Concerning thoughts...FR-S the new Civic?

[Pbrown]

There are many reasons why this will not be a mass seller.

it's sporty
It takes premium fuel
It is rear wheel drive
it has limited cargo space
it is a three seater at best.
Insurance rates are increased.
Not cheap enough for the masses
Not enough perceived horsepower for the straight line guys.

This car is definately a niche vehicle. And I love being in the niche.

[R8]

Originally Posted by tripjammer

The car is $25K to $28K for the 6 speed versions, way more expensive than any lowly honda civic...

Well, the Si is 24-25K I think. So somewhat similar. I do think people will cross-shop the two to some degree.

[ZmZMWagon]

I've said this before, this is the new Civic. It's already being riced out for car shows. The whole "limited production" thing is crap.

[SixSpeed]

Originally Posted by denverizzles

I am going to love my FR-S when it arrives, but I am worried that the FR-S maybe the new Civic. Obviously, they are two completely different cars, but does anyone know how many FR-S' are being built? I remember late 90's every other car was a freaking Civic, does the FR-S have the potential be just like that?

I would REALLY HATE to see the FR-S being bought by everyone and it then being considered the new Civic.

Your thoughts?

I'm thinking the same way in terms of theft. Currently, I have no room to park in my garage. With the FR-S out, I fear people will break into one the same way they did with the old school civics.

[Asterisked Accolade]

If you would let popularity stop you from buying this car then either your priorities may need rethinking, or you should just buy something else.

[TOMIMOTO]

You guys are all wrong. The WRX is the new Civic. There are older models now, so more stupid teens are getting their hands on them.

[rcm47]

No, and it never will be. Thats an insult.

[russv]

I did read that there is capacity to build 100,000 cars per year.

[R8]

Originally Posted by Asterisked Accolade

If you would let popularity stop you from buying this car then either your priorities may need rethinking, or you should just buy something else.

I agree, and yet I think enjoying a sense of community does factor into some people's buying decisions. I bet this forum has in fact created many new buyers who may have otherwise looked elsewhere.

Seeing your car exploited by the masses for reasons other than loving the car itself can dilute that experience. Passionate cars like these go beyond just driving it for some people. There's a whole subjective ambiance of knowing you have something special, and being able to share and relate that joy with others.

[denverizzles]

Originally Posted by R8

I agree, and yet I think enjoying a sense of community does factor into some people's buying decisions. I bet this forum has in fact created many new buyers who may have otherwise looked elsewhere.

Seeing your car exploited by the masses for reasons other than loving the car itself can dilute that experience. Passionate cars like these go beyond just driving it for some people. There's a whole subjective ambiance of knowing you have something special, and being able to share and relate that joy with others.

I have to agree with this. It's not about priorities or what other people think of your car. It's knowing that you love your car and that it's special and that people who own the car appreciate what the car was built for. I used to own an e36 m3 and let me tell you. The community that owns m3's are pretty tight knit and would not enjoy knowing that everyone and their brother could get an m3 and turn it into something it's not.

Think of it this way...you treat your car as well as it can be treated, then you you spot another FR-S that has been treated like crap, rust all over, and a folgers coffee can for an exhaust. How does this make you feel? Obviously, there will always be people out there that do this to their car, but as an FR-S owner, i'd hope you bought the car because you understand that the car is capable of.

[empower-auto]

Simply put - the FR-S will never be the new "Civic" because there simply isn't the sort of market for a cramped RWD sports coupe versus that of a FWD "Sporty" coupe/sedan platform with much more utility.

The Civic is a sensible car - very economical. Got a family? Buy a 4 door.

The FR-S is a bachelor car (or hobby car for the discerning family man who already has a Civic haha)

[86'd]

I'll bet you'll see as many as you do Genesis coupes; maybe a little less.

Heck, I don't even see that many Civic Sis anymore.

Hondas were popular for a lot of different reasons in the 90's. They were very reliable, practical, they all looked the same, they were able to be built for cheap, they all shared the same parts and they were in that one movie...

It's a toss-up. Just look at how many Mustangs are sold. Tons. Americans like power.

I think as much as I'd like to see the FRS on every corner, I think it's too weak for most people and not practical enough for them as well. Especially at it's price point...

But in a few of years when FRSs are selling for under $20k they are going to be a steal.

That's when you'll see them everywhere.

[Asterisked Accolade]

You guys have valid points.

I just have trouble wrapping my head around the notion of only getting a car no one else has ever violated, and that isn't saturated on the streets. I mean, even corvettes are all over, and i've seen some pretty american-rice(?) corvettes. That wouldn't stop me from getting one.

In my eyes, you get the FR-S because it is a revitalization of a time when cars were exciting and wonderful-- not federally mandated and in a bout with wild life conservationists. The FR-S has some prestige to it's name and to it's message. If people are ricing it out, attend a meet from this forum and regain some perspective-- there are people doing this car right, and they respect you for doing your car right.

To be honest, i think this forum and it's common passion are enough to trump any neon-lit, poor body kit, chrome 20'' wheel'd disappointment you may encounter.

[Lytheum]

maybe the new civic si....but not just the new civic. not sure what the sales numbers are for the si. I would have to say only 1 in 10 i see are an si.