Questions before I buy a 2013 FR-S

[sk47]

Hello; I have worked out a deal on a leftover 2013 FR-S. This will be a new car. After doing some searching, some potential engine failure issues seem to be associated with these cars.
The direct Injection seals (DIS) and detonation issues perhaps being the most serious.
I do not plan to modify the car nor take it to the track, but hope for long term reliability. The car is an unsold 2013 so if no fixes were in place from the factory, that will be good to know.

First; Does anyone know if the DIS issue has been resolved by Toyota? If a factory fix has been put in place, does anyone know which cars got the fix?

Second; Does anyone know if the detonation issues have been resolved and which cars were fixed?

Third; With regard to any other issues, does anyone have any comments or pointers about my buying a 2013 model of the FR-S? I have test driven two. I like the manual transmission and the way the car drives. I am most concerned with issues that might take the car out of service or have it in the shop. I also tend to keep cars for over ten years, so long term reliability guestimates are welcome..

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by sk47

...
Third; With regard to any other issues, does anyone have any comments or pointers about my buying a 2013 model of the FR-S? I have test driven two. I like the manual transmission and the way the car drives. I am most concerned with issues that might take the car out of service or have it in the shop. I also tend to keep cars for over ten years, so long term reliability guestimates are welcome..

I own a low serial number '13, and have had absolutely no issues in a little less than 50,000 miles. Like any make of car, there are going to be some that have mechanical issues but most do not. Just have the dealer show you all the recalls and service bulletins, then make up your own mind.

I probably have "crickets" but that doesn't bother me. I need to take it in to get checked but that isn't really a mechanical issue more than an acoustic one.

I keep a car until the wheels fall off, then I JBWeld them back on and keep driving it. I have no doubt I'll get over 250K out of my car.

I would not hesitate to purchase a fully warranted 2013 today. In fact, I'd do that over a new '15 just because of the cost savings.

[Tt3Sheppard]

I also have a low serial 13 with about 50k and no serious problems here as well.

[b_massey02]

I also have a 2013 model with 26,000 on it. So far only had the leaky tails as an issue and the crickets, but the crickets don't bother me.

[strat61caster]

30k, zero issues, 12/12 build date.

Look at the production date, if built after March 2013 I believe the direct injector 'fix' has been implemented. Other than that I completely agree with Dadhawk.

Also, I think the non-touch-screen head unit owners like their stereo better than the touch screen owners, '13 FTW.

[Dake]

Mine was mfd 10/12 and bought in November '12; I have 18k miles and zero problems (aside from crickets of course). The mileage is low for the age, but it is my daily driver - I just happen to be gone for multiple days at a time.

[wbradley]

Mine was mfg 04/12 and no serious issues yet. Just had a faulty battery replaced under warranty but that is the fault of Panasonic, who supply the OEM battery. Crickets are not a malfunction, just a quirky part of this vehicle. Also had several tail light assemblys replaced due to leaking but again I wouldn't let that deter me from buying this vehicle.

The DI seals issue seems common on heavily tracked cars like the rentals at Nurburgring as well as hard driven FI cars. Appears to be a non-issue otherwise.

[navanodd]

Only issue that I've had with my 2013 has been freezing window seals, which I doubt would affect you quite so much.


If you do happen to have window issues there is a TSB that replaces a lot of the power window components and seals. It was a production line update in late 2013/early 2014.


I'd consider asking for fresh oil and maybe brake fluid if that car has been sitting for almost 2 years.

[Havsie]

They still have 2013s on the lots?

Jeez...

[sk47]

Originally Posted by Havsie

They still have 2013s on the lots?

Jeez...

Hello: Yes I know of two on dealer lots right now. The dealer in Kingsport TN will not haggle.

[SirTumbles]

Most all issues are covered in the 3yr/36k mile warranty, don't know if they're covered in the powertrain 5yr/60k, but every 7.5k miles you will get a free inspection up to 25k mi. or 2yr so capitalize on that, I would say go for it. Did you actually get a good discount on your FR-S? It's Scion Company policy to not negotiate...

Originally Posted by sk47

Hello; I have worked out a deal on a leftover 2013 FR-S. This will be a new car. After doing some searching, some potential engine failure issues seem to be associated with these cars.
The direct Injection seals (DIS) and detonation issues perhaps being the most serious.
I do not plan to modify the car nor take it to the track, but hope for long term reliability. The car is an unsold 2013 so if no fixes were in place from the factory, that will be good to know.

First; Does anyone know if the DIS issue has been resolved by Toyota? If a factory fix has been put in place, does anyone know which cars got the fix?

Second; Does anyone know if the detonation issues have been resolved and which cars were fixed?



Third; With regard to any other issues, does anyone have any comments or pointers about my buying a 2013 model of the FR-S? I have test driven two. I like the manual transmission and the way the car drives. I am most concerned with issues that might take the car out of service or have it in the shop. I also tend to keep cars for over ten years, so long term reliability guestimates are welcome..

[campy]

Originally Posted by sk47

Hello: Yes I know of two on dealer lots right now. The dealer in Kingsport TN will not haggle.

Is Scion still doing the Pure Price thing? If so, then they technically aren't allowed to haggle on the base price.

OP: my FRS was made in October 2012, and I've had crickets and tail light condensation. Both were replaced some time in late 2013 and the crickets came back, tail lights were fine. I never had any issues with DI seals or detonation, but in my experience, both of those are very uncommon problems.

My concern would be that the car was just sitting around for 1-2 years. Hopefully they at least occasionally drove it. Unless it's a significant discount, I would just buy a 2015 model. That way, you're paying a bit more for the peace of mind that comes with a brand new car. Also, you don't know how many test drives that 2013 car has been on haha

[Lonewolf]

Originally Posted by sk47

Hello; I have worked out a deal on a leftover 2013 FR-S. This will be a new car. After doing some searching, some potential engine failure issues seem to be associated with these cars.
The direct Injection seals (DIS) and detonation issues perhaps being the most serious.
I do not plan to modify the car nor take it to the track, but hope for long term reliability. The car is an unsold 2013 so if no fixes were in place from the factory, that will be good to know.

First; Does anyone know if the DIS issue has been resolved by Toyota? If a factory fix has been put in place, does anyone know which cars got the fix?

Second; Does anyone know if the detonation issues have been resolved and which cars were fixed?

Third; With regard to any other issues, does anyone have any comments or pointers about my buying a 2013 model of the FR-S? I have test driven two. I like the manual transmission and the way the car drives. I am most concerned with issues that might take the car out of service or have it in the shop. I also tend to keep cars for over ten years, so long term reliability guestimates are welcome..

Inquire if the VIN of the car you are buying falls under the range of cars that have TSB's issued...and if it does, make sure the TSB's have been performed before you take delivery

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by campy

Is Scion still doing the Pure Price thing? If so, then they technically aren't allowed to haggle on the base price.

That's a misconception of sorts. Pure Pricing means the price the individual dealer advertises and/or posts is the one you have to pay and they have to charge. A dealer could list all their 2013's at $5,000 or $50,000 and would have to sell them all for that.