I just realized I can't afford an FR-S :/ What should I get instead??

[why?]

this is my only real gripe about the 85, it should have been an old school hatch like the original.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by why?

this is my only real gripe about the 85, it should have been an old school hatch like the original.

In the history write up of the car they explain that they were originally considering a hatch but it added to much weight and compromised the rigidity too much for what they had in mind. Would certainly increase the practicability factor by several degrees though.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

In the history write up of the car they explain that they were originally considering a hatch but it added to much weight and compromised the rigidity too much for what they had in mind. Would certainly increase the practicability factor by several degrees though.

While it definitely would have been cool to have a hatch (I really wanted an RSX for awhile) it's things like this that turn a car into a 'sports car' I think one of the first threads I read on here was "Do you want a sunroof" and after 4 responses of "omg yes" the fifth guy said "Hell no, a leaky hole in the top that compromises rigidity, adds weight, and takes away interior space? Eff that"

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

While it definitely would have been cool to have a hatch (I really wanted an RSX for awhile) it's things like this that turn a car into a 'sports car' I think one of the first threads I read on here was "Do you want a sunroof" and after 4 responses of "omg yes" the fifth guy said "Hell no, a leaky hole in the top that compromises rigidity, adds weight, and takes away interior space? Eff that"

I would not have even considered the FRS if it was a hatch. Not from some obscure "because sports car" rational but simply because I prefer a coupe or sedan with an actual trunk. It must be an old guy thing.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I would not have even considered the FRS if it was a hatch. Not from some obscure "because sports car" rational but simply because I prefer a coupe or sedan with an actual trunk. It must be an old guy thing.

Yeah I think it is, station wagons were the family car when you were growing up, not cool, and minivans were the thing 20-10 years ago poisoning it for another substantial group.

Every sedan I see just baffles me with the wasted space above the trunk, can't see the point in a "trunk" when a "hatch" has more space and is easier to access and fit things into.

The only advantage I can see to a trunk is that what's inside is hidden and can be made very difficult to access vs. a glass window and wimpy cover.

I've spent a fair amount of time talking to my parents about car styles over the past year. Mother wants a practical car for the dogs, hates how CUV's and SUV's drive, sedans don't have enough space, and rejects half the wagons and hatches I suggest. Goes to dealership lots and drives the SUVs and CUVs again and the cycle repeats. She's pretty happy with her new V60 now except it has weird tranny quirks.

[fridayfrs]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I would not have even considered the FRS if it was a hatch. Not from some obscure "because sports car" rational but simply because I prefer a coupe or sedan with an actual trunk. It must be an old guy thing.

I would have liked it I think. Definitely not as sexy as a hatch but may have allowed me to have 1 car. Right now I have a hatchback and the rollerskate (frs) with the frs being my drive when the weather is nice toy.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by DannyQ86

If you are patient and stretch your budget a few grand over 15k I think it's possible to find an frs. Might be a high mileage, at least higher than average for a 2013 model year. It's well worth it but will take some searching on your part, probably won't be the exact color or what not but if you are willing to spend 15k + why not get the car you want. Are you financing or cash buyer? If cash buyer try lease to own maybe? You could possibly have some changes with finances over the lease time and choose to buy it when it's all said and done. Hope everything works out for you.

Honestly if you have to suggest that he stretch his budget it's not a good idea. Stretching ones budget for a car is never a good idea. I've been there and done that. It's just not a good thing to do.


Now if he had 15k cash sure, get a loan for a couple grand, whatever.. but I doubt that's the case here.


OP: If you want something newer than RWD/AWD is unlikely. WRX wagon's if you want to go a bit older maybe. Otherwise if you want cheap, reliable and lots of storage, buy a Honda Fit. Great car for your needs IMO.

[tennisfreak]

If you cant afford a FR-S then I'd say you need to get a job (or a better one)!

[Irace86]

IS300 and GS300 are good looking Lexuses with a 2jz so reliability is there and swaps and turbo upgrades are possible.

BMW 3 series...lots come with a turbo or non-tuba straight six and of course RWD.

WRX

[iwantafrs]

Probably a GTI or Golf sounds pretty good. Also the Jetta GLI.

[Zhangy]

get a used frs, a written off frs, you just have to get one

[sofrsnsokleen]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

I would NOT be looking at an 86 if you need room in the back.

Yes, you can fit things. No, it isn't simple or easy like it would be with a hatch or a small SUV.

I've put a 100Qt ice chest w/ ice/food/beer, clothes, and camping gear in mine and it pretty well filled the back. It also handled like it had a full 100Qt cooler in the back.

Probably my choice would be WRX 5 door.

I agree with the fr-s being cramped inside, its really a 2 seater with seats bolted to the back for insurance purposes.
My choice as a fellow musician would be the XB, never really gave them a 2nd look when I was drooling over my FR-S before I purchased, but in hindsight, after realizing theres literally no way to fit a drum set in an fr-s unless you tie the drums to the roof, the XB is really friggin roomy, and a good deal cheaper than the fr-s.

If you want speed, and a hatch, go with a used gti, wrx hatch, focus st, or mazdaspeed 3. Actually, I had a 1st gen mazda 3, and it was pretty quick for not having a ton of power.

[caliprep]

Originally Posted by soilent

So, long story short, I was planning on getting an 86, but due to some personal circumstances I realized I won't be able to afford one. My first thought was obviously just buy a used one, but even those are typically too expensive. Anyway, I'd really like to get a car with a similar experience and setup as an 86- RWD (AWD is acceptable too), small, and has back seats and/or pretty decent cargo space (I'm a musician and have to haul gear pretty often). My budget now is around 15k and the suggested car HAS to be very reliable. I use my car for my job and drive upwards of 25k miles a year, so it can't be some 90s project 240sx or the like. Thanks.



EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm really getting some good stuff in here. A couple things I've thought about that usually don't come to mind in this situation are some older Lexus and Infinitis. Especially the used Lexus market. Those things are dirt cheap. What are your thoughts on an IS model or an Infiniti G?

when you mean used Lexus/Infinitis....Do you mean an IS250 with over 90K miles? I'd personally stay away from the G35's...Had an 05 coupe and the radiator/coolant issues on those were a nightmare, not to mention the interior was literally peeling off. Not sure how much the 2008-2009 G37's are going for, but a quick search....roughly 40K miles and up they are selling anywhere between 16K-26K, which is in your budget range.

For a brand new/slightly used car...What about a 2.0 Genesis coupe? It would probably be more closely in line to the FRS than a G/IS/Stang/WRX etc. These can be had for under 22K all day with low miles.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by caliprep

For a brand new/slightly used car...What about a 2.0 Genesis coupe? It would probably be more closely in line to the FRS than a G/IS/Stang/WRX etc. These can be had for under 22K all day with low miles.

While he's at it, he should contract cancer.