Buying an FR-S soon

[xITSxTHExPOPEx]

So sometime in the next week or so I plan on purchasing a 2013 FR-S, manual, raven black with less than 10 miles. I was hoping you guys could give me a quick lists of problems to look out for and and things I should and should not do.

I've already looked at the sticky which went over all of the issues people had when they were first released, as well as a list of all current recalls. I also attempted to search for threads similar to this but was told the terms "looking, buying, thinking" were to common.

I am aware that while this is a sporty vehicle, it is not necessarily fast, just fun, tiny, and not a miata, which is exactly what I need lol.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by xITSxTHExPOPEx

So sometime in the next week or so I plan on purchasing a 2013 FR-S, manual, raven black with less than 100 miles. I was hoping you guys could give me a quick lists of problems to look out for and and things I should and should not do.

I've already looked at the sticky which went over all of the issues people had when they were first released, as well as a list of all current recalls. I also attempted to search for threads similar to this but was told the terms "looking, buying, thinking" were to common.

I am aware that while this is a sporty vehicle, it is not necessarily fast, just fun, tiny, and not a miata, which is exactly what I need lol.

Check for scratches.
Do not let them wash it.
Check to make sure the rubber gromments are installed under the car.
Check to make sure there is no condensation inside the tail lights.
Check the tire pressure is set to 35 PSI.
Check the fluid level (especially coolant), mine was at half.
Make sure they add 91 (or 93 depending where you are) to your gas tank.

[badrad]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61401

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8629

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61719

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61474

Those were on the first few pages of threads here in the general forum. No 'search' function required. Just spend time reading around and following threads. TONS of threads over the warranty section. Also worth some time in the Engine section as through normal conversation common issues will come up as they relate.

Then, think about what mods you may be interested in, and find threads about them or similar to them (i.e. if you want exhaust ABC, but there are no threads on it, the threads on exhaust XYZ likely have very relevant info and issue possibilities.

The info is here. It sometimes can be tricky to find, but with time (not much at all) you'll figure it all out. A big thing to do is sit in them, drive them, just interact and see what YOU notice.

[mav1178]

No more context.

[subiestyle]

^ because its a 2013 model that was probably test driven a lot.

OP, how much money would you save going for a 2013? These cars are already fairly common and I would probably just order a brand new 2014 model with less than 10 miles on the odo. Preferably have one that was just brought off the truck.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by subiestyle

^ because its a 2013 model that was probably test driven a lot.

I'm well aware of that... my question wasn't a "why", it was more of a "here's the problem with the car you're seeking, do due diligence and make sure it's not abused" question.

2013 + not sold + 100 miles? You'll probably end up with a bad clutch and/or transmission issues if the test drives were abusive, especially considering how badly 2nd gear grinds when completely cold.

I recently got a 2014 Forester loaner that had 700 miles on it. By the time I was done (a week later), I put an extra 350 miles on the car. Caveat emptor.

-alex

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by mav1178

I'm well aware of that... my question wasn't a "why", it was more of a "here's the problem with the car you're seeking, do due diligence and make sure it's not abused" question.

2013 + not sold + 100 miles? You'll probably end up with a bad clutch and/or transmission issues if the test drives were abusive, especially considering how badly 2nd gear grinds when completely cold.

I recently got a 2014 Forester loaner that had 700 miles on it. By the time I was done (a week later), I put an extra 350 miles on the car. Caveat emptor.

-alex

I agree NEW to me is not 100 miles, new is 1-2 miles on the OD. Each to their own but many test drivers are just out to bag em off the lot..

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by xITSxTHExPOPEx

So sometime in the next week or so I plan on purchasing a 2013 FR-S, manual, raven black with less than 100 miles..

..... to .... The Forum, ..... xITSxTHExPOPEx.

Have you spotted your purchase.. ??


humfrz

[xITSxTHExPOPEx]

Originally Posted by mav1178

If it is a new car, why "less than 100 miles?" It should be more like, "less than 10 miles"

If it is used.... why "less than 100 miles?"

That's where you should start.

-alex

meant to say less than 10, let me go fix that lol

As for all the other replies, I havent seen the vehicle in person yet, as the dealer is on the other side of town, this is the only raven stick shift I was able to find on the internet, and its 1k cheaper than the 2014.

Major mods may come after I pay it off or the warranty ends, as of now the only mods I'd consider would be ones I could quickly remove for warranty repairs. I'd also like to wait a few years to see what kind of builds pop up and which last the longest lol.

Also that damn "What you HATE" thread is 97 pages long... I got some good reading ahead of me lol.

[gymratter]

Even if it has 100 miles that isnt too bad. people do test drive cars all the time. my mom's new Camry had like 56 miles on it when she got it from the dealer.

[xITSxTHExPOPEx]

Every time I go to buy one of these damn things I call ahead and the vehicle is still there, and when I get there someone is doing the paperwork to buy it. Used MTs are hard to get ahold of lol, I may have to settle for the AT

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by xITSxTHExPOPEx

Every time I go to buy one of these damn things I call ahead and the vehicle is still there, and when I get there someone is doing the paperwork to buy it. Used MTs are hard to get ahold of lol, I may have to settle for the AT

If you really want the MT, why not go for new? Just save up a bit more and you can order the colour and transmission choice you want.

[BlueDubbinTDI]

Originally Posted by xITSxTHExPOPEx

Every time I go to buy one of these damn things I call ahead and the vehicle is still there, and when I get there someone is doing the paperwork to buy it. Used MTs are hard to get ahold of lol, I may have to settle for the AT

Do not "settle" on the tranny choice if that's what you really want. Youde regret that over anything else.

[subiestyle]

Originally Posted by xITSxTHExPOPEx

Every time I go to buy one of these damn things I call ahead and the vehicle is still there, and when I get there someone is doing the paperwork to buy it. Used MTs are hard to get ahold of lol, I may have to settle for the AT

That is dealer BS. They just want you in so they can sell you something else.

Ask for the VIN before you go.