I bought my BRZ/FR-S, but I almost bought...

[Sargy]

I almost got one of these

[FrX]

If my FR-S hadn't become available when did, I probably would have bought a truck and waited a bit on the purchase. In fact, I probably will end up buying a truck anyways.

[Dadhawk]

I always keep my cars as long as possible so I tend to be all over the map when looking for one. The bottom line is my car is usually the family hauler as well, so I had to consider that.

That said, at the time I was looking our family had shrunk to one Son at home and our Astro was still running and was going to be relegated to the occasional weekend family haul duty if I choose something that didn't meet the family hauler mission. I also drive about 80 miles a day round trip to work so I was giving some consideration to MPG with some choices.

When I stumbled across the FR-S, I was also considering (some new/some used, in no particular order):

Chevy Avalanche
Camaro ZL1
Toyota Tacoma
Cadillac CT-S
Dodge Challenger
Honda Fit
Chevy Cruze

In the end the twins appealed to me as a former MK1 MR2 owner. It filled a void in my soul.

When the Astro died right after the 1st86 Long Beach trip, I debated between buying a single vehicle to meet all needs, dropping a new (V8) engine and tranny in the Astro, or buying the FR-S and a second used car.

Ended up buying the FR-S and a 2004 Chevy Suburban Z71 with under 100K miles on it. Together they cost less than most of the original cars on my list (except the econoboxes).

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by bdanisi

So are young people like 18-40 or so really still considering buying American? Not to sound like a d*ck but I didn't even consider a stang or Camaro. I was just raised that American cars don't last. Forgive my ignorance. Can anyone seriously vouch the longevity of a Mustang Camaro gto or firebird? Yea going back a bit lol

I see alot of good responses to this post, but I think people are missing the fact that there were cars such as the Dodge Ares, the Cutlass Supreme/Sierra (later models), and a few Fords (can't think of models off the top of my head) that were produced during the 1980s and early 90s that were total, complete, and utter pieces of crap. Unfortunately, this was the focus of the Big 3 trying to adjust to a market that was suddenly beset by cheap, fairly reliable Japanese steel. The extremely poor performance of these economy cars reflected badly on any other quality offerings they had to offer (Dodge especially), and a couple of generations (X & Y) were turned off to American cars because of perceived reliability issues. I could expound on this further, but I risk drawling on like James May over the engine block of an old Aston Martin (yes, I was watching Top Gear last night).

As far as my reasoning? I picked the FR-S over something American not because I don't trust American cars anymore--if anything, I see them improving massively, and the newer Mustangs are a great example of that--but because the American manufacturers currently offer NOTHING like the twins. My wife was just as curious (she's a "Buy American" gal), and when I told her that, she said there was no argument she could make to that.

Simply put, if an American manufacturer put out a car as well-balanced and nimble as the FR-S is, I would have seriously considered it. But they don't.

[Crackseed]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

I see alot of good responses to this post, but I think people are missing the fact that there were cars such as the Dodge Ares, the Cutlass Supreme/Sierra (later models), and a few Fords (can't think of models off the top of my head) that were produced during the 1980s and early 90s that were total, complete, and utter pieces of crap. Unfortunately, this was the focus of the Big 3 trying to adjust to a market that was suddenly beset by cheap, fairly reliable Japanese steel. The extremely poor performance of these economy cars reflected badly on any other quality offerings they had to offer (Dodge especially), and a couple of generations (X & Y) were turned off to American cars because of perceived reliability issues. I could expound on this further, but I risk drawling on like James May over the engine block of an old Aston Martin (yes, I was watching Top Gear last night).

As far as my reasoning? I picked the FR-S over something American not because I don't trust American cars anymore--if anything, I see them improving massively, and the newer Mustangs are a great example of that--but because the American manufacturers currently offer NOTHING like the twins. My wife was just as curious (she's a "Buy American" gal), and when I told her that, she said there was no argument she could make to that.

Simply put, if an American manufacturer put out a car as well-balanced and nimble as the FR-S is, I would have seriously considered it. But they don't.

