The Nasty FR-S Review Part 2
 

I absolutely agree with your opinions, and anyone who attempts to hate is either trolling or hasn't experienced much in the world of cars. The twins are very good driver's cars, and they're pretty economical to buy and run. Other than that, they could use improvement in many areas.

I haven't experienced any of the gremlins that have popped up on the early cars (no crickets, no creaks, no leaky tails, etc.), and I'll knock on wood for posterity, but I expect there will be minor issues here and there. And that's part of owning a sports car, and especially owning a sports car in its first MY. Besides, sports cars by nature are engineered to perform, and you sacrifice a bit of reliability and usability here and there. Considering the price point of these cars, I think they're decent. They certainly could have used a bit more attention on the interior with the trim bits and tech bits, and given an extra year or so of development time, I think Toyota could have done much better (particularly in the dash area).

But as I've said before, if you're buying this car for anything other than the driving experience, you would have been better off in a Corolla. I also don't think the FR-S is god's gift to sports cars, as so many reviewers and owners have all but proclaimed. It's just a good sports car that came along at a time when other offerings were lackluster or overpriced.

How to get youtube hits:

Say you hate something popular at the start of your video.

Formula winner. Fanbois will arc up

a few points raised...

1. Power - done to death... it's not a drag car...
2. interior - get the better model
3. replace your tail lights... under warranty
4. cel experience ^ - sounds like a shit dealer.
5.Again this is not a car for drag racing -

Where is that einstein picture?

http://www.lifebydesignwithkrystal.c...t-einstein.png

like you said at the end - it's a drivers car. It's fun, responsive and sends 5x more communication through the hands than any car on the market for the price -

I also expected Pagani quality interior for that price!

Never compare your car with a minivan. They've become shockingly fast these days, it can be depressing.

What cars were you speaking of owning in the past? The ones you didn't drive much?

I think you got the appeal of the FRS: What's more fun than a rental car? Nothing. Well, almost nothing. How about a rental car with sports car handling? Treat the FRS like a rental car. It's not a high priced sports car, it's fun to drive and throw around. Drive the hell out of it. Get your money worth.

I want that head unit...

It's still embarrassing to have your doors blown in by a soccer mom. I know people that own this car will defend it's lack of power, but can't we all agree that it would be nice if it put down a little more to the wheels?

As much as I thought I wanted this car, I'm leaning more towards a WRX every day. Same amount of money, AWD, more usable space, and it will set you back in your seat.

Maybe you should take on the minivan around the track. As many have stated, its a drivers car. Not a people mover. I dont think thats a fair comparison. My Odyssey can spank the FRS. So what. That said, there is a lot more the FRS could've had, but I'm very happy with what it has for the price I paid.

Driven one yet? Get ahold of me in the spring when the car is out of storage and lets go for a ride.

http://theseamonster.net/wp-content/...udskipper1.jpg
http://static1.fjcdn.com/comments/Tr...884b4ab34f.jpg

Yeah! What head unit is that? and what app is it running?

Congratulations Dezoris on posting yet another "FRS Sucks" video on an FRS Fan Site.

Did your parents just not give you the attention you wanted as a kid and you are now, in your adult life left with a void that you must fill by provoking others?

You're not hip, you're not "different", you aren't doing anything "ground breaking", you're not "exposing" anything, you have no credentials, you're not a journalist (automotive or otherwise), you're not an authority on cars or the industry, you're not a professional driver, you are not original, you are not amusing (well maybe a few times in the video), and I don't think even you know what you're trying to prove.

You're just another guy with a camera and an internet connection that have this stupid idea in your head that your voice means anything to complete strangers on the internet. Not unlike most of us here...

At least you occupy your free time by making harmless videos instead of torturing bunnies, or pushing over elderly people.

Scott

There is no better interior...

WTF is wrong with you?

