Lamenting Our No-Longer Affordable Hobby

[GH85Carrera]

One of my friends in high school had some weird European car that was right hand drive. His dad brought it back from Australia when he was stationed there.
It was weird to ride in and he often asked me if an intersection was clear because he could not really see around the traffic because he was on the wrong side of the car.

[JeremyD]

I'm both interested and intrigued by the steadfast nature of this group.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

But most Japanese cars made for their market are right hand drive.

True, but most that I've talked to with RHD vehicles say that you adjust after a little while. Apparently the real challenge is regularly switching back and forth between RHD and LHD.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by JeremyD

I'm both interested and intrigued by the steadfast nature of this group.

[pwd72s]

It's hard to deny the "car guy" within you. But there are many other good things out there to enjoy.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

It's hard to deny the "car guy" within you. But there are many other good things out there to enjoy.

This must be true but I can't think of any right now.

[Neilk]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

And typically the wiper and signal stalks are reversed, unlike the UK, I think....

Not quite sure why they has to reverse them. That took some time to adjust to when I went to NZ.

[Jrboulder]

I'm not going to complain about my car quadrupling in value in the 4 years I've owned it. If anything it puts me within easy reach of a lot of other cars I'd like to own. Most car guys in their early twenties buy some 20k car and quickly depreciate it down to a 5k car, I guess I went the other way

[slow&rusty]

Matt my Mazda 323s:

1988 GT:


1988 GTX:

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'll be honest, I had to google the 323 GT. I was never aware they made a FWD sedan version of the GTX. Still, I desperately want a 323 GTX. Are you interested in a Boxster?

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I'll be honest, I had to google the 323 GT.

I am shocked... and surprised you never owned one....

[VincentVega]

way cool, thanks for posting

Sadly, most cars of that era are long rusted away in my area.

[Jim Richards]

V^2, do you still have a couple of project cars in your garage? I'd love to take on a new project, but with having the 964 and a sailboat, my better half wouldn't be too thrilled with me if I did.

Those 323 GTs look pretty cool.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

Matt my Mazda 323s:

1988 GT:

I though I could get a inexpensive fun car in 510, nope. They have become popular and prices are going up.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

I am shocked... and surprised you never owned one....

Hence why I should just buy one of his.

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I though I could get a inexpensive fun car in 510, nope. They have become popular and prices are going up.

Lots of good suggestions on this thread. I've been looking at lot at first generation RX7s. $5k buys a mint one, and they are reliable, fun, and easy to work on.

[slow&rusty]

The 323 GT is even more rare than the GTX with around 700 being sold in 1988 only, I am only the 2nd owner and with its 2200 lbs can run even with a WRX neck and neck, so its quite fun.

I've owned my 323 GT now for close to 14 years, so lots of smiles and miles together.

I might be open to a good offer on the GT, but really want to hold onto the GTX.

When I bought my GTX it was a non running roller located in Santa Cruz (NoCal) that the previous owner had fallen out of love with...it was rough and took me 2-3 years to do a full nut and bolt restoration on.

Before:

[911 Rod]

I have never heard of these cars. What makes them so special?

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

I have never heard of these cars. What makes them so special?

They were the first AWD 16V Twin Cam cars made specifically by Mazda for Group A rallying (to qualify 5000 production cars had to be sold). Mazda had moderate success on the rally circuit with them, but enthusiasts like myself bought them and enjoyed the incredible, nimble driving experience and its a car with very much a cult car following long before the Subaru WRX, Mitsu EVOs, etc etc.

From 1986:

[KNS]

I wanted one of these (bad) in high school. I still want one. They're all full of rust now.

[WPOZZZ]

I wouldn't mind getting a Corrado or a Harlequin.