Alright, so how do I go about doing this?

"YSI-what can brown do for you" (ysi-what-can-brown-do-for-you)
02/02/2014 at 06:18 • Filed to: None

I want one of these. Real bad. Prepare for part rant, part story.

But I have one of these. Simple sell it right?

No. Dad said can't buy an old car. Must be new.

Buy FRS, not within budget, parents help out. Much regret. Such guilt.

Plan: Sell car, take loss, pay back parents with car money. Buy nice S13 with left over money that is for me.

Now, then how to explain to my dad I want a car that I bought? Not to sound unappreciative of my parents' help, but they have done more than enough for me(like help me through college). Helping me buy my car was a bit much. I shouldn't have taken the deal. Shouldn't have taken the deal.

Not gonna lie, totally will miss the rumble, but I think(I know) I will be happier knowing that I bought the car myself. Any points to help convince my dad that buying an "old" car won't result in a broken piece of shit?

Will I give up on the FRS altogether? No, probably not. It was a fantastic car, it was light, it has a huge aftermarket(now, imagine in a few more years), and it was a ton of fun! I will most likely buy one once I get out of college, once I can make my own money, and not be a spoiled brat.

Yes, I know, these have an open diff, less power, worse brakes, worse suspension, BUT. . . I don't care. I can upgrade that stuff slowly, but surely. First would definitely be suspension, brakes and tires/wheels. I would have enough left over cash to cover a hub conversion and new wheels, tires, and brakes.

So let's recap. I want a S13, but my dad won't let me buy something that isn't new. I buy a car with help of my parents. This is deemed to be a bad idea by my brain. Now I have to convince my dad, that buying an old car will not result in terrible consequences.

Thanks for listening guys, and don't try to be too harsh on me for being a complete idiot. Oh, and yes I am okay with the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that comes with these cars. Luckily I generally don't rice out my cars(car).

DISCUSSION (80)

Aaron James > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 07:26

My suggestion, from a fathers point of view. Keep the new reliable car, focus on school, finish school, get a job, pay your parents back what they put in for the car, think of it as a loan if it helps. Once it's paid back, look for the perfect S13. Remember that just as much as you want that "old" Nissan, your dad wants you in a new, safer, more reliable car. He loves you and wants what's best for you. His idea that all "old" cars are unreliable shit boxes isn't likely to change, so there's nothing you are going to do to convince him now, remember you've already had this discussion and you know the result. You're very lucky to have supportive parents who care and are able to help you out. I did too but a lot of young people don't. I would keep the new car simply to keep my dad happy, it would be worth it to me to know that I'm doing something that puts his mind at ease. Good luck to you.

hollanddjw 1 > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 08:12

You're willing to give up a new, reliable car that you got for pennies on the dollar for an old, abused Nissan that will upset your parents and be a pain to keep up with, maintenance-wise.

My suggestion? Keep your current car and buy an S13 as a project. We all know which car will be a better daily driver, and since you're planning on modifying this prospective car, why not protect your investment by having something to take up all the wear and tear that comes with driving a car constantly?

Alex87f > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 08:29

That's just one of those obviously bad ideas that sound right in the spur of the moment.

I've had some of those, one word of advice: don't follow them. Take some time. It's simple: the good ideas are the ones that stick around. If 6 months from now this still seems like a good idea, then maybe you'll want to give it more thought.

But right now, you're -I assume- young, you've got a good looking, fun, quick, reliable and safe car, just make the best of it. You're lucky to be in that situation.

