Hey, I've been into imports for a long time, and for the most time, I've hated Mazdas, but after a bit of research I was looking into eventually getting an FD3S, but I have some questions. Are FD3S's smaller and wider than lots of other imports? (if my research is correct, they are smaller than skyline, 180sx and 240sx, and many others). And how serious is the "Apexi Seal" problem? I've heard that they break very often and its expensive. How reliable is a rotary engine? Is there any way to make the engine sound more I6'ish instead of the rotary "weeee weeeeeee vroom" (and do rotary engines still have BOV's?). Pretty much I'm looking for all the info I can get on these cars, like how much to maintain (I can spare like $200 per month), generic problems with the car, ect. Any help would be very... helpful!



thanks.

sorry, i cant find the edit button, but i have a few more questions:



is the FD3S a 2 seater or 4 seater?

some people say the 3rd generation (FD) is from 1993 and on, but ive searched and i could get a late 1991 FD, or a 1992 FD

whats the final wheel-horse power of the car?

sorry again, and whats the gas milage? and what octane should i use?



thx

Welcome to nopistons.com!



You might want to check the the 3rd generation section, many of the knowledgable folks there may not check the "new members" section. Good luck!

http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com





Verse yourself in what comprises the motor, since your main questions are all about the engine and not so much the car

the apex seals is a problem, but on high milage cars only. if you start doing uninteligent things like cranking the boost and leaning the motor out you will be spending lots of $$$$$ but at stock levels its a great motor. also i am yet to finde a car from the factory with a more solid drivtrain. maby an FC would be a beter car to start with. they are less expensive and a fun car. make all your mistakes on the FC, then switch to the FD. just a thought.