Thinking of getting an FR-S, but is it for me?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Granovsky

Wow guys, I did not expect so many detailed replies! Thanks to everyone who responded!


Actually, I did spend at least an hour reading posts about crickets and watching multiple videos on youtube. I was pretty dissapointed because there were, like you said, 100,000,000 threads on the subject and that might have blown it out of proportion for me. I wanted to get an idea about whats its like in the interior, when you're driving which wasn't clear from what I've read or watched. In general, you only write about an issue if you have it and its bugging you, so that makes it hard to evaluate how bad it really is or how often in happens.
Anyway, in any case thanks for your and everyone else's input. I'm selling my Civic and really looking forward to taking FR-S for a test drive.

P.S. I feel like this forum is a bit more intelligent and respectful than the forums dedicated to other cars that I have previously read/participated in. I hope that's a reflection on the car

Ya I was hoping to stave off the dozens of "search" replies you will get but it remains to be seen if it worked!
I spend 14 hours a week for almost 4000 miles a month in my car and can say without a single doubt that it is a great one.
Crickets are hit and miss and if you read all the threads (or even a small fraction) then you know that solutions or non-occurrence's vary for almost every single driver. Even when you do have them though they are not nearly as bad as some guys make them out to be so don't let that worry you.


P.S. If you read much you should be able to tell that this forum can descend into total darkness as well. Just throw up some pics of your car with a big wing and stickers and see what happens!

[stevesnj]

Just go to a dealer, not just Scion, that has a used one and ask the salesman to keep it for a few days. Probably a good way instead of a 5 minute test drive.

[Teseo]

Just test drive it in city traffic, highway if possible. Will give you an idea
what you are gettin

[bcj]

The torque from 2k to 3.5k is more than adequate to get around town a bit quicker than most of the commuters.
Actually, that's where mine spends most of its time, even on the highway.
Today on 50 to 60mph roads I passed a couple slowpokes by shifting down to 5th and moving on without even getting to "The Dip".
Pretty much a non-issue.

The high pressure fuel pump will make some noise because of the task it's asked to do.
Whack a bunch of liquid into a tiny aperture.
Finding non-ethanol fuel reduces the audible attributes somewhat.
I've heard that the fix for it is wrapping it with an insulation blanket.
Kind of a "Put a bird on it" solution.

Sunroofs. NOPE! Nope! nope! NOPE!
Mostly from people who live where it doesn't rain.
Don't want a damn hole in my roof. A convertible is right out.

I used to drive actual "REAL" sports cars. Alfa, Triumph, MG, Sunbeam & etc. Not supercars.
The twins have so much more torque than any of those did, but hold on to the road with the best of them.

Also had an 83 Civic S (carb before the Si). 86 is a big step up in handling and motivational force.
You won't miss it at all. If you have big packages, that's what a rental van is for.

[FRSfan111]

It's a great car. Even with a 1year inks it's still pretty practice to drive. My son gets the biggest smile when he sees daddy's car.

As for the sound system, I added an aftermarket deck and a jl sub/amp. Sounds amazing. All the stock sound system needs is the ability to tune the speakers properly and an 8 or a 10 to pull some of the bass away from the door speakers. It's a factory 8 speaker system and anyone telling you the speakers are crap don't have it tunes right.

[Marco_86]

Haven't found a similar post? Dude someone posts this question once a week.

[EAGLE5]

People responded positively because clearly you had already done some research. As for the haters, well, they gotta hate.

[humfrz]

From what you wrote, I would venture to say that the FR-S would be a good car for you.

Just pick a pretty color and a transmission that you are comfortable with ....


humfrz

[fitcious]

i love the FR-S. I am married with no kids, and I do admit, there are times when the impracticality of the vehicle comes into play (cannot drive both parents comfortably around town, friends, having more than 2 piece of luggage in the back)...but as someone said, the rear seats do fold down.

I have an automatic, but the car drives really well on the streets. It brings a smile to my face when i drive it to the grocery store, running various errands and such. Sound system isn't too bad nor great..i have it on the xB setting and that helps a bit.

Sometimes i wish there were more creature comfort features, but in all honestly, i really don't need it. Yes, heated seats and auto climate would be nice, but i figure if i had those, it would be one more extra thing that might go wrong in the future when the car gets old.

the cricket bothers me greatly. It's pretty darn loud and i have no fixed mine because other people tried it and the noise came back. I see it as a way for the car to make noise to the pedestrians walking in the parking lot, saying that i'm behind them.

The car is hard to get in and out but that's the life of a sports car. In all honestly - this is a great car and you will not regret it.

[wbradley]

I recommend the Genesis coupe, Mustang, Camaro or new Civic Si coupe. Civic Si probably the best fit. Your apprehension regarding the tradeoffs indicates you aren't prepared to sacrifice all for the passion of driving a true sports car. Believe me, I have no business owning one of these cars. I'm 50, have a 7 year old and 16 year old, financially not really set to have 2 cars, but have them. I could benefit from another $35K or so in savings (at least what I have sunk in this car). But I am passionate and wanted this sports car in my life. Despite a financial decline experienced in the last few years I will never regret my decision.

If things improve for me down the road I would seriously consider the next Supra.

