Is the FR-S the right car for me? (I'm 16)

[GTM_Challenge]

From a safety aspect, 1000x yes. The Twins are very safe (much safer than your aging 4runner), and much, much safer than an older miata (though they do hold a special place in my heart). Same goes for the Focus ST - much safer than other options. So from that angle, I say yes.

The FRS in my opinion is not a hard car to drive. If you're used to off roading, you know how to counter steer like you would at speed in any kind of loose terrain, so you're good to go there - but you MUST respect the car.

From a practicality stand point, it may be nice to have more space like the Focus ST if you are moving away for school after you graduate. It's no fun to have your parents help you move in/out of college just because you can't carry all of your stuff. Although, if you have access to a larger vehicle, things aren't so bad.

I got my S2000 at 20 and didn't have any issues (except for having to work my tail off to get it and keep it running right, keep tires on it, etc). I could go both ways on you having one of the twins at 17. It's not a fast car by todays standards and it is very safe compared to other cars out there.

If you do get one, I suggest you seeing if you can take it to an autox or a track day to learn the car and what it's capable of so that when something pops up while driving, you may be able to call upon those skills to help you stay safe.

For instance - two weeks after I got my FRS, I was driving back from Indy in a snow storm. I was going around 65 mph when all of a sudden the rear hit some black ice and the car started to slide. Without hesitating, I was able to counter out of it and hold the slide for a good 5-6 seconds while I slowly brought the car back in line. Small example, I know, but without my track experience, I would have likely ended up in a ditch...in a two week old car.

Best of luck. I'm sure you'll find the right choice for you!

[shishand]

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

Well you won't have sex in it...so your parents will approve

Oh its possible haha just very not comfortable.


To the OP, i bought mine at 17, and i can tell you that if you are responcible then yes this is a very good car! With the 200hp it carries, its enough to have fun and not speed like an idiot either. trust me, i had times where i wished it had more but later when i realized it, its the way it is, it really keeps you from doing stupid speeding stuff. overall, i love mine, and its an eye catcher i can tell you that, esp in highschool. the car is good on gas, sporty and nice looking, with not too much power either which will save in those highscool situations. Go for it, you'll love it!

[Joakim3]

I drive a 250hp/260+ ft/lb FWD torque monster in the form of an 04' Saab 9-5 and have intentionally drifted my RWD Mazda MPV (in a parking lot) simply to feel the dynamics of "sliding" so I don't panic and know how to handle traction loss in a real world situation (and its HELPED on more than one or two occasions).

Even at 20 years old with 5+ years of driving experience (and I feel I'm a VERY capable driver) with ZERO crashes (knock on wood), I've definitely had my fair share of close calls just from trial & error or being in the wrong place at the right time. You as a VERY new driver have to get the dynamics of driving first. You need to feel what it's like to have brake fade, or hit black ice, or hydroplane, or have the ass kick out on you, or plow (understeer) into a turn, or go over hill to fast and you loose traction, etc etc... all of which take time and practice. This isn't even taking account the fact and FR-S/BR-Z aren't your most forgiving cars

Unfortunately even with me being only ~4-5 years your senior, my current self or my parents would never in a million years trust me when I was 16 (or any other 16 year old) in a FR-S/BR-Z.





I know patience is hard, but drive something slower and less error friendly first and get some driving experience before jumping into something that lulls you into hooning and leaves you very little margin for error when you do! Best of luck man!!

[l0aded]

I'm leaning towards a yes. I drove a g35 coupe throughout the end of my teen years/college years and it was a great experience. I did some stupid things like racing and speeding back then but the FRS is a slower car; you won't want to race because you'll simply lose. Just don't be stupid on turns and it should be fine.
I don't see anything wrong with a teen driving a sports car that is slower than some minivans.

[TRD-X]

My only question is with you being 16 years old who will be paying for this car..??

Please enlighten us.

[Ryuu0u]

Be prepared to be raped by your insurance. . . . . .

[4Running Daily]

Originally Posted by Ryuu0u

Be prepared to be raped by your insurance. . . . . .

Let's continue this thread by saying, that your parents pay for insurance and the car it self.

I am a more mature then most when it comes to my age, however, we all have our moments at times. All of my fun is legal fun. The main reason I'm leaning towards the FR-S vs. the ST is the lack of horsepower. The ST is a very quick car, and it's stats don't compare to those of the FR-S.

Here are a couple pictures of said 4Runner for fun.

[4Running Daily]

To the guy that said "You take care of something more when you pay for it yourself" I agree. But let's be honest, I will make this FR-S my own. I have over $7,000 of my own money invested into this 4Runner that was "free"/gifted to me.

[Takuro]

I'd say no. If you or your parents can afford it, I'd say sure, but the idea is just wrong. What happened to parents buying their kids civics and stuff for under 20k? Maybe wait until you get into a university or a good job (all after high school) when you actually need the car. Only 2 years. No need to impress high school friends. By that time there will probably be a faster and better revised model out.

[zlegend]

Originally Posted by 4Running Daily

Let's continue this thread by saying, that your parents pay for insurance and the car it self.

I am a more mature then most when it comes to my age, however, we all have our moments at times. All of my fun is legal fun. The main reason I'm leaning towards the FR-S vs. the ST is the lack of horsepower. The ST is a very quick car, and it's stats don't compare to those of the FR-S.

Here are a couple pictures of said 4Runner for fun.

that truck looks fun, i would keep it and probably do an engine swap.
as for getting a frs or brz i think you should wait till the 2014 models come out so you have time to think about it, who knows something else might catch your attention.

[bcj]

We had some nice sports cars in high school. Driving a precise tool and learning what the parameters were was great fun.
That was back in the 70's though and the cars were well used TR, MG, Austins, Alfas or Merc SL from the 50's and 60's.
Mom and Dad didn't buy us new cars. One of the teachers had a new 240Z that we all drooled over.

Sports cars per se aren't a bad thing to learn driving. I think that the NEW sports car is what is setting people off.

We all envied and hated the kid who's parents bought him a new 69 Z28. Filthy bastard

[speedy07]

Yo bro I'm in the same boat as you I daily drive a 2004 Toyota Tacoma MT... but for me I plan on waiting until I'm 18 (16 right now) so the insurance would be lower than what it would be if i got it now. I would recommend to wait until the 2014-2015 models too...... Btw some other kid got a FRS and he's a Junior. From what I was told and saw his friends jumped at his front window completely shattered it and one of his idiot *friend* ran into his headlight on *accident*... so if you could possibly wait until HS is over that would be great! I also think he was one of the first 86 people to get it because when everybody else who got the first 86 he got it around the same time too.
Anyways the decision is yours I think you should wait for the newer models and atleast until your out of High school.

[Panda Grahams]

Just don't make my insurance any worse...

[ultra_frs]

Only really you can answer this question. End of discussion. I had this at 17, a 1996 Camaro SS which stock came with a 310HP Corvette LT1 motor and a 6 speed manual. First gear could snap your neck it had so much torque. I had no issues with it. Before that, I had an 88 Iroc-Z. If you're mature and obey the laws and drive like a sane human, hell, buy whatever you like and can afford.