Great response - I'm certainly not anti-american car when it came to considerations but as noted above, the FR-S just grabbed me and there was no way I was deviating unless it proved to be a stinker, which given Toyota/Scion's track record, was pretty much a non-issue.

I love American made cars like the mustang, etc and I've always felt that the new Dodge cars have impeccable styling, but - it just didn't matter with the FR-S on the table

[armythug]

Originally Posted by bdanisi

So are young people like 18-40 or so really still considering buying American? Not to sound like a d*ck but I didn't even consider a stang or Camaro. I was just raised that American cars don't last. Forgive my ignorance. Can anyone seriously vouch the longevity of a Mustang Camaro gto or firebird? Yea going back a bit lol

Wow man you have been misled. I'm just going to leave it at that. :happy0180:

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by armythug

Wow man you have been misled. I'm just going to leave it at that. :happy0180:

Not misled--see my post above. Just the product of witnessing 2 decades of the domestic brands putting more than their share of sh*tty cars out.

[Mandy]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Only my opinion, I think that is more urban legend than fact.

My last two daily drivers/family cars were a 1989 and 2000 Chevy Astro. They lasted 256,000 miles and 289,000 miles respectively. The '89 required one major repair (busted water inlet) at 140,000 miles and was still running when I "traded" it in for the 2000. The 2000 required one major repair (water gasket) at 180,000 miles, and died when it ate its motor bearings.

As far as American muscle cars, all you need to do is look on Craigs List or eBay and see the number of 100K+ miles ones that are for sale. I'd say they hold their own, particularly given how much big iron like that is abused.

It's not fair to say "American cars don't last" or even the opposite. For example, my brother has a 2001 Chevy Impala, my mom has a 2000 Chevy Impala. We got them pre-owned at 53k, and 33k miles respectively. My brother's Impala has an issue with the catalytic converter, and it gives it this muscle car sound, so we left it alone; still runs fine, other than that it had some issues with the turn signals recently, and we had that fixed as well. Runs perfectly. My mother's on the other hand has a plethora of issues. A/C doesn't work, driver's side mirror won't adjust any more, radio knobs are broken off, rear defogger doesn't work, there are more issues that I'm forgetting at the moment. My point is for cars that are only a few years a part, I'd call one a PoS, and the other reliable.

My brother got a new car recently, and he really wanted a Camaro, but the scumbag salesman at the Chevy dealership nearby us weren't willing to work with him; hell, they didn't even offer him a test drive. I told him about how nice the guys at my Toyota dealership were, and lo and behold, he wound up getting an FJ Cruiser instead. Chances are if he went to one of the better Chevy dealerships around hear (Stingray) he probably would have a Camaro right now.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Mandy

It's not fair to say "American cars don't last" or even the opposite. ... My point is for cars that are only a few years a part, I'd call one a PoS, and the other reliable...

No, I agree, and that goes for any brand.

We owned a Corolla that basically feel apart around us before it had 80,000 miles on it, but that wouldn't stop me from buying another Toyota.

Even my MR2 had issues and was far from bulletproof (console between the seat was crap and had to be reupholstered 3 times in 150K miles, the A/C went out at 60,000 miles and was more than the car was worth to get repaired, the timing belt broke twice, both times before the service interval, the driver's side window mechanism had to be replaced twice in 130K miles.) Overall though, it was a solid, fun car worth every penny I put into it.

In the end some of it is about how you treat the car (any car), particularly with cosmetic stuff. You have to take care of it as it happens because things only get worse.

I'll give you an example, my wife's 1998 Lumina LTZ was in mint condition when we handed it over to our son in 2005. Within two years it was falling apart from misuse while he was away at college. Eight years later, it still runs, and he still drives it, but it looks like a POS. If my wife was still driving it, it would look like it just drove off the showroom floor.

[Eurasianman]

Originally Posted by Saber_TRD

Body roll/flex? Not sure what Cobalt SS Turbo you were driving but, that's not the case with mine or my friend's supercharged one either. The other Cobalts have those issues, but not the top end versions due to an upgraded suspension. As for quality, it's better than the Cavalier it replaced (I still have my Celica too) and quite frankly on par to my Celica.

