used frs monogram vs new 2016 frs
 

hi,

going to buy an frs. kinda stuck with 2 choices. should i go for an used 2014 frs monogram edition or a new 2016 frs. Any input will help.:lol:

Buy new if you are planning on taking care of your car and are going to keep it in the long run, buy used if your gona neglect the car and slowly let it die or sell it in 2 years for a mustang or WRX because you bought the wrong car for you

I was in the same situation recently, and it was a maddening few weeks of trying to think through it all.

I loved that the Monogram Series had the key JDM/Euro-market GT86 features (Leather, Dual A/C with nicer switches, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded headlights, frame-less mirror and so on...) -- and it was a great $ deal at the time -- but given the limited 2014 production/availability, only option now is to pick one up used.

I happened to come across two relatively-low mileage 2014 Monogram Series models at my local dealers in the low $20k range, however they were both slightly scratched up, had worn steering wheels and shifters, etc., and did not look like they were very exceptionally cared for. As go_a_way1 previously mentioned, if you're going to take exceptional care of your car and keep it for the long run, buying used versions like these will bother you.

I also started thinking about the slight model changes/improvements that have occurred since the 2014 Monogram Series was released, such as the shark fin antenna, slight cosmetic changes, reverse camera, upgraded head unit, fog light availability, better handling/suspension changes (I prefer current setup). Also, I personally prefer the rear end without the standard Monogram Series spoiler (could swap trunks, I know).

I considered all of the changes I'd need to make to the 2014 Monogram Series to get the newer improvements, as well as the changes I could make to the 2016 model, and in the end, I went with a 2016 model, as it would be easier and it's BRAND NEW. I've already ordered the upgraded headlights, frame-less mirror, and even the leather rear-seat armrest as a start. I'm willing to live with the nice standard seats, standard ignition, and standard A/C, in the end, in order to get a brand new, clean vehicle, with all improvements included right out of the box (buying used just to save $ was obviously not a consideration for me either).

That was my thought process... hope it helps, either way.

+1

If you plan to keep the car forever or a long time, buy new...but if you plan to only own it for a short time, than buy used and save some money.

Buy the '14 and molest the shit out of it!

Monogram if cheaper.

Although some would argue that the smart key access, Led DRLs, and digital HVAC is not worth the extra premium, I love those features.

but thats just my opinion.

I love the keyless entry / push start. Ok mostly because when I walk near my car the interior light comes on (like it's saying drive me!!)

I drove six hours to look at the exact Monogram I thought I wanted, and found it was super raggedy in person. Bumper cracks and spider webbing, and lots of scratches. I immediately drove across town and bought the fallback car, a new 2015.

Buy the cleanest thing in your price range. The red seat stripes, regular ignition key, and manual HVAC matter zero when you have a non-booty car that you will enjoy and not worry about.

I bought slightly used because it was in good shape and was a good price for the car. I bought mine for 19k and had 19k miles with not a single scratch on it.

Would buy used, hell, even if it wasn't cosmetically perfect. I have stone chips, paint has started peeling on one of my fenders and I just don't have the motivation to keep it pristine, much to the chagrin of some members.

This isn't a lambo or a rarri. It's a 26k economy car. I'm now treating it as such now. It will be sold off once it reaches 50k probably. And honestly, if my next car is something nicer, it'll probably get the same treatment as my FRS.

Have you taken a look at the RS2.0 that just came out? That might be another option if you want the top-tier GT86 trim, plus it's new.

I bought used and I think the car is gorgeous. Stirring wheel wasn worn no scratches. Looked fairly new. It's a 2013

I bought my 2014 Monogram used BUT this was a year ago, and the car had only been owned for about 9 months before the dealer had it. It was in impeccable shape - low mileage - and actually already had the Perrin exhaust installed. I figure given the timing, there's a reason he owned for all of 9 months. ;)

It was significantly cheaper than a 2015, babied by the former owner, and a no-brainer for me. The only concern is yes, it's an AT and not an MT, which I was previously looking at, but I went ahead and test drove it and honestly fell in love with the paddles. Sure, they're not going to be as fast as a double-clutch Audi or anything like that, but given that I often drive in bumper to bumper SF Bay Area commute traffic, it IS nice to very occasionally be able to put it into automatic and ignore it (though 99.9999999% of the time, I never take it out of manual).

For me, it was worth having a little bit of miles on it to be picking up a car with all the Monogram features AND an aftermarket performance exhaust for less money than a new 2015, but I got very lucky and that's not always the case.

Buying used isn't always bad. Buying new isn't always good. In the end, do your research and your homework and weigh the pros and cons of both the cars you're looking at and decide which one you really want and what may cost you more in the long run. Sometimes, saving a little money now means dropping more money into it later as you find things you may not like or may go wrong. Choose wisely, and buyer beware.

Only you can really know which one is the right one for you.