What you HATE the most on your FR-S/BRZ/GT86/FT86?

[Khyron686]

Had mine a few days now - but have read most of the threads here.

- Clutch: Solved by DIY thread

- HIDs: 300 dollar retrofit with proper projectors. Looks OEM

- Seat recline/memory: Have to readjust every time you use backseat.

- Seatbelt into neck: Need to lower the entry, or get a proper plastic guide. Raising seat height helps a bit but I want to be LOW.

- Multi-color gauges (orange clock/HVAC controls) : Solved by DIY if you can solder.

- Storage/Sunglasses: Hopefully new center console addresses.

- Ingress/Egress: I'm a skinny guy and yet getting in and out I still scuff panels with my shoes etc.

- Ignition keyhole is a bit awkward to use (for me). Keyless aftermarket maybe.

- Rear Leg Room: 1-2 inches would be great, even by making the rear seats not as long.


Not too bad a list, for a first gen model.

Love driving it, and the fuel econ is great which are the main things. Stereo is great for my old ears.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by elenien

Maybe they could turn the volume up on yours? Something to ask about during scheduled maintenance perhaps.

Yeah i heard you can turn it up, but i dont mind it too much since my previous car was a '02 nissan altima and everytime i unlocked/locked the door it drove me nuts because it was way too loud, probably just have to get used to it.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Hawaiian

My door is really scuffed.

I'm guessing since he is from hk the gt-86 honks when you lock and unlock whereas usdm twins beep.

Yeah seems like it, but im glad that it just beeps instead of honking, my previous car honked when i locked/unlock and was just loud

[luscious]

The panels on the outside of the center console where it meets my knees..to harsh! I wish we had the padded ones that the GT86 got I am going to have to look into doing something about this myself!

[Rob_g]

After a month of ownership, I would say these are the things I dislike or would like to see improved:

- Headlights. The FR-S headlights just don't do a good enough job for nighttime highway driving. I don't care if they are HID or whatever, just make them a bit brighter with a bit more range. Can't always use brights which seem ok.

- The e-brake lever. Do something with it so it's not so 'in the way'.

- The 'upgraded' radio sucks. The car should come with the same Pioneer model the BRZ has. And while you're at it, use better speakers.

- The manual shift mode on the AT is backwards from what you (and everyone else) thinks it should be.


Rob

[Superhatch]

Originally Posted by Rod M

the lower spec cars (not in USA) don't have the digital speedo readout, hence the analog is needed,

Ahh...that makes sense. Thanks for the heads up!

[EsoBOFH]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

You can't change volume of BT Audio (not to be confused with hands-free))

Works fine in mine... I suspect you need to hit the 'back/esc' button because you're in a sub menu (where the volume knob functions as a menu item selector) rather than on the 'home' screen - it should read "BTA Streaming Audio" when you are in the default audio listening mode (where you can adjust volume).

[Random_Art]

I finally tracked down an FRS to test drive yesterday. Unfortunately it was the automatic version. The problem I have with the flappy paddles on the wheel is how they're mounted. If you're trying to downshift with the wheel upside-down, it would be real easy to upshift instead.
The cup holder set up seemed kinda silly at first, but upon further thought, the removable cup holder can be useful if you have a larger item to stick in that cubby, but nothing to drink. At least it's not as close to the shifter as it was on my Celica.
I would pass on the "paint protect film" option. For $200 you get a tiny strip on the edge of the door to protect it from dings if you whack someone else's car in a parking lot while getting out.
I wasn't too impressed by the quality of the upgraded stereo.
However, I will say that the Hot Lava orange color looks a heck of a lot better in the sunlight than it does in any of the pictures I've seen.
All things said, I still loved how the car drove and it has cemented it's place as my next car. Though, after reading through this thread and hearing about all the little bugs that people are reporting, I'll stand by my plan to wait until next year to get one.

[EsoBOFH]

Originally Posted by fluffy-reindeer-slayer

yes, you have to fold the rear seats down from the trunk, not from the inside the vehicle like most cars.

Again.. check again? Mine fold down from inside... FR-S

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by EsoBOFH

Again.. check again? Mine fold down from inside... FR-S

Interesting because mine do not (FR-S). Do you have a release mechanism in the cabin? Also, this would make the valet trunk lock of no value.

Perhaps yours aren't latched?

[Zgrinch]

Only thing I do not like on the BRZ at this point is there is no place / hook in the back to hang a jacket when I travel. Will have to get one of those headrest hanger things.

[EsoBOFH]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Interesting because mine do not (FR-S). Do you have a release mechanism in the cabin? Also, this would make the valet trunk lock of no value.

Perhaps yours aren't latched?

I stand corrected... I thought there were latches in there (i had used them when first looking at the FR-S in the showroom to pull the seats down). The "latches" are in fact just indicators to show if the seat is latched or not (pops up red when not latched).

Hmmm.. well that negates the other post I made about the valet lock-out being useless.

I'd say this is a feature not a bug then!

[azian_advanced]

Originally Posted by Random_Art

I finally tracked down an FRS to test drive yesterday. Unfortunately it was the automatic version. The problem I have with the flappy paddles on the wheel is how they're mounted. If you're trying to downshift with the wheel upside-down, it would be real easy to upshift instead.

i was expecting this to be one of the main downfalls with owning an automatic. i'm surprised no one commented on this til now.

[HotLeopardMama]

Originally Posted by 4U-GSE

Are you all putting the seat belt through the loop at the top of the seat? I had the same complaint until I realized what that loop was for. Now it rests right across my shoulder.

I wish--I'm too short... snapped in the seat belt still rubs against my neck painfully.