Comparing it to the FR-S, the Cobalt has more features, not all the ones I wanted, but it was much cheaper. 15k vs 27k for a new FR-S here. Not to mention the performance that comes with the the SS turbo. More power than the FR-S, Brembo brakes stock, the sport suspension on the SS. I won't go BRZ due to the only Suby dealership within a 2 hour radius has been charged for so many counts of fraud I won't touch the place. It will do until I find what I want.

You got me on the torque steer though, it is annoying, but manageable. Still fun to drive, can't wait for the snow to melt completely and pavement to dry.

Body flex causing door rub: http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/gener...roblem-222088/

And for the price you paid, I don't blame you. The stock options of the Cobalt SS are nice, no doubt. But the issues I had with mine were just ridiculous, hence why I got rid of it.

And when you say, managing torque steer, I take it as in letting off the gas, to keep the car straight while trying to pass someone or go around them doesn't really cope well for me. At the end of the day though, it was fun to drive, and so is the BRZ

[sf86]

I almost went with a Subaru WRX STI Sedan. Got a quote for it but the price seem a little high since the dealer mark up was almost 4k. So I went to test drive the FRS and bought it on the same day.

[Sonolin]

Originally Posted by Hardrock4445

Have been following the car for a while. Was not in the market for a new car. My gf was driving my truck and someone pulled in front of her and totaled my truck. So my insurance check was my down payment. And off I drove. Side note, Funny story, last summer I looked at the new 5.0 mustang, I went to the for dealership and the sales star was very rude. I felt like I was being brushed off as a punk that can't afford a new car. After my experience there I decided I would be better off with a boat. So I purchased a brand new boat. Called up the ford dealership after the first outing in the boat. I let them know how thankful I was that they were very rude and I got the boat instead. They were soo dense that they actually said they were sorry to hear that and if I was still interested in the car I could come down and they would make me a deal. Obviously they didn't listen..... I just bought a boat, cant afford the car now. Lol

Seriously, FUCK ford.

I went in looking at a new Mustang GT, and wanted one moreso than the FR-S. Sales guy was very rude and kept asking why I wanted a Mustang and how I couldn't afford it (even though I plenty could if he would've given me a fair quote, like Chevy did...), and trying to press a Focus on me. I don't want to drive a damn focus, I wanted a Mustang. I think it was because I was young (21). I filed a complaint with the sales dude, and their service called me the next week appoligizing.

I was comparing a Mustang GT, Camaro SS, and Nissan 370z to the FR-S. Was not expecting me to like it as much as I did, and the payments & insurance are much more affordable!

[Miniata]

Originally Posted by Sonolin

Seriously, FUCK ford.

I went in looking at a new Mustang GT, and wanted one moreso than the FR-S. Sales guy was very rude and kept asking why I wanted a Mustang and how I couldn't afford it (even though I plenty could if he would've given me a fair quote, like Chevy did...), and trying to press a Focus on me. I don't want to drive a damn focus, I wanted a Mustang. I think it was because I was young (21). I filed a complaint with the sales dude, and their service called me the next week appoligizing.

I was comparing a Mustang GT, Camaro SS, and Nissan 370z to the FR-S. Was not expecting me to like it as much as I did, and the payments & insurance are much more affordable!

Sounds like you had issues with the dealership and salesman, not Ford. I did have some problems when I bought my last Mustang five years ago. Doesn't sour me on Ford or on Mustangs, I'll just buy my next Mustang at another dealer. There are at least half a dozen within a 30-60 minute drive.

[Sonolin]

Originally Posted by Miniata

Sounds like you had issues with the dealership and salesman, not Ford. I did have some problems when I bought my last Mustang five years ago. Doesn't sour me on Ford or on Mustangs, I'll just buy my next Mustang at another dealer. There are at least half a dozen within a 30-60 minute drive.

Yes, true it was the sales man's fault. It did leave a sour taste in my mouth, though.