Hah, just noticed you're also in the 'cuse. I did test drive a BRZ down at Bill Rapp last summer, but it was short lived. The sales rep let me drive down Burnet Ave for about 1/2 mile and had me go back to the dealership because there were other people waiting to see the car. My roommate owns a '12 WRX, and minus the fact that it drinks gas like it's going out of style I have to say I'm basically sold on it (the problem being that there's a 2-3 month wait to have what you want delivered).

I see you garaged your FRS for the winter. I daily my tC with snows all around and it performs decently, I don't really want to deal with the hassle of owning 2 cars. With a WRX I think it would be more fun to drive in the winter than when it's nice out ;)

If I'm still in the market in a few months when the weather turns around I might have to take you up on your offer though, thanks!

"Shitbox" at 14:25

Haha

I bought the FRS because I like the style and performance for the price. I wanted a car to take to Buttonwillow and Cal Speedway to have fun with my friends who drive their Vets and BMW's. I am extremely happy with my decision to get it. I took a ride last week with an expert driver Mark Chen in his BRZ that had only ungraded to track tires and brakes. His driving skill took that car around the track faster than 75% of the cars out there including all the Vets lol! It was worth that ride alone to feel the performance edge of that BRZ.

If you don't like the FRS, you don't have to own it. Anyone can find reasons to not like a car. Stop criticizing it just to stroke your ego.

I didn't watch the video, he still BOUGHT one, last I checked.

/thread.

Nothing I can think of off the top of my head... but opinions vary.

Why?

Scott

Let me say, I dont take offense to any of the comments, say what you want, I do listen to everything.


1. The biggest question I am asked, "How do I like it, is it fast?" As stated in America, Toyota and Subrau missed the boat for our market by building one of the best enthusiast cars of the past decade and then not giving it what it needed to get out of its own way. When mid sized cars, sport compacts, trucks, SUVs, and even mini vans are faster in a straight line it's a harsh reality. Most reviews are not honest about that. Most drivers dont live on the track, we are all mostly cafe racers in the USA,

2. BRZ does nothing to fix interior quality aside from seating fabric and, HVAC controls.

3. Have replaced tails following TSB, still leaking.

4. CEL - Global Critical Backorder on ECM dealers all confirmed.

5. Not trying to drag race the car, that was not the point.

The FR-S is that in between, like you said almost like the rental car syndrome, get in and and have fun.

Recently I have had:
Exige, Atom, AP1/AP2 S2000, etc.
I kart now, it's cheaper than having a garage queen.


Good points.

Been in an Odyssey around the track when Honda had one prepped for a series, it was fast and funny.

Nexus 7 with my custom UI. The app is a plug in for Torque called Race Meter which I customized.

I get what you are saying, I really do, you don't have to like me or my opinion but it sounds like you respect it as I do yours. All I am offering is an alternate opinion to all of the reviews that let so much of the bad slide. Those reviewers don't own the car I do.

Its ok he hated the first part. Its not nearly as bad as some of the messages I got on youtube. One guy said he was going to find me, pull me out of my car and slit my throat in front of my family!!

Its the internet, brings out the best in people :)

Wanted to slap you for the first couple minutes (but that was your goal), then your girlfriend came on and melted my heart, that accent :wub:. After that you started to make sense, good review.

Dude did you watch the video? It's pretty unbiased. It's kind of like if Clarkson was boring and decided to focus on the minutia instead of the big picture.

I re-shot that part about 6x because I had to be extremely careful how it was worded. I saw the discussion about it on here. And that's about the best description to describe it when you are rolling down the road, the windows seals are leaking, the dash is rattling, deck is popping, tails are leaking etc.



The same can be said about any car, it's all about the driver to get around a track fast.

On the street where we live, does not matter your skill level, if you are behind some sleeping minivan going 40 in a 55 on a two lane road and you decide to pass and all of a sudden Johnny Nascar wakes up and stomps the throttle all your skill is not going to pass them in the FR-S/BRZ.

