2015 FR-S or discounted 2013 10 Series?
 

Hi, I'm new to Scion FR-S Forum.

Going to be taking the FR-S plunge in a few weeks. Thinking of other getting a 2015 (Halo being first choice for color), however, my local dealer has a discounted new 10 Series for $23,800). As much as I like the features of the 10 Series, I kind of like the Halo color better. My main concern is whether Toyota had made some minor tweaks regarding reliability. I hear people mention "crickets". I'm wondering if these have been getting silenced and would expect fewer issues for a vehicle that is entering its third year of production. I also drive an 2005 Tundra and 2007 4Runner, both with about 150k on their respective odometers. Both great vehicles for their intended uses.

I drove an FR-S when they first came out for 2 days and it just spoke to me, 100%. I loved the involved, engaged driving experience that is so missing in most vehicles today. To me, this is a budget Cayman with a small back seat.

I welcome any thoughts or opinions.

Color is a major factor for car owners, so if you feel the '15 offers the color you want, hold for it.

That being said, no major updates have been made since the release. Crickets are still there, though there are some TSBs, but none have truly fixed the issue. In the end, choose whichever you think will make you happier off the lot - there's not much difference other than cosmetic stuff.

And you're spot on with the budget Porche comparison. You seem like you'll be a welcomed member to the community :)

i would just go with the cheaper of the two.

If you can get the colour and transmission you want, save the huge money on the 13 model and put it into mods. You will be modding it, save now to spend later.

Or try searching for a Monogram? That way you get all the creature comforts of a 10 series and the color you want. But not sure how hard it would be to find the color/transmission you want in your region and doubt you'd find a deal as good as your 10 series offer.

2015 has no major upgrades imo. I wasn't a fan of the silver ignition on the 10 series, but after seeing it on other cars, it's really starting to grow on me, especially at night. But it seems like you're saving a lot on the 10 series, why not throw the savings into a new paint job?

Creature comforts like REAL keyless entry is worth every penny imo. You can try to go aftermarket, but it seems like a real pita, especially to get the sensors on the doors/trunk. Keep in mind Scion does NOT offer it as a DIO, which was the main reason I got my monogram.

If you do not like the Silver Ignition color, I wouldn't get the 2013. Color IS a big thing for car owners believe it or not.

I believe the 2015 also lacks the automatic climate control in the 2013 10 Series.

The real main difference between the 2013 and the 2015 models is...

1) New Exhaust tips (I'm going to get this as soon as the part comes to america)
2) Shark Fin Antenna (A lot of people add this already)
3) Knee pads
4) New bolts in the suspension (I don't think you'll notice this unless you drive car extremely hard).
5) You'll be LACKING the JDM headlights (if you like them that is).

In terms of the crickets... I don't think there is much of a fix for that. There was a thread here that says Lexus' Direct Injection system does the same thing, however it's because it's much more insulated you don't hear it as much. Since this is a sports car and not a luxury car, I could understand why they would do that.

People have been using 2-cylinder oil and it appears to be silencing them. Me personally, I haven't heard them...but I've been using Costco gas exclusively in California.

Also.... you could vinyl wrap the car if you like to change colors often :lol:

In the end, I would get the 2013 because it's the same car with just a few cosmetic upgrades, but you LOSE a few as well (JDM headlights with standard bi-xenon).

no point paying the extra, get the cheaper and go full blown AM on that bizznatch

get the RS :P

If you don't get the 10 series, shoot me a PM with the dealer's name, I'll come buy it!

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have to say, either choice is a good one. While I'm not normally a huge fan of silver, I think in the FR-S it gives it a nice subtle appearance. Having said that, White has been my favorite all along (though I know its changed slightly for 15). You're right, color is such a personal thing. Any mods I make would be minor. I'm in my 40's so entering mid-life crisis time and reliving the late 80's and early 90's when I had a Honda Prelude Si and salivated over Integras, CRXs, Supras and Celicas (remember the Celica All-Trac Turbo anyone?). The only other vehicle I'd consider right now is a Boxster S, but I can't spend $70k on a car.

I'm away for a couple weeks but when I get back, I'll see if the dealership can get an allocation of the 15s (they weren't on the schedule last week). If not, I might just take the 10 Series. It's a manual, so I'm in. SIRSOL66, I'll be glad to tell you where to get this car via PM.

On another note I know the sales manager at the dealership well. He said to me that once the FR-S is discontinued, demand and resale will be high. Seems like a crazy statement given the number of new 2013 model years for sale in the New England region, but Toyota has a history of selling cars that struggled sales-wise as new, but as resale, have held their value tremendously. FJ Cruisers are about to go through this, MR2 Spyders and even Toyota Echos which look like clown cars to me are worth all the money.

Get the 10 series :)

I gotta say the silver ignition on the 10 series looks much better in person. And the HIDs are glorious. But if it isnt your thimg than get the 15.

The dealer told me the 15 is arriving in two months. I would wait. If you want a TRD 1.0 it was recommended to put a deposit down now because of the low production number.

Can he be trusted for the '15 models arriving in two months, so meaning August?

If that's the case, that's not too bad of a wait.

Also, get the 10 series, that's my opinion.