15+ years old cars require more maintenance and repairs, especially if you're planning to track / autoX them, and some of the money you'll make in that car swap will be swallowed by that kind of maintenance. And at the end of the day, you'll have a car that isn't worth much.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 09:04

Only reason not to take the hand-out is if your parents are the type to make you feel guilty about it. If they're happier knowing you're in a newer ride and the money isn't a problem in that case for them I'd take it.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 09:05

Sell Toyaburu, buy Miata. Be happy for rest of your life. besides you cant find those Nissans that havent been beat tho shit

iDriveCode3 > hollanddjw 1
02/02/2014 at 09:37

Absolutely this. I purchased and daily drove my Evo for a few years. Which was fine, until I moved and was commuting from 50 miles away. I never felt like I had the time to undertake projects at my own pace; I needed the car in working order to drive to work. You can probably save a few bucks on the Nissan if you're getting one in less-than-perfect condition (I know they're all less than perfect nowadays, but some are worse off, still) knowing that you'll be wrenching on it on your own schedule.

The journey is the fun part, maybe even more so than the end product.

Mattbob > Aaron James
02/02/2014 at 09:48

This exactly. I got a jeep though college because my dad said it was reliable and that buying an old German car was a terrible idea. Finished school, paid my parents back for everything, and am currently looking for said old German car. It's a great feeling when you realize you can buy what you want without having to care what the parents think.

thedevilinside > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 09:59

Wait until you graduate. I made a move similar to what you are saying and it was a mess.

hollanddjw 1 > iDriveCode3
02/02/2014 at 10:27

It's always more fun to drive your car because you WANT to, and not because you HAVE to.

Especially when the PO or PO's mechanic didn't properly attach your brake caliper and you almost suffer a brake failure on the highway...

AM3R > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 10:42

Here's a story about a friend of mine: we both drive BMW's. (himself an E92 335is and myself an E90 328i). He was in the market for a $25k car, and at the time 335is' were trading for mid to high $40's. His plan was to buy an E30 and do some sort of engine swap to make it reliable and more powerful. His parents instead bought him a 335is, because he needed a reliable car that wouldn't break down on him so he could get to work everyday. He paid his parents the $25k, and was making payments to refund them the last $20-something k. He was pissed at first. And then he spent more time driving his 6MT 335is. He liked being able to push the button and start the car up with no drama any day of the year. He didn't have to spend any more money buying new parts and modding it so it would please him, it was perfect for him right out the factory. He paid his parents off, and still drives and enjoys his fun, reliable car. His parents were just happy he was in a safe, reliable car that he could still enjoy.

iDriveCode3 > hollanddjw 1
02/02/2014 at 10:48

Oh yes. I was not a car nor motorsport person, growing up. There were no posters of Ferraris nor Lambos on my wall as a kid. My dad was (and is) many things, but not the kind who taught his son to wrench on a car. Last week, I replaced an alternator in a Honda Civic - turns out, it wasn't terribly daunting, looking back now, but still one of the manliest things I've ever done.

I've had a mechanic not properly attach an intake hose after the MAF, which led to an interesting highway failure, but the brake caliper? Damn.

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 11:01

But dude, the BRZ is better.

hollanddjw 1 > iDriveCode3
02/02/2014 at 11:03

I discovered a new side of my dad in my late teens. I never really saw him as a car guy, but he's actually pretty knowledgeable mechanically. I felt really manly helping him maintain the car that he and I shared (he walked to work, and I ended up being the one driving it the most).

Yeah, it was nothing hugely dramatic, but one of the caliper bolts was loose and the pads were dragging on the rotor. Needless to say, the car smelled like brakes for a while.

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 12:08

Keep the FRS. It's a fine daily. Drive it responsibly. Save up some money and buy an S13 for a track car. Modify it to your hearts content and your wallets ability. No guilt, plenty of safety at the track, plenty of fun. Your happy, Dad's happy. You'll have to learn how to deal with the two cars, but just go do that.

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > John Norris (AngryDrifter)
02/02/2014 at 13:24

Now that we have that out of the way, hatch, coupe, or vert?

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/02/2014 at 13:25

I am going to have a hell of a time explaining to my dad why I should get a 20 year old car. Now a convertible, this just became mission impossible.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur
02/02/2014 at 13:29

Oh yeah it is better. Plus it hasn't been "drifted" by every 16 and 17 year old out there.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
02/02/2014 at 13:30

My parents are fine with it, but I do feel guilt about it. They are even okay with me modding the car a bit.

signintokinjalol > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 13:39

Have you ever driven an S13?

