"Jonathon Klein" (jonathon-klein)
05/21/2014 at 12:15 • Filed to: FRS, Toyota, Oppo Reviews, Owners Log
13
45|
"Jonathon Klein" (jonathon-klein)
05/21/2014 at 12:15 • Filed to: FRS, Toyota, Oppo Reviews, Owners Log | 13
| 45 |
Some of you may know that I have a 2013 Scion FR-S that I purchased around October of last year. It was my first brand new car ever and it came to me at a time when I needed to get rid of the most !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! car in the history of the world. That Passat made me almost hate cars even with its redeeming qualities. I traded that car in so fast the dealer never even took it for a test drive.
I was originally looking at either leasing an Evo X or a buying a WRX, and only went to check out the FR-S because so many people were talking about how it was the savior of the auto enthusiast. I had pretty much already made up my mind, but figured I would just check it out. I was surprised. I took it for a test drive with my wife around the block and all of a sudden something happened, I started to grin. The shifts were great, the weight of the steering was amazing, the ease at which the engine climbed in the revs was superb, and in short I was hooked.
Now I'm no rube, when I got back from the test drive I told the salesman who couldn't be a nicer chap that I needed time to think and promptly left the dealership. I wasn't harassed to stay, they didn't keep my keys to my trade in, and didn't stall for time. It was by far the most satisfying deal I have ever made. When I left I started talking with my wife on finances and about 15 minutes later I called Russ back and had them set aside the car. What came next is history.
Fast-forward a few months later, I am sitting here typing on my computer trying to relay my experiences back to you. The car now has 10,000 miles on it. It's been through the Polar Vortex, rain, hail, a few car washes, it's first oil change, a new exhaust, and been topped out in the corn fields of southern Illinois. The car is great in almost every possible respect besides a few. I don't highly recommend it to those individuals that have a large family or have two dogs, one weighing in at over 75lbs, unless he decides to hop in the trunk in which you should really leave him there, it's safer.
We took the dogs on a short road trip to my grandma's house in northern Indiana one weekend. I being myself wanting to play with my car a bit in the wilderness that is northern Indiana, decided we could take it and our two dogs. They fit perfectly, but because of the drive shaft tunnel, neither could get comfortable enough to lie down. So in the course of the trip the TCS was turned off three times, my little pup jumped from my lap to my wife's lap, the dogs got into a fight, my wife's seat belt was unbuckled twice, and our bigger pup tried to come and lay down in my lap. It wasn't safe at all and won't be attempted again.
On a good note, you would expect the bucket seats to become uncomfortable on long hauls, but they don't. We have taken this car on a few road trips and later this year we will take it to Canada and to Austin for the F1 race. They are perfectly supportive, but they never really intrude on your comfort in those long hauls. The only issue with the seats has come up in the last week when I pulled my left thigh muscle. Getting out of the seats and out of such a low car while injured is extremely painful and I'm wishing that I was getting out of my wife's Outlander Sport. Nevertheless, other than my own personal injury, the interior cabin is great.
Another thing that isn't so great is the wind noise. The interior cabin's noise cancellation is not up to par, while doing 75mph on the highway you hear everything. The road, the wind, and the massive 16 wheelers with their wheels so close to your head that you think you will be crushed! What makes the wind noise worse is the really shitty window seals. I'm a big dude and getting into a small low lightweight sports car is probably a bit like a Benny Hill skit, naturally I hit my head on the rubber seals almost every time I get into the car.
About 3 months in with the wind noise getting ridiculous I took the car back into the dealer thinking the car was defective. The maintenance guy said nope, that the rubber seals tend to fall out if you keep hitting them with your head getting into the car. I asked him if there was a fix and he said the only fix is running your hand across the seal every few days to make sure it's seated properly in the door jam. Really Toyota?
Gas mileage ranges on this car more than people decide to talk about. My personal best was 416 miles to the puny 13 gallon tank. But on average you are getting somewhere around the 320 mile mark. It may just seem to me that I'm always filling up because the tank is so small, but it still seems ridiculous. Why not just make it a few gallons more? How hard would that be? I know they wanted it light and I applaud them for this, but come on 13 gallons?
