OPPO: My dad is considering a BRZ/FR-S. HELP ME SEAL THE DEAL

"joemcm" (JoeMcMullen) 08/12/2013 at 23:47 • Filed to: None

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So my dad's 2000 Accord's automatic transmission is starting to go. He randomly loves Altima coupes and wants a stick. Thankfully, Altima coupes with MTs are like unicorns, so I started trying to get him into Golf GTIs and a little bit into the Toyotabrus, but knew the FR-S/BRZ was a long shot. He just told me he was looking at BRZs last night. He's thinking they might be too flashy but other than that he likes the idea of a car that's built for fun and reliability. I need you fine commenters and authors to help me sell my dad this car. He needs this car, he just doesn't know it yet.

AddMustard > joemcm 08/12/2013 at 23:49

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My dad was looking at a Mazda 3 and a Neon some years back. He ended up with the Neon. What I am saying is, it's futile trying to change your parents' mind...

scoob > AddMustard 08/12/2013 at 23:51

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HOW DO YOU GET A NEON OVER A MAZDA 3?

Ben Crowe > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:04

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The BRZ/FR-S looks too flashy? The Altima Coupe will make him look like a pimp...

Montalvo > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:06

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1. Should get decent MPG

2. Interior is a nice place to be.

3. Parts should be available for quite awhile and for cheap too.

4. It just looks awesome.

5. It will be a great platform to modify in the future if he is interested in that sort of thing.

6.Dat Handling

7. Tons of safety features and great crash ratings for peace of mind for a worst case scenario.

I was considering getting one of these but I now kind of shifted focus on getting a 2009-14 wrx because more power and practicality. If they had it in Cyprus Green Pearl (Pictured below) though I think I would be completely sold.

SonorousSpeedJoe > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:07

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Is he going for anything in particular with his next purchase? Both the FR-S and BRZ have good MPG estimates, are fun RWD sports cars, and the non-Sc10n Edition FR-S is relatively decontented compared to the better-appointed BRZ (if price is an issue). I believe Scion does no-haggle pricing as well.

joemcm > AddMustard 08/13/2013 at 00:08

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He wants a stick though. Altima coupe sticks are stupid rare. I used the 250 mile search radius on cars.com and only found one example and it was driven by a teenage girl for 3 years. Naturally, he passed. I'm thinking there's hope.

Decay buys too many beaters > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:10

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I own one (FR-S). What would you like to know?

I cannot recommend it enough, but I'm not sure how well it would work as a family vehicle (as in people with legs will not fit in the back seats)

joemcm > SonorousSpeedJoe 08/13/2013 at 00:15

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Well he wants a car, no hatch or SUV/CUV. He wants a stick, he's kinda jealous of mine. He's also never had a car with a leather interior so he kind of wants to try one out. His last few cars have been: old ass Subaru (before I was born), 91 Mazda Protégé, 95 Altima and now a 2000 Accord he's looking to get rid of. His car doesn't need to be practical, but he would like good milage since his Accord gets astonishingly dreadful milage. I think the BRZ is the perfect car for him.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:15

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One thing I learned in my time as an architect... Present your client with two proposals: one you love and one you hope they don't go for. In your case, if you really want the BRZ you should push the BRZ on one hand, and oh I dunno, a Forte Koup on the other...

Or just give him two options you love. BRZ and maybe 370z or G37 coupe? Cause the 370z and G37 coupe is still sorta kinda like an Altima coupe if you squint at it from a distance and Nissan. If he falls in love with those, he might default to the BRZ from a pricing standpoint.

Forgetful > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:17

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I LOVE mine.

It's great to drive.

It's safe.

It's good on gas.

It's fun.

It's good looking.

The attention it does attract is friendly and positive.

It's not particularly powerful so it doesn't tempt you to race from stop light to stop light, but you can go carve a canyon road and ignore the speed recommendations for tight corners, keeping everything nice and legal.

It's not overly practical (so people don't ask you for rides or favors), but it's not completely useless since the rear seats fold flat.

