Is the FR-S/BRZ Right for you?

[TRD-X]

Well this looks like it's going to be a good Soap Opera oh sorry thread so continue on....

[jstans84]

Originally Posted by Mister

Can you afford it?

Yup

Can you afford the insurance/gas/maintenance?

Yup

Have you actually drove the car and enjoy it?

Prior to buying it? Nope. Regret that? Nope.

Does your girlfriend/wife/boyfriend/husband/partner/parent approve of the car?

F' em. It's my money I'll do what I want with it.

Do you need to fit the munchkins in the back seat every day?

No need.

Can you yourself fit into the car?

Yup

[Mister]

Originally Posted by whaap

WOW, you've been here less than a month and you're tired of seeing repeats. How do you think you'll feel when you're dry behind the ears?

I have been a member for a short time, and creeping around here and other FR-S forums since the idea of the car was announced.

Originally Posted by 4Running Daily

Calm Down, it's a forum. That's what it's here for. Feel free to leave.

This is the beauty of the internet, when something annoys you just a little you can post it to the entire world I would not say I am screaming at my computer every time I see these threads, just frustrated that people can't make their own decisions...

Originally Posted by kajun

As a tall, slightly wider than average guy I'd object to this being a warning factor. I can easily fit, and I'd heartily recommend this to talls previously put off by smaller cars - e.g. I couldn't fit in a Miata/MX-5, an RX-8 or an S2000 was cramped and numerous other cheap affordable sporty cars are similar. It's low, no doubt, and getting in and out is occasionally awkward in tighter spots, but it's capable of being comfortable even on longer drives.

I'm thankful to Toyota & Subaru for designing this car in a way that can accommodate us bigger guys.

Then I should retract this one, my brother-in-law is a pretty tall guy (6'4") and he definitely looks a little tight in the FR-S.

[nalc]

Originally Posted by Tromatic

I've had some nice cars, and this is my favorite. If you can find something to complain about regarding this car, you either need to buy a better car or lower your expectations.

It is a taste of the exotic for a third of the price. Sucks to be you if all you can do is complain about it, and go for a drive and think about all the things that are "wrong" with it.

It's going to be a classic.

It's interesting, I find a million things to complain about when I'm sitting in front of a computer, but I have minimal complaints when I'm actually driving.

When I'm not driving, it's all "I don't really like that the interior door handles are chrome, I don't like having to look down from the road to change radio stations, I don't like the silver painted interior trim pieces, I think the center cupholder is awkward, sometimes 2nd gear feels a little clunky, the center console is too hard where my knee hits it, I don't like the amber sidemarkers, there's no steering wheel audio controls, the headliner feels cheap, blah blah blah blah", but when I'm driving it, I don't think about any of those things. I'm not looking at the interior trim, I'm not paying attention to my knee, my hands are on the wheel and my elbow isn't stuck in the cupholders, I can't see the minor cosmetic details of the exterior that I don't particularly care for.

I think it's easy to lose sight of the great things about these cars when you're sitting in front of a computer, but you also lose sight of all the minor flaws about these cars as soon as you get in the driver's seat and turn the ignition on.

[Braces]

It's possible that the expectations of certain buyers are over the top concerning the twins. It's a 25-27K car. I bought the car as an inexpensive daily driver with the intent to have a little fun to and from work. The car accomplishes this quite nicely. In my situation ... I don't really care about the "other" interior or exterior negatives associated with this car. As NALC said above .... the drive is what it is all about.

[Takuro]

They are mainly asking for reasons NOT to buy it :P

People ask the "Is it right for me" question because they want to justify their reason for buying the car due to the "hype" and then some start to encourage the potential buyer with it. I hate how many people over-glamorize the car being the end-all "inexpensive" driver's car, fun, blah blah blah.. It's a really nice car, yeah, but there are other cars out there. Not everyone on this board is a SCCA Autocrosser, drifter, or weekend canyon carver (live near mountains/canyons). Most of the time, people are just driving to work or school and home with occasional weekend trips. It does get you to point A to point B and it is fun, but it's also impractical. It's too much sports for some people and there are always threads either comparing this car to another, complaining about problems, etc all to justify why this awesome car can't compare to a honda accord or toyota camry in almost every aspect besides sports saying that it's apples to oranges (which it is).

