Newbie car buyer Questions

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by mrblue

If you're not experienced driving a manual then you're going to have a hard time comparing the transmission in a BRZ vs other cars. It has its quirks to get used to IMO but it won't be more difficult to drive or learn on than any other manual. If the fluid is not warm 2nd gear is not that easy to get into but like you may have read that issue seems to go away by swapping it out. I haven't done it yet (only 2500 miles) but it's on the list in the next few weeks. I would say on your test drive to make sure you get the temps up before deciding how it feels going through the gears.

White paint actually hides dirt better than the darker colors so no problems there. White was my 2nd color choice but I went with the WRB instead. White with tint looks very very good.

The BRZ/FR-S has the easiest manual tranny I've driven. I'd say that for a new manual driver, it's a great entry level vehicle.

[calidus]

I have read the many endorsements for getting a set of winter tires, I was wondering if they are still need when the car is coming with all season tires? Also is it appropriate to talk pricing here?

[mjh712]

Originally Posted by calidus

I have read the many endorsements for getting a set of winter tires, I was wondering if they are still need when the car is coming with all season tires? Also is it appropriate to talk pricing here?

I don't know about the All-Seasons, but if your car comes with the Primacy HPs.....



Regarding the Pricing, it all depends on what you're looking for Limited/Premium & extras.

Like someone said above, give Clint a call & go over your options & at least get a quote. You can buy it from him (I'm assuming he has something close to what you're looking for because he has a lot of them) or you can use the quote to get the best value from your local dealer. (See how close they can get bc it might be cheaper without the shipping)

You might also be able to negotiate winter tires, but it all depends on what they have. There's a lot of threads about tires here. I went steelies for my winter tires so I can just swap wheels (& TPMS Sensor codes, but that's a whole other conversation you might want to look into if you go that route)

I learned how to drive manual the day before I picked up my BRZ, I had someone else drive it home from the dealership though. If you can find someone to teach you that's great, if not then Youtube, WRXfan has a good video. Find a flat road/parking lot & just find the sweet spot on the clutch, then find a hill (low traffic area, I did my development) & move ~30ft then stop, & do it over and over again until you get a feel for the clutch. Also, don't worry if you stall, if someone honks at you then screw them. Just avoid large inclines if possible, or use your emergency break if necessary. The more you drive, the easier it gets until it's second nature.

Edit: I know I'm using the meme wrong, but read it non-sarcastically

[calidus]

It seems you are correct, the BRZ comes with summer tires, while the FRS I was quoted came with all seasons.

[Senor 86]

White is a better color than black, I had a black car once and that thing always looked dirty. Anywho, just some friendly Dealer tips on how they make their money and how you can save.
1. They really don't make much on the sticker price.
2. They make money on service contracts, GAP ins, and the Loan, also the service.
3. If they say that thats the only car available and it comes with a bunch of add ons that you don't want. its not true (you can actually order the car you want and have it delivered to the dealership.
4.You can always finance the car with your bank instead of theirs, (Example. (You buy the car at 10% APR from the dealer, you can go to the bank and they can transfer the loan at a lower rate like 8%. Thats a 2 percent savings which is 480 bucks for a 24k loan. (And the bank has their GAP insurance too)
5. Depending on you driving habits you can refuse some their services in the finance department, (Like scratch protection, GAP, Service contracts) keep in mind they will push you buy them because they are pressured to do so.
6. Also if you get the service contract, please read it, although they say it covers a lot of all the car, there are exclusions like electrical components, windows, radio, etc. so be careful.

Best of luck, on your buying experience hope it goes well.

[ZionsWrath]

This was my first manual car, I had driven a stick before though. I didn't stall during the test drive but I did stall pulling it off the lot taking it home. It is pretty easy/forgiving. You will find certain gear change situations will respond well to double clutching.

[IronSean]

Originally Posted by calidus

I have read the many endorsements for getting a set of winter tires, I was wondering if they are still need when the car is coming with all season tires? Also is it appropriate to talk pricing here?

Both versions come with Michelin Primacy HP Summer Tires. If they come with anything else, those aren't stock. If the dealer is trying to throw in All seasons for winter, make them throw in Winter's instead(Although, it's probably cheaper in the long run to get a smaller set of steel rims and winter tires on them. 16" winters are cheaper than 17, and then you just need a $5 rim swap each season).

All season's aren't winter tires by a long stretch, and if you have a chance of hitting snow or ice you'll wish you had them. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGfvyPtYR0Y"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGfvyPtYR0Y[/ame]

And if you want to see what could happen if you use the stock tires in winter, just check out this thread: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54821

[mjh712]

Originally Posted by IronSean

And if you want to see what could happen if you use the stock tires in winter, just check out this thread: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54821

I'd love to see one with the HPs, "The grand-touring tires couldn't take the 90 degree left turn at 15 mph, & had a stopping distance of.... we'll let you know when we have sufficient space to test..."

[calidus]

Well I test drove a BRZ with HP's in two inches of snow. It was interesting and now I have zero doubts about buying snow tires . I also bought it! The dealer talked me into the 84 month extended warranty for 3k was that stupid?

[chas3wba0]

Originally Posted by calidus

Well I test drove a BRZ with HP's in two inches of snow. It was interesting and now I have zero doubts about buying snow tires . I also bought it! The dealer talked me into the 84 month extended warranty for 3k was that stupid?

Extended warranties are rarely ever a good deal for the buyer, but hey if you have the money...

Was also going to say: shop for a loan if you plan on financing, and go in with a pre-approved loan before you buy so you can negotiate a better rate but it seems you have already bought so I'll just leave that there.

[JS + BRZ]

Originally Posted by calidus

Well I test drove a BRZ with HP's in two inches of snow. It was interesting and now I have zero doubts about buying snow tires . I also bought it! The dealer talked me into the 84 month extended warranty for 3k was that stupid?

The dealer won that extended warranty fight.

But that's okay, you got yourself a fun toy now. Have fun driving it!

[calidus]

Originally Posted by chas3wba0

Extended warranties are rarely ever a good deal for the buyer, but hey if you have the money...

Was also going to say: shop for a loan if you plan on financing, and go in with a pre-approved loan before you buy so you can negotiate a better rate but it seems you have already bought so I'll just leave that there.

I can cancel it for a $50 fee, it my first car that isn't a beater and I kinda paranoid about it.

I got a 0% APR loan so I don't think I could do better

[JS + BRZ]

I would definitely pay $50 to refund back $3k.

It's worth it for cars like M3/S4, certainly not for a BRZ.

[chas3wba0]

Originally Posted by calidus

I got a 0% APR loan so I don't think I could do better

Well, there you go. Surprised that you can get 0% being a first-time car buyer, though