That's the real world of daily driving in America that was my point of the minivan segment.

Actually from my experience, it brings out the worst. People tend to sling the most mud while on a perch of safety from repercussion. With the internet, that perch of safety is the anonymity.

Again, from my experience, most people want to be the most positive and reassuring in the presence of others that will recognize and praise the person and the internet doesn't facilitate that as well.

Look, I get that you really aren't that happy with the car and you are having some reliability issues that many are experiencing. I admit my tail lights have already been replaced once and are still leaking (not as bad thankfully). Also, some of the gripes that you make on the FRS are in fact legitimate and echo just about every gripe that I have ever heard about the car.

How about this? Why not direct your energy and time to creating a gripe video aimed directly at Toyota and Subaru? You could literally say just about everything you have been already but you would have significantly less people hating you for it.

Here's the difference. By labeling your points merely as counter-points to reasons why there are thousands of people dearly love the twins, you will inevitably piss off a lot of people. (there must be some part of you that cares about that). By making the SAME points in a video aimed at Toyota and Subaru for the areas where they FAILED on the twins, these same people will be much more likely to rally to your cause.

Just something to think about.

Scott

I watch Dezoris' reviews with a friendly smirk. Some people get butt hurt when he disproportionately focuses the shortcomings (which there are). But all other reviews have already said the good stuff so watching someone poke fun at this car with a dose of honesty is different and entertaining. Otherwise, it'd be another bland review. If you look past the sarcasm, it's evident that he's just another owner who loves this car like we do.

Most people's problem is that you disrespect the car, like the minivan scene. Among others it's not an unbiased review. I already commented on the video sharing the #1 point of the video. But to make this disrespecting video and at the end say that (check my comment) is counter productive.

People aren't going to appreciate your delivery. Which won't make you fans.

Let's not forget 4 months ago you uploaded part 1 and like u said before was blasted on you tube. That's because you came across very pompous and biased. You need to analyze how you are delivering every sentence. Because it's not enjoyable to watch when someone 99% of time is putting down the car you drive. this can be done for ANY car.

I like your videos to a degree, you just need to work on delivery. Maybe do a how-to-video for the Nexus setup. get some respect.

IMO

Oh boy, I have to explain this again.

Top Gear and other programs, websites and journalists do not go on Porsche owner's fan sites and post what crappy cars they are. Doing such a thing is about as counter-productive as it gets and does nothing for the conversation. People (the public) deliberately watch these shows and read this material searching for that viewpoint from a trusted source. An opinion that is solicited is differently received that an opinion that is presented without asking for it.

Also, a video made by an unhappy FRS owner (whether legitimately unhappy or not) is not unbiased. If you spent less time gawking at his girlfriend you would see this. I don't think even Dezoris would claim he is completely unbiased.

Scott

My first bike was a Ninja 250. The FRS is something of the sports car equivalent of that: super fun and great to learn on, not enough power to get yourself in too much trouble. Except that instead of having to trade up after a couple years like with the 250, you can just drop a turbo in :)

I appreciate the man's honesty and he is pretty spot on with his remarks. The interior quality is a disappointment, particularly the seat fabric and some of the cheap plastics. I haven't had the tail light or cel issues but have had the chirping. It would be nice to have 40 more horsepower but I'm fine with it as it is. All in all a good and honest review with good humour.

The way he exaggerates the negatives is the dark horse of his reviews. He's not out to get our approval as a reviewer (at least I hope he isn't). He tries to tug on our heart strings, stir up controversy. He even blatantly puts "nasty" in the title. That title already implicates that it isn't a neutral review. It's a nasty one! So his reviews are not to be taken seriously (at least I don't think). Maybe he could work on delivering his sarcasm in a way that's a bit more obvious? But if it is supposed to be taken completely seriously and he's giving us his holistic view, then (in that case) yeah it's pretty awful. lol

I think it's just his personality. Like the scene with the minivan. Sure it's sarcastic but not in a humoristic way. The "delivery" is just poor. He is a very timid mono-toned individual mixed with sarcasm equals less to be desired sentences to ones ear.

