Dadhawk's FR-S (6AT Firestorm)

[civicdrivr]

I like your new avatar!

I definitely suggest getting a tune. The car became way more responsive after installing it.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by civicdrivr

I like your new avatar!

Thanks but I can't take credit for the actual photo, although it is my car. Check out the full story here.

[Dadhawk]

Today my 16 year-old managed to pass his driver's test with a score of 95 on the first attempt, driving Olivia. I suspect my FR-S was the first one to be used for that purpose, at least around here.

We came to the conclusion that the FR-S was the best car we had to take the test in even though that will not be the car from our fleet he will be allowed to borrow. it was the most nimble and would best fit "between the cones".

It was a little nerve-wracking watching him negotiate the cones for the parallel parking and "reverse in the driveway" turnaround test but he did fine. Amazing what a little parking lot practice will do for someone.

The scariest part was when he and the driving examiner drove off onto the road for the on-road portion. It was literally the first time since owning the car that it had been on the road without me in it.

The last of the fledglings have now left the nest. Having done this two times before it's clear that the hardest part about being a parent is always letting them leave the nest and fly on their own. You are always scared they'll come back scratched and dented....

Oh, and letting the kids leave , yea that's hard too. Yeah that's what I meant.

[pixel67]

I know what you mean. I have one turning 15 tomorrow that needs to practice on something... Decisions decisions...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by pixel67

I know what you mean. I have one turning 15 tomorrow that needs to practice on something... Decisions decisions...

My son is the only other person who has put any miles at all on my car besides me. MomHawk drove it once at the test drive, and my other two sons have driven it just "around the block".

Honestly the only issue I had with my 16 year old driving it is that the FR-S is almost too precise. It made it more difficult for him to later drive "sloppy" cars like our Accord or Suburban. He expected them to handle the same way. Most of his driving time was in the Suburban though, so that certainly helped my own confidence level. He drove the Suburban with no issues so driving the "tiny" FR-S was a piece of cake.

That said, I doubt I'll be letting him borrow it for solo runs anytime soon.

[6-Shift]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

My son is the only other person who has put any miles at all on my car besides me. MomHawk drove it once at the test drive, and my other two sons have driven it just "around the block".

Honestly the only issue I had with my 16 year old driving it is that the FR-S is almost too precise. It made it more difficult for him to later drive "sloppy" cars like our Accord or Suburban. He expected them to handle the same way. Most of his driving time was in the Suburban though, so that certainly helped my own confidence level. He drove the Suburban with no issues so driving the "tiny" FR-S was a piece of cake.

That said, I doubt I'll be letting him borrow it for solo runs anytime soon.

Word. My first vehicle was a Nissan Titan and "precise" described precisely nothing on that truck...Now with the FR-S I'm much more comfortable driving on the highway because the steering is heavier and more stable. Plus the digital speedometer makes it easy to drive the speed limit. To be honest I drove like a dumbass in that truck, now that I'm in a sports car I'm much more careful because I know that any police officer will stop me WAY before a SUV. My confidence has gone up with this car simply because anywhere near the speed limit there's no chance of losing control. I don't mind being passed on the highway, especially when I check the mileage reader and it says avg 33.2 I save my hooning for empty parking lots and drift events. I bet someday your son will end up with an FR-S of his own

[Dadhawk]

This past weekend was one year since I had the good fortune to pick up Olivia and drive her home. In short, it's been a great year from an automotive prospective. I started this journey looking for a replacement for my much beloved (and long gone) '85 MR2, the original Olivia.

Did I find it? Well, after a year and over 18,000 miles behind the wheel, I'd say it's a qualified yes. The 86 is not the same, but it is as good in its own way, and better in others. If both were still available new though, I would have taken the MR2. I can't really quantify why, I just know that is what I would do.



That is in no way to detract from the 86, maybe its because the MR2 was my "first love", maybe it's because mid-engine is just more exotic, and the cockpit was just more "fighter pilot" like, or maybe it's just because every time I see one on the road, I still wish I had one. Not really sure. No regrets though, I love the 86, and will own it until one of us can't drive any longer, and maybe past that point.


