Test drove the FRS today...
 

And I really liked it.. !!! Now I'm coming off a 08 C6 and my just recently sold M3.
After years of owning high powered sports cars.. I want something fun that works in the real world.. I liked everything about the FRS on paper.. And love the light weight RWD purist approach..
So today the rubber met the road and my ass was in the drivers seat..
The clutch is light.. Compared to what I'm used to.. Felt nice easy take up..
Shifter is sweet.. Snick snick.. Short and crisp.. But felt some 2nd gear unwillingness as mentioned on here.. I did have that with my C6 especially when cold.. But it got better over time..
Took it on the highway for a bit.. Rode nicely.. And felt comfortable. Really liked the seats.. Fit me well.. Was easy to get into a comfortable driving position.. I got on it a few times.. It was nice hearing it wrap out and being able to keep my foot in it.. I thought it idled smoothly and fairly quiet.. It sounds good going thru the gears.. I didn't hear anything harsh or objectionable.. Didn't get an opportunity to kick the ass end out.. But I drove it enough to know I will get one..
Much of the info I read on here was spot on.. Great resource here at the ft86club.. Thanks..

This is the source for all your ft86 needs!

Glad to hear you liked the car. 2nd gear can be somewhat fixed with gear oil.

...or (hopefully) the 2014 MY....

You know how many manuals have the 2nd gear problem?

Christ, let me write you a book.

Whats your address?

True.. It did not feel defective.. But it was there .. It will get better with some use..

I test drove one today aswell! And fell in love I can't wait to trade in my 2013 turbo tc currently working in parting her out so I can get the FRS

I must have gotten lucky...never any probs with 2nd...knock on wood...

Second gear does that on purpose: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=2nd+gear

Cliff's notes: When at proper operating temperature, it's tight and smooth. They could have "fixed" the stiff "cold" 2nd gear engagement, but it would mean a loose and sloppy gearbox overall.

Generally, if it's too cold to go in right away, put it back to N, clutch out, cluch in, re-engage. Slides right in. :happy0180:

2nd gear in my FRS is a completely smooth transition. Even better after hitting 3,000 miles

+1 2nd gear shifts really nicely for me. It can be slightly difficult on a cold morning until the car gets up to temp.

Hey man, I had a heads/cam FRC C5 (390/410whp), and I loved that car. I was scared I'd miss the power, but the BRZ is such a joy to drive that I haven't regretted it for a minute. I'll probably end up supercharging it, but honestly, if you're not out trying to be a hooligan, the car accelerates well enough to be satisfying. And the overall feel of the car is just undescribable. It's crazy, but the thing I like the best about the twins is you don't have to go stupid fast to feel like you're going fast. My modded C5 was the opposite. To feel fast, you ended up going stupid fast.
As for the 2nd gear thing, it goes away with a mile or two of driving and warm-up. At least on my car.

You sound depressed..

My first vette was a 99 FRC.. Loved it.. Had 3 more after that including 2 Z06's..
Loved the 0-60 runs.. But everything happens to fast to enjoy..
It was geat winding out the boxer and hearing it howl without going insanely fast.. Also like the nimbleness as the vettes with their fat tires always felt heavy when driving normal.. Looking forward to having something fun to toss around without the expense and white knuckle paranoia that is associated with high HP cars on the street.. Thanks for the post..

In a way yes.. Thought I could live with my existing car and be happy..
Now I get to drop some coin on something new again... But looking forward to my continued car addiction..