In praise of the FT86 rear seats, your vote?

[maslin]

I "had" to have rear seats, 7 years old fits fine. She also fits fine the front seat of my '83 pickup, but oh well.

Choices were spending more than I wanted on an Elise, spending more than I wanted (long term) on a 996, or spending less for a much financially "safer" car with a warranty.

Every time my wife goes out of town I buy something big. Maybe I'll find that '88 911 in a barn for $5000 next time

[Chamaco]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

My wife feels the same way. I personally don't mind it, but she never liked the cramped interiors in some of my previous two-seat cars (Boxster S, 350z) and in convertibles we've test-driven together (S2000, Miata).



Definitely. It's surprising how much stuff fits with the rear seats folded.



It wasn't a selling point for me at all when buying the car (the coupe/fixed-roof design was much more important), but recently I've had to start using my FR-S to pick up the kid from day-care and the rear seats have become absolutely critical.

So yeah, I love them now. They are literally saving me from having to trade my car in.

I have a Recaro in mine and love it! the other one you see beside it is the old one (recaro too, but bigger when my kid was smaller).

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[RToyo86]

They're great in a pinch. I like the "adaptive" sound deadening they provide.
They do a good job quietening/exposing the interior to more exhaust noise.



I've thrown a friend or two back there when I first bought it. I prefer to drive alone the majority of the time anyways, so having a third person in the car is even more rare.

[DandoX]

I dont mind them, however I need them there due to insurance costs. If this car had no rear seats it is classified differently for insurance companies.

[HKz]

my son grew up in my 86's backseats & I've taken several road trips with 4 people ^^ I would not have had it any other way

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by DandoX

I dont mind them, however I need them there due to insurance costs. If this car had no rear seats it is classified differently for insurance companies.

Myth. Pure and simple myth.
Adding seats does not change a thing.
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...company-266842

https://www.stingypig.ca/car-insuran...s-vs-4-seater/

[DandoX]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Myth. Pure and simple myth.
Adding seats does not change a thing.
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...company-266842

https://www.stingypig.ca/car-insuran...s-vs-4-seater/

Well actually, on my break at work I thought I would give my insurance agent a call real quick to check this (allstate). My agent said that it does play a factor, the rates are based on vins and are affected by lots of factors like hp, safety equipment etc. She told me that if the twins did not have rear seats it would have slightly higher rates. The amount of seats isn't important but the ability to legally transport passengers does affect the rate and makes it seem less of a hardcore sports car and lowers the rates. So I'm positive it is a factor, Subaru didn't toss in seats for that reason alone but I'm sure it doesn't hurt.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by DandoX

Well actually, on my break at work I thought I would give my insurance agent a call real quick to check this (allstate). My agent said that it does play a factor, the rates are based on vins and are affected by lots of factors like hp, safety equipment etc. She told me that if the twins did not have rear seats it would have slightly higher rates. The amount of seats isn't important but the ability to legally transport passengers does affect the rate and makes it seem less of a hardcore sports car and lowers the rates. So I'm positive it is a factor, Subaru didn't toss in seats for that reason alone but I'm sure it doesn't hurt.

I would love to see a document supporting that. My agent said the exact opposite. Everything beyond speculative mythology says the opposite. The rates for cars do indeed get based on many factors but having two or four seats is not one of them. Subaru doesn’t give a flying f about insurance rates when designing their cars. They built a two plus two because that is what people asked for not so somebody can think they saved $20 on insurance.

[DandoX]

@Tcoat

strange the quote function doesn't seem to be working. LOL I hate the mention, it works only half the time.

I agree Subaru didn't put the seats there for that reason. I think it is possible different insurance companies calculate rates differently and for some being able to carry additional passengers, it may lower the rate vs only being able to carry 2.

But really it doesn't matter at this point, the twins have em love them or hate them. I like having seats. It has come in handy in the rare scenario I need to bring a 3rd person. Also you can toss a backpack or briefcase back there along with other stuff for super convent access and not have to go open the trunk. It is also awesome just how easily one can remove them if they don't like the rear seats.

I personally found that with the rear seats removed/down the air gets caught in a strange way if the windows are down. You know that sort of wooofing noise that is not pleasant. Also with the seats down the AC/heater takes for ever to affect the entire cabin. Also shit comes flying forward from the back on hard breaking. So I'm glad I have the seats since they just give the user options.

[DarkPira7e]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Not sure I understand the "I'd rather have a cargo shelf" argument.

My real reasoning is that I'd like a locking compartment, or something with an interlock. I like the ability to have my tuning laptop, a tool bag and spare whatever in a locking shelf that is contained. I realize under the seats/slam-shelled with the rear seats works but it's not as purpose-built.

It's not as if I don't still love the car to pieces For what it's worth, I don't want a shelf, I want a storage cabinet

[mav1178]

OP has clearly never driven a S13 or S14. Or a Prelude.

[86MLR]

Originally Posted by mav1178

OP has clearly never driven a S13 or S14. Or a Prelude.

I don't get it?

The OP said he liked the seats

And from my experience the S13-14-15 rear seats are pretty typical to the twins

Unless I've missed something

Which is possible

I'm falling asleep at work whilst posting

ALSO, well played OP, come in hard and fast with a topic guaranteed to invoke passionate and nonchalant views, and then sit back and watch.....well played

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by DarkPira7e

My real reasoning is that I'd like a locking compartment, or something with an interlock. I like the ability to have my tuning laptop, a tool bag and spare whatever in a locking shelf that is contained.

I wouldn't mind having a locking compartment for a handgun. I can't carry everywhere I go, but I don't think I would be comfortable leaving it in the car without further security.

[TheRichLife]

LOVE it. Don't get me wrong. They're rarely used. But when the wife calls asking you to pick up the kids. It sure saves a lot of time having to come home to get the dd.


Diono car seats fold in half, fit in the trunk when not in use.


Allows me to be a hooligan when I want and switch to dad mode when needed.