The Si is a good tradeoff.

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by Granovsky

-Does it feel natural and non-destructive to operate FR-S closer to its limit?

It actually does.

Originally Posted by Granovsky

Does the shifter feel healthy and consistent all the way through RPM range?

The shifter is fantastic. Only when its really cold is where its the least consistent. If it warms up a little bit, it runs like normal.

Originally Posted by Granovsky

-Would I be able to still have fun around the torque dip between 3500-4500rpm? Does it still pull adequately (I'm NOT a speed freak by any means) or is it actually annoyingly weak in that range? I'd be nice to not have to go past 5000 every time I want to overtake.

Its weak in this range. However if Vancouver traffic is as slow as Toronto traffic...you'll probably overtake people at even the 3000 rpm. Basically exceeding 3500 rpm in 6th gear...you're well past most speed limits in Canada.

Originally Posted by Granovsky

95% of my driving is to work and running errands, which I still enjoy with some good music, taking a corner or two a bit quicker than usual traffic, but obviously it's no track driving. Besides that, I just like using the shifter and feeling like I'm in something alive and beautiful, not in something like a beige-gray ecobox with "best-in-class dullness". So, the question is:
-Is it a pleasure on it's own with occasional fun driving (I'm not talking about creature comforts and bells and whistles)? Or is it not worth it unless I know how to drive a RWD car fast, drift it, mod it, etc?

I actually bought it because its a fun RWD car that is still at its best when its not that fast. Just yesterday I realized I left something at work after I got home, normally I'd be too cross at myself to go back to get it...but I left early enough to recover it and thought...at least I get to drive the car some more.

Originally Posted by Granovsky

I noticed that the general consensus on practicality was that FR-S is practical for a sports car, but still lacks practicality in a general sense. So,
-Is there anything terribly impractical for a young male driver with no kids, not picky about extra creature comforts, happy with the MPG specs, etc?

I fit this massive box into the car.



If you carry stuff bigger than that often, then no.

Originally Posted by Granovsky

And finally:
-The infamous cricket/chirping fuel pump. Does pretty much EVERYONE have this issue? Do you hear it only when idling? Can you really hear it from the inside of the car?

Thanks guys!

I'm nearing a full year of ownership, no crickets.

[Brndn704]

Originally Posted by Granovsky

P.S. I feel like this forum is a bit more intelligent and respectful than the forums dedicated to other cars that I have previously read/participated in. I hope that's a reflection on the car

You haven't been on here very long have you?

[86geek]

Originally Posted by Brndn704

You haven't been on here very long have you?

Hehehehe! That's a good one!

OP the car is great....Just buy it!

[Granovsky]

You guys have been great with responses, so I cant just go silent. It may be a couple of months until I can to the dealership and actually get one... But then again, more time to test drive and all.

Originally Posted by stevesnj

Just go to a dealer, not just Scion, that has a used one and ask the salesman to keep it for a few days. Probably a good way instead of a 5 minute test drive.

I didn't know you could do that, I wonder what the dealer will ask for in return.

Originally Posted by bcj

I used to drive actual "REAL" sports cars. Alfa, Triumph, MG, Sunbeam & etc. Not supercars.
The twins have so much more torque than any of those did, but hold on to the road with the best of them.
for.

That's good to know about "REAL" sports cars, and a bit surprising. So they were all about revs and handling in your experience?

Originally Posted by humfrz

From what you wrote, I would venture to say that the FR-S would be a good car for you.

Just pick a pretty color and a transmission that you are comfortable with ....


humfrz

Haha, well I'm definitely more comfortable with an auto, since I've only driven a manual for 6 months. But if I was looking for comfort, I'd forget about a sports car buy my dad's Camry . So manual it is for me. Can't ignore my primeval urge to slide the stick where it belongs for thrills, pleasure and achievement of my earthly goals.
(English is my second language, so pardon me)

Originally Posted by fitcious

[...]

Thanks, thats some useful info!

Originally Posted by wbradley

I recommend the Genesis coupe, Mustang, Camaro or new Civic Si coupe. Civic Si probably the best fit.

I did consider the Si for the longest time. And it would probably be my fall-back choice if I can't/don't want to get the FR-S.
When I was a kid, I fell in love with the way RWD coupe sports cars looked like. Jags, Astons, etc. I can't afford those of course, and I have no idea what they were like to drive an own. But the FR-S, at this point of time, sounds like the best way to satisfy that craving. While I'm still young to not give a damn about back seats or trunk space.
Si will always be a FWD egg-shaped sports car that is based on an economy sedan, wouldn't it? As good as it is (and it is a terrific car).

Originally Posted by Jegan_V

However if Vancouver traffic is as slow as Toronto traffic...
...
I actually bought it because its a fun RWD car that is still at its best when its not that fast. Just yesterday I realized I left something at work after I got home, normally I'd be too cross at myself to go back to get it...but I left early enough to recover it and thought...at least I get to drive the car some more.

I'm sure Vancouver traffic isn't quicker than Toronto.
And about unnecessary driving - quite often those trips turn out to be the best!

Originally Posted by Brndn704

You haven't been on here very long have you?

Nope!

Many thanks to all!