Comfort for everyday use... Are you pleased ?

[Tucson FR-S]

Originally Posted by Andy F

Thanks for this thread. I am in DC with the crappiest roads on earth. This is the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger. That and April 15th.

You haven't driven in Arizona, then, where the legislature believes that spending money to maintain public roads is part of the socialist plot to make us subservient to the United Nations.

Dodging pot holes is fun!

[oops86]

Pros
- Great gas mileage
- Fun to drive on country roads
- Seats are tolerable
- Heater warms up quick in the winter
- Easy to park

Not great but not bad
- Ok in rain and snow (all season tires make a world of difference)
- Enough space for groceries but not much else
- Engine is lively but doesn't sound awesome

Cons
- Limited to premium gas
- Blind spot on driver's side
- Piss poor paint

[blue cat]

I've found visibility is an issue unless you set up your mirrors correctly, head checks are difficult because of the pillar behind the drivers seat so like others have mentioned already correct mirror angles are a must.
For those that haven't already found a good mirror setup: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...ror+adjustment

Ride comfort kind of became a non-issue for me, i've gotten used to the firm ride and bumps. Having not driven a sporty car as a daily driver before i now find i much prefer the increased feedback and response from the 86 suspension. Everything else feels wallowy and disconcerting. But i'm in Melbourne so we have very good roads. It's rare to find roads that are bumpy and uneven, even then i don't usually notice unless a passenger points it out for me.

An interesting observation i made about driving this car: the other day i was happily driving along and my passenger mentioned the car was skipping around alot. I didn't make this observation myself because i actually find myself thinking more about grip levels and how much slip i can get from less than perfect roads than ride comfort

I'm planning on doing the sound tube plug mod to decrease cabin noise though. I've had the car for nearly 3 months and the times i want to just drive like a granny the car always seems too noisy.

[LeeMaster]

Just throwing out some extra stuff out there for the OP

Pros
-100% highway cruise is a breeze, not too rough with the stiff suspension but not too boring
-Easy access to every single component in engine bay(i.e. Oil filter, pulley/belt, etc.)
-High quality speakers
-Short shifter
-Steering wheel feel
-bucket seats hold you pretty good(Granted you are not extremely obese)
-Car looks sharp at every angle

Cons(I can live with it)
-paint chips easily
-navigation touchscreen requires you to take eyes off the road, I prefer traditional volume/radio tune where you can feel it no matter what
-Clutch release is extremely sensitive, if youre just 50-100 rpm shy of your release point the car has a tendency to jerk. (I fixed the issue by changing to new rear differential fluid)

[Sh944]

The steering feel of the car is the absolute best feature, it's amazing how much like my old 944 it is. As for the paint, I went ahead and got a full clear bra on mine, which should make that a non issue.

Mike, seriously, if you are on the fence on this but have a sports car background, trust me, you'll love it.

[Timtamtt]

Haha I think it's comfortable stock. Not so much after coilovers and wheels with a lower profile

[Slobmw]

I have dd'd ('d'd) a Volvo s60, which is essentially a really well made and stylish Buick, so really smooth and comfy ride. I'm happier in my MT FRS. The fun and feel more than make up for the luxury loss.

[fistpoint]

My only "complaint" is getting in and out...well, out only I should say. I'm not large by any means, but it's just so low and the seats are low too. You just kind of fall into place when getting in, but have to climb out.

[Lo]

If I may address a slightly recurring complaint regarding the automated windows. When I test drove the car this winter, the dealer explained that they de-activated that feature and always left a crack open during the winter season to not put any excess load on the motor in freezing temperatures. I just can't remember how they did it (i.e. disconnecting wires, removing a fuse, programmable ...) so I know it's possible to not have your windows automated during winter, although that would mean you would have to always keep a crack open.

[Demandred7]

Love the seats, you barely need to adjust them and despite the lack of lumbar adjustment, they are always comfortable. The ride is firm, but, this is a sports car after all. Visibility works for me, but, one has to remember to angle out the side mirrors sufficiently. You will develop your own technique for smooth entry and exit, but, initially you will feel like you are falling in and out of the car (neither gracefully), it just takes time.

[AbsolutKev86]

2 of my fav cars side by side... Jealous... Hehe

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

My other car is a 2011 GTI, which a lot of reviewers complained was too stiff on the factory 18" wheels. Let's just say the FR-S is a notch or two stiffer than that. You'll definitely be avoiding potholes and slowing down for bumps. Sport suspension and low COG means the FR-S corners flat, but it's not for everyone. The average person would say it rides harshly over bumps.

The seats are very comfortable and nicely bolstered, provided you fit. I'm average build (5'9, 170) and the seats fit me like a glove. Visibility is surprisingly good for a low sports car, but unlike an SUV or even a hot hatch, you sit lower than most cars. To give you a sense of how low this car is:



For what it's worth, despite the GTI being softer and more comfortable, I daily drive the FR-S and rack up a lot more miles on it. Sometimes fun > comfort.

[AbsolutKev86]

Originally Posted by fistpoint

My only "complaint" is getting in and out...well, out only I should say. I'm not large by any means, but it's just so low and the seats are low too. You just kind of fall into place when getting in, but have to climb out.

Same problem... Its worst when the other car beside u is too close...

[J0nf]

that left shoulder blind spot is definitely something that surprised me too

Originally Posted by i_4got

I got my FR-S in July. The seats and the ride are still very comfy. But I find that there are a few cons: the blind spot is hard to see (but that might be because I'm not used to driving coupes), getting in and out of the car feels really awkward if you're not used to low cars, and the automatic door windows when you open/close the car doors are a pain to deal with in icy weather.

But overall, I'd still highly recommend this car. It's at a great price point, and it really is a lot of fun.

[roddy]

I'm 6'3" and 200ish lbs. I've been daily driving my FR-S for 14,000 miles and have no real complaints. It's hard to get in and out without dragging my left foot across the sill plate, but that's about it. The ride is firm, but not harsh, and there is a bit of road/tire noise (but again...nothing that I didn't expect from a lightweight sporty car). I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Luv this car.