What also makes for some interesting driving is when I topped the car out. It feels planted, or grounded to the ground, but I think Toyota should investigate the hood starting to come up at speeds over 90mph. I thankfully didn't notice this when I was doing a high speed run, but rather when I was just cruising down the highway. Above 90mph the hood begins to shake and look like it will pop up while driving. At first I thought the hood latch may have come unlocked, so I pulled over and checked it out. The hood was definitely secure. So I took it back on the road, climbed up to 90mph and immediately it did it again. My solution for the future would be to install a set of hood pins, but only if I decide to do another top speed pull.
Everyone knows the performance side of this car because of all the press and everyone knows it could use a little more horsepower. It certainly does. Right now the only modification I've done, solely due to lack of funds, is to put a Nameless Performance track pipe on the car. I lived with the stock exhaust for a couple months, but decided that it was just too quiet for the sports car it was. It deserved to be loud and now it sounds like a rally car! In addition, with a lack of funds being prevalent for the foreseeable future, the power is sadly not likely to change.
The tires are what many others have complained about they say there is an amazing lack of grip to them. Let me just say, I went through winter without changing to snow tires and I was never stuck. I took the car to its limits around on and off ramps, which depending on the ramp hovers between 60-85mph, never feeling like the car had a lack of grip. This car sticks even with its eco-friendly Prius tires. I would love to see what it could really do with a set of Pilot Cups wrapped wheels.
10k miles, and most likely another 8k this year with my car, in short I love it. It has its faults, but those faults are few and far between. It may be the one true god of the auto enthusiast or it could be one of the many second comings we've had recently. To me it's almost perfect, it could definitely use a bit more power, but overall it's a great car. If you haven't driven it, drive it, you will be impressed.
It's also great at slaying tires
A bit blurry but you get the idea
You can find me here on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! !
Barbarian772
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 12:22 |
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I want one, I want one badly... but I think I'll have to wait until I finished studying...
bkempert
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 12:23 |
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Good read, nice review. One question: how tall are you? Follow up: do you find yourself having trouble fitting comfortably? (I'm 6'4" and have always wondered about this car)
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Jonathon Klein
> bkempert
05/21/2014 at 12:24 |
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6'4" too, its a bit tight getting in, but I've got at least 3in of headroom. And I also sit like a race car driver, I have the seat upright and close to the wheel.
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bkempert
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 12:29 |
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Good to know. Maybe I'll have to stop putting off actually taking a test drive. Thanks
jariten1781
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 12:30 |
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The window seal thing happens on all cars with frameless windows I've had. I just pop the suckers back in each time I wash the car.
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Jonathon Klein
> bkempert
05/21/2014 at 12:31 |
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You won't be disappointed.
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Jonathon Klein
> jariten1781
05/21/2014 at 12:31 |
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Same
MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 13:00 |
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If you keep hitting your head on the weather stripping and knocking it loose, what is Toyota supposed to do about it? That just kind of seems to me like it's less of a design fault in the car and more general tall people problems.
Also, try dailying a car with a 10 gallon tank if you think you fill up often now. You pretty much live at the pump even if the car gets decent mileage.
Tom McParland
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 13:01 |
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Nice write-up...2 quick things use the "oppo reviews" tag and also tag with "owners log" I have a plan for that last one if it ever materializes.
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Jonathon Klein
> MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig
05/21/2014 at 13:01 |
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I just thought they could glue it in or something, make it a bit harder to pull out. And yes I am a giant.
10 gallons wtf car do you have?
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Jonathon Klein
> Tom McParland
05/21/2014 at 13:06 |
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Done!
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MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 13:08 |
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Gluing it in is probably not the best idea. If it needed to be removed for future repairs, it would likely cause it to tear, and they cost over $150 just for the part before labor.
My MR2 is a 10 point something gallon tank. At roughly 25 average mixed mpg I fill up every 3-5 days. It's usually less than $30/fill up though. My Cressida is much thirstier though. 18 gallons last a long time, but at 17-18mpg and $50/fill up it's a wallet muncher.
BeaterGT
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 13:12 |
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First thing I did when I test drove my LGT was check for wind noise as it has frameless windows or "coupe doors." None. That's a total deal breaker for me. But then again, framed windows can be a deal breaker as well.
cabarne4
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 13:14 |
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One of the reasons I love being short (about 5'8"), I never have issues fitting in cars... Took an FRS for a test drive though, after getting my seat comfortable there was maybe 2 inches between the back of the driver's seat, and the front of the rear seat. Seriously, I thought people were exaggerating about how unusable they are.
