Potential FR-S / BRZ Buyer - Feedback Appreciated
 

Hi,

First of all I'd like to thank everyone who posts both positive and negative information, as I've been lurking for a bit, but have really learned a lot about the FR-S / BRZ from this forum as part of my research.

I've narrowed my search and am planning on scheduling a couple of test drives for later in the week but I was wondering if I could get some thoughts on a few questions I had below...

Disclaimer: I'm a car NOOB, have never driven manual, and know only the bare bone minimum to keep a vehicle running (still driving a 2002 Honda Accord which was purchased new - has roughly 270,000 miles on it). One of the reasons I joined this forum is so I can learn a bit more and keep a FR-S / BRZ properly maintained if I go through with the purchase.

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Questions:

- A handful of local dealers seem to be carrying more used FR-S / BRZ right now, I'm assuming it's because of the impending winter months (NJ) - is now an ideal time to buy? I am not in danger of my Accord dying on me, and have ample cash saved (the prices I have seen listed seem reasonable, but I was hoping to negotiate them down).

- My commute for the next 1-2 years will be roughly 100 miles a day (highway driving, level terrain) - I wanted to make this my daily driver. Is this feasible in a FR-S / BRZ?

- Is it unreasonable to ask a dealer to throw in snow tires? I figured it couldn't hurt to ask - as I read a poster or two saying they were able to - but this is my first time purchasing a car on my own so any advice is appreciated.

- If I purchase mounted snow tires, can those be installed on your own like a simple spare tire, or are there any other checks / activities that should be performed?


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There were a few more things I wanted to ask about, but can't remember at this point in time...

Thanks,
02.ACCORD.DUDE

-for a RWD sporty car, I imagine winter probably is the best time to get one cheap, especially up north.

-my daily commute is only 20 miles, but I drive ~300-400 miles every weekend without any complaints. Car can definitely be a daily driver. Even being a manual, getting stuck in traffic is not that bad. Previous car was a auto 2000 Accord for reference.

-negotiating snow tires seems feasible, but up to the dealer.

-car has TPMS, so a light will come on if you put a set on that the computer doesn't recognize (or doesn't exist). You could search and I bet you'd find someone who has found a solution.

-Yes, probably not a bad time to pick one up, just be patient, negotiate, and get yourself a good deal.

-Definitely doable (I commute 60 miles round trip a day). Just understand that from a noise perspective, this car is not a Lexus or Cadillac and it will be substantially noisy/noiser than what you are used to, so if this is a dealbreaker don't get the car.

As a sidenote to this you mentioned you never drove manual before. I want to mention that once you get used to it, it's not that annoying to drive in traffic. You tend to change your driving habits for the better too (leaving lots of space in front of you and just cruising real slow until traffic picks up)

-Why not? Can't hurt to ask for snow tires. If not there are reasonable options on Tire Rack. I have Michelin Xi3's and like them a lot, have heard good things about General Altimax Arctics too.

-If you buy mounted/balanced snow tires you can install them yourself, just make sure things are torqued to spec. Because I am lazy I just pay Sears $50 to swap tires on the stock rims when time comes to switch. Snow tires are a 100% must with this car, the first year I had the car I tried to drive with the stock tires during a Chicago blizzard and it was really scary.

Thanks for the feedback.

How do you find the seats? I've read they kind of wear on you after a while, as for the noise thing - I'll definitely pay attention to it during my test drive, but as long as it's not any noisier than my dinosaur accord I should be all right.

The edge of the bolster on my seat is starting to wear a tad from getting in and out, likely from my pocket knife rubbing that spot though. Seat covers are fairly cheap, so if it does wear through, that is an option and they look quite nice.

I test drove an automatic and left with a manual. During my test drive i mainly heard exhaust and intake induction noise, there is a sound tube that's connected to the intake that pumps induction noise into the cabin. I don't think noise is that much an issue, compared to the accord from those days,
the edge of the bolster on my seat is starting to wear a tad from getting in and out as well(leather/alcantara), (approaching 10k mi 8 months)
also listen to it idle, if the chirping sound drives u nuts it may be a deal breaker to some, my fix was louder exhaust and turning up the radio,
all i can say is this car is like a high maint. girlfriend,
your always going to buy it nice new things,
its sleek slim sexy
only drinks the expensive stuff
constantly trying to shed weight
you can't stop looking at it
people will ask and complement it

Good luck

- A handful of local dealers seem to be carrying more used FR-S / BRZ right now, I'm assuming it's because of the impending winter months (NJ) - is now an ideal time to buy? I am not in danger of my Accord dying on me, and have ample cash saved (the prices I have seen listed seem reasonable, but I was hoping to negotiate them down).
Direct answer, Yes
Try shopping around the 20th and decide on a dealership around the 25th as most dealers will want to meet quotas. You'll be the one tossing the salesperson around if they have quotas to meet.

- My commute for the next 1-2 years will be roughly 100 miles a day (highway driving, level terrain) - I wanted to make this my daily driver. Is this feasible in a FR-S / BRZ?
The noise in the cabin is pretty loud and may send you towards getting some sound deadening materials.

- Is it unreasonable to ask a dealer to throw in snow tires? I figured it couldn't hurt to ask - as I read a poster or two saying they were able to - but this is my first time purchasing a car on my own so any advice is appreciated.
Never hurts to ask them to toss in extras, especially if they're trying to meet quotas, they'll try to do as much as they can for you.

- If I purchase mounted snow tires, can those be installed on your own like a simple spare tire, or are there any other checks / activities that should be performed?
If you get them with the TPMS sensors -- mounted and balanced it should be quick and easy.

100 miles a day, level road and mainly cruising, sounds like you'll enjoy Tesla more than 86.

Here's a warning from a new FR-S owner.

If you test drive it, you'll buy it.

Be prepared. :)

Sounds like you should look towards a GT car instead just for comfort. A Genesis would suit you well and still sta within your price and RWD needs. I would if I was driving that far everyday.

Drive anywhere from 6000 to 7000 kilometers a month and spend 12 to 14 hours a week in mine. I could not be happier at any point.

I commute 120 miles a day, after almost 2 years still no complaints and my seats still look new.

100 mile a day commuter club checking in.

I actually enjoy the ride much more than when I was driving my Lexus.

I feel like this depends on how tall you are, I'm ~6'1 and they are pretty comfy if adjusted right. For me personally they are not that comfortable on extremely long drives (like 100+ miles without stopping), but YMMV :thumbup: