Have a line on a 2017 86 leftover dealer inventory. Questions:

[nicknick43]

I’ve always liked the twins with my aesthetic preference being the BRZ. That said I found an 86 Base model in the color I would prefer (raven black) still sitting at a local dealer. I think I might be able to get this for around $21k. I do have a few questions after driving though. As I was driving it in manual mode there was a hesitation at 6000rpms with the foot to the floor. What could cause this / is it common? Being that this is a base model does anyone miss some of the luxuries or active safety tech they have on other cars? How does the ride quality effect anyone who daily’s it? I’m only 39 but the aches and pains are coming. I came out of the quick drive impresses enough that I said to myself ”that car might as well be parked in my driveway already”.

One other off the wall question: will a set of golf clubs fit with the back seats in place?

For the readers out there: Backstory I’ve owned many a car from new commuters to JDM tuners to American muscle. Most recent had a Focus St that was simply beating the shit out of my body as I rack up an average of 22-24k miles a year. So I traded that for a soul-less but very comfortable 2015 Chrysler 200c. Fast forward 2.5 years and I have a blended family with 3 kids. So long trips in a sedan are tight. I was able to purchase a 2006 Durango Limited from a coworker for next to nothing to use as a family hauler which has opened my eyes back up to having something fun to drive

[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

Can you describe the hesitation? Were you in manual mode and in a proper gear?

In mine it accelerates smoothly and rapidly in manual mode, even before it had a tune.

OR are you referring to a torque dip around 4000-6000 rpm?

[ST185RC]

Golf clubs? Sure. Golf bag? Depends on how fat and how loaded the golf bag is. I've had to take out my two drivers to angle the bag in but my trunk is empty. i put the drivers in on their own

[Spuds]

Was the hesitation when you put your foot to the floor, or did it feel like a misfire while your foot was on the floor?

You could bring your clubs to the dealer to see if they fit. My biggest problem with getting stuff in the trunk has usually been the act of getting it in. The opening(s) are sometimes too small even though the trunk itself is big enough.

I can't speak for everyone on the luxuries bit, bit for me the fact that all that stuff is missing is why I like the car. It's basic, RWD, and has enough power to have some fun. In terms of the upscale trims on this car, meh, I haven't seen them come out with anything I just really had to have for street driving. I also have a less refined 2013, so a 2017 is a bit nicer on that mark.

[HKz]

beyond driving aids like ABS/TC, no active safety equipment in this car...it is as analog as you can get for a modern automobile. I would bet you just haven't felt the full power of the car until you're banging it off the 7400 redline..

virtually any golf bag can fit with the clubs in and the seats up but some larger bags will require you to first pull the seats down to slide the bag in as the trunk opening isn't very wide. I just leave the seats down, makes it so much easier & you can hear your exhaust better ^^

as for the suspension might be a tough call since it seems like you're used to pretty cushy rides..if you thought you were getting beat up in your ST then this will be worse. Avoid the lowering springs if ride quality is important.

[yurikaze]

That sounds like the USDM version of the car I toured Japan with!


The one I drove didn't have any 6k rpm hesitation in either automatic or manual modes.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by nicknick43

I’ve always liked the twins with my aesthetic preference being the BRZ. That said I found an 86 Base model in the color I would prefer (raven black) still sitting at a local dealer. I think I might be able to get this for around $21k. I do have a few questions after driving though. As I was driving it in manual mode there was a hesitation at 6000rpms with the foot to the floor. What could cause this / is it common? Being that this is a base model does anyone miss some of the luxuries or active safety tech they have on other cars? How does the ride quality effect anyone who daily’s it? I’m only 39 but the aches and pains are coming. I came out of the quick drive impresses enough that I said to myself (that car might as well be parked in my driveway already).

One other off the wall question: will a set of golf clubs fit with the back seats in place?

For the readers out there: Backstory I’ve owned many a car from new commuters to JDM tuners to American muscle. Most recent had a focus St that was simply beating the shit out of my body as I rack up an average of 22-24k miles a year. So I traded that for a soul-less but very comfortable 2015 Chrysler 200c. Fast forward 2.5 years and I have a blended family with 3 kids. So long trips in a sedan are tight. I was able to purchase a 2006 Durango Limited from a coworker for next to nothing to use as a family hauler which has opened my eyes back up to having something fun to drive

Hello nicknick43 and welcome to ye ol forum …

I have a 2013 base model FR-S which is more "base" than the one you're looking at and it has plenty of refinement for me (although I did switch out the head unit for one with a nav unit).

