Help us choose between two Scions

[pauldz]

Hello folks,


This is my first post. My son is getting his license and he wants an FR-S for his first car. There are quite a few to choose from in this area. These 2 seem to be his favorites, anyone have any thoughts on which may be better? Both have automatic transmission and the standard features.
1. 2015 Toyota 86 GT Limited Edition (black, 33000 miles) - This apparently was first sold overseas, beacuse Toyota did not sell the 86 in the USA until the 2017 model. My son likes this because it has an Invidia non-stock exhaust (model N1?), which is louder and makes a cool sound. I'm not sure it is even legal here in Florida. It also has a spoiler, black tire rims, and side stripes. The asking price is $19,000. I could not find any info about the special features, if any, of this "Limited Edition".
2. 2015 Scion FR-S (red, 21000 miles) - This one does not have a spoiler, and it has stock rims and exhaust. It seems a bit cleaner and better maintained. However, the Carfax shows one accident ("Vehicle involved in a front end collision involving front impact with another motor vehicle. Front primarily damaged. Vehicle functional." It has substantially lower mileage than the black car and the asking price is lower ($17,500), although this is being sold by a "no price negotiation" dealer.


Any thoughts on which of these is a better buy? Or should we keep looking and try to find something better?
Thanks,
p

[VIP BRZ]

I think i totaled my first car three times over before i was finished with it..

[wangson]

you have pics of the "2015 Toyota 86 GT Limited Edition" ?

[thatchmaster]

Originally Posted by pauldz

1. 2015 Toyota 86 GT Limited Edition (red, 33000 miles) - This apparently was first sold overseas, beacuse Toyota did not sell the 86 in the USA until the 2017 model. My son likes this because it has an Invidia non-stock exhaust (model N1?), which is louder and makes a cool sound. I'm not sure it is even legal here in Florida. It also has a spoiler, black tire rims, and side stripes. The asking price is $19,000. I could not find any info about the special features, if any, of this "Limited Edition".

If this is the one he likes a little better, it might be worth you grabbing the VIN and looking it up--I doubt they're legally allowed to sell an imported GT86. Not sure what kind/brand of dealership this is, but my guess is that it's a 2015 FR-S that has been rebadged, as it's already been modified.

There are plenty of people who modify their cars and take great care of them, but the general consensus is that you typically would like to purchase a stock vehicle.

[Watch Me Run]

I read the word "involved in crash" and I became skeptical. Sometimes those vehicles are ok to buy because if it doesn't involve any real damage (i.e. bumper got wrecked but radiator back is fine), but then I read "no price negotiation" which to me says "I fucked up and it cost me this much to fix it so it looks like it's fine and now I want to unload it on someone else"

And the modified import, sounds like an awesome deal but I'd be very thorough with my inspection as sometimes cars with aftermarket modifications are not applied by experienced professionals, which can lead to premature complications (i.e. someone through on incorrect sized wheels and didn't get a proper alignment, which may cause issues later down the line).

Honestly I'd say keep an eye out for a Toyota dealership to offer a used lease car. At least then you'd have a powertrain warranty and it will be clean (usually leased vehicles have monetary penalties for damage to a car)

[Chimera]

I'd go for option 2. myself.

[pauldz]

Here it is.

I'm wondering if the VIN number is correct, as a search indicates this car was first sold in Florida.

[Chimera]

Originally Posted by pauldz

Here it is.

I'm wondering if the VIN number is correct, as a search indicates this car was first sold in Florida.

those are frs headlights. that's an frs I think

[KR-S]

Option 1 is very likely a rebadged FR-S. Also, I thought it was red, not black.

[pauldz]

I suppose someone could have changed the name tags, but why would they do that?

[pauldz]

@KR-S 86 - My bad, it is black

[KR-S]

Originally Posted by pauldz

I suppose someone could have changed the name tags, but why would they do that?

Because JDM (not really) yo.

If the car has a U.S. VIN, then it is most definitely a USDM Scion FR-S.

That being said, do you have pictures of the steering wheel by any chance?

[billwot]

Originally Posted by pauldz

I suppose someone could have changed the name tags, but why would they do that?

Just to be different, and/or to make it appear to be something other than what it actually is.

Lots of folks have re-badged their Scion FRS as a Toyota, and/or an 86.

[pauldz]

Here's the steering wheel