Finally took the FR-S for a test drive- first impression

[bartonian]

Originally Posted by topazsparrow

Does it even run on regular? Will it throw a CEL or something? the specs don't say regular/premium like the Genesis does, it strictly states just premium.

The car uses premium because it has a high compression ratio. Putting regular gas in can cause detonation and damage the cylinder walls/piston heads.

30 mpg seems great, but you factor in that extra 20 cents per gallon and it's not as great. I have a turbocharged car so I'm used to the premium pricing but it does kind of suck.

I like the platform of the FR-S, but a FR-ST would really be amazing.

The other thing I like about my protege is that it is unique. It was only made for 1 year and you don't see too many of them on the road. I may just fix it up and make it an FRS slayer

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by Chewie4299

I'm at 1k miles. I don't do a lot of highway driving and yet I'm averaging 33 (per the car) with the MT.

What?! I'm averaging 32mpg and doing 95% highway driving. How are you doing this!? tell me your secrets!!!

And to the original post, everybody knew this car had lil torque in the lower rpm range, but that's also not what this car was built for. If that is a major concern for you, than this car is definitely not for you.
I make up the lack of torque by stepping on the throttle a little harder than I normally do when accelerating.. It get's the job done.

but I loooooove driving this car in 3rd/4th gear in the higher rpm ranges, especially on roads with turns and hills. Too much fun.

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by bartonian

The car uses premium because it has a high compression ratio. Putting regular gas in can cause detonation and damage the cylinder walls/piston heads.

30 mpg seems great, but you factor in that extra 20 cents per gallon and it's not as great. I have a turbocharged car so I'm used to the premium pricing but it does kind of suck.

I like the platform of the FR-S, but a FR-ST would really be amazing.

The other thing I like about my protege is that it is unique. It was only made for 1 year and you don't see too many of them on the road. I may just fix it up and make it an FRS slayer

What other car gets you 30+ mpg combined and gets you to 60 in 6.5? Not trying to be a troll, I seriously wanna know.

[Bonburner]

The car lacks torque but I love driving it still, its great

[Chewie4299]

Originally Posted by jarviz

What?! I'm averaging 32mpg and doing 95% highway driving. How are you doing this!? tell me your secrets!!!

And to the original post, everybody knew this car had lil torque in the lower rpm range, but that's also not what this car was built for. If that is a major concern for you, than this car is definitely not for you.
I make up the lack of torque by stepping on the throttle a little harder than I normally do when accelerating.. It get's the job done.

but I loooooove driving this car in 3rd/4th gear in the higher rpm ranges, especially on roads with turns and hills. Too much fun.

I'm just finishing up the break in and keeping it under 4k. I also rev match/downshift to slow down almost every time. At this rate, at least when I WANT to drive economically, it seems I'll always be able to get >33 MPG and my brakes will last forever.

Though after the oil change that I'm going to do today... I plan in ripping on it some to REALLY get to know the car some more.

[SUB-FT86]

Everybody that's saying the car feels slow because it is so well balanced I don't believe you guys one bit. I was in a more well balanced car that didn't feel slow and it's called a Honda S2000. The balance of this car is not ideal as a 370Z and Gencoupe is around 55f/45r.

[maxdriver]

It's a 2-liter NA engine - how much torque did you expect? You do have to be in the upper rev ranges to maximize acceleration, similar to a Honda 4-banger. That said, I don't consider 0-60 in 6.5 slow. The car is not about pure speed, as has been mentioned many times....

[Rossman]

Originally Posted by bartonian

I love the car...but I just don't know if I want to put myself back into debt to drive a similar car that just looks better.

Let me be the only guy who comments on this point! There's a lot to be said for waiting and saving money instead, especially if you weren't sold with the test drive.

Cars are actually one of the primary reasons north americans have so many debt problems these days...

EDIT: Also I guess I am alone in that this car reminds me of my 1973 Mini...being so close to the ground I find it feels like you are going fast all the time! Additionally, I've already spun the wheels twice at low RPM's completely accidentally, so, not sure where your torque concerns are coming from...

[Spaceywilly]

Originally Posted by bartonian

I feel like you'd have to dump it at 6k just to spin the tires.

Are you sure you actually took it for a test drive? Did you turn off traction control?

[sho220]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Everybody that's saying the car feels slow because it is so well balanced I don't believe you guys one bit. I was in a more well balanced car that didn't feel slow and it's called a Honda S2000. The balance of this car is not ideal as a 370Z and Gencoupe is around 55f/45r.

Have you driven one? This car is not about numbers...

[FT-86GOD]

I cant even hold back on this one... The 2nd shittiest thread ever...... Congratulations on wasting 2 minutes of my time.. 10/10 for originality..........

[vtmike]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Everybody that's saying the car feels slow because it is so well balanced I don't believe you guys one bit. I was in a more well balanced car that didn't feel slow and it's called a Honda S2000. The balance of this car is not ideal as a 370Z and Gencoupe is around 55f/45r.

When people refer to a car as well balanced they are not talking strictly about its weight distribution.

[csaba]

Originally Posted by bartonian

I have spent the last few weekends looking around at local scion dealerships. Had some great experiences so far. I had one dealership tell me they had one on the lot, but when I got there 30 minutes later they didn't have one. Someone told me they sold the last one the previous day...so I was like who the hell lied to me? Have a nice day. See you never.

I had another dealership offer me about 50% of the kbb trade in value of my car and said have a nice day. See you never.

Finally got to a place that is offering me a decent deal so I decided to go for a test drive. They tossed me the keys and said have fun...kind of shocked they didn't come with me.

I was like right out of the dealership. Actually, I drove like a granduma. It was tough to get used to the clutch and gears. Very High engagement. Drove it around for probably 10 minutes and quite honestly I wasn't that impressed. It's a sharp car and it feels like it brakes and handles quite well but I was let down by the accelaration. Seriously lacks any torque...I didn't redline it so I don't know if it's better higher up in the powerband but it has NOTHING down low. I feel like you'd have to dump it at 6k just to spin the tires.

Maybe I'm expecting too much out of a 25k car...but the power isn't great and the mileage isn't great. I currently drive a 2003 mazdaspeed protege. Similar design (2850 lbs, probably at about 180-190 hp right now). The only real difference is that it is FWD. My 10 year old car gets better mileage and fees like it has more balls.

Definitely got some looks. I was ready to pull the trigger but I am having second thoughts...

My question is ,after 10 minutes driving how can you tell the car has bad mileage???

[ft86Fan]

Originally Posted by vtmike

When people refer to a car as well balanced they are not talking strictly about its weight distribution.

Some people only know how to read the numbers in a mag.