Moving to Chicago, looking for FR-S friendly dealer

[DarkPhoenix]

Hi all! I'm currently living in the SF Bay Area, but my company is relocating me to Chicago. We've already got a place to live lined up (Uptown/Lake View), and the move is happening this week (oh my god it's really happening)!

I took my car for its last service here at the local dealer. I'm actually really bummed about leaving them because they've been wonderful. I've heard a lot of horror stories about dealers not really being FR-S friendly or knowledgeable and I was so lucky to have Hansel here who adored my car almost as much as I do.

As I have pre-paid maintenance for my car for a while, I'm hoping to find a decent dealer in the area I can take it to (and I'm not adverse to driving a bit to do so). I looked through and saw some Subaru recs but nothing for Toyota. Anyone have a dealer they love by any chance?

[Shark_Bait88]

Welcome!

As someone who moved from a much warmer climate (Scottsdale) to Chicago for a job, I'm sorry in advance. lol It's a really fun city, but the winter blows. You just have to make the best of it and go do some ice racing with us up in Wisconsin!

Uptown/Lakeview is a cool area. I'm just a little bit north of there in Evanston. Lots to do, so I'm sure you'll have fun.

As for dealers, whenever I do have dealer work I take it to Autonation Toyota in Libertyville, which is about 40min north of me, and probably an hour from where you'll be. Idk that I'd say they're really FR-S specific, but they do good work and seem pretty trustworthy. I've had my oil changes done there for ~50k miles, and never had any issues.

Welcome to the area! Join us on the Upper Midwest FR-S/BRZ/GT-86 Owners page on Facebook. I'm an admin, so you'll get added ASAP Lots of us get together for track days, autocross, and ice racing. We still do the occasional parking lot meet, but it seems like a lot of the core group has either gotten rid of their Toyobarus (I'm one of the last few admins with one lol) or are just really busy with life.

Also, if you're looking for any recommendations on great spots to eat, I've got plenty. haha

[cjd]

I've not taken my BRZ there, but my wife has had really good luck at Autonation Toyota as well, so I'll second that. I can't say how mod-friendly they are though so we'll have to trust that other guy...

I'm also in the city, though a bit further north... but still south of Evanston. The food (and beverage) is dangerous here, so many incredible options. Transit is good, hopefully you get to use that - and have a garage to park in... That can take a lot of the misery out of winter (unless you just don't like the cold)

[DarkPhoenix]

Thanks, all. I'll check out Autonation. I'm not mod heavy anyway but I just want to make sure they know how to handle an FR-S.

And I do have a garage! My husband has a Focus ST as well.

I'll sign up for the FB group

[Shark_Bait88]

Best of luck with the move! Pack warm.

[Dream20b]

Bought my car used at Northbrook Toyota, not mod friendly though, at all.

[adjusts]

Welcome! I am from the SF bay area as well, but I am currently in Champaign-Urbana (2 hours south of chicago) to finish my engineering degree. I brought my FRS here as well.

As far as maintenance goes, the dealers should treat you just fine here. I haven't had any issues, but that's just me.

Good luck!

[trvth]

Originally Posted by adjusts

Welcome! I am from the SF bay area as well, but I am currently in Champaign-Urbana (2 hours south of chicago) to finish my engineering degree. I brought my FRS here as well.

As far as maintenance goes, the dealers should treat you just fine here. I haven't had any issues, but that's just me.

Good luck!

Hey, I think I saw your black FR-S w/Cali plates parked on Mathews Ave last week. Greetings, fellow UI guy.

[adjusts]

Originally Posted by trvth

Hey, I think I saw your black FR-S w/Cali plates parked on Mathews Ave last week. Greetings, fellow UI guy.

are you at U of I as well?

[trvth]

Originally Posted by adjusts

are you at U of I as well?

I am ... I work at DCL for the Networking group at Technology Services. You can find my car parked in the staff lot at the corner of Springfield and Goodwin.

[adjusts]

Originally Posted by trvth

I am ... I work at DCL for the Networking group at Technology Services. You can find my car parked in the staff lot at the corner of Springfield and Goodwin.

No way. Most of my classes are in the transportation building anyways, and I happen to do most of my work at EH, so I always park on Goodwin. Small world! Kudos to you guys for always keeping the tech services up and running.