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If you could do it all over again...

Background: About to graduate college with a degree in Computer Science, and I’m about to move from Chicago to Houston pick up a nice job in Houston with a good salary. I’ve been in the Scion scene with my xB for 5 years. I love it, and would like to stay in it. The people are amazing, and they act as my extended family.

I’m looking at getting the hot lava or asphalt MT monogram series from my local Toyota dealership. My good friend is a car salesman there, and “says” he can give me a decent deal on my trade in. I’m about to get it appraised this Friday, and I will post back the number I will be getting.

So questions I have for you guys!
1.) Is the monogram series worth it in your eyes? - I like the fact that they already have the JDM head lights, and the push button start. The heated seats won’t do me much in Houston =/
2.) I really want to get a clear bra for the front end of the car, what sections are more prone to chipping than others?
3.) Should I wait for the 2015 version to come out? I’m still doing research, but I still haven’t found out if the displacement is going to be bigger, or if TRD plans on coming out with a SC for it. I still need to do my h/w there. Regardless, I’d still go aftermarket turbo setup so I don’t have a bigger car payment each month.
4.) What are some inexpensive MUST needed mods people recommend before anything major e.g. wheels coils etc.
5.) I’m not a huge fan of the red stitching, and red accents with the seats. Is there any thing I can do about the stitching? Anyone have Clazzios?
5.) If there is anything else you could do differently, or if you’re satisfied with what you’ve done thus far, please share!

Thanks,
xZAMx

Between the 2015 vs. the Monogram, I'll get the Monogram. Reported rumors on upgrade for 2015 is minimal. Shark Fin antenna and new shock/spring setup, etc. I traded in my base for a Monogram and haven't regretted one bit.
　
So questions I have for you guys!
1.) Is the monogram series worth it in your eyes? - I like the fact that they already have the JDM head lights, and the push button start. The heated seats won’t do me much in Houston =/
　
Yes the headlights... main reason I traded mine in. But these ain't the true JDM headlights. They're the 10 series headlights. DRL doesn't come on with headlights like the JDM version unless you do the DRL mod, which I did

2.) I really want to get a clear bra for the front end of the car, what sections are more prone to chipping than others?
　
I suggest you do get a clear bra if you're worried about rock chips.

3.) Should I wait for the 2015 version to come out? I’m still doing research, but I still haven’t found out if the displacement is going to be bigger, or if TRD plans on coming out with a SC for it. I still need to do my h/w there. Regardless, I’d still go aftermarket turbo setup so I don’t have a bigger car payment each month.
　
Same engine in the 2013, 10 Series, 2014, Monogram and 2015

4.) What are some inexpensive MUST needed mods people recommend before anything major e.g. wheels coils etc.
　
This is fairly subjective. Opti-coat for paint protection

5.) I’m not a huge fan of the red stitching, and red accents with the seats. Is there any thing I can do about the stitching? Anyone have Clazzios?
　
The Monogram seats only have red stitching but no red side accents

5.) If there is anything else you could do differently, or if you’re satisfied with what you’ve done thus far, please share!

I would've waited for the Monogram before getting the base. Now that I've got one, I'm pretty much happy with the purchase. Even if they bring out a 2.5L or Turbo/SC version, I'll keep mine.

I just graduated with a CS degree and moved to Austin for a job. Picked up an asphalt monogram with clear braand haven't been happier. My previous car was a supercharged Corolla that was selected to show in Wekfest. Owned it for about 8 years, but after getting this car I tore down the Corolla, gave it to my mom, and haven't looked back.

tl;dr to answer your questions:
1) Yes
2) get a FULL hood and front bumper cover, plus side mirrors
3) no
4) Car is very driveable stock - meaning you don't NEED any mods. If you MUST get one, for performance, header + tune (Open Flash Tune/Tablet aka OFT)
5) possibly would've negotiated some TRD parts from the dealer - maybe the catback. Otherwise it's great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jyn (Post 1663372)

4) Car is very driveable stock - meaning you don't NEED any mods. If you MUST get one, for performance, header + tune (Open Flash Tune/Tablet aka OFT)

Yeah I was thinking a ECU flash would be necessary. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by xZAMx (Post 1663326)

Do not wait for the 2015 unless you want a OEM Shark Fin Antenna and new bolts. Buy the 2014 Monogram with the lower price.

If I had to do it over again, I would get the Monogram series over the 10 Series... I would prefer the navigation instead of the glowing badges.

If you want GOOD protection, put the film on the ENTIRE front bumper, ENTIRE hood, Front of the fenders, mirrors, top of the roof partially, A pillars, and the quarter panels. Add mudflaps.

If you want to over kill it, clear bra the entire car.

The required mod is probably exhaust tips LOL... other than that the car drives perfectly fine... Maybe grippier tires? But I enjoy the Prius tires.

The red stitching is everywhere...seats, steering wheel, door panels.... you would have to redo the entire car to match the rest of your color scheme.

On my car I've only done tint and rear spoiler....still to go is the exhaust and wheel spacers....then I'm done. The rest of my money will go on maintenance like the fluids, tires, air filters, etc etc. No plans for turbo or SC. 200 HP is more than enough for me.

The only thing I would had done differently is to add paint protection film, however $$$ was a factor at the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen86 (Post 1663366)

4.) What are some inexpensive MUST needed mods people recommend before anything major e.g. wheels coils etc.
　
This is fairly subjective. Opti-coat for paint protection

Well for the xB a lot of people suggested to get a rear sway bar, because the understeer was really bad.

Save your money and get a BRZ Limited for less than a Monogram? :D

For the same overall features, you can literally get one for thousands less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AznBRZer (Post 1663466)

Save your money and get a BRZ Limited for less than a Monogram? :D

For the same overall features, you can literally get one for thousands less.

Some people don't like mustaches.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xZAMx (Post 1663452)

Well for the xB a lot of people suggested to get a rear sway bar, because the understeer was really bad.

I see. I think the car is pretty good off the line, driving wise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AznBRZer (Post 1663466)

Save your money and get a BRZ Limited for less than a Monogram? :D

For the same overall features, you can literally get one for thousands less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive (Post 1663506)

Some people don't like mustaches.

^ This. I preferr the FRS/GT86 front over the BRZ

1. No, I don't want extra stuff.
2. Paint can be redone.
3. No, there's zero significant changes, search around, info is out.
4. Driver Mod.
5. There's stitching? I'm usually looking out the front window, not at the upholstery.
5. Should have bought it sooner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xZAMx (Post 1663452)

Well for the xB a lot of people suggested to get a rear sway bar, because the understeer was really bad.

Driver mod is all you need; just drive the damn thing and enjoy it before you start "improving" the millions of dollars toyota/subaru already spent creating it.

As someone who was in your shoes a year ago . . .

I suggest you go used ... helps keep you financially liquid. Depreciation hurts.

I also regret not getting clear bra on front bumper. More chips than I'd expect after 15k miles. Mudguards are nice to have.

Quote:

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive (Post 1663506)

Some people don't like mustaches.

http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net...46055_700b.jpg