Coming from Protege.... BRZ/FRS?

[FX86]

Originally Posted by Yal

I know it's the readheaded brother to the FRS, but the BRZ has the warning lines for the backup, but they don't move to show where you're going. Just straight out the back.

i guess the warning lines depend on the camera they install

i know the nissan's back up camera do that..they show you the trajectory of your vehicle when it's backing up..pretty cool stuff

[NARFALICIOUS]

Originally Posted by FX86

no lines though right?

No lines.

[OldSkoolToys]

Anybody having problems with their backup camera being a bit stiff and sore sometimes? Think I need to stretch it more often.

[weederr33]

OP's desires for a car basically spell out the FR-S, unless he wants some sort of hot hatch.

[paiceyfan]

Originally Posted by Protege13

Thanks for the input so far. I know some of you asked what my requirements are for practicality/storage.... Well, I would *like* to fit a modest sized drum kit into it. I know that sounds insane, but it's probably the biggest thing I ever haul anywhere. To give you an idea, I fit it into my protege just fine without issue. The entire thing. It's not necessarily essential, as I may keep my protege as a second car for the rare times I need to haul something like that. The upside to the Gen coupe when I looked at it was that it seemed to have enough space to squish my stuff into it.

The biggest problem I see is door clearance, and how far the seats can move forward. Does anyone have a video of putting a box or something into the back seats, showing the space and how much the seats move forward?

I also had a question: rear camera withstanding, what year would you buy? I don't mind buying used. Can anyone tell me what is a good mileage for this car used? I see a lot of examples in the Chicago area for 20-25k with 30-40k miles which seemed a little high to me.

I am a drummer and I can tell you, you have no chance with the 86...go for a hatchback...Civic SI or Golf GTI will work great and you will still have fun...not as much, but hey...


The Focus ST was another good suggestion...

[Th3rdSun]

Originally Posted by paiceyfan

The Focus ST was another good suggestion...

Focus RS is an even better suggestion,no?

[Protege13]

Originally Posted by paiceyfan

I am a drummer and I can tell you, you have no chance with the 86...go for a hatchback...Civic SI or Golf GTI will work great and you will still have fun...not as much, but hey...


The Focus ST was another good suggestion...

Thanks man. Appreciate the info from another drummer. Im trying not to base my car decision entirely around that but it has held me back a little. I have family and my girl who can lend me cars if I don't keep my protege, but I might keep it just for the times I have to haul my gear... And maybe for really bad winter driving. Lately I haven't been playing out often, but I will probably test drive those cars you listed just in case. I don't really like the aesthetics but I'll give anything a shot once!

[Songha]

7 months into my FR-S and I still never wanna go home after work. I just wanna drive somewhere, nowhere and everyything. Then I debate on pumping E85 and writing the stage 2 e85 tune with the OFT.

[wbradley]

Originally Posted by Protege13

Thanks for the input so far. I know some of you asked what my requirements are for practicality/storage.... Well, I would *like* to fit a modest sized drum kit into it. I know that sounds insane, but it's probably the biggest thing I ever haul anywhere. To give you an idea, I fit it into my protege just fine without issue. The entire thing. It's not necessarily essential, as I may keep my protege as a second car for the rare times I need to haul something like that. The upside to the Gen coupe when I looked at it was that it seemed to have enough space to squish my stuff into it.

The biggest problem I see is door clearance, and how far the seats can move forward. Does anyone have a video of putting a box or something into the back seats, showing the space and how much the seats move forward?

I also had a question: rear camera withstanding, what year would you buy? I don't mind buying used. Can anyone tell me what is a good mileage for this car used? I see a lot of examples in the Chicago area for 20-25k with 30-40k miles which seemed a little high to me.

I am was a drummer. Depends on the size of the bass mostly, floor toms and number of pieces and or if you have cases for everything. Pretty sure a 4 piece with a smallish base drum coulld fit easy. I hauled a roller home from Home Depot, one of those big drums you rent, fill with water and roll your lawn in the damp spring to level out the turf. That was in the front seat, reclined.