This past weekend I had to resupply my brother who is on a pretty serious mountain bike filming expedition, so I loaded his bike and gear in to my car, drove 600 km round trip from Kamloops to Whitsler in a day, driving enthusiastically most of the way across one of BC's great driving roads through the coastal mountains. I was not in the least bit fatigued and was in the most pure sense of the word entertained. I managed 34 mpg round trip and made great time. Not once did I feel like the car was outside of its element and despite my vigor, it never felt like it wanted to take me beyond my limits.

There are cons.

Those aren't rear seats, just storage bins.

That's all I could think of for cons.

joemcm > Decay buys too many beaters 08/13/2013 at 00:19

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Well my dad is 52 and I'm his only child and I'm 19 so that's no issue. I think it would be the perfect car for him. One question I do have is how comfortable is it? I've read/watched plenty of reviews, but never seen much on comfort because the individual doing the review usually can't stop talking about how much fun he's having. Just to specify on his idea of comfort, I don't mean like amenities and gadgetry, I just mean is the seat comfortable enough for a 52-year-old with a badish back?

StoneCold > Montalvo 08/13/2013 at 00:21

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That is a wonderful color

joemcm > Ben Crowe 08/13/2013 at 00:21

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I don't know what his deal is with those cars. I think they honestly look really nice but he just thinks they're the sexiest thing on the road. I guess that's cause he's not much of a car guy. I mean he'll listen to me ramble about it or watch an F1 race with me every once in a while, but he's by no means an enthusiast. But I think the FR-S/BRZ's sharper lines are what makes Dad find them flashy.

joemcm > Forgetful 08/13/2013 at 00:30

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I need to mention the point about the attention. My dad doesn't particularly like to draw attention to himself, and is under the impression driving a small sports car would be too flashy. I've insisted "Yes, it's a sports car, but it's not that fast, just really fun." That appeals to him. I told him, "You're worried it's a 'midlife crisis' car. It's just not. It's the perfect car for you. It's fun, not stupid fast, inexpensive, reliable and understated. Plus, if anyone thinks its a midlife crisis car, who cares? There's plenty of guys just like you who love these cars not because it's their midlife crisis, but because they're genuinely fun and great cars."

But I digress. I appreciate the list, I'm really gonna give this all I've got for the next couple weeks before I go back to school.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 08/13/2013 at 00:32

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I think Matt's onto something here. Presenting the G37 and BR-Z are the two best options. He'll think the 370Z is too flashy (especially if he thinks the BR-Z is flashy), might like the subtlety of the G37 but balk at the sticker. He'll fall back on the BR-Z because he can get into less trouble and have just as much fun.

Has he considered a WRX sedan? Those are pretty anonymous and have the same effect.

joemcm > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 08/13/2013 at 00:34

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I like the idea, but that's too risky for me. I'm just blatantly letting him know he's going to be a happier person if he buys a Toyobaru. Because I'm right. If you spend 2 hours a day driving and have a ball, you're gonna be happier.

Sadly the G37 and 370Z are both way out of his price and performance range. He's not in the market for a really fast car, just something fun.

joemcm > Montalvo 08/13/2013 at 00:37

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The looks are the only thing keeping him from ordering one tomorrow. Don't ask me why, but he thinks they're too flashy. I need to find one of the reviews I read that harps on it for being too conservative. I'm gonna keep pushing for the BRZ/FR-S and if he decides no, a WRX will be my next sell. He's had a Subaru before and liked it so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Forgetful > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:37

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People who know cars think it's cool, people who don't know cars think it looks nice. That's about the extent of the attention you get and it's actually kinda neat. I like my car and so do other people. FWIW the BRZ is a touch less aggressive looking than the FR-S.

Best thing you can do is make sure he drives it.

joemcm > Forgetful 08/13/2013 at 00:41

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That's my plan. I told him Clarkson loves it and he looked at me, got a little giddy and said, "Really?!" I told him he needs to go drive one and he'll be sold. This coming from someone who's never driven one. Maybe that'll change soon!

