Taking your 86 for granted...

[86-tundra]

I DD a crewmax tundra and drive an FR-S on the weekends. Definitely the best way to appreciate the car as they are complete opposites.

[Mim]

Any time I get into the other car (Maxima 350) its so big and boat like I'm completely demotivated to drive it in anything resembling enthusiastic. Yes it has a lot more power, but I just don't feel the need to get lead footed with it. Been doing wonders with its fuel economy!

Then I jump back in the BRZ and I'm darting through traffic, prodding the accelerator (just for the extra angry engine noise) and start playing with my paddles as I slowly start learning about the right gears to match the conditions / road. This car is such a cathartic experience.

Its nice having kinda polar opposite cars in the house. You start to appreaciate how good (or bad) they might be against the criteria of their intended purpose in life and this helps you remember their good points. Sadly most of us tend to only rememeber the bad elements.

[richardM]

Originally Posted by stevesnj

Being as i will have an FR-S in the summer I can't appreciate it right now and since I am not a well off guy and only financed one vehicle ever, for 3 years, and I have been saving for over a year now and will have enough to buy this June/July. I work 13 hour shifts Mon-Thurs. to save for this car. I will take pride in the fact I worked for every penny on my own and no bank or parental involvement is involved. My dad has offered but this is something I must do. I never had a new car in my life I always bought used so now I am in a position where I can save to buy. I will baby it but not to extreme lengths. I'n the winter I will have a car cover for it when snow is forecast and drive the Landcruiser and just keep it clean inside and out, treat it to some track time, a track run or two and plenty of winding roads. I will appreciate it everyday as I look at it from my window, shift gears, drive to work, and enjoy the twisties with some nice tunes. Looking so forward to enjoying every second of this car.

"...I am not a well off guy..." It sounds to me like you are on the right path to becoming well-off. Work hard, save up for what you want, then buy with cash.

Don't tell the dealer you are going to pay cash, because they are going to ask "How did you plan on paying for this?" Get their best offer on paper, and when they ask how you want to pay again say "That sounds like a great deal, how about I just write you a check?"

They just sort of blink at you, like turtles.

[rxlynn]

Originally Posted by fitcious

the OP brings up a great point - it actually crossed my mind a few times..not in the sense of not appreciating the FRS, because I know our cars are really good for the money and drives extremely well.

The thought of what car to get after the FRS is bothersome. The FRS does everything right (althought some creature comforts can be better) but what other cars will there be that offers the same amount of satisfaction with an affordable price tag (new car)?

There are Porsches, BMWs, etc that might provide similar experience but the price tag will be much higher.

After driving the FRS for almost two years now, I know i've been spoiled with pure driving satisfaction and it will be hard to find something similar in the future that fits all the categories the FRS excels at.

I have been really worried about this since about month 2 of ownership. What will I buy next? I am having a hard time imagining what else will fit me so well.

[Packofcrows]

Forgot how to drive friend's is350 and my pickup.... clutch on FR-S is so different!

[pinski]

I still look forward to driving it everyday, and the OP's comments remind me of a car selling mistake I made a few years ago.

I had a NC Miata and loved that car. Great handling, fun to drive, economical and completely reliable. Only had to replace the t-stat in 120k miles. After I got divorced and then only had it for my mode of transportation (ex had a CX9), I started noticing all its shortcomings - lack of space, noisy at speed, lack of space, no luxury, lack of space, etc. So I traded it in on a Lexus. Worst. Decision. Ever. At first, the Lexus was great, solving every issue I had with the Miata in spades - it was comfortable, tons of space, quiet, luxurious, had technology, etc. However, after living with it for about a year I began to hate it - it was boring to drive, had okay power, but wasn't fast, steering was uncommunicative and it just never put a smile on my face. I desperately missed my NC and regretted trading it in.

So, I decided I wanted something else, even though I'd probably lose a little money on the Lexus, selling it after 18 months. After quite a long search, I basically found what I consider the perfect replacement for my old NC - that provides what I missed about it and still solves a number of the issues I had with it too.