frs base question

[Obja]

You're going through a phase, you're seeing these nicer and newer ones and wanting them

human nature!

[Panda Mao]

imo the only real reason to own the monogram is for low mileage garage mostly collectors car to sell 20+ years from now or to keep for a long time but only summer and or weekend only pleasure driving.

most of the parts on the monogram besides the limited edition numbering plaque can be bought and installed on the base frs the other reason is we're all gona mod the car regardless so the resale value will be less unless its in near mint condition and mods are reversable (assuming there isnt any heavy mods like body kits or engine rebuilds)

most of us bought these cars for the fun and mod factor dont get me wrong the monogram isnt a bad version I like it myself with the extra features but it would seem like a waste of money considering I am gona mod the F*** out of my car regardless lol

[Jegan_V]

I'm surprised that you couldn't source one during the time you got your car. I ordered my Monogram early simply to make sure I could get a MT as few Toyota dealers here want to allocate manuals. I got mine pretty much in the final weeks of March. As for what to do, the problem was you pulled the trigger and accepted delivery. I personally ordered a base 2014 in September of last year but cancelled it upon hearing the Monogram might actually be reality, as a result I waited half a year to get my car.

With regards to upgrading your base FRS to a Monogram...the only items for sure that aren't an issue to add on are the HIDs and the spoiler. The dual climate unit...while you can get the unit functioning it will only be a cosmetic upgrade. Nav system? Our Monograms don't come with it standard.

[8R6]

is dual-zone climate control really necessary in our tiny ass cars? lol

if i were you, id just keep the car and add the stuff i want like the lip spoiler, hid's, etc. if you wipe your ass with bills, then dump your car and take a hit and buy a new monogram.

[Panda Mao]

Originally Posted by BRGT86

is dual-zone climate control really necessary in our tiny ass cars? lol

thats what I think the dual zone climate control isnt even worth it overall and the other parts can eventually be added base vs monogram also like what I said earlier chances are anybody who buys this car will want to mod it whether its mild or wild we bought this car for the sole purpose of enjoying the drive.

[Chaetagnath]

I bought my FRS in 2012 (when there was no monogram or 10 series) and have since been slowly adding those creature comforts. It sort of depends on how much you can afford. Being as you have pretty low mileage you should be able to get a pretty good deal on a trade-in, but you have lost some value. Honestly, value wise, if you want all those creature comforts, you would probably get the best deal by trading it in for a limited BRZ, and then having a body shop swap out the FRS bumper. People have done that, and it could probably be done for less than a grand. So, depending on how good of a deal you get on the BRZ, you are probably looking at a hit of 4-7 k. Monogram might be a bigger hit. If you are the type who likes tinkering with a car for fun though, you can add almost all of the creature comforts over time for around the same cost, as long as you are doing the labor yourself. For example, you can get a five axis lip spoiler for 400, and an easygo start button kit for 600. There are some other start button options which are a little cheaper I think too. If you want HVAC, it can be done, but will cost at least 1500, and requires you to completely remove the dash. Nav is probably 600-800. You can get those toyota leather/alcantara seat covers from Japan for less than 600 (depending on the value of the Yen these days), and add aftermarket seat heaters underneath with identical buttons as the OEM for 30 bucks (you will also need to get a techstream for 25 off of ebay to turn off the passenger seatbelt alarm). If HID headlights are important to you, you can go aftermarket probably for less than 500 bucks. If you want the monogram headlights though, you are looking at at least 1600, or you can get BRZ headlights for around 1000. So depending on how you want to do it, you are probably looking at 3-6 thousand to upgrade everything. For me, its been rewarding doing everything myself, I've learned a lot, and I feel like I know my car so much better.

I just thought of another option. Buy a USED BRZ with several thousand miles on it and trade in your less used FRS. Might come out even. Then swap out the FRS bumper.

[Jyn]

The monogram is what made me finally decide to purchase the FR-S. I really enjoy it and think I wouldn't be as happy if I had a regular FR-S.

[IsidroGrau]

If you have an FRS base you can spend the money you saved on mods. Follow the forums and you will start to make a wish list.

[humfrz]

YIKES ...... you're gonna drive yourself crazy and go broke, if you keep lusting after, and switching to newer models, just because the have a new do-dad .....

I suggest you sit tight and enjoy what you have ..... those thoughts will pass .....


humfrz

[fatoni]

the best part of the car you bought already was the 5k in savings you managed over a monogram. way better than hids imo.

[acg2010]

especially since you can buy winjets outfitted with some sweet retrofitted HID projectors and good quality bulbs/ballast with good customer service and warranty from fteightysix and gixxersixerman for under 1k.

[Mister]

If you are not wanting for dual climate control, everything else is easily done yourself, for much less then the cost of taking a trade hit on your car. Even with low mileage a trade offer would be thousands less than you paid for it.

I have added heated seats, auto-dim mirror, knee pads (speaker+console), GT86/BRZ spoiler, and trunk liner for less than $500. I am going to be adding headlights and possibly the seat covers for the GT86 and I will be at a monogram feature set minus dual climate. But you get to do it yourself! If you love to tinker you will have an even greater appreciation for the car, and enjoy it more if you take the time to do the mods yourself. (And save some serious $$ along the way).

[andrewmay9]

I appreciate all the feedback guys! Less than sounds pretty good. Im in toronto so it may be a little bit more but where did you find all those items for that price (@mister)

[Drive]

You do you.