Any tips on getting an FR-S?
 

I visited four dealerships in the immediate area, one which I will not be buying from (I've documented my story in the markup thread). So that leaves three that will sell me a base MT at MSRP. Not a single one has an FR-S and have told me they're getting 1-2 a month and only 750 are being made this year for the US.

I am set on the Ultramarine color (though Firestorm is a close second). I want it in manual, and it seems automatic is slightly more common. Funny enough, none of the dealers are taking deposits and reserving, they're pretty much doing first-come first-serve. I gave them my contact information and to let me know when they get one (any color/transmission).

I know some people here are waiting, but I've seen a lot of 'picked up my FR-S' stories and was wondering if there was any tips on getting it easier? I have a feeling they might forget to call me and then I'll miss my chance, which would suck.

Any help?

Have you considered driving up into VA? Lots of manuals up here, allocation for Central Atlantic Toyota was something like 75% manuals.

Hadn't considered it but it depends how far north it is. It's about 3-4 hours to Martinsville from Charlotte. I'd seriously consider it (and it'd be some good mileage for the FR-S to break in), but it would have to be where me and the dealer agree on terms before I spend all that time going up there.

That 750 number is dead wrong. There will be thousands produced and sent to the states every year. I believe there was an article stating something along the lines of 6,000 BRZ per year. I am not sure how many FRS will be sent here, but way more than 750.

See link for reference:

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/s...-86-and-scion/

Phew, really good to know. I'd be willing to bet that Toyota is making more than Subaru is, or at least the same. After all, it is the less expensive of the two.

It is definitely a lot more than BRZs. So yea that 750 number is total BS. According to the article below, they easily expect 10,000 to be sold by the end of the year and 20,000 each year after that

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/s...al-fr-s-sales/

I would say if they are not taking deposits, your going to have to drive to get one if you don't want to wait till they remember to call you.

It seems like a lot of dealers are telling the same story... my dealer also said that there were only going to be 800 total... I don't believe that either, but they told me that Toyota was classic for this... they keep demand high and stock low initially to get the buzz out. My guess is that this is the 800 "initial" cars to test demand, then they will have a better idea of how many will sell...

just a guess...

cast a wide net, and leave your contact info at every dealer in the radius you feel comfortable driving in. let them know exactly what you are looking for and that you would jump on it when it arrives. considering how few options on this car shouldnt take long for one to bite. just gotta be patient and be ready to wait 6-8 weeks and you should definitely be able to find one.

The guys in Bristol, TN had a blue M6 last week and they seemed like a pretty honest bunch. The dealers in hickory and asheville, NC also had some last week, not in blue as I recall though.

You need to check outside the major cities, I have called all those dealers and they have waiting lists. I called dealers 30 miles outside of the bigger cities and they had them on the lot.

I had a BRZ on pre-order but was able to purchase a Hot Lava 6m car this past friday. A friend of mine let me know they had 3 arrive at a dealer near me, and put a deposit down that day at lunch. Was able to pick it up the next day.

Im in the same boat. Ive contacted 2 local dealers and Ive decided I wont be purchasing there, luckily there are many dealers in the area. Ill just keep looking until I find a good one.


Im also looking for a Ultramarine MT and the dealer found one but told me outright lies...

"there will be no future FR-S's with standard audio", "we dont markup our cars here but we do have a special inspection fee" :bonk:

its a shame that finding an honest dealer is this much of a hassle for some of us and totally painless for others.

If anyone wants an FR-S...I work at Rick Hendrick Toyota in Fayetteville, NC...I have two automatics on my floor now and can take deposits on manuals. I just bought a Firestorm Manual last Thursday!

Oh and we have no special markups either...I did tell the managers here it would be nice to have some with the BeSpoke touch screen in it, but not sure if they will start that on the next batch or not.