Things to look for in a used FR-S

[the new guy]

So tomorrow I may go and get my FR-S at the local dealer. Getting a pretty good deal on it but it's used with 3k miles. The kicker is that this car was supposedly another dealerships test car so who knows how many kids off the street have just gunned it and screwed over the break in period. How important is it? Any other things to look for besides the chirping? It's coming with a 100k certified warranty but I don't want to screw myself over. Thanks in advance!

[suaveflooder]

Test car? Walk away. Not worth it. Probably wasn't broken in properly, had people who didn't know how to drive stick, hit some curbs, etc.

[the new guy]

It is an automatic but something my friend mentioned like you said is curb damage or something else the dealer could have covered up without reporting.

[zc06_kisstherain]

It's all depends on how much money you saved on this. if that's worth it, i would get it since it comes with warranty. i had a chance on used one that had 50 miles but they offered me not worth getting it if i compared to new one.

[suaveflooder]

Originally Posted by the new guy

It is an automatic but something my friend mentioned like you said is curb damage or something else the dealer could have covered up without reporting.

Auto is a plus. I would still be scared. Honestly, there are people scared of buying them from an enthusiast because they know how we drive them .....If we drive them hard and we love them, how do you think the dealer is going to drive them?

[the new guy]

24k and it comes with custom leather seats, upgraded audio with a new pioneer dash + rear cam and a TRD cold air intake.

That's exactly what I'm thinking about, 2k miles of people just gunning them on the interstate and screwing over the breakin. Long term, what could that cause?

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by the new guy

24k and it comes with custom leather seats, upgraded audio with a new pioneer dash + rear cam and a TRD cold air intake.

If you had a brand new one, would you put that stuff on it? It only has value if you want it.

Look at the tires, that'll tell you the most about how the car was driven. For less than $2k more you can have one that isn't as risky.

[suaveflooder]

for $24k, you can buy a private party used one and put that stuff on it. I'll be broken in correctly, and if you look around and take your time, it'll taken care of. FR-S's price have dropped like a rock. I have 10k miles on mine and the KBB is $21k and before anyone says, "Who cares about KBB?!" It really does seem to be about how much they are selling for.

[Steve201brz]

Nothing you can really do about the chirping (crickets), good chance you'd get that anyway on a new one.

3k miles is a lot for a test car. They most likely didn't put 93 in it either

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

If you had a brand new one, would you put that stuff on it? It only has value if you want it.

Look at the tires, that'll tell you the most about how the car was driven. For less than $2k more you can have one that isn't as risky.

I agree. In addition, is it the transmission you would prefer; is it the color you would prefer?

I'd have to ask myself ..... if it was a "test car" at another dealership ..... why is it at this dealership .... ??

Personally, I'd pass and get a brand spanking new one ....

humfrz

[FRyeS]

I'd get one with no miles for $25k and add on the stuff I wanted later.

Not to mention your interest rate (if you finance) should be lower on new vs used.

[KGFRS86]

I wouldn't stress about a "proper" break in. A lot of us, including me, drove our cars hard right out the gate and have had zero issues. I'm at 15k with no issues so far, although I understand that could change at 30k miles, I honestly don't think it will as I changed the oil @ 1k miles, and I maintain my car well.

[travelmonkey]

Always look for a dead body in the trunk or blood stains. Serious.

[strat61caster]

Also remember that the salesmen will lie to you.

'Little old lady owned it' my ass. It was some punk kid who couldn't make payments or a middle aged guy who didn't want to blow money on a corvette sliding around on-ramps near the dealership.

It could also be the best deal you could come across in the next couple months, who knows.