I own an FRS as well, honestly they are similar but the FRS is a better car. I love both, which is why i'd own both. Your young, enjoy life for now. Go find a girl.

YSI-what can brown do for you > thedevilinside
02/02/2014 at 13:39

What happened, if you don't mind me asking.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 13:44

Sounds fine to me although i see where you're coming from. I'd jump at the chance to get an FRS... Or any car for that matter haha

YSI-what can brown do for you > AM3R
02/02/2014 at 13:45

This sounds just like my situation, except my budget was about 3/5ths of your friends. My dad suggested I buy a BMW, but I turned that down. WAY to high for what I want in a car.

thedevilinside > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 13:55

Had a 39k mile 2009 Lancer, which parents had helped with. Traded it on a 2006 GTO. GTO had many, many problems that weren't apparent at first. Being in college with it being my only car it was a major headache and after 3 major problems, I sold it 6 months and too many thousands of dollars later. If I had been out of college, I think it would have been ok. And since an S13 would cost less I'd suggest keeping the FRS until graduation then adding an S13.

I actually wanted an FRS for a happier ending to the GTO story, but I'm too tall to fit.

YSI-what can brown do for you > thedevilinside
02/02/2014 at 13:57

I love those GTOs, I only wish they were smaller.

Also, how tall are you? I fit in my car just fine and I am 6'2"

YSI-what can brown do for you > signintokinjalol
02/02/2014 at 13:59

Never driven an S13, but I expect it to be not nearly as good as the FRS. Can't be too bad, can it?

YSI-what can brown do for you > Alex87f
02/02/2014 at 14:03

The idea has been here and there for a while. Like 3 or 4 months, slowly making itself seem like a good idea.

thedevilinside > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 14:04

It was fun when it wasn't causing trouble, but that was about never. I'm 6'5", I have problems with my hair/head rubbing the roof in a lot of cars.

signintokinjalol > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 14:05

Honestly it can. It's hard to find good stock ones, or even good modified ones. So many have cheap coilovers that ruin the handling of the car to get a good drop. I can't express how difficult it is to judge car when it's modified. Sure there are some good cheap coilovers, ST's maintain good handling but other cheap brands...not so much.

When you find your steady point in college, save up money and pick up a good example. Take it for a test drive, really drive it. You can also try to go half and half on the car with a friend, that's what i do. Half on everything, insurance, parts, etc.

YSI-what can brown do for you > signintokinjalol
02/02/2014 at 14:20

Me and my friend were thinking about buying a rotary powered Triumph and using it as a track car. We never got around to doing that though, even though it was like 300 bucks or something.

I blame all the 17 year olds that don't know much about modifying a car and are more in it for the "mad stance, yo." I am sure there are good ones out there though, somewhere, in the unknown.

YSI-what can brown do for you > thedevilinside
02/02/2014 at 14:20

Yeah it might be a tight squeeze then. Have you ever sat in a Miata?

YSI-what can brown do for you > Aaron James
02/02/2014 at 14:26

I guess so, that does make me feel a little better about the car. I am also worried about like going to an autocross or a car show and having people you know, make fun of me or something. I am an enthusiast too god damn it!!!

YSI-what can brown do for you > John Norris (AngryDrifter)
02/02/2014 at 14:27

If I were to keep the FRS, I would just make it a DD that can be driven on the track once or twice a year. I would mostly go do autocrosses with it though.

And as for the S13, it would be a coupe, then a hatch. Either one works honestly. No convertible though, not a fan of convertibles

YSI-what can brown do for you > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
02/02/2014 at 14:33

Are you planning on getting a car anytime soon?

YSI-what can brown do for you > hollanddjw 1
02/02/2014 at 14:35

I will talk to my dad about this. Now it will be more about why I need two cars rather than to buy an old ratty version. Wasn't planning on doing much to the FRS cause it is a daily driver, an exhaust and wheels mostly, with a few cosmetic touch ups. I wanted the S13 to be an all out race car. . . not ideal for DD though.

