Traded my FR-S for a Mustang GT: A cautionary tale

[Reason]

Originally Posted by Lavalover

An excellent thread. The OP is a talented writer IMHO.

Thank you. Sincerely

Related to this a couple of people have told me this recently and so I actually have just recently started (well, restarted) a blog (link here)where I talk about my experiences with cars. So far it's just basically what I've posted here plus a couple lead up posts of when I started thinking about how I preferred the FR-S.

Plus then there is some content from a few years ago when I was building an e36.

[Drive]

This was an excellent write-up

The FR-S has a unique character and driving experience to it, the little things about it (low seating position, bolstered seats, excellent handling, lightweight car, the fact that you have to 'work' to gain speed and keep revs high for more power, having fun while staying under the speed limits, and so on) all add up to a rewarding driving experience that most (if not all) cars in the 25-30K range cannot even come close to. It may not win every straight line race like the GT, but that is not an accomplishment to be proud of anyway. I can guarantee anyone that once you take the FRS/BRZ for a spirited drive, you'll be hard pressed finding another car in the same price range that comes close to the overall satisfaction of the driving experience.

[Mikem53]

Glad to see someone else who gets what the 86 is all about..
You can buy something else that costs more, has more power, does the ring
In less time..... Yet still won't be as pure or as enjoyable as the 86.
It still amazes me that they made such a car..

[shinbatsu]

Great read, thanks for sharing.

I was (and still am on certain days) in your situation, but with the 2014 WRX vs the 2014 BRZ. The BRZ was the clear pick to me, but then the 2015 WRX was released with all the improvements, and it gives me a headache thinking about it because it's VERY tempting to trade up to it.

[swpbrz]

Originally Posted by CSG David

We know how to make the BRZ/FRS really fun and reliable.

Leave it stock, and come to the realization your driving a magical machine from the future that the richest of richest humans for the previous 150000 years.. all the kings and conquerers never came close to the feeling you can get taking a curve in the BRZ.

Get some perspective and your good! Because in 50 years your head will be calibrated to the auto teleporters with flight capability. And still you could have fun if you can adjust your perspective.

[sofrsnsokleen]

I'm really happy I read this post.

Actually had a similar turn of events yesterday, funny story.

Had been thinking about doing the same thing and had kinda started to hate the lack of power the fr-s has, so after an oil change I stopped at a ford dealership yesterday, and 3 times almost signed for a mustang gt. On the 3rd offer I finally said I can't sign, I need at least a day to think about it. So in there cunning ways, the dealer decided to lend me the stang for 24 hrs.

After reading this post, the reality was apparent. The huge surge of power isn't worth compromising the driver feel. 400+ ponies is great but it feels like its power isn't really relevant to how the car itself handles. It also wasn't fun once you start building speed and have to let off because you're already approaching 90 mph or there are normal drivers on the highway or streets. Really frustrating when you have that much power on tap and no real opportunities to wring it wide open. I also got stuck behind a bus and realized that because of the bulkiness of the 'stang, I couldn't quickly dart out from behind it and get in the left lane, I had to literally wait. In the fr-s it would've quickly darted out and on its way because its much more nimble. I realized that the fr-s to me personally, as far as driver feel goes, is the perfect car for me. I don't think any other car in my price range will ever have as good driver feedback, steering feel and control. I started thinking I'd actually prefer to just pay it off, and maybe trade it or sell it then if theres anything worthwhile on the market, or maybe just add an air intake, exhaust, tune, tires and a supercharger once it's paid. Really started to prefer this type of setup over a big go fast v8. I actually started missing my fr-s. Missed seeing it in the driveway instead of loving the mustang in the driveway. Could've kept the GT til 9pm today, ended up taking it back to the dealer at 7pm yesterday. Actually smiled when he pulled my car up because I realized how much I really love my car. Loved the drive back home, loved how every second driving it feels like you're in your own personal gt race, lol.

It gets worse here though.

As I get home, smug and content that I made the smart responsible adult decision, happy that I kept my car, I pull into the driveway and park crooked.

I greet my sister in law as she's getting ready to leave, loan her $9 for gas, and what happens?

She literally backs into my car....

So I went thru a huge range of emotions almost getting rid of my fr-s, almost committing to another 6 years of payments for a hulking amercian gas guzzler, realized how much i love my car, only to have it scarred. lmfao, I can't write this stuff.

[tennisfreak]

I think a great way to get your power need met and keep your FR-S is buy a sport bike.


You can get a brand new 600 Gixxer for $10k which adding in the cost of your FR-S would be about the same cost as a Mustang GT.


Not only do you get to keep your car, the bike is also faster, more nimble, more fun, and easier/cheaper to take to the track than both the FR-S or Mustang!!!


This is what I did and honestly feel like it was the best choice I could have made.

[Sportsguy83]

All I read is OP likes of cars wears off quickly and he will keep going through cars like they are underwear

[rs999]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

haha no.. thinking MGB/MGBGT, S800, 2002, Spitfire, etc. Good american cars from those days cost too much money.

The FR-S (and Miata) are throwbacks to those cars but with Japanese reliability.

Comparing this car to a Mustang and wishing for more power was done in the 70's and a 80's when the Z cars were out against the old 5.0's and Corvettes, why spend the cash for lightweight low HP car when you can get a midweight high HP car.

It all depends on what you are trying to do with the car, drag race or drive?

[w.k.s.]

I know exactly what you mean by "cracks forming." I get that same feeling when I see a 15 wrx or read up comparisons. The more i look at it, the more I feel as though it's what I want, but if asked I couldn't say "Yes I want this one," or "No I dont want that one."

[LSxJunkie]

Do you still have stock sway bars? It sounds like a lot of what you're experiencing could be solved with a bigger front bar and a Watts Link.

[rs999]

I just traded my FR-S for a used 2013 mustang gt. So far I love the mustang. It's quiet, except for the V8 rumble, has storage for things like soda cans and sunglasses, a huge after market, and much better finish and amenities than the FR-S.

The only cons so far is the GT drives like a lincoln. It's super soft in stock form. On ramps and quick transitions it rolls like a boat. And tips forward or back on braking or accelerating, respectively.

So my first mod will probably be a Roush Stage 2 suspension kit then maybe a watts links or brake kit or uprated brake pads.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by rs999

I just traded my FR-S for a used 2013 mustang gt. So far I love the mustang. .

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by rs999

I just traded my FR-S for a used 2013 mustang gt. So far I love the mustang. It's quiet, except for the V8 rumble, has storage for things like soda cans and sunglasses, a huge after market, and much better finish and amenities than the FR-S.

The only cons so far is the GT drives like a lincoln. It's super soft in stock form. On ramps and quick transitions it rolls like a boat. And tips forward or back on braking or accelerating, respectively.

So my first mod will probably be a Roush Stage 2 suspension kit then maybe a watts links or brake kit or uprated brake pads.