Good price for this specific 2013 FR-S?
 

Hey all, I read the sticky at the top of the forum and it mentioned that questions about purchasing a new car should be posted in the 'New Car' forum, but I don't see anything like that in the forums list. Hopefully it's ok to post this question here.

I really want an FR-S. It is by far the sexiest car (imo) in the 15-20k price range. Here's what I'm about to take a look at on Tuesday:

2013 FR-S
Asphalt
Manual

28k miles
One-owner
Private seller
Always garaged
Clean title

Extras(aftermarket):
Keyless entry
Upgraded sound system (Infinity x6)
Front/rear fog lights
Alarm system
Hotchki Springs
Custom exhaust
Master cylinder brace
Steering rack lockdowns
Acoustic Insulation

All for 17.2k. What do you guys think about that price?

Any tips about what I should look for when I go to check the car out on Tuesday? I don't actually know how to drive manual yet so I won't be able to check on the clutch that much, but hopefully the owner will drive me around a bit.

Owner comes across as a responsible guy, for what it's worth.

Thanks for any and all help!

Drive it and see if you like it. I got my 14' FRS with 20K on the dash for about $21,000 (financed)


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Sounds like a good deal, I would check for any hidden accident proof (just because it's clean title doesn't mean it never was in an accident), make sure frame is straight, gaps are equal.


Take a look at the fluids also and ensure they are in good shape and not leaking, etc.

After looking over the car, before making an offer it may be worth asking a professional (or local board member) to do a quick PPI - especially if you won't be able to drive it yourself. Shouldn't cost too much and he can tell you, for example, if the clutch is slipping or the transmission grinds.

Sounds like a good deal.

You may consider checking with Carfax (or review the report) for any history.


humfrz

Last week I got my 2013 6spd FRS with 35k miles for $16k from Toyota dealership.
Just let you know mods don't raise the value of the car.
Check everything people posted plus bolts under the hood. Check if it was unscrewed for any reason.

Depends on your area,, if in my area, Bay area,CA,thats a pretty good deal.
I bought my stock 2013 10 series 19600miles + platinum package, $25000 out the door from Toyota dealership. $22xxx without the package.

P.S you can pay your local auto repair shop $100 buck to do a test diagnose for you.

I did do a Carfax history report - came up all clean.

sounds like a fair or even a good deal, but you should defiantly ask for a ride or test drive it a bit. might want to have a reputable or reliable mechanic look into it, better yet if your almost certain you will but it. have him bring it to scioyobaru and inspect the car... private sales could be scandalous sometimes lol

KBB says a spotless FR-S with 28K miles should be worth in the range of 16.6K~18.4K in my area from a private seller. Mods don't count. 18.4K~21K if bought from a dealer. Probably would be closer to $18K at a dealer given the 2017s are right around the corner.

My first real question is why sell private? I would definitely be looking for paperwork from a reputable shop after doing a thorough inspection. Would the owner be willing to pay for an inspection and report?

To me, a dealer is easier to get on the phone if there is a problem after the sale. They have a reputation to keep and can't be doling out shit cars. If you sign the title and hand over money, a private seller can be dust in the wind when things start falling off.

Also, when the 2017s hit, expect prices to drop on 13s/14s/15s. Someone posted about new 2015s going for 22K in the mid-west. Don't think you are getting a deal because someone tossed some aftermarket equipment into the car. The resell value on that stuff is basically nill.

Skepticism is always healthy. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you drive it and all feels good, then you are okay. Take it on the highway and see how it handles in some turns. If they tell you to take it easy or if something feels off and they try to make excuses, walk away.

Honestly,for that amount of money,you'd be better off going to a dealer,more than likely spending a little more and getting a warranty.Spending that kind of money and not getting one just seems silly to me.

Don't drive unless you want to buy. Because once you drive it, game over, you'll own it. Good price, mine was 15,7 with no upgrades and 43k on the clock

The price is fair (give or take $500 if he wants to try a hard negotiation). OP just needs to decide if he wants to buy.

I am going to take the opposing view point of many on the mods. Most seem to think they have zero value but isn't true at all. They most certainly do add value to the car if you want that mod. Why would it be better to run out and buy a stock one and then buy all the mods and put them on? The value of mods issue really doesn't rear it's head until the seller try's to up price the car some stupid amount because of them. It would appear from that list that there is actually a huge savings on the mods and the seller is very realistic in their price.
The fact that there is no warranty on a private sale isn't that big a deal either. The car is already almost out of warranty on age anyway. For the lower price of a private sale you can have some money in reserve in case something does break. If something major fails then odds are the dealer (especially a used car one) will probably try to not cover it anyway. Just have the car checked by a shop you can trust and if they say all is good then go for it.