Should I buy 2014 FR-S?
 

Hi all,

My name is Paul and I am from Denver, Colorado. I am fairly new to this forum (this is my first post) so I am excited to get to know some of you. Well we had a hail storm in Denver not too long ago, and my 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse was totaled. Now that I am in the market looking for a new car, I've started to really consider the FR-S.

I was wondering what your guys opinions are on this car for a daily driver that I would hopefully keep for 8+ years. Keep in mind we get quite a bit of snow during the winter months in Denver, so I am a little worried how this car will do considering it is Rear Wheel Drive. My Eclipse was front.

I can't wait to hear what you guys think and let me know any thoughts you guys have!

Paul

I'm sure you could make it work with the right set of tires for the adverse weather conditions you face. Since you're loyal and keep your cars 8+ years, I'd recommend taking your time and opening up to all other makes and models. Check out the new '15 WRX as well... It seems to be much more versatile and probably could better handle what you encounter in Denver.

I'd only consider the FR-S if you're truly wanting a sports car and for its characteristics... Because that's exactly what it is. Also, keep in mind that I've read and heard that the FR-S / BRZ aren't as demanded in your area because of the weather.

Good luck, Paul.

* Edited *

Have not drove mine in snow yet but plan to do a Canadian winter. There are loads of winter driving threads here with the majority saying they are fine with the right tires.
I spend a minimum of 14 hours a week in my DD and have never had a regret!
Just keep in mind they are a drivers car not a luxury barge so there is some give and take for "conveniences "and gadgets.
Go for a test drive and you should know if right or wrong for you pretty quick.

Yeh.

/thread

oh yeah baby!

hey man, I am moving to Denver in about a week. My car will arrive around the 26th/27th of November. If you're still in the market for the car we can cruise around and you can drive/see if you like it.

Also, my youtube channel in the signature has a video where I do a pro's and con's from an average owner. I will have a video this Friday on my thoughts about the car as a daily driver for the winter.

Cliffs note version: At this time, with the new wrx having a boosted fa20 motor, I personally would get a new rex. Couple that with awd and you have a solid reason to choose it. I love my frs though, it's just my personal opinion now that the new wrx presents a "value" that some have to consider when looking at the two cars.

Cheers.

If hail is a concern, you'd better have a garage. These cars crumple at the thought of it.

Keep your winter driving expectations reasonable. You'll be driving a lightweight RWD car with low ground clearance. Get real winter tires, maybe throw a bag of concrete in the back to put some weight down, and take things easy. It's not a Score trophy truck. And have a winter emergency kit in your trunk in case you do get stuck somewhere.

Thanks for the help guys, I would thank all of you but I need at least 5 posts...I will come back and do it though!

Mine survived two nasty hail storms without a mark with just the protection of a tree!
My neighbours thought I had lost my mind out in a storm, with a towel, wiping the rain off, looking for dings.
Only had had it a week!

That's good to know. I've looked into the WRX a little bit but that is pushing my price range just a bit. It's a sweet car though.

And that's why I love the car. It is certainly a fun car but it may just bee too impractical for the winter..

I will definitely look into the videos! Also I hope to have a car by then but if not I really appreciate the offer. You will love it in Denver. It's a great city! Let me know if you have any questions about your transition!

@HeubergerMotors. They are a dealer in close proximity to you and are a forum sponsor as well. They supposedly have very good prices for forum members. Let them know your price / budget restraints, and I'm sure they'll do everything in their power to assist you.

Don't listen to those jokers from Vegas and Texas about driving these in the snow! (JK)
Take the info you need from the true experts in Canada.


http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75306


Post 5 on that thread gives you about 8 more threads on the subject.
If you drove an Eclipse in the snow you will be just fine with a FRS once you get the hang of RWD. Driving RWD is not the horrid experience some will have you think it is. Keep in mind your grandmother and possibly great grandmother likely drove RWD in the snow all their lives (presuming they drove at all) without any of the electronic controls we have now.

Hey man idk if I'll be much help But I just recently bought my 10 Series FRS and I love it. I have not been in the snow yet but a lot of people day you jus need some good snow tires and weight in the back. But only downside to the FRS that no one has mentioned is that it's kinda small in the inside. I came from a 2010 corolla and its a huge difference back seats for me are basically useless. So if you need a lot of space you might need to look into something bigger, not sure how big the inside on an Eclipse is. But overall so far I don't regret my FRS

Hey now. I didn't say not to, I just said to keep your expectations realistic. I used to live in Utah, I'm familiar with driving in snow.

What is snow?

:happyanim:

Oh man does anybody actually live in Utah or just exist?

White stuff you see in Christmas movies. Sorta like cold sand.

You're thinking of Wyoming. Salt Lake City is actually pretty nice, and the skiing is excellent. The lake smells bad in the summer though.

:D

Just sent them an email, so we will see how it goes!! Thanks for the help

That thread helps a lot!! Thanks for the link

i will say after driving my FRS last year in the winter in Maryland its not the most practical but is totally possible with the right setup. only issue i had the whole winter was iced hills and couldn't get enough traction. i lived in Colorado Springs about 8 years ago and i would say that with the terrain it could be a problem but as long as your area has decent snow removal and treatment it should be fine just don't use the stock summer tires below freezing they are slick and will be sliding around almost every corner

my car is in toronto
i've driven it there for two winters

get a set of winters on it, keep reminding yourself its RWD and drive smart. You will be good.

Buy the FR-S for the summers and maybe a beater jeep for the winters.

That's good to know. Typically where I am they are pretty good at removing the snow.

Definitely drive smart haha.

That's definitely something to consider, but I don't know if I could manage it at this time.

Decided I'd chime in again for fun. Like others have said, driving smart and with the right tires will do you just fine. I haven't driven in snow (never even seen fresh powder in my 24 years of life), but people have managed just fine with these cars. The consensus seems to be that the car communicates so well that any slip will be telegraphed to you quite clearly. I've had a couple goes at pushing this car in the rain with stock tires and unless you turn off the nannies you're gonna be planted.

I might hesitate a bit if I lived somewhere where it snowed, but after my first week with this car, I couldn't see myself ever regretting it. You won't be disappointed!

That's is really good to know. Thanks!!

No don't buy an FRS buy a BRZ (;