This car is slow, impractical, a little expensive for a car, has little options, and the list goes on. It looks nice though. Hell, that's one of the main reasons why I bought it. Also handles very well. Look at how people justify buying the BRZ over the FRS. Same thing, looks. HIDs, Leather, Nav, bumper (i prefer FRS bumper), name. It's all HYPE. The "gotta have it" factor.

[thill]

Originally Posted by Takuro

They are mainly asking for reasons NOT to buy it :P

People ask the "Is it right for me" question because they want to justify their reason for buying the car due to the "hype" and then some start to encourage the potential buyer with it. I hate how many people over-glamorize the car being the end-all "inexpensive" driver's car, fun, blah blah blah.. It's a really nice car, yeah, but there are other cars out there. Not everyone on this board is a SCCA Autocrosser, drifter, or weekend canyon carver (live near mountains/canyons). Most of the time, people are just driving to work or school and home with occasional weekend trips. It does get you to point A to point B and it is fun, but it's also impractical. It's too much sports for some people and there are always threads either comparing this car to another, complaining about problems, etc all to justify why this awesome car can't compare to a honda accord or toyota camry in almost every aspect besides sports saying that it's apples to oranges (which it is).

This car is slow, impractical, a little expensive for a car, has little options, and the list goes on. It looks nice though. Hell, that's one of the main reasons why I bought it. Also handles very well. Look at how people justify buying the BRZ over the FRS. Same thing, looks. HIDs, Leather, Nav, bumper (i prefer FRS bumper), name. It's all HYPE. The "gotta have it" factor.

So we should all just drive a Prius?

[jstans84]

Originally Posted by thill

So we should all just drive a Prius?

I would rather have a rabid chihuahua bite off my testicles....

[thill]

Originally Posted by jstans84

I would rather have a rabid chihuahua bite off my testicles....

My sentiments exactly...

I am 41 years old. I drive about 36 miles each day to and from work (often in traffic). That can be a lot of time in my car each day and I actually look forward to driving a fun car in the morning and at the end of the day. Is this car practical? For me it is. I rarely transport anyone, the car gets good gas mileage, and it meets my needs for under $30K. There are certainly more rear wheel drive sports cars that are far less practical for the money. Frankly I don't care. If you are not passionate about cars, then why even bother buying one of these vehicles?

As for people complaining about the FRS/BRZ, I have zero problem with it. It is their car and their money. And frankly there are some things that Toyota and Subaru could do to only make the car better. Why not give them feedback? No car is perfect.

[Takuro]

Originally Posted by thill

So we should all just drive a Prius?

Depends if you want it. For great gas mileage and long distance driving, sure. Apples and oranges. Most people asking if they should buy the FRS/BRZ are usually using the car as their only means of transportation. It's not for everyone, I guess that's why people have to ask.

[FRiSson]

Originally Posted by TRD-X

Well this looks like it's going to be a good Soap Opera oh sorry thread so continue on....

The popcorn icon is getting a bit tired.

[TRD-X]

Originally Posted by FRiSson

The popcorn icon is getting a bit tired.

Well thank you for your input....

[Propaganda]

Originally Posted by Marchy

as much as i pondered the same thing when looking for a car a few months ago, Is x car/truck for me. I never once looked at a forum full of strangers to answer that question. Instead, i looked inside, talked to my wife, friends, looked at my finances, and ultimately made a decision that was best for me.

and that was to buy something somewhat impracticable and fun. Best decision of 2013!

This sums up my story pretty well... Especially that last part. I had to move this past week..... ummm... yeah, that was fun. I'd like to say I'm pretty good at Tetris now!

[supramkivtt2jz]

the car suited my lifestyle - i have little to no need for more room. the FR-S can accomodate nearly everything I need it to.

Things I looked for:

Cheap to own
Cheap to maintain
Fuel efficient
Fun to drive
Rear or all wheel drive
Manual transmission
Cheap to insure

Clocking in at 35-37 mpg highway (cruise set at 65 mph), $540 for insurance for 6 months, and less than $50 a fill up - i could not be happier. I only have a girlfriend and dog to tote around. This does it all.

As soon as a trailer hitch set up is released, ill be investing in it for a exterior bike transport/tire trailer for auto cross events. With that, the FR-S can accomodate anything.