Might get one for my next car, but I'll probably wait until I'm out of school.
FR-Z
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 14:51 |
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You should really check out the Phantom ESC (with 1.5 dump) + OpenFlash tablet. Huge bang for the buck for the daily driver. Probably not the best solution for the track.
Moxy
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 14:55 |
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Awesome write up! I have about 8k miles on mine and also couldn't be happier with it. I haven't noticed the hood lifting up, but everything else is spot on.
Have you had an issues with condensation build-up in the taillights? That's the only thing I've had to fix, so far.
Oh, and it looks great in black:
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Jonathon Klein
> Moxy
05/21/2014 at 14:56 |
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No condensation that I've noticed, and yes yes it does.
signintoburnerlol
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 16:01 |
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Only 10K miles? This is a short term review!
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Jonathon Klein
> signintoburnerlol
05/21/2014 at 16:04 |
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In less the 7 months?
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signintoburnerlol
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 16:04 |
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Better be 20K the next time i see you.
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Jonathon Klein
> signintoburnerlol
05/21/2014 at 16:06 |
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It will be, first Canada and then Austin, plus probably a few trips to southern IL. It will definitely be by the end of the year.
Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
> BeaterGT
05/21/2014 at 21:08 |
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I don't get it. How is it a deal breaker when no wind noise exists?
Nick George
> Jonathon Klein
05/21/2014 at 21:26 |
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I bought my BRZ in November last year and so far I absolutely love it. I just replaced the wheels and tires with OZ Ultraleggeras and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (245/35R18). The grip is immense now. Next up is a good exhaust and intake.
My only issue so far has been a popping sound coming from the rear deck over certain types of bumps. The dealer found some spot welds that had gaps inbetween, which pop every time the body flexes a certain way. Oh well.
One thing I love about these cars is the community... this ALWAYS happens to me:
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BeaterGT
> Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
05/21/2014 at 21:51 |
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Saying it's a deal breaker if there's wind noise and that my car had none (very grateful since it is a common Subaru problem). Also saying I don't like framed windows. I write awkwardly :)
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Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
> BeaterGT
05/21/2014 at 23:27 |
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We're in the same boat then. :)
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> Jonathon Klein
05/22/2014 at 13:38 |
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I approve of this message (and hoonage).
Tony Dickson
> MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig
05/24/2014 at 13:11 |
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You want crazy? Try my old 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. 9 or 10 MPG on a good day and a 16 gallon fuel tank!
cazzyodo
> Jonathon Klein
06/05/2014 at 10:45 |
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Those videos look like so much fun. The test drive of the FR-S was an absolute blast, I will say that much haha
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cazzyodo
> bkempert
06/05/2014 at 10:47 |
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I'm 6'4" and did a test drive last year...it was a blast. I didn't get one because I was concerned about winter to be honest and after this past winter I felt justified.
That being said, if I end up in a warmer climate it will become a serious option.
pfftballer
> Jonathon Klein
06/05/2014 at 10:49 |
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I have a 2013 identical to yours, color and all from what I can tell. You probably just need to unscrew the small rubber snubbers on each corner of the hood by the headlight. They screw in or out and stabilize the hood after the latch closes. If in too far your hood will wobble. Turn them both out a half turn and see if it helps.
fixedpoint
> MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig
06/05/2014 at 11:21 |
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10 gallon tank for me too... with a 60 mile round trip commute. Have to fill up once a week, usually one day earlier in the week than the last week.
95 Del Sol - Say what you will, still fun to drive, and consider it my pre-BRZ/FRS ;)
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Jonathon Klein
> pfftballer
06/05/2014 at 11:32 |
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Awesome I will try it. I never thought of that, thanks so much!
AMGWTFBBQ
> cabarne4
06/05/2014 at 11:39 |
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You're not short. I'm short. At 5'5" I have issues with cars like Mustangs and Camaros. I have to have the seat wayyy far up. This means I usually have to open the door pretty far to get out from way up there. The doors on those cars are so big and heavy it's almost impossible when you're parked next to someone else. Not a big deal since I've never cared for those cars anyway, but selling and moving them around the lot is a pain.
