So I looked at that FR-S...

"Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow" (chriskf)
06/21/2014 at 12:29 • Filed to: None

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Well, I decided to walk away...

The engine looked good, no leaks, and it drove well. However, the body lines on the passenger door and front quarter panel didn't sit flush (the door stuck out a bit further) and the interior panel over the speaker wouldn't clip in and sit flush either. Makes me think it may have been damaged then repaired or replaced (poorly), even though it has a clean carfax.

The car was a repo that was then bought from auction too, so that was even more concerning. Oh well, back to the hunt. Might go test drive a FiST and FoST too... and probably a few other slightly used cars. (FR-S, WRX, S2000)

DISCUSSION (27)

Vicente Esteve > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 12:33

I would recommend checking out the fast VWs. Jetta GLI, GTI or even Beetle Turbo, you'll be surprised by how well they can suit you.

That Guy > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 12:34

Having owned a BRZ, I can tell you that regardless of a Toyobaru's history, their build quality is questionable. That's just part of owning one.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Vicente Esteve
06/21/2014 at 12:34

I've thought about the GTI, but (and this will likely produce some rage from people) I'm very hesitant because of VW's reputation for poor reliability.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > That Guy
06/21/2014 at 12:35

So you think that the panel gap and interior panel not lining up are more likely the result of shoddy build quality?

Vicente Esteve > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 12:37

Understand. Then I guess its the Fiesta ST all the way, or you could go check out some Abarth deliciousness. They are selling them for dam cheap now.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > That Guy
06/21/2014 at 12:37

Just found this. Well, that's a little reassuring. haha http://jalopnik.com/5916719/toyota…

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Vicente Esteve
06/21/2014 at 12:38

Yeah, I think the Abarth is just too small for me though.

Brian Silvestro > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 12:41

Get the Fiesta!!

It's ultra safe: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/will-it-knee-f…

Vicente Esteve > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 12:42

Fiesta ST all the way

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Brian Silvestro
06/21/2014 at 12:46

I was wondering when you were gonna chime-in and tell me to get the Fiesta ST lol

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 12:52

Used Miata. More parts than you ever could imagine and a clutch that actually feels like a clutch. Also one of the best manual trans ever made I DD an 03 and its a blast

Brian Silvestro > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 12:57

DO IT DAMMIT

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
06/21/2014 at 12:59

I could only buy one with a hardtop, or buy one when I can afford a hardtop at the same time. Same goes for the S2K

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Brian Silvestro
06/21/2014 at 12:59

If I find the right one ;)

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 13:05

Never had a hard top and never will. Its way better to put the top down whenever i want. Besides with the top up i cant hear my exhaust as well :)

Jayhawk Jake > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 13:28

The FRS isn't? I think the abarth has more space than the FR-S

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
06/21/2014 at 13:33

being in Illinois I'd like the added insullation from a hardtop for the miserable winters. Lol

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 13:34

Im in Michigan and trust me you dont want to drive one in the winter. Buy a beater. :)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Jayhawk Jake
06/21/2014 at 13:35

It's a different kind of small lol

idk, maybe I will check one out

1337HPMustang > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 15:05

Slightly used for around $20K? Join the cult of the horse!

https://usedcars.truecar.com/car/Ford-Musta…

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/452764…

Also you could say "F you!" to all sense of reason and buy this thing

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/449668…

Jayhawk Jake > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/21/2014 at 15:56

The FRS feels far more cramped and has less room for passengers and cargo.

I don't like the seating position of the Abarth, but it's worth a look, especially for how cheap they are going these days

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
06/22/2014 at 11:55

Living in an apartment and only being allotted one space, I can't have a beater and a summer car. :(

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > 1337HPMustang
06/22/2014 at 11:56

Meh, not a huge Mustang guy. I'd get the 2015 Ecoboost, but it'd be about $5k more than I want to spend right now.

1337HPMustang > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/22/2014 at 12:15

If you've never driven one, do yourself a favor and try one out. I used to consider anything but, but then I drove a '02 GT, which convinced me to buy my '07 and now I swear by them. Done up right, they can be extremely rewarding to drive (coming from a guy who's driven civic Si's, an rsx, a c5 z06, and a souped up supra).

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > 1337HPMustang
06/22/2014 at 12:21

For sure. I will take it into consideration. There's a Ford dealer really close to me, might drop by there to look at ST's and probably give a Mustang a drive too.

1337HPMustang > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
06/22/2014 at 12:26

Keep in mind stock mustangs leave a lot to be desired in terms of ride and sound. If you get a chance to drive one with an exhaust, or lower suspension/wider rubber, I say do that. They have huge potential that just doesn't shine through in stock form, especially if you're looking to get some sportiness out of them. I'd say a stock mustang is more of a cruiser than a sports car.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > 1337HPMustang
06/22/2014 at 12:28

For sure. I found another FR-S at a Subaru dealer that I'm gonna check out, but if that doesn't work out I will see about looking at a Mustang.