Help on what I am seeing

[tyrantcf]

That engine bay looks terrible. I can't believe a dealer would allow a customer to see it in that state

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

The painted bits are dull and the black bits are brown, so I'm going with VERY dirty.

Which reminds me, I need to clean my engine bay.

Ya I blew the pic up a bit and it does look nasty.


Maud; if the previous owner could not be bothered to clean up the hair or the engine before selling it I would have to wonder just what else he let slide. Appreciate the fact that he was obviously getting rid of it and didn't care but that dirt didn't happen overnight. People that let the little things slide frequently let the big ones go as well. Sure the dealer will clean it up and you will never know but that doesn't mean it wasn't neglected.


Also very important that you get proof of all the service work done on these! If anybody can't put well documented service records, especially oil changes in front of you walk away and don't look back.

[gramicci101]

Maud, for comparison, I don't allow dirty people into my car, much less animals. I keep a pair of gloves in the glove box in case my hands are dirty and a lightweight jacket in the trunk in case I've been working outside and I'm sweaty or dirty so it doesn't get on the seats. Only bottled drinks, no cans or cups. I keep a dish towel in case I've got something wet and a microfiber towel to clean the windows or dust the stereo. I may go a bit overboard, but my interior is spotless after a year of ownership. Since I spend more time in the car than outside looking at it, it's worth it to me. And I keep the outside as clean as possible.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

Maud, for comparison, I don't allow dirty people into my car, much less animals. I keep a pair of gloves in the glove box in case my hands are dirty and a lightweight jacket in the trunk in case I've been working outside and I'm sweaty or dirty so it doesn't get on the seats. Only bottled drinks, no cans or cups. I keep a dish towel in case I've got something wet and a microfiber towel to clean the windows or dust the stereo. I may go a bit overboard, but my interior is spotless after a year of ownership. Since I spend more time in the car than outside looking at it, it's worth it to me. And I keep the outside as clean as possible.

Oh crap Gram is really Dexter!!!!!! A "bit" overboard???


My car get's brutally dirty inside because of how long I spend in there but I clean it once a week so unless you catch it on a Friday afternoon you would never know.

[MaudDib]

Thanks everyone for the input. I would give you an actual thank but I guess I haven't been here long enough.

I thought things didn't look right but I needed eyes that knew more than I do. Would have been nice to get a car with the mods already installed but not worth the risk about buying someone's beater.

Originally Posted by Caspeed

For just a few K more you can buy a new one with a warranty. That hasn't been modded or raced. It's worth the peace of mind. Also you should get a lower interest rate on a new car.

I looked at one but I am not sure the warranty is really worth it. I expect I can talk them down the the mid $18,000 so an extra $8,000 isn't worth 20,000 miles. Plus the used ones fit my budget much better.

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

My car get's brutally dirty inside because of how long I spend in there but I clean it once a week so unless you catch it on a Friday afternoon you would never know.

The term "glove box" came from somewhere; where else would I keep them? And it's not like they're latex; they're the gloves we issue to our pilots.

The outside of my car I will let get dirty, although I give it a bath every two weeks whether it needs it or not. The inside? Never. I keep that clean by not letting it get dirty in the first place.

I keep the scalpel hidden though. It's spring loaded under the passenger seat.
(That part isn't true.)

Originally Posted by MaudDib

I thought things didn't look right but I needed eyes that knew more than I do. Would have been nice to get a car with the mods already installed but not worth the risk about buying someone's beater.

There are better used cars out there; I would leave this one alone.

[REAV3R]

You can always have a mechanic give it a good look before buying. I'm of the mind that just because it's dirty doesn't mean it's not mechanically sound. Those mods (minus the pulley, IMO) are relatively harmless. I'd be more concerned with how the drivetrain has aged and whether or not the poor thing was abused rather than driven. Too many variables; it's up to your gut telling you if it's driving good or if there's something wonky with it. Have you driven it yet?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by REAV3R

You can always have a mechanic give it a good look before buying. I'm of the mind that just because it's dirty doesn't mean it's not mechanically sound. Those mods (minus the pulley, IMO) are relatively harmless. I'd be more concerned with how the drivetrain has aged and whether or not the poor thing was abused rather than driven. Too many variables; it's up to your gut telling you if it's driving good or if there's something wonky with it. Have you driven it yet?

The abused is more what I meant when I was talking about the dirt. Dirt can be just because the guy lived in the boonies but it can also mean he just didn't care and that can be bad.

[REAV3R]

LOL I'd say to listen for those tell-tale rattles, squeaks, creaks, and odd mechanical noises, but... well, they ALL do that new or not!

[BRZnut]

I'd pass on a modified car unless I knew the owner

[JM9ISM]

Originally Posted by MaudDib

Ever any concern that these aren't installed correctly and might be causing problems on the car? I want to be able to do some of the work myself on this so a little worried when there is stuff I don't know what it is.

They want $19,990 with 21,000 miles.

I'll pass

[Target70]

I know it's a different area, but i got mine for $20,500 with 7,000 miles on it and it was pristine. I would only buy if the dealer agreed cover everything under factory warranty, or extended a warranty of their own, and even then only priced at $18k or less

[Teseo]

Just walk away for god sake!!
Buy used stock one in authorized dealer and try get the best offer like
extended warranty like someone said few post above. If you dont like the car, you still
have chance to get a trade in because frs its not modified.
I forgot, do a favor and buy it hot lava (orange color).

[Tromatic]

A used FR-S/BRZ with mods is always going to be a risk. Going by that single pic, pass.