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:46

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Yea, you always run that risk when suggesting the option you don't like.

But that is the point of suggesting the 370z and G37. Because he will love them but resort to the BRZ because the others are too extreme in one or more factors.

Just keep us posted on what his other options are and we'll shoot em down for ya. People are less curious of your motive when you're dissing a car rather than promoting one.

Decay buys too many beaters > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:46

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I love the seats, they are very supportive and honestly one of the best factory seats I've experienced. There are a few problems however, the ride is quite bumpy, not to uncomfortable levels, but it will definitely be a far more aggressive suspension set up than an accord. Not really an issue, just something to be aware of.

The main problem for someone with back issues would be the height. One almost sits on the ground in an 86, so getting in and out can be a challenge. I'm 24 and its a bit hard for me to get in and out gracefully.

It is absolutely FANTASTIC to drive though.

Forgetful > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 00:52

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If you get the chance, show him not only the Top Gear GT86 review from Season 19, episode 3, but also the Hot Hatch review from Season 20 where he tests three FWD hot hatches and concludes by suggesting that if you want a small, inexpensive, fun car, buy a Toyota GT86.

joemcm > Decay buys too many beaters 08/13/2013 at 00:52

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That's big time. His back isn't terrible, but he's one of those middle aged guys that plays shit loads of golf then bitches about his back being stiff. He's only 5'9" (on a good day lol) and in good shape for his age so the height thing shouldn't be an issue. I don't think he'll have a problem with the firmer ride. At this point, the Accord has more of a worn-out feel than a soft feel so I think a stiffer car will be welcome. Thanks for the feedback, I'll let you all know how I do!

joemcm > Forgetful 08/13/2013 at 00:55

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I'm definitely gonna show him the GT86 review, but good thinking remembering that bit in the hot hatch review. I'm getting pretty optimistic over here, you all have definitely helped me out a lot, I think I might be able to convince him.

Decay buys too many beaters > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 01:01

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Good luck!!

Montalvo > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 01:11

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Has he seen it in person? As good as it looks in pictures it looks even better right in front of you.

AddMustard > scoob 08/13/2013 at 01:23

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I know. I was stunned. It was an eye opener about my father, though...

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 02:20

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Does he know the Altima Coup is not surviving after the 2013 model year?

joemcm > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 08/13/2013 at 03:27

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Yep, he's looking at low milage used examples.

neon wario > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 08:57

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I don't know if this helps, but I've driven the rare 3.5 Altima coupe with 6-speed, and it sucks shit.

joemcm > neon wario 08/13/2013 at 11:50

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That's the car he wants. How could that be a bad combination? I've driven an Altima (prior generation 4-door) and a 350z and loved that engine in both, and I found the 6-speed in the 350 to be satisfactory. I know the engine and transmission are different but I figured it would be at least decent. That's really surprising it sucks. My fear is that he will wind up getting an automatic Altima coupe which I must say would make me a very sad man.

neon wario > joemcm 08/13/2013 at 12:38

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I was surprised, too. It was only a 10 minute drive or so but everything felt... I don't know, unsatisfying would be the best term I guess. I know for a lot of us, a bad stick shift is better than a good auto. Just keep pushing for a Toyobaru, I'd say.

Addendum: I was working at a dealership at the time, so I've tried everything relatively inexpensive. Also, I have an unhealthy hatred of clutches that have an engagement point that feels "far out".

joemcm > Decay buys too many beaters 11/23/2013 at 11:43

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I was just looking back on this after writing my story on how I got him to actually buy the car and saw this. We drove it to Pennsylvania to visit my grandparents, and my ~75-year-old grandpa was able to get in and out of it fairly easily, I don't know how, but he did. Having the car has been great for Dad and me and you all definitely made it happen, thanks!

Decay buys too many beaters > joemcm 11/23/2013 at 12:16

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I've also just a few days ago realized that there is a height adjustment on the seat, mine was all the way down so I imagine that had a lot to do with my issues.

I kept it there though, I just enjoy the feeling of sitting so close to the ground too much to give it up for some extra comfort.