Main issues to look for when buying?

[PSim]

I'm planning to go check out a low mileage (about 25k) 2013 FR-S soon. What are the main issues I should look for when checking it out at the dealership? Some issues are easy enough - crickets, rattling shifter, general rattles and squeaks, taillight condensation, etc. I know there are lists of common issues but which are the big ones and how do I go about checking for them while at the dealership?

Are the known issues bad enough that I should definitely look for a 2014 or newer model?

Any help would be AWESOME. Looking forward to joining the 86 gang.

[humfrz]

Hello PSim,

I'd suggest you check with Carfax.

Service records if available.

Check for oil leaks, especially around the timing chain cover.

If it's a MT, listen for a noisy throw out bearing.

Does it have any power mods?

Is it a perty color to you ...??

Plus the usual stuff, tires, brakes etc.


humfrz

[PSim]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Hello PSim,

Is it a perty color to you ...??

humfrz

It is a perty color to me.

No power mods. Aftermarket exhaust (not sure which brand) and Tein coilovers.

[HKz]

the ones you named are really it..nothing really major to watch out for that a test drive wouldn't be able to exhibit.

[reeves]

Don't mind the fluctuating RPM at idle either (once the engine's warmed up). Mine's been fluctuating for several years now, but hasn't given me any actual problems yet.

[8RZ]

Drive it, listen for any creaks, groans, or thuds.

Pop the hood, look for leaks, smokes, or noises (other than the chirping HPFP).

Check under the car, look for leaks or major rust.

If you're happy with all of the above, including price, pop on it.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by 8RZ

Drive it, listen for any creaks, groans, or thuds.

Pop the hood, look for leaks, smokes, or noises (other than the chirping HPFP).

Check under the car, look for leaks or major rust.

If you're happy with all of the above, including price, pop on it.

Oh god if you listen for creaks, groans, thuds or weird noises under the hood then nobody would even buy one new!

[8RZ]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Oh god if you listen for creaks, groans, thuds or weird noises under the hood then nobody would even buy one new!

[Beachin86]

Here's my advice since I just had to go through this and others who have know what a pain it can be.

Check this thread for a common issue most, if not all, 2013 and 2014 throw out bearings eventually have. Note the sounds this part makes when it's going bad: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117440

Note that by buying a 2013, you're already out of the 3yr/36k Mile Warranty which covers this part. For some people, when this part went bad, it happened very fast. Others like me felt it acting up early enough and changed it before it did any real damage. If it gets to the point where it burns up and deteriorates on you, pieces can end up in the clutch and flywheel, and will scorch the cover that it sits on. I don't want to scare you out of getting it because these ARE very reliable cars, and this part is very cheap but can cost a bit to get done. But it's worth learning about this issue for my next point.

Print the TSB out and keep it in your pocket. Ask to see the service history or check the CarFax for the car you're interested in. Check for that part and if you don't see any record of it being changed to the new one, pull the TSB out and ask if it has. If they answer no, tell them you won't buy it unless they do it or negotiate the price down since it can turn out to be an expensive job (~+/-$1000) with parts and labor. Mention the damage it can do if it's not replaced and the fact that it doesn't fall under warranty any more. If for whatever reason it hasn't been changed and you're that in love with the car, ask for the Elite Protection Plan (assuming you're going to a Toyota dealer). It'll add +2000 to the total price, but it'll cover the work for a $50 deductible. That way, if you ever hear/feel the bearing going out, you can go back with the TSB, tell them you're getting those symptoms and want it replaced under your Elite Protection Plan.

I just went through this earlier in the week. I wasn't smart enough to research forums for common problems, otherwise I would have done what I just suggested. But I did get the Protection Plan, which I originally thought I got suckered into, and it ended up saving me quite a bit. You can read my thread about it here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125058

Hope you enjoy the car and good luck!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Beachin86

Here's my advice since I just had to go through this and others who have know what a pain it can be.

Check this thread for a common issue most, if not all, 2013 and 2014 throw out bearings eventually have. Note the sounds this part makes when it's going bad: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117440

Note that by buying a 2013, you're already out of the 3yr/36k Mile Warranty which covers this part. For some people, when this part went bad, it happened very fast. Others like me felt it acting up early enough and changed it before it did any real damage. If it gets to the point where it burns up and deteriorates on you, pieces can end up in the clutch and flywheel, and will scorch the shaft it sits on. The cover will also need replacing. I don't want to scare you out of getting it because these ARE very reliable cars, and this part is very cheap but can cost a bit to get done. But it's worth learning about this issue for my next point.

Print the TSB out and keep it in your pocket. Ask to see the service history or check the CarFax for the car you're interested in. Check for that part and if you don't see any record of it being changed to the new one, pull the TSB out and ask if it has. If they answer no, tell them you won't buy it unless they do it or negotiate the price down since it can turn out to be an expensive job (~+/-$1000) with parts and labor. Mention the damage it can do if it's not replaced and the fact that it doesn't fall under warranty any more. If for whatever reason it hasn't been changed and you're that in love with the car, ask for the Elite Protection Plan (assuming you're going to a Toyota dealer). It'll add +2000 to the total price, but it'll cover the work for a $50 deductible. That way, if you ever hear/feel the bearing going out, you can go back with the TSB, tell them you're getting those symptoms and want it replaced under your Elite Protection Plan.

I just went through this earlier in the week. I wasn't smart enough to research forums for common problems, otherwise I would have done what I just suggested. But I did get the Protection Plan, which I originally thought I got suckered into, and it ended up saving me quite a bit. You can read my thread about it here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125058

Hope you enjoy the car and good luck!

A couple of points of clarification on this:
The TOB issue is not restricted to the 13s but goes all the way up into some of the 16s.
Not everybody has had the issue but it is indeed pretty common.
The TSB is not a recall or guarantee of repair. The car must be showing signs (noise) for most dealers to cover it. Good idea in working it into the deal if not done!
Be careful with the third party extended warranties. Not all dealers use the same company and what one covers another may not. Read the fine print carefully.

[Beachin86]

Good points!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Beachin86

Good points!

You did a great write up.

[PSim]

Thanks for all the great tips!

I happened to do a quick search for 2017 Toyota 86's and there are several low mileage listed for around $20k. Considering a low mileage FR-S will run around $15k, it's tempting to shell out the extra $5k for some new features, a warranty, and hopefully a lot of the early model issues worked out.

[Sapphireho]

Make sure your significant other is good with you being obsessed with a little car.

They make noise, that is part of the charm.