Help us choose between two Scions

[jeffchap]

I would avoid #1 simply because the mods indicate to me that it was also probably owned by a younger driver and driven harder. That's not necessarily the case, but that's just how I look at it.

[FR-Sky]

I will pick a manual for my son if I were you.
But if i have to pick one, i will pick the top one cus no accident history?

[Packofcrows]

For first car I'd go cheapest, most stock..etc.

If you in US, you can buy a twin for about 12k nowadays. Not always clean title though. If money not an issue, you can find pre-owned from dealer in 18-20k


p.s. I read about the Nissan Versa.

I've tested it, it's good. For a college kid I'd get a 4 door, G35/37, IS Lexus, XA, XB, XD, Corolla 2001+ [because of facelift], Celica 2001+ [because room in back to sleep], etc...

All can be found for like $5000 with 2/3 of life to go and fairly reliable, mpg from high 20's to 40's.

I know 'college' and wanting a racecar, but 4-door econo boxes prove much better. That or a motorcycle, just watch out in rain.

Try a Miata as his first car. After 3 years he can buy himself a twin. By then, they'll probably be low 10,000's.



Always nice.

[fradet]

Originally Posted by pauldz

I suppose someone could have changed the name tags, but why would they do that?

they are lying to you. Its a scion frs. 100%

[86geek]

I'd continue looking for another used FRS or even a BRZ.
The dealership lied to you because as others have said it has been rebadged with Toyota emblems. It's really a Scion FRS. Who knows what other lies they may have told you.

The Invidia N1 exhaust is LOUD. Your neighbors will not like you.
No need a cold air intake. Just buy a drop in air filter like Perrin, Cusco, Apexi, etc. Dry air power filter is good enough.

Just my 2 frickin cents!

[ToyotaFan84]

Originally Posted by pauldz

...
1. 2015 Toyota 86 GT Limited Edition (black, 33000 miles) - This apparently was first sold overseas, beacuse Toyota did not sell the 86 in the USA until the 2017 model...

If that car had been imported from Japan, I think the steering wheel would be on the passenger side.

[Watch Me Run]

Originally Posted by ToyotaFan84

If that car had been imported from Japan, I think the steering wheel would be on the passenger side.

It was just a scion rebadge

[turtlefeeder]

Choice one for me. It makes him happy that it has the mod you described, it didn't get in an front end collision compare to the red one. Which is important because function over form. His first car I assume since he's just getting his license you'll probably want it to be as reliable as possible. I mean I wouldn't want to feel unsafe knowing I just got a in an accident than was repair for resale 😫 just my opinion

[Nik33615]

Originally Posted by ToyotaFan84

If that car had been imported from Japan, I think the steering wheel would be on the passenger side.

Not to be a smart ass but, all of these cars were imported from Japan...

[Chimera]

Originally Posted by Nik33615

Not to be a smart ass but, all of these cars were imported from Japan...

You're not wrong

[pauldz]

I really appreciate all these comments, thanks much. I've purchased several used cars but have never had the car checked by my own mechanic prior to purchase, guess I've just been lucky, knock on wood. What do they charge for that? And I'm not really familiar with components such as pulleys, headers, and catbacks.

[Braces]

From experience (bought cars for two young daughters) make sure the car is reliable and safe. Personally both of your options would not be ideal in my world. I would be looking for a stock, clean example with no stories (accidents). Also remember that odds are your son's 1st car will get battle scars. It comes with the territory.

Might be time for your son to learn how to drive a manual. It will keep him more involved with driving the car and less involved in texting.

Good luck.

[Rakshaa]

Originally Posted by pauldz

I really appreciate all these comments, thanks much. I've purchased several used cars but have never had the car checked by my own mechanic prior to purchase, guess I've just been lucky, knock on wood. What do they charge for that? And I'm not really familiar with components such as pulleys, headers, and catbacks.

To do a quick check by a mechanic, should be $100 or less (I'm from Canada, so must be cheaper in USD).

Personally, I wouldn't go for either option. The first one because you haven't been provided a history of the vehicle and it is being sold by a seriously misinformed dealership. The second vehicle has an accident to the front end, so its a no-go for me.

Wait for a clean example, or if you would like additional features for the same price used, look for a Subaru BRZ Limited to get things like Alcantara Seats, Push Start, HID/LED Headlights, Navigation etc.

I have a limited edition FR-S and I can verify that the one you posted is NOT a limited edition so it should be avoided if the dealer is trying to sell it as such.

Limited Editions for the FR-S (all limited to a couple thousand production run for North America):

2013 - 10 Series (Special 'Ignition Silver' colour, LED headlights, push start with dual climate control, light up badges, numbered cars on driver's side door below window switch + other features)
2014 - Monogram (Available in all regular colours, LED headlights, push start with dual climate control, alcantara seats, frameless mirror, spoiler etc.)
2015 - Release Series 1.0 (Special 'Yuzu Yellow' colour, LED headlights, push start with dual climate control, TRD quad exhaust, numbered cars below shifter, other TRD goodies etc.)
2016 - Release Series 2.0 (Special 'Lunar Storm' colour, LED headlights, push start with dual climate control, alcantara seats, unique camel (tan) interior accents, unique TRD forged wheels, lip spoiler, numbered cars on far right of stitched dash trim etc.)

I hope this helps you identify any special iterations of the car so you are not misinformed by a shady dealer.

[pauldz]

In fairness to the dealer, he is listing it as a Scion FR-S. They did not attempt to convince me it is a limited edition, that's just what the badges say.

At least in the listings I've seen so far, the BRZ is a couple of thousand more than the FR-S. Is that usually the case?