Eventually got Roland pro level V Drums, cymbals, big setup small space.

Get the Hyundai if you want a grand tourer, the twins for a canyon carver.

[Protege13]

Originally Posted by wbradley

I am was a drummer. Depends on the size of the bass mostly, floor toms and number of pieces and or if you have cases for everything. Pretty sure a 4 piece with a smallish base drum coulld fit easy. I hauled a roller home from Home Depot, one of those big drums you rent, fill with water and roll your lawn in the damp spring to level out the turf. That was in the front seat, reclined.

Eventually got Roland pro level V Drums, cymbals, big setup small space.

Get the Hyundai if you want a grand tourer, the twins for a canyon carver.

This is good news. I didn't even think of reclining the seat. To be honest my kit is smaller. I used to travel a lot touring and quickly made the switch from monster sized to "as little as I can carry as possible". I usually play a 4 piece DW collectors w/ 22" bass. These days, I have a wildly different job and don't play out as much, but on the occasions I do it would be nice to fit. Otherwise keeping the old protege. I've got full touring cases but the only time I use(d) them was traveling in a van. Any local shows I just go bare, and local stuff will probably be the majority of what I do now. If the event arises again for music to be my job then I'll be in a van or bus anyway so I won't worry about that aspect.

Can anyone chime in on whether 40k is too high miles for a 2015 model?

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Th3rdSun

Focus RS is an even better suggestion,no?

not for the current markups on them

[paiceyfan]

Originally Posted by Protege13

This is good news. I didn't even think of reclining the seat. To be honest my kit is smaller. I used to travel a lot touring and quickly made the switch from monster sized to "as little as I can carry as possible". I usually play a 4 piece DW collectors w/ 22" bass. These days, I have a wildly different job and don't play out as much, but on the occasions I do it would be nice to fit. Otherwise keeping the old protege. I've got full touring cases but the only time I use(d) them was traveling in a van. Any local shows I just go bare, and local stuff will probably be the majority of what I do now. If the event arises again for music to be my job then I'll be in a van or bus anyway so I won't worry about that aspect.

Can anyone chime in on whether 40k is too high miles for a 2015 model?

Ok, I take it back...you might be able to fit the kit in there. There is a 22" inch clearance in the passenger seat from door to center console, so if your bass drum is not as deep as that, it might work. You can probably get a small floor tom in the trunk (14.5" clearance). The stands will have to go into the back seat area. I have a Premier APK kit...no chance with that one (see profile photo!)

[ZeeRizz]

Things I have in common with OP:

1. Bought an '03 Protege for 8k years ago

2. Approaching 200k miles

3. Almost 27 years old

4. Clean driving record


Things we do not have in common:

1. Considered buying a genesis

[NOHOME]

Coincidentally, I transitioned from a 2002 Protege to the FRS.

I on the other hand have had a long history of two seat sports cars, so am used to some of the space dictated limitations.

It is a great transportation module. If you are single and don't envision putting people in the back seat, then you should be fine for most things. The trunk space is seldom a problem for me. I do have a hatchback if I need to carry big stuff (MGB GT).

Coming from the Protege, you will be impressed by the increase in power.

What sets the FRS aside from all other cars on the road is its light weight. Light weight allows for a driving experience that can be appreciated all the time and at all speeds. If this has value to you, then you will love the car. Drag racing abilities on the other hand, can only really be appreciated on the odd times that you are trolling for speeding tickets or exhibitionist driving citations. I rarely go there. In other words, if you have a small **** mentality, the FRS is not the car to buy.

The FRS is reasonably cheap to buy and maintain. That said, Oil and brake changes are going to be a shock after the protege. Front pads and rotors are $450 from Toyota (parts only) and oil changes around $70 since you need 0-20 synthetic. Premium fuel cost gets old also when you consider that there is no real benefit from it.

As far as being a foundation to make your own personal automotive statement, there is lots of aftermarket support for all systems on the car. Wheels, Tires, exhaust and suspension are all easy to work on.