Picking up my FRS tomorrow

[JFunk]

Hey, I'm a new member here and a I'm excited that tomorrow i get my first manual car. Although i was really wanting a Mitsubishi Evolution and almost ended up buying a Miata i found a very clean 2013 FRS for a very low price. I've driven manual before but in a very small town and never in a huge city like Miami. Can anybody offer any tips on driving the car, as every car is different or any tips on the caring of a Frs. I would really like to hear how the car feels after years of ownership.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by JFunk

Hey, I'm a new member here and a I'm excited that tomorrow i get my first manual car. Although i was really wanting a Mitsubishi Evolution and almost ended up buying a Miata i found a very clean 2013 FRS for a very low price. I've driven manual before but in a very small town and never in a huge city like Miami. Can anybody offer any tips on driving the car, as every car is different or any tips on the caring of a Frs. I would really like to hear how the car feels after years of ownership.

There are threads and threads and more threads covering all of your questions. Just start reading. A good jump off point is here since it covers many basics - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96158

As far as driving MT in Miami goes, at least it is flat. Could be worse, you could be in San Francisco!

[stevesnj]

Just drive it. Get used to every bit of the car, steering, breaking, handling. It's a joy these cars.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by JFunk

Hey, I'm a new member here and a I'm excited that tomorrow i get my first manual car. Although i was really wanting a Mitsubishi Evolution and almost ended up buying a Miata i found a very clean 2013 FRS for a very low price. I've driven manual before but in a very small town and never in a huge city like Miami. Can anybody offer any tips on driving the car, as every car is different or any tips on the caring of a Frs. I would really like to hear how the car feels after years of ownership.

WELCOME to ..... The Forum, @JFunk ..........

CONGRATULATIONS on your new purchase .....

First off, read the manual ...... then wait 2 weeks and read it again ..... ALL of it this time.

As far as driving the FR-S in city traffic ..... just keep the revs up and don't lug it, because of its relatively low torque.

As far as caring for it:

Wash it with dish soap (only the first time - get all the old wax off); clay bar it then wax it with a good quality wax. Wash it when it gets dirty with a car wash soap (that won't remove wax) and wax it every 6 months.

Mechanical upkeep ..... just follow the maintenance schedule in the manual.

After 3 years of ownership ..... I still look forward to driving it......

When parking, keep your distance from the parking stops ..... the front lip will not clear many of them.

After you get your car, if you have questions, I suggest you search this forum (97% of the questions have already been asked and answered), then if you are still confused .... ask in a post.

Oh yes, the "chirping" you may hear from the engine compartment is the HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) doing its thing ..... quite normal.

If you see a good post, you can "thank" people, if you wish ....... after you have made at least 10 posts (thanks buttons will appear).

Have fun and drive safe!


humfrz

[FR-Sky]

2nd gear,, 7000rpm, feint ,clutch kick, handbrake, gas.

[Curtski96]

Clutch spring delete! Look it up in the diy section, it has a way better feel and way easier to launch imo

[Teseo]

Welcome. Which color? In before crickets complain

[PandaSPUR]

Tell the guy you changed your mind, then go and get a BRZ instead

Kidding of course.

But really, a lot of your questions can be answered with some searching around the forums.

Here's a recent similar one that would give you some good overall info about what to expect:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105400

Specifically this post: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...8&postcount=13

[g e]

Going on 3 years in my manual BRZ. Grin factor still pegs the meter.

[stevesnj]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Wash it with dish soap (only the first time - get all the old wax off);
humfrz

Sorry but this is bad advice, dish soap is for dishes not UV clear coatings, wash and then buy a paint cleaner specific to remove old wax or use wax and grease remover available at any auto parts store to remove and old wax. Then clay bar if needed, then polish then wax.

Originally Posted by humfrz

the "chirping" you may hear from the engine compartment is the HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) doing its thing ..... quite normal

The consensus on chirping is using fuel less than 10% content. If you don't have it near you the chirping will be louder but it should cause no harm.

[tylerdone86]

Originally Posted by JFunk

Hey, I'm a new member here and a I'm excited that tomorrow i get my first manual car. Although i was really wanting a Mitsubishi Evolution and almost ended up buying a Miata i found a very clean 2013 FRS for a very low price. I've driven manual before but in a very small town and never in a huge city like Miami. Can anybody offer any tips on driving the car, as every car is different or any tips on the caring of a Frs. I would really like to hear how the car feels after years of ownership.

Bro, you will fall in love with your FRS. I bought my 2013 FRS in Miami also, about 3 months ago, they're very common in the city. But anyways, it handles amazingly, the steering is kinda sensitive so it doesn't take much force to steer, if you're experienced with driving RWD vehicles then you can use the VSC sport mode which lets you lose traction for a couple of seconds if you launch it. Driving around Miami should be easy but if you come up to a draw bridge or hill, make sure you know how to hill start with the handbrakes so you don't roll back. You'll enjoy your car, I guarantee it.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by stevesnj

Sorry but this is bad advice, dish soap is for dishes not UV clear coatings, wash and then buy a paint cleaner specific to remove old wax or use wax and grease remover available at any auto parts store to remove and old wax. Then clay bar if needed, then polish then wax.



.

Well now, stevesnj, that appears to be a controversial issue.

My opinion is, that using a dish washing soap (such as Dawn) will NOT significantly harm the clear coat, with only one washing (like I suggested), if it's followed by a polish and or wax.

However, folks, since their are products out there that are specifically formulated to remove old wax from cars ....... ya might as well go with the new technology.

After going up to the automotive store ...... I discovered that is a ton of NEW waxes for cars ....... besides "Simonize" ......

(and I still think it's OK to use Comet cleanser on whitewalls ......)


humfrz

[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Well now, stevesnj, that appears to be a controversial issue.

My opinion is, that using a dish washing soap (such as Dawn) will NOT significantly harm the clear coat, with only one washing (like I suggested), if it's followed by a polish and or wax.

However, folks, since their are products out there that are specifically formulated to remove old wax from cars ....... ya might as well go with the new technology.

After going up to the automotive store ...... I discovered that is a ton of NEW waxes for cars ....... besides "Simonize" ......

(and I still think it's OK to use Comet cleanser on whitewalls ......)


humfrz

Originally Posted by stevesnj

Sorry but this is bad advice, dish soap is for dishes not UV clear coatings, wash and then buy a paint cleaner specific to remove old wax or use wax and grease remover available at any auto parts store to remove and old wax. Then clay bar if needed, then polish then wax.



The consensus on chirping is using fuel less than 10% content. If you don't have it near you the chirping will be louder but it should cause no harm.

Actually a good technique for the prewash to clay barring the car is to use dawn dish soap, it cuts away most of the old wax so you can easily clay bar the entire car. Humfrz is right, the proper method is Wash with the soap you normally use and drop a little dawn or dish soap in, then clay bar, polish and wax.

[stevesnj]

Not saying it wont work, but as bad as the paint and clear is on our cars I wouldn't want to push the limits on the clear coat and regret it in a few years. Just an opinion also.

Any yes Comet is still the best to whiten White Lettering. I never had white walls. Those are for old people.