In the next few posts I'll list some of my observations from 12 months of ownership.

[Dadhawk]

Had I not been a 1st86, I would not own the car now. That's just a straight fact.

Why? Primarily my dislike for Scion/Toyota dealership practices in my area.

Had I walked in off the street to purchase the car and been faced with the "normal" dealer-addons, the well intentioned but not well executed Scion "Pure Price", and the unreasonable "doc fees" charged by Atlanta dealers, I would have walked away from the car.

As it was, I tried to switch dealers because of their non-interest in the whole process, but couldn't without dropping out of the 1st86 program. It's a good thing I plan to own this one for a long time because I'll probably never buy a new Scion unless they change their practices.

In the end, the "benefits" of being in the 1st86 program outweighed the negatives of dealing with the dealer network so I stayed for the car. I don't regret it, but I wouldn't do it again. I'd buy through a buying service or some such thing, or I'd wait and buy used.

[Dadhawk]

Picking it up at the dealer, driving it home in the rain and "slipping" around my first corner.
The reactions from various "first time spotters" the first few months. It has waned recently, but I still enjoy them.
Lunch meets with @AtlantaRock.
The June 2012 Caffeine and Octane and the photo shoot that followed.
My first trip through the mountains, I need to get back.
Letting each of my sons drive the car for the first time.
Date nights with MomHawk, conjuring up memories of our first dates in the MR2 over 20 years ago.
Watching my 16 year old pass his driver's test in the FR-S.
All the folks I've met at the 1st86 event, and online here. You can never have too many friends.

[Dadhawk]

• Gotten an aero kit. I just don't see one I like enough to drop the cash on it.
• Blacked out the emblems. I'll still do this some day.
• Changed out the tires. It just didn't happen. I'll probably stick with the OEM ones through the summer.
• Had Warranty Work Done. I've not had any of the issues, but now that I've said it, I'll probably be in the shop next week.
• Dropped the Car. If it were any lower than it already is from the factory, I don't think I could get in and out of it!

[Dadhawk]

• Why it has an analog speedometer. Totally useless, wasted space that could have been used for real gauges.
• The obsession with the Scion vs Toyota branding. The car doesn't act/drive any different so it's OK with me.
• BeSpoke. Glad I don't have it, I feel sorry for those that ended up with it particularly my fellow Android phone users. I will be swapping my Pioneer unit soon though, more to come on that.
• The hatred by some of the 6MT crowd towards the 6AT. Look, I get its not your thing, but do you really have to call me names because my needs don't fit into your perceptions?
• The Great Debates starting with HIDs. Still don't see the need, still don't care. Do wish the headlights were black chrome though but not enough to bake them open. This also applies to the "Great Dual Climate Control Debate" and the "Amazing Missing Heated Seats". Don't need them, glad I didn't have to pay for them. I am glad others had the option if they wanted them though.
• Where's the OEM Catalog? For a car that is supposed to be "customized to your liking" Toyota/Scion has produced very little in terms of things you can add on. Yes, there is a strong 3rd party market that I'm thankful for, but just surprised it's taking them this long on the OEM side.
• Armrest. I have found no need for one, maybe because I have an AT? I would like a cover for that area though, and do like the OEM one that has been floating around. May have to get that one at some point.

[Dadhawk]

• Internal Lighting. Too many dark spots in the car. Time for a light kit.
• Torque Dip. It's OK for daily driving but HP and torque are in my Southern muscle car DNA. She will have a Supercharger some day.
• Paint. I don't have any paint chips to speak of, but I know its a matter of time. Already budgeted in the the maintenance account for a paint job in 5 to 7 years.
• Headlights. Too much chrome.

[akuhei]

Thank you for continuing to keep the journal up to date with ideas and thoughts as they develop. I have read and continue to enjoy reading your updates and thoughts concerning the car.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

• Torque Dip. It's OK for daily driving but HP and torque are in my Southern muscle car DNA. She will have a Supercharger some day.