AM3R > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 14:45

Kinja'd!!!

I mean if you were to sell your FRS, you could comfortably afford a 135i/335i... One of the best modding platforms I've been seeing recently, and the 135i is like a more upscale BRZ, usable back seat, more options, still pretty light and tossable. I'm a BMW guy so I'm obviously biased, but I can help you if you have any questions or anything. A while back on an M3 forum I saw a guy put up his e46 M3 competition package in interlagos blue for trade, he was interested in low mileage BRZ/FRS with a 6MT. picture for reference..

thedevilinside > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 14:50

Rode in one at an AutoX but that was top down.

YSI-what can brown do for you > thedevilinside
02/02/2014 at 15:00

I had trouble fitting in one, so you may be worse off with the top up.

YSI-what can brown do for you > AM3R
02/02/2014 at 15:10

Actually I do have a few questions about BMWs. My dad thinks it is a good idea to buy a used 335i for my sister who is going to college next year. I tried to tell him that for a great DD, a Subaru Impreza would be perfect for my sister, AWD, cheap, and full of features as well. So my question is, thoughts on 335i reliability?

Aaron James > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 15:16

If people make fun of you it's because they are jealous you have the car that they want. I wouldn't worry about that part at all it's not likely to happen at an autocross.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Aaron James
02/02/2014 at 15:26

Hasn't happened yet. Actually people seem to be pretty okay with it there.

Aaron James > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 15:34

I figure they would be, it's the perfect car for autocross.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Aaron James
02/02/2014 at 15:36

With the right wheels and tires it is. Stock, not so much. It does slide a lot which makes you look like a badass.

AM3R > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 15:47

Since I'm assuming she won't be modding it or anything, and you want something very reliable for a DD getting a N55 (newer engine, put into 335's in 2011) seems like an ideal thing to do. The aftermarket for the N55 is pretty decent as it is, and it's only getting better. If a 335i this new is out of budget, an N54 would also suffice. The cars reliability isn't as bad as it's made out to be, and they easily go well over 100k miles. The turbo components that are known to fail have been warrantied for so long that the troubles with the HPFP isn't anything to really worry about. Drop it off at the dealer if something goes wrong and you get a free loaner.

To conclude, a 335i (or 335xi if she wants/needs AWD) would be a pretty good DD. The newer you buy, the more reliable it's likely to be. If you go with an N55 335i, don't worry about it. They addressed the common issues and it's much more reliable than the N54. The N54 isn't a bad engine, and you can tell when something is on it's last legs too, so it won't leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere if you pay any attention to the lights on the dash. And once again, there's warranties on the components that have been prone to failure in the past, and when they replace these parts, they replace it with an upgraded part that addresses any issue the original part had.

On a side note, if she doesn't need the performance or tuning capabilities of a 335i, why not go for a 328i? These are extremely reliable, many have over 200k miles. It's still a peppy car, and it can be had much cheaper too.

Justino6969 > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 16:16

..You're fucking kidding me right? I don't mean to sound like an asshole, but you have a brand new car that MANY people lust after, me included, and you want to sell it to buy a POS S13? I get it, you want an S13, but don't be stupid. You can mod your FR-S to outperform the S13 in any and every way possible, while keeping loads of reliability. It's a BRAND NEW car. I have dreams of getting out of college and buying a used car. You got a brand new one handed to you (granted I don't know the whole story, but it sounds like you have a paid off new amazing car sitting outside, and you want to take a loss for a shitty old Nissan). Try not to take offense to this, I know I'm an asshole, but you were helped through college, and helped with a NEW car. Save your money, save your parents, save yourself, get those awesome RAYS, and have the coolest FR-S on the block. I guarantee you'll regret getting rid of the FR-S if you go through with it. Your parents know what they're talking about. I may also be greedy, but the new car is (I assume) under warranty, while an S13 is going to be a broken money pit, and in the end, money does matter. You won't find an S13 that's as nice, refined, and reliable as a brand new Toyota.

