Looks like I'll be joining the club soon!

[Chad11491]

So I graduate college in December, and have a job lined up already. Since I sadly lost my z about 5 months ago I've been serious about getting a new car when I graduate. So I've gotten my down payment sorted and went today to test drive what I've narrowed it down to, the 370z and FR-S (or BRZ, depends on the price!)

So I start off at toyota in union city, Georgia (which I cannot recommend highly enough, the most relaxed and easy going dealership experience I've ever had, and Julio is the man! ) I show up and he immediately got me into a '15 white manual. I've had about 30min time in these cars a few years ago, but man it was great! I absolutely love the steering wheel and how it feels like driving a go-kart. The clutch is perfect, and the gearbox just feels great. Everything about the car screams "direct". The only complaint I have is the side bolsters felt a little tight, and I don't know how I'd feel about them after an hour or so.

So immediately after testing that I go across the street to drive a 370z. I am admittedly a Z fan, and always have been. The dealership was annoying as hell, but eventually I get into a loaded Z (44k, might as well buy a corvette at that money) and immediately like the seats better. The FRS was oddly more roomy inside despite being smaller. And my god, if any of you have ever tried the clutch in one of these guys, it's like an on off switch, and I despised it. The gearbox was slightly more vague than the Fr-s. Which IMO perfectly sums up the 370 vs frs. Everything was excellent on both cars, but the 370 just felt a little more numb on all of it. Not worse, just kind of numb. The power was an obvious difference, and was fun as hell, but not a deal breaker for the 86.

Overall I just enjoyed the 86 more in about every way, and it really clicked with me exactly why these cars get the attention they do. Especially after driving them back to back, it made the differences really stand out. So, come December time, I hope to have some pics for you guys of my new car !


Oh yeah, and when did sports cars become so quiet!?!? I could barely hear the engines in either of these cars, I had to actually watch the gauges on both of them. It was odd after coming from my old Z, which was loud as hell. An exhaust would be first order of business for both of these cars. Sorry for the novel, just thought I'd share!

[Tcoat]

I was looking at the 370 when I was shopping as well and your mini review summed up my feelings exactly!
Don't worry too much about the seats unless you are very ...UMMMMM .... wide they do sort of stretch out to fit you after a very short time. I spend about 18 hours a week in mine and although not as slim as I once was I find them very comfortable.
I would highly recommend the TRD exhaust. It has a nice beefy sound but won't get you pulled over to much. A lot of guys on here don't like it simply because it comes from the dealership but the nice part is it does not void the warranty and you can probably build it right into the price (****er for a discount) and finance it. Combine it with a simple drop in intake filter and you can get a sound that rivals many much more expensive cars.

[Chad11491]

Haha, trust me, it's not weight. I just have broad shoulders and it wasn't uncomfortable, just very snug. I hope they might wear in a little over time like new shoes. Also, the engine sound and exhaust sounds nice, it's just the volume. I'm used to shifting by ear, and the low volume made it difficult for me to do so. Thanks for the suggestion! Just a little louder would be perfect.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Chad11491

Haha, trust me, it's not weight. I just have broad shoulders and it wasn't uncomfortable, just very snug. I hope they might wear in a little over time like new shoes. Also, the engine sound and exhaust sounds nice, it's just the volume. I'm used to shifting by ear, and the low volume made it difficult for me to do so. Thanks for the suggestion! Just a little louder would be perfect.

WOW ****er for a price got edited? After the stuff I have read on here????? I totally agree the stock is way to soft a tone for the car.
If sound is a factor for you don't do the sound tube delete until you get a louder exhaust as it gets a whole lot quieter in the cabin! There are a few sound clips of exhaust on here but most don't really do the systems justice. I got mine exhaust for next to nothing by making it part of the deal.