Thinking about a USED FR-S

[DC86]

Same as title above, I'm thinking about getting a used FR-S after accruing 3k for the down payment. Been looking around and seeing many for up to 15k to 19k with, on average, 50k miles on the odometer. Ive never bought or financed a car before and I dont have any prior experience with it and I was wondering if any on here could share their experiences and share any tips when buying a used FR-S

[Clipping_Path]

If you plan on mod'ing it, I would forgo the rapey costs and buy a used FRS that has some work already done. Previous owner of mine dumped $10K into his and ultimately only reaped back $2K more than a stock vehicle at the same mileage.

[DC86]

Originally Posted by Clipping_Path

If you plan on mod'ing it, I would forgo the rapey costs and buy a used FRS that has some work already done. Previous owner of mine dumped $10K into his and ultimately only reaped back $2K more than a stock vehicle at the same mileage.

not really planning on modding it... too much. most i was thinking was a new exhaust after driving for a while and thats it... so far lol Im really not sure what id want to do with it at the moment, just that I want the car.

[jflogerzi]

To give you an example. I bought a 2013 Series 10 MT with 58k on the ODO for 14K+Tax that was mint being a 5 year old car.
This car has the HID Headlights, Dual Climate A/C as the main reason I wanted this one. BRZ's tend to hold there value better then their Scion FRS twin.

The earlier cars a few issues but chances are the well keep ones that are stock and look un-molested are the ones you want to look for. These should give you 4-5 more years of enjoyment with just basic maint/care.

[DC86]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

To give you an example. I bought a 2013 Series 10 MT with 58k on the ODO for 14K+Tax that was mint being a 5 year old car.
This car has the HID Headlights, Dual Climate A/C as the main reason I wanted this one. BRZ's tend to hold there value better then their Scion FRS twin.

The earlier cars a few issues but chances are the well keep ones that are stock and look un-molested are the ones you want to look for. These should give you 4-5 more years of enjoyment with just basic maint/care.

what kind of issues do the earlier cars have? are they severe in any way?

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by DC86

what kind of issues do the earlier cars have? are they severe in any way?

Mostly where Engine issues and few other minor ones. If the car has lasted this long chances it fine. The main thing you want to find one that looks bone stock and is well cared for. This gives you a better chance not to get a car that was abused, run with bad after market parts/tunes.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by DC86

what kind of issues do the earlier cars have? are they severe in any way?

There is a short list going from leaky tail lights to engines blowing from oil starvation (rare but happens). Your best bet is to just get the newest model year with the lowest mileage that you can afford.

[Q86STL]

Subscribed. I’m shopping too! I’ve test driven 4 in 4 months. Each one has had something wrong with it. 2 had clean CarFaxes but were obviously damaged (bad repair jobs made it obvious). One was missing the back seat (I know it’s pretty useless but I’d like to have it anyway, just in case), and one was making grinding sounds whenever I turned the wheel left right left really quickly (or is that normal???)


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[DC86]

Originally Posted by Q86STL

Subscribed. I’m shopping too! I’ve test driven 4 in 4 months. Each one has had something wrong with it. 2 had clean CarFaxes but were obviously damaged (bad repair jobs made it obvious). One was missing the back seat (I know it’s pretty useless but I’d like to have it anyway, just in case), and one was making grinding sounds whenever I turned the wheel left right left really quickly (or is that normal???)


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Awesome! ive only test driven one and that was at a dealership and it was the new 2017(8?) model. It was an automatic but hey, it was worth it trying it out. fell in love with it immediately and now ive been salivating at seeing everyone elses 86s.

[Tcoat]

Give these a read
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84657
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91911
https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118383
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122462
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117630
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119897

[Q86STL]

These ARE really fun cars. I test drove a ‘13 and a ‘15 FR-S and two ‘15 BRZ Limiteds. All manual transmissions. My favorite is the limited BRZ. It has a lot of nice features.

I am attaching something that might be helpful for your shopping. Back in June I created a spreadsheet of all the KBB.com fair pricing values for FRS/BRZ, for mileage ranging from 20,000 to 50,000. I apologize in advance if my attachment is sized funny. This is my first post with an attachment!






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[DC86]

Wow thanks for the spreadsheet, i'll definitely be using this. Oh and question, what is your guys opinion of buying a car online from a dealership? Especially if the dealership is states away from you?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by DC86

Wow thanks for the spreadsheet, i'll definitely be using this. Oh and question, what is your guys opinion of buying a car online from a dealership? Especially if the dealership is states away from you?

Keep in mind that the KBB values can go way up or down by region. Don't get trapped looking for one to cheap or paying too much because of the book value.
If buying used I would strongly suggest checking it out in person before buying. Some of these cars have been pretty beat on and it is usually obvious in person but you may miss the signs if buying online.

[qcbaker]

Originally Posted by DC86

Wow thanks for the spreadsheet, i'll definitely be using this. Oh and question, what is your guys opinion of buying a car online from a dealership? Especially if the dealership is states away from you?

I would advise against this. You always should at the very least inspect and test drive the car yourself before buying it. Buying a car in a different state is fine, as long as you go and physically see and drive the car before buying it.