I Need Advice About An Fr-s!
 

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, but I joined because I'm looking into possibly buying an Fr-s. However, this Fr-s has an issue that I'd like to get some opinions on. Before I get into the issue, here are some details:
13 Fr-s
6 speed manual
11,000 miles
Rebuilt title (it was in a front end accident)

Now for the issue, aside from the battery not holding a charge, the car has an error code of P0171 "System too lean bank 1," from some of the research I did on this forum/around the internet I'm reading that it could be that the primary o2 sensor is bad. If it is the o2 sensor, I'm not all that concerned, but the car is really loud above like 1000 rpms. It almost sounds like an exhaust leak right at the manifold, but I kinda feel like I'd hear it at idle too. Also when I did drive it, it didn't want to stay idling at stop signs (which I figured could just be from the o2 sensor), but it also felt somewhat sluggish. I don't know if this is just because I'm used to the acceleration of my twin turbo 350z, or if it's because of the possible exhaust leak/sensor issue.

So do you guys think there's a bigger issue here, or is an exhaust leak/o2 sensor the culprit?

I think I found your issue.

Something isn't right, whether it's a 'simple' matter of replacing the exhaust and o2 sensor or something more sinister. I wouldn't trust that car further than I could throw it, if something is supposed to be 'no big deal' why hasn't the seller fixed it before selling it?

If you go through with it best of luck, but I wouldn't predict a good outcome. Check the VIN number, see if you can find pictures of the accident, might change your mind.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53377
Notice how many of those say 'runs and drives' the car you're looking at could be just as bad or worse.

My two cents. Unless you're getting it for a REALLY good deal, sounds like an engine rebuild/reassembly needs to be done. Sounds almost like an oil pressure issue, maybe a car that had FI on it before.

Rebuilt title = keep it forever or know how to fix stuff yourself. That's my philosophy

Best case scenario, the exhaust is bummed. I say that cause alot of members here just give there's away for free anyways. What's the price the guy is selling the car for, anything below 20k and I wouldn't trust it. I personally, even if I had the money to spare, I wouldn't make the frs a project car. I rather get one with a visible fix or just a used. No point getting a new release car and continuing to dump money on it for a fix that I wouldn't even know if it works or not.

Thanks for all the input guys! It is a really good deal, but it seems like you are all kind of agreeing that I shouldn't buy it because of a possible bigger, more serious issue. So I guess I'll continue searching for the car that I've been looking for, an Evo.

Find a better deal

I think there's plenty of better deals to be had. It's really a gamble with a rebuilt title, but if you are confident that the car has no major mechanical issues and you plan on keeping it forever, go for it

I wouldn't buy a car with a rebuilt title FWIW

Nick C.

Thanks again guys, I do think I'll be passing on this one.

Took a bit too long to get to this IMHO. Sure, the car could be cheap, but getting insurance on it could come out costing you big time in the end.

Stock intake? Header? Once I installed my Greddy intake and hks equal length header. I was throwing same code until I got my tune...just saying, but I could just be talkin shit that dont matter to the situation lol

Doesn't matter, still a probable rebuilt, PITA to insure car.

Yea thats thrue