It's been a great run guys. Want your feedback.

[dawnst3ar]

Sorry to hear it, will be keeping an eye out for some of these parts though. Good luck with the next car and the arbitration process!

[campy]

Is there a "lemon law" in Washington? Hopefully you can get your money back and it wasn't a total waste.

[alrashwa]

Originally Posted by campy

Is there a "lemon law" in Washington? Hopefully you can get your money back and it wasn't a total waste.

Yes thankfully I've far exceeded the minimum requirements for the lemon law. I've heard tell that most Auto manufacturers will just fold the deck and settle when it's this dire. So I'm crossing my fingers for a fast finish.

[alrashwa]

Originally Posted by mattles

its tough if you want another car with similar driving dynamics as the FRS, your only real option is the Mazda MX5/Miata at this point. However, if you are ok with FWD (Im not, but some people are) then the Focus ST or Hyundai Veloster Turbo are both great.
If you need that FR fix, then the Genesis may be worth a look, but its not nearly as agile or tight as the FRS, though the turbo model has A LOT more power.

Originally Posted by leon78

Genpu MazdaSpeed3's are a great value for the car if your looking to buy new. check out genwon if you wanna buy used. Just as good as the ST and a solid aftermarket. Also one of the best forums on the interwebz.... mazdaspeedforums.org Give it a look.

The MX5 was a contender in my mind for a bit, but the lady of the house + snow + passengers has made me willing to accept 4-doors, FWD or AWD. I test drove a Lancer Evo over the weekend and it was cool/powerful but it had that dual clutch so it was a little less engaging to drive. Not to mention about $7k out of my price comfort zone. As for the Speed3, I've got 3 friends with 3's and Protege's so I'm trying to avoid joining the club

[kanundrum]

Too Much Celebration Sake on the Assembly Line, Good luck hope everything works out

[onthemove]

What about a Golf R? AWD, fun, same price range as a wrx (???dont quote me on that) and although people always hear bad things about them, a well maintained VW, makes for a great VW.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[alrashwa]

Originally Posted by Tt3Sheppard

The Focus ST is a great car. I test drove it on an Autocross track in Foxboro MA back in the summer. I would say that is a great alternative to the FR-S. Sorry you've had such bad luck with her.

ST forums are a mess compared to this one, trying to find some info about failures or common issues with the new international Focus platform. Considering it runs the same platform as the mazda 3/Volvo c30 I'm guessing the only thing to worry about would be the Ford Econoboost engine's reliability. I've heard there are a lot of happy RS owners UK side.

[strat61caster]

The only other car I seriously checked out that hasn't been mentioned is the Fiat Abarth, best sounding 4 cyl. I've ever heard and loads of fun but you'll have to live with the inherent limitations of the platform (small, not designed for sportiness, FWD, very little space for wrenching), but with MOPAR support I have a hunch the mods will be much heavier duty than what we'll get from TRD or STI.

Yeah it's a Fiat, but if your considering a GTI, Mini, Focus/Fiesta/Mazda2/3 it should be test driven at least. Better mpg and stowing space than an FRS/BRZ and just about the same amount of passenger space, similar amenities and if you find an agreeable dealer significantly cheaper.

[whaap]

Even though I'm sometimes thought to be a pessimist (a well informed optimist) I have an unusual thought. Based on the theory that lightening won't strike twice you might find faster satisfaction in an arrangement where your present car is taken as an even trade for a new replacement. Of course if you're totally going in a different direction that wouldn't work.

[alrashwa]

Originally Posted by whaap

Even though I'm sometimes thought to be a pessimist (a well informed optimist) I have an unusual thought. Based on the theory that lightening won't strike twice you might find faster satisfaction in an arrangement where your present car is taken as an even trade for a new replacement. Of course if you're totally going in a different direction that wouldn't work.

I've entertained the thought, but my legal status with 30 days in the shop gives me a choice of replacement or repurchase. At this point I'm a but wary of the '13 model. I see that many people here have had great success with their purchase, but there are also a few hundred who are having some really common issues that I'm betting won't be there in '14. I'll keep the idea in mind, but it's a last resort.

[Liebot]

My previous car was a Mazdaspeed3 (2nd gen) and I had about 7k into it with aftermarket bits. There is nothing bad I could say about the car other than the styling is not everyone's cup of tea.

[wrxgoose]

okay, i had a 1st gen WRX, and i LOVED that car. only issues that i actually had with it was transmission that was more fragile than it should have been (or i just didn't know what i was doing with manual). it was definately one of the more fun cars i've had.

my mom currently has a cooper s, and the only issues that she's had with it is the roof (convertable).

[campy]

I can understand your hesitation to get another FRS, but it seems to me like only the really early adopters got all the problems. In my experience, any FRS made after summer of 2012 is problem-free.

That said, a WRX might be better for your lifestyle. I was considering one before I settled on the FRS. It's much more reasonable for your "reliable, every-day car" category.


PS: Is the armrest for the center console? If so, how much? And how much for the air filter?

[alrashwa]

Originally Posted by campy

PS: Is the armrest for the center console? If so, how much? And how much for the air filter?

Yes it goes in the center console. I was thinking $75 shipped unless I'm grossly out of line, I paid about $100 in October.

Air filter I think around $30, I'll make a dedicated thread in the classifieds later and give you all the heads up/link.