Edit: As others are saying, keep the FR-S, save up, buy a beater S13 (since they pretty much all are beaters at this point), and do what you want with it, while retaining the peace of mind of always have a reliable sports car when your S13 breaks down. And it will. I also have the feeling that with their stigma, all S13s are going to be grossly overpriced.

YSI-what can brown do for you > AM3R
02/02/2014 at 16:22

I will bring up the 328. My sister likes coupes though, so we will see how this goes. She doesn't really care about performance or modding, so those won't really matter. The two things that do are reliability and looks.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Justino6969
02/02/2014 at 16:27

See that is the thing. I got the car handed to me(kind of, I paid whatever I had to them, which turned out to be about 3/5ths of the car) and that really annoys me. At first it didn't, I though "well lots of kids don't buy their first car" but over time it has just gotten worse. For example at car shows, I generally park the car away from the show or when people ask what I drive, I usually say I don't drive. I am pretty much embarrassed to drive it around as well, which is why I want to down grade.

signintokinjalol > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 16:31

rotary powered Triumph

That sounds like the most unreliable car in the world!

YSI-what can brown do for you > signintokinjalol
02/02/2014 at 16:33

We were planning on making it a LeMons car. It would have been a ton of fun when it ran.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 17:18

Soon, once i can stomach the £2'000 insurance cost on an mx5 in the UK...

YSI-what can brown do for you > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
02/02/2014 at 17:23

Ah, UK insurance costs. Over in America, if you can work around a few things you can get insurance on a brand new FRS for about 50 to 60 dollars a month. So about 40 pounds a month aka around 600 pounds a year.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 17:30

I have enough money for a fairly nice car but factoring in massive insurance tax fuel etc.600 a year on an FRS would be awesome... Brb moving to the US

AM3R > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 17:57

Kinja'd!!!

You can get a 328xi coupe... Only difference in a 328 vs 335 that's noticeable is the 335i has dual exhaust, while the 328 has twin exhausts on the left side.

On another note, you should look into the 1 series if she likes coupes. There alotta fun.. Even in auto haha so if you ever steal it you'll have a good time.

YSI-what can brown do for you > AM3R
02/02/2014 at 17:59

I really like the idea of a 1-series for her and me. It would be easy to park and probably gets better gas mileage cause it is lighter. Not to mention it looks pretty good too.

AM3R > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 18:04

Oh yeah, not only are they a blast to drive, they also aren't very hard to drive or park. Get her a 128i, get yourself an 135i. Throw on a tune, downpipes, and intake manifold and voila M3 killer that's already light without stripping the interior or anything. They also go for much Cheaper than a 3 series.

Justino6969 > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 18:24

Well there's your problem. You bought the car, your parents helped, whatever. Who cares? Do they pay your insurance, too? I know mine do. And I'm fine with it. Your willingness to sacrifice an amazing machine for a shitty machine just because of your image or what you think people will think of you, is your first problem. You payed what you could, and your parents paid the rest in order to keep their own peace of mind about safety and reliability - for good reason. Never be embarrassed to drive an FR-S, even if it was completely a gift, not just partial. Would you throw away a (insert expensive supercar here) just because your rich uncle bought it for you? I would spend more time enjoying the shit out of an FR-S and shredding the back tires to pieces, and less time caring about how you got the vehicle. Your parents won't hate you that way.

Sinanigans > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 21:17

OK you're parents are kick ass for helping you out. If you wanted an S13 because you have a cheap reliable car that's paid off and your daily, then I would tell you to go for it. But I don't think you're seeing the big picture. You see, you have a new car. If something goes wrong (not likely because this car has already proven itself to be relatively reliable), then the dealer fixes it under warranty AND you get a loaner. Which means you can continue living your life without interruption. When you have a POS that's your daily, then your life is to service it, not the other it serving you. You and your folks have peace of mind when you take a roadtrip.