As far as ride quality, I drove a Miata from age from age 63 to age 70 and my FR-S from age 71 to 75. I never had any problem being comfortable in either one (actually the FR-S is a tad more comfortable).


Happy trails to you!


humfrz

[nicknick43]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Was the hesitation when you put your foot to the floor, or did it feel like a misfire while your foot was on the floor?

You could bring your clubs to the dealer to see if they fit. My biggest problem with getting stuff in the trunk has usually been the act of getting it in. The opening(s) are sometimes too small even though the trunk itself is big enough.

I can't speak for everyone on the luxuries bit, bit for me the fact that all that stuff is missing is why I like the car. It's basic, RWD, and has enough power to have some fun. In terms of the upscale trims on this car, meh, I haven't seen them come out with anything I just really had to have for street driving. I also have a less refined 2013, so a 2017 is a bit nicer on that mark.

Hesitation seemed to be in manual mode only foot to the floor and right at 6k rpm. It was a very short drive so maybe nothing to worry about. I agree as I think about this car that all the gizmos and gadgets might just remind me what it’s like to “drive” again

[nicknick43]

Originally Posted by yurikaze

That sounds like the USDM version of the car I toured Japan with!


The one I drove didn't have any 6k rpm hesitation in either automatic or manual modes.

Look like that but no fogs. I’d have to put some in.

[nicknick43]

Thanks everyone for the opinions on the luxury bits and the notes about the golf clubs. Guess it’s negotiation time.


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[humfrz]

Originally Posted by nicknick43

Thanks everyone for the opinions on the luxury bits and the notes about the golf clubs. Guess it’s negotiation time.


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Just don't pay a penny more than they will sell it for …

Now, after you buy it and drive it off the lot …. stay the hell waaaay back from parking stops … or you will get your car's first scrape.


humfrz

[ToySub1946]

Hesitation...I suspect you actually hit the rev limiter yet did not see just where the tach was at the time. Very easy to do when not familiar with a car.

I road tested a Civic Si a few months ago. I hit the rev limiter as it's engine is so quiet. I did not like the Civic as it felt way too big inside, after driving an FRS for three years.

Personally I'm not sure you'll be happy with your choice if you get aches and pains easily. Not the easiest to get in and out of this car. If the driver's seat fits you perfectly, as it does me, maybe you'll be happy. I am told these seats are more comfortable than a current model Miata.

You might consider auto trans on this car if aches and pains need lessening. Great auto trans they state.

The lack of safety crap on this car suits me well....though blind spot monitoring might be a nice feature. And wish this car had a camera in front to see just where those pesky parking stops are. Very difficult to judge exactly where actual front of this car is located from the driver's seat, unless one is very tall.

May I suggest an Alfa Romeo Giulia or Stelvio, as a second choice if you really wanna hold more people...

[nicknick43]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

Hesitation...I suspect you actually hit the rev limiter yet did not see just where the tach was at the time. Very easy to do when not familiar with a car.

I road tested a Civic Si a few months ago. I hit the rev limiter as it's engine is so quiet. I did not like the Civic as it felt way too big inside, after driving an FRS for three years.

Personally I'm not sure you'll be happy with your choice if you get aches and pains easily. Not the easiest to get in and out of this car. If the driver's seat fits you perfectly, as it does me, maybe you'll be happy. I am told these seats are more comfortable than a current model Miata.

You might consider auto trans on this car if aches and pains need lessening. Great auto trans they state.

Yeah I think it will be better as I can split duty between the 86 and the Durango which is super cush highway cruising. And yeah as much as I’d like to row my gears I do think th auto makes more sense for me now. I heard this Tran was the same one used in the ISF?

Also considered the civic but part of the draw of the twins as they are beauties on the cheap


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[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

That sounds like you saw 6k on the tach and then shortly after hit the rev limiter to me.....