones that pop up from time to time, but you've probably seen that they cost as much as what you sold your last one for two decades ago lol.

Whatever is left in Japan you are now also competing with cashed up Americans for as they become eligible for import. Getting a decent one into Oz these days is likely a $20k+ affair, and as much as I love them, that's not the value proposition they used to be.

Good luck on your search! Jump onto the facebook group for slightly more activity and as much shitposting.

[Chiangstar]

Not much action, but a little action

Depends what you're willing to pay to relive your youth. There are still decent ones that pop up from time to time, but you've probably seen that they cost as much as what you sold your last one for two decades ago lol.

Whatever is left in Japan you are now also competing with cashed up Americans for as they become eligible for import. Getting a decent one into Oz these days is likely a $20k+ affair, and as much as I love them, that's not the value proposition they used to be.

Good luck on your search! Jump onto the facebook group for slightly more activity and as much shitposting.

Hey bjk

It's not so much about reliving my youth. Well, maybe a bit. But, I mean, I could go and get a new GR86/BRZ and it would be a much 'better' car, but it wouldn't be an FTO. I imported my FTO and it was my first car, so it's more the sentimental connection to the car, and it is genuinely a great car (despite FF). My kid looks at pictures of FTO's now and loves them too, so it's something I can share with him too. So I guess I don't really expect to be making a value purchase here. I don't mind spending a bit of money as long as I'm getting something decent. I don't know whether that's difficult to understand or not. Maybe it's just old man talk

I might speak to a few importers and see what they can find because it seems to be pretty slim pickings domestically, even if I'm willing to spend money. I actually tried to join the FB group but haven't been accepted yet. I'll just wait.

Thanks for your reply!

Cheers

Simon

[bjk]

Nah I get where you're coming from! I think these days it's really only people who want an FTO specifically that are determining the market, it's not really a "cheap alternative" to other 90s stuff. I'm grateful that I bought at the bottom of the curve (and then spent way too much modifying it), but I'd almost like another to keep in a more stock format, but am seeing that opportunity slipping away rather quickly.

I haven't used the business personally, but have a chat to Iron Chef Imports (who you likely are aware of already), they're an honest bunch and will tell you pretty straight if bringing anything in from Japan is a worthwhile venture.

[Chiangstar]

Yeah there seem to be the people that have a beat up FTO that are getting rid of it because its actually dying, or people that know they have something good and just seeing if there's a silly sucker like me willing to pay big bucks. Few and far between though.

Awesome. Thanks heaps for that. I have heard Iron Chef mentioned several times actually, but haven't spoken to them. I'll send them something now and see what they have to say.

Cheers

Simon

[aza013]

Gday Simon
I hope you are having some luck finding a good condition FTO, there are still some good ones out there.

[Chiangstar]

Gday Simon
I hope you are having some luck finding a good condition FTO, there are still some good ones out there.

Hi! Yes I did find one from a Sydney seller. It's in decent condition considering it is a 25 year old car. I have very little history on the car, but I'm happy with what I found in the short amount of time I was looking. I overpaid, but I expected that, and was not too unhappy. Only complaint is that it has high kms, but I'll deal with that when it becomes a problem. So far, after about 3.5 months of ownership, I haven't encountered a real problem that I haven't been able to easily fix myself.

Cheers

Simon

[aza013]

Thats great news and with a little bit of luck it will be good to you and not give you and big troubles.