This video was very serious that's what I'm saying he isn't just trying to stir up controversy because he invest way to much time trying to backup his statements.

You're absolutely right, unbiased was the incorrect word. I guess it's just refreshing instead of the majority of complete love or the minority abhorrent negativity to see something that lands kind of in the middle (again did you watch it? I still think the review ended up mostly positive because I couldn't give a shit about most of his negatives). I didn't see him bashing anything that didn't deserve some criticism.

I think the unsolicited opinion of a fellow owner carries a bit more weight long term than a journalist that drove it for a week at most. You can determine for yourself whether or not it adds value to the conversation but I am of the feeling that any dissenting opinion is worth listening to at least once.

:happy0180:

Here's a pearl of wisdom for you...

"Be careful about mistaking genuine contempt for sarcasm. If you keep it up, you will quickly become the butt of everyone else's jokes and never know it."

Scott - 2013

I thought it was pretty obvious by this point... yes. I watched this one and his last one. In fact, when he posted his first one here, I recall he received many of the same comments from me and others.

Read my post advising Dezoris to change the format of his video to aim it directly at Toyota and Subaru and tell me again which format you feel would contribute more to the conversation here.

Scott

I feel that him saying "Hey Toyobaru, you should fix the following issues, it rains on the parade of owning this car" does not change the message or the conversation that we're having. Do you think that him adding that would make giant corporations sit up and notice? Do you feel that he is attacking your personal choices and opinions through this video? I'm not sure how "directing the video to Toyota and Subaru" would "contribute more".

:iono::happy0180:

my brother lives in syracuse. If you want to see what this car is all about, hit me up in april or may, and I'll take you for a nice ride up there haha

Fun review with good points, though I think you focus too much on the negatives and had some bad luck with the early run problems (taillights, CEL) that many of us haven't encountered but I agree with your points about it being ridiculous that the replacement parts took too long or didn't fix the problem. Maybe in time when we see that people aren't having those first run problems and the parts supply problems aren't there you will consider updating your reviews.

Overall though I agree with your final comments, this is a really fun car to drive and for the price I don't think there's anything as fun (just look at the similar spec Dodge Dart)

GRAWR I'M SO ANGRY YOU HAVE SOME NEGATIVE OPINIONS ABOUT THE CAR I LOVE!

Let me ask you this: Do you seriously think Dezoris has contempt for his $25k investment? Do you think he put hours of work into shooting/editing a video dedicated to his car because he hates his car? Considering the few minutes you spend typing to attack his hours of work, I will respect his earnest work more than your words; I'm cool with being the butt of your jokes.

It's funny how people are suddenly expert auto journalists who know the correct way to shoot a video review. A guy is entitled to his opinion. No matter how many ways you try to prove his opinion wrong, it's futile because you can only disprove facts (not opinions). If you already stated how your opinions disagree with his opinions about the car, why can't you leave it at that? Now we're debating over a guy's internet hyperbole and flair? Where's the point in that? Is it necessary to attack the person? I'm having a hard time figuring out what else you're all trying to prove. Please help me out here. This seems to be escalating into a pathetic circle jerk in which everyone is jockeying for some cred. Until you shoot a video response showing us your "correct" way to review, I say Dezoris has far more interwebz cred than you.

Love this guy! Thanks for making part 2! :)

I thought both part 1/2 were great. I sort of cringed at the loss to the minivan since I'm waiting for my FR-S still and haven't driven one personally, but the review was honest enough to prepare me for what to really expect with the car. looking forward to more videos!

OH NO SOMEONE DOESN'T LIKE THE FR-S?!?!!? HOW COULD THEY?


Please ask my how many fucks I give? Why would anyone assume that everyone will like everything? Asinine.