Unbelievably Interested in FR-S But Know Next to Nothing About Cars Mechanically
 

Hello everyone,

I'm a longtime lurker on these boards, first time poster. I'm unbelievably interested in the FR-S but am curious if there is anyone out there in a similar situation...

... my issue is that I know virtually nothing about cars mechanically in terms of fixing or diagnosing anything myself. I have this nagging feeling that it's sacrilegious for someone who has no idea how to fix anything on an automobile to have a sports car. I feel like the reality police would pull me over, ask me if I know how to perform basic maintenance, hear my answer, and then confiscate the twin :D

My first ever car was a 1981 Celica MT. I loved that car and learned how to drive on it - and for the last 7-8 years I've been dutifully driving a responsible, rational, painfully dependable AT Honda Civic :)

I don't know anything about working on cars, but I can appreciate a beautiful piece of mechanical engineering. I desperately miss a MT, and the FR-S's mantra of balance and driver/car/road connection over raw power (not to mention its shape!!) really, really appeals to me. I'm not a racecar driver and honestly, would never go tracking or even auto cross, but there are a wealth of windy back roads / mountain roads in my area and the older I get the more I find I just flat out enjoy driving. Even in my AT Civic I have a blast on some of these windy roads.

Can anyone relate? Do you feel like your mechanical lack of knowledge surrounding cars guilt trips you into feeling "unworthy" of a car like the twins? Did you still buy one anyways? Any related stories?

I guess with a car like a Civic, there is nothing to feel inadequate or insecure about. I'm a reasonably humble, soft-spoken person who doesn't like to draw any attention to myself. The FR-S would stay in the garage except for joy rides and weekend trips :D

Anyways, just wondering if there are any other people out there who love cars, driving, and back-to-basics auto fun, but know next to nothing about cars mechanically? And if there is no one that can relate - will you at least agree to not stone me to death if I show up at your local FR-S meet up :D

We can meetup right now.

http://oi40.tinypic.com/350ujo0.jpg

I can't relate, but you should still get a FR-S. It's a car for anyone who enjoys driving.

Just get a 100K FACTORY warranty and you won't have to worry about not knowing anything about how the car works mechanically.

This.

all jokes aside, it doesnt matter if you know nothing about the car. as you drive it, youll learn more and more about the car. the car is actually pretty reliable so far. i have a friend thats dogged his car the first day he got it and hes at 28k miles with no problems.

Everyone is there at some point, my first car I got from a junk yard. Had three keys for it one for ignition, one for doors, and one for trunk, all pieced together, painted it and worked on it. If something broke I attempted to fix it, fix didn't work I learned from that mistake and did it again. Never too late or early to start, go for it. Plus working on your car is always fun and gives you a great sense of accomplishment.

I can't build or repair wrist watches but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy wearing a nice one. You don't have to be a wrench to enjoy a good driving experience. Some people turn wrenches because they can't afford not to. Some turn wrenches because they enjoy it. Some don't turn wrenches because they don't have to and some don't turn wrenches because they can't any more. Don't worry about it. Drive the car you want and enjoy it. Hell, I'm at a point in my life now where I don't even wash my own car but that has nothing to do with the pleasure it gives me.

You need to study.

This may sound mean, but start to have interest in cars and study some.

Eventually this will enhance your knowledge in cars and save you whole lot of money on repairing few parts. Overall, only goods for you!

EngineeringExplained on youtube is a good jumping off point to learn about all things ICE.

Get the Clymer manual in hardback. Take it a chapter at a time over a few months.
You'll get an idea of what's involved in every aspect of fixin' shit.

AAA Roadside Assistance is a good place to start though.
Everyone has to start somewhere. First step is a doozy?

OP, I'm the exact same way.

I'd been driving an 13 year old AT Camry for the last five years, and it was finally time to buy a new car. Learned how to drive an MT on my buddy's AE86, took a test drive in his BRZ, and I finally bit the bullet and bought an MT Argento FR-S.

I know how to do the following things:
-check tire pressure and pump them up.
-check the various fluid levels.
-change the oil.

I can't even do that last one because I live in an apartment with a tiny, cramped garage.

This doesn't concern me though, because there's always a way. Get in good with a local, reliable mechanic and of course, make sure you have that warranty.

Also, I don't regret a moment of it. I love my car.

Going to meets and asking questions is a great way to learn more about cars. Don't be afraid to check them out.

Honestly you sound like a perfect fit for the car.

Just don't keep it locked away. Ignore what other people say. If they find the car too flashy, that is their problem. :happy0180:

If you don't have the desire to learn and can't figure out how a teeter totter works, the car is still certainly worth owning because it sounds like you'll appreciate it. I also recommend getting the extended warranty or service plan to help ensure the car will be maintained.

On the other hand, if you DO want to learn more about the car and have a more fulfilling experience, the only thing you need is the desire to learn. Take any given mechanism or part, and just investigate it and research it. The best learning tool is your own curiosity.

Personally, I say screw your inner guilt or anxiety and jump in with both feet. The community is here for support if you should need it. Meet up with a few other 86 owners and do a track day with an instructor in a rookie group. If you're the type to simply enjoy driving a good car, you will be genuinely surprised by the experience, and you'll have so much fun you won't know what to do with yourself. I've talked to so many people who aren't into racing at all, and don't have a competitive bone in their body, and they absolutely loved scooting around the track and said it was nothing like what they expected. Or, follow a DIY here on the forum and do your own basic maintenance, install a simple mod or two, and just have fun with it. It's only a car after all, and what fun is life if we only wonder "what if"?

The DIY section is benificial.

That's an extreme understatement by the way.