"B_dol" (bdolan40)
08/14/2014 at 12:00 • Filed to: None
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"B_dol" (bdolan40)
08/14/2014 at 12:00 • Filed to: None | 4
| 7 |
This is long overdue....
Growing up in Minnesota has made for a rather unconventional automotive upbringing. Chances are, if a vehicle could not handle a cold start in subzero temps and a jaunt across black ice, snow drifts and potholes, it didn't last long. I would oogle the occasional Honda S2000 and rare Porsche, but more often than not my automotive enthusiasm went into hibernation.
Hollywood and eventually YouTube provided my lens into the car world. Characters like Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen), Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) and Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) brought to light exquisite cars and I could not get enough. I was able to subdue this passion with a short interest in RC off-road racing and years away at college, however once that first paycheck came I knew it was time to buy a true sportscar.
Two years ago I learned to drive stickshift in a California BART parking lot shortly after purchasing a Scion FR-S. It was the culmination of a long and exhaustive car search, spanning Ford/Chevy muscle cars, 370Zs, S2000s, Miata's, you name it. Ultimately, the FR-S spoke to me because of it's simplicity, classic looks, factory warranty and vast aftermarket support. I still remember the first time I saw one in person, perched off the back of a transport carrier on Interstate 880. I followed that truck to a local dealer, mesmerized and taken aback. The car looked the business. It was the car, no doubt.
As I sat in the plastic covered driver's seat, I didn't notice a whole lot. You see, the FR-S is a barebones type of car, with a button-less steering wheel, 6speed manual, and tachometer slap in front of your face. Everything you need is an arms length away, and not one thing you could do without. Toyota and Subaru engineers took the budget, and spent 99% of it developing a great chassis, suspension, drivetrain and exceptional engine. Anything outside the driver experience, well, that's fighting for the last dollar in a tight budget.
I have driven it...a lot. To meets, to car shows, up and down the mountain passes, HWY 1, you name it. I now understand why it receives such high accolades for its unfiltered, raw driver to machine connection. FR-S ownership and California car culture has floored the gas pedal on my car addiction so to speak, and I have been consuming automotivecontent ever since. I hope to share my passion and skewed perspective on the petrol world as my involvement and car experience grows.
As a side note, I will be posting articles on Here's The Thing Auto as well. A small site started by some dedicated Oppositelock fans.
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GhostZ
> B_dol
08/14/2014 at 12:03 |
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Further proving that everyone who buys an FR-S considers an S2000 first.
What was your first car?
Also, I find it funny that "buttonless steering wheel" is now the criteria for a "bare bones" car. I miss the era when you had to get a premium package to have a clock on the dash.
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B_dol
> GhostZ
08/14/2014 at 12:14 |
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As one should. The S2000 is a great car, I just liked the idea of having a trunk and fold down seat for hockey gear and groceries. Warranty also helps.
Up until that point, I have been driving a host of loaner cars from my family, namely a Honda Accord or 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Bar none one of my favorite steering wheels, although I recently tried the //M steering wheel and it is quite nice
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GhostZ
> B_dol
08/14/2014 at 12:22 |
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I'm more of a fan of the thin, minimalist, and super-lightweight steering wheels (not the thick leathery type) like you get in a Lotus or an older sports car.
There's a lot of people here who will wax poetic about a 90s Cherokee. In fact, there's probably more cool stories and interesting things about that then there are about an FR-S here.
I guess my point is that while the FR-S is cool, don't forget that every car has a place here, and you're going to be typing along one day when someone who had a similar car as you pops up and you get all nostalgic about it and for a few minutes, forget that you even own an FR-S!
But seriously. FR-S. Got any plans for aftermarket parts? Fender flares? New Tires? Badge swap?
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GhostZ
> B_dol
08/14/2014 at 12:23 |
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Oh, also, in case no one has said this to you (you probably already know, living where you live) but go get some 50lb bags of salt and throw a few of them in the trunk of your car during winter. Not only will it keep your wheels firmly planted to improve traction, but it will also work as a great de-icer or grip adder for when/if you get stuck.
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B_dol
> GhostZ
08/14/2014 at 12:27 |
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Agreed, it's almost written in stone that my next purchase will be a used Jeep Wrangler with big knobby tires and no doors. I loved the V8 Jeep, but it loved to fall apart more and cash for clunkers came at the right time. The benefit of such an expansive car market is we get so many different and equally great choices, no one car is perfect for every driver.
I'll be doing a post about the FR-S eventually, but it currently has a TRD Catback, TRD Intake, FT86SpeedFactory UEL Catted Header, RCE Lowering Springs and Whiteline bushing/suspension bits. 17x9 wheels and tires to come at some point when the budget allows...
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B_dol
> GhostZ
08/14/2014 at 12:38 |
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I got out of the tundra a few years ago, now residing in the SF Bay Area for a while. Should I move back, a WRX or winter beater would be in order!
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GhostZ
> B_dol
08/14/2014 at 12:51 |
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Polyurethane or rubber composite bushings?