Search for a unicorn 2014 FRS (CA)

[hushypushy]

Originally Posted by calmtigers

This for me is a deal breaker. While I understand it's California law, i've seen many pick them up before they drill the front of the car.

Actually, California law specifically allows you to choose not to have your plate installed. Sweet!

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d05/vc11713_17.htm

11713.17.

(a) Following the retail sale or lease of a motor vehicle for which the department issues two license plates, a dealer may not deliver the motor vehicle unless either of the following occurs:

(1) The motor vehicle is equipped with a bracket or other means of securing a front license plate.

(2) The dealer obtains a signed written acknowledgment from the person taking delivery of the motor vehicle acknowledging both of the following:
(A) The person expressly refused installation of a bracket or other means of securing the front license plate.
(B) The person understands that California law requires a license plate to be displayed from and securely fastened to the front of the motor vehicle and that the hardware necessary to securely fasten the front plate is available from the dealer.

(b) A manufacturer or distributor may not sell or distribute in this state a new motor vehicle for which the department issues two license plates, unless that motor vehicle is equipped or provided with a bracket or other means of securing the license plates.

[Ammunition]

Maybe consider a different dealer? I specified that I did not want a front plate mount drilled in when I put a deposit down on my 2014 and it wasn't an issue - but they're probably bigger sticklers about it in CA. They just left everything to mount the front plate unwrapped in the plastic and left it in my trunk.

[finch1750]

The last two cars I bought (Mini Cooper and this) I bought in Dublin and both dealers made me sign a waiver and didn't drill holes and I didn't even ask. That was just standard operating procedure there.

[RojerLockless]

Mine came with the front license plate stuff in the trunk. It's somewhere in my garage now... It's illegal in Texas but no one ever enforces it. I havent had a front plate in 10 years.

[Asphaltfrs1]

Originally Posted by calmtigers

What dealer bud?

I go to UCLA so So Cal is an option

I got mine from DCH in Torrance in June of last year. I asked them not to drill the front bumper and they didn't. They actually said they don't without the buyers "okay".

[kthxbai]

Backing up what a lot of the members have already said, basically if the dealer really wants your business, he/she will do what you ask! The waiver is a good idea, however I would caution signing anything legally binding before you can lay eyes on your purchase in case you see something you don't like. Keeping this in mind, if a bare bones FRS is what you want, be ready to walk away from the dealership if they don't give you what you want. There are plenty of other dealerships (you may have to travel a bit), that will get you what you want.

When I was on the hunt a year ago for my '13 Whiteout MT, initially I drove 30 miles north of where I live only to find out the dealer never had the car I wanted. They basically tried to bait me into buying the Whiteout they preordered from the port with a ridiculous amount of add-ons (sticker was $32,500 ) and I had to walk away. From there, I drove 50 miles to a dealer south of town just to see their inventory. My salesman was top notch and did everything he could for me to get into the '13 Whiteout MT they had on the lot (only had tint and a radio upgrade). I had a '96 Mustang who was on her last leg and he got his manager to give me $1,000 for the trade on top of my fiance's recent grad $1,000 rebate...knowing that my mustang was headed for the chop block as soon as we signed on the dotted line.

Stick to your guns, know what you are willing to compromise on or not compromise on. Good luck on your hunt for your unicorn!

[calmtigers]

Thanks guys!

So my "online dealer" was way more aggressive about it. He found one at the exact specifications for 26 something.

He said he's going to call and check if there is holes or not.

[Cjymiller]

If you're not set on the FRS and would like a BRZ as well, you should totally be talking to this guy out in Colorado.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49442

He has saved many ppl on here thousands and even if you're not considering a BRZ, get an email exchange going with him so you can use his kick ass pricing against the super aggressive Cali dealers.

[torqdork]

Originally Posted by calmtigers

Thanks guys! This means my dealer can definitely get a non-drilled 14

Now should I just have them order one from elsewhere or go to the source?

I think you just hit on why your dealer is playing CYA. He most likely wants a quick sale before year-end and will have to dealer trade with someone else to get exactly what you want. He can't guarantee the original dealer hasn't drilled holes already.

Tell him where others here found virgin (non-drilled) cars and to do a dealer trade but that you want it trucked, not driven, to them for no charge.

I spec'd my ordered car with no holes. Still doesn't have any and never will.

[Dezoris]

First world problems. Its a plastic bumper, with a value of around $300. If you are going to be this anal now, I hate to see the anxiety you will have when you get a rock chip.

[calmtigers]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

First world problems. Its a plastic bumper, with a value of around $300. If you are going to be this anal now, I hate to see the anxiety you will have when you get a rock chip.

300$ I'd rather not spend. Not sure if you've seen my corolla but it was about 1/2 from the ground and I drove that thing everywhere.

Not sure if you've tried to sell a newer car but something they will notice is repaints and replaced parts. Why would I not just wait to get what I want than pay extra for unsightly holes and later resale decrease



I have my reasons for this bud, not just me being anal

Thanks guys for all the great info and advice!
Monday I'll find out if the car my dealer found at their sister dealer has holes in it or not!

[shellslinger]

go down to longo toyota. i know its a bit of a drive but they wont drill holes in your front bumper

[SleePi]

^ Longo doesn't drill holes into their FR-S

[jaime3]

when i got mine, it wasnt drilled into the bumber. but they did give me the option if i wanted it on or off