I did find however, that the BRZ (never been in an FRS) fit me like a damn glove and was really easy to get in and out of.
Also, BOLSTERS. I'm a little dude. If you put me in a seat designed to accomodate an 800 lb. person I'm going to go flying across it as soon as I take a turn. I've found the BRZ and Focus ST along with the Genesis coupe to have really great bolsters. Nothing beats the Recaros in my old 190E Sportline, but they come very close.
gallahad
> Nick George
06/05/2014 at 11:47 |
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Has ditching the Primacies done much to your mileage? I do like the thought of putting stickier tires on mine, but I also do really enjoy getting my 28-29mpg (god saying that makes me feel old)
TurtleFace
> cazzyodo
06/05/2014 at 12:19 |
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I'm 6'3" and considering a BRZ, cool to see all the tall drivers fit!
CAPTDALE
> MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig
06/05/2014 at 12:37 |
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Yup, my Fiero only has 10gal. I have to stop every 4 days or more even at 23mpg due to my commute.
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cazzyodo
> TurtleFace
06/05/2014 at 13:06 |
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The BRZ was so fun to even just be in.
Stupid winter.
SpyderMS
> bkempert
06/05/2014 at 17:43 |
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Replying a bit late to this, but noticed nobody replied to you! I'm 6'7", 220lbs, and have owned my BRZ since April of '13. I love the car to death, and with the seat pushed all the way back and dropped all the way down, with a bit of recline, I feel like I fit perfectly. Absolutely no complaints. When I autocross, it gets a little tight with my helmet on, but even then, I'm not uncomfortable at all.
James
> Nick George
06/05/2014 at 19:34 |
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I had the same popping issue on my FR-S when I first got it. It went away after two or three thousand miles. I'm at 6,000 now and I haven't heard it since last fall.
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James
> Jonathon Klein
06/05/2014 at 19:42 |
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I've had my FR-S since last august and over time it's developed a faint honking sound around 3-4 thousand rpm. This usually happens when shifting but can also occur when I just rev the engine in neutral. It really just sounds like there's a goose hanging out under the hood. I've searched the forums and can't find a solution that works in the long run but it doesn't seem to affect the performance of the car at all so I'm not too worried. Does yours do this too?
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Nick George
> gallahad
06/05/2014 at 21:51 |
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Hasn't done anything noticeable. I've always averaged 26-27.
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Jonathon Klein
> James
06/06/2014 at 08:01 |
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Haven't heard anything from it, and I put the louder exhaust on so I'm fairly sure I would. My problem is that it won't do a sustained burnout. I pop the clutch with high rpm's and then do a brake torque, but after like 3secs the power is just sapped away and it stops. Like the ECU is cutting in.
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bkempert
> SpyderMS
06/06/2014 at 10:13 |
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Thanks for the reply - good to know you can fit, and with a helmet nonetheless! That's awesome to hear.
daiheadjai
> Jonathon Klein
06/06/2014 at 18:29 |
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I sorta regret leasing my BRZ.
Limited mileage (my lease contract gives me 20,000km per year) is a killjoy - I'm definitely slated to go over the limit (and enjoy every bit of it).
Two things I feel make a huge difference: Changing to a heavier shiftknob.
The stocker isn't a lightweight at 198g, but it felt less than solid (partly because it is made up of several separate components). I switched to a WC Lathewerks stainless steel ball (so far no problems with it getting too hot - but in the winter, it is brutal), and I think it changed the shifts immensely (in a great way).
The second is getting a lightweight crank pulley - this fixes the lag issue prevalent in most drive-by-wire cars. I got the Kartboy because it was 200g lighter than the Perrin (prices are similar), but one cautionary note: the Kartboy has a slight whine around 2.5k-3k rpm because of its design. Otherwise, another great mod to help you enjoy the car more (and for cheap!)
A nice drop in panel filter will also help you hear the engine better.
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cabarne4
> AMGWTFBBQ
06/07/2014 at 07:29 |
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I've got a good friend (a guy) who's 5'1", and my mom is 5'2", so I'm aware of short people problems. :P My mom has to sit basically touching the steering wheel in the trucks. It is pretty great laughing when tall people complain about leg room.
All of my friends are taller than me, except like 2 or 3, so I feel relatively "short".
And I second the comment on the FRS/BRZ. Fit me like a glove.