Just be grateful towards your parents and keep the wonderful car you already have.

iDriveCode3 > hollanddjw 1
02/02/2014 at 21:52

"Back in the day", my dad owned a Porsche 914 and, despite his complaints about mechanical failures and obscene maintenance issues, I know he pines to own a legitimate sports car again. I know he had to sell it for a four-seater, which eventually became a minivan, then a mid sized SUV when the family downsized again. Part of me wants to buy him a 914 and let him loose.

iDriveCode3 > hollanddjw 1
02/02/2014 at 21:52

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 22:22

Lol. Its the car that smiles back. What else do you need to say :)

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/02/2014 at 23:31

Well, first I have to explain why it is so tiny.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/02/2014 at 23:33

Only one other seat so less distractions from other passengers. I told my parents that when i got mine in high school.

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/02/2014 at 23:39

I wish I had a car in high school. But considering high school me, I think that would be a bad idea.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Sinanigans
02/02/2014 at 23:44

I truly do love the car I have. It is fantastic! I just partially want something I can work on, rather than just changing parts and I also want a car I bought myself. Either way, I am truly thankful that I have amazing parents like mine.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Justino6969
02/02/2014 at 23:51

I pay for most of the insurance, although it is under my dad which makes it pretty cheap. Most of my money goes to rent and a mod here and there.

And thanks for the words of wisdom. I guess, if someone is jealous of my car I shouldn't be talking to them in the first place. After all we are all enthusiast rich or poor.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/03/2014 at 00:19

Ha ha ha :)

I got my first car on my 16th birthday because i had to get a job when i turned sixteen to save for college

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/03/2014 at 00:24

I had a job when I was 15, which kind of sucked. Every time someone would come and buy cigarettes I had to call another employee to scan the cigarettes cause it is illegal for me to do it.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/03/2014 at 00:36

oh dang lol. Where did you work? like a gas station

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/03/2014 at 00:38

Yeah basically, no it was Walgreens. Couldn't work much when I was 15 though, like 16 hours a week max. I hated it back then, but now I basically do 40+ during any week off of school. . . I wish I could go back :'(

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/03/2014 at 00:42

Yea i feel you man. I work about 30 a week during school. About 50 when not in school too. Wish for those carefree days back

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/03/2014 at 00:45

I am starting a job at school pretty soon. It will be about 20 hours a week, so that should give me a nice cash flow.

During the summer, I ended up going to work from 7 to 3 with a 20 minute commute each way than going to class and then coming home around 9 o clock every night. Still autocrossed and went to car shows. Summer was really busy. A ton of fun though.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/03/2014 at 00:53

Yea now when i have free time i don't know what to do with myself lol

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/03/2014 at 00:59

If you don't mind losing sleep, you can sleep at like 5 or 6 and wake up at 9 or 10 o clock for classes. I do this basically everyday of the week and it frees up a lot of time. Until the weekend roles around. Then I SLEEP.

Squid > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/03/2014 at 01:34

Just saw this today. . . Don't make that mistake. You will overpay for a junk S13 then have to dump a minimum of $2,000 in just maintenance on the car to get it baselined and ready for daily duties. The best way to approach it is to save your money and pay your parents back and then buy a ratted out S13 before that Turerekdakdk dude destroys them all. You don't want to deal with the issues of keeping a 100k+ sports car on the road especially one that has the appeal of being a dorifto legend which makes anyone who gets behind its wheel a drift god.

Keep the FRS and buy S13 to build on the side if at all feasible. Don't worry about image as I'm sure there are more ostentatious douches at your school than you.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Squid
02/03/2014 at 01:50

A few people suggested that I do a few minor mods to the FRS(exhaust and wheels) and then put the rest of my money towards a ratted out S13. I kind of want a car I can work on. I have never had the opportunity when I was younger cause my dad wasn't really a car person, and I want to start learning my way around one soon. Pay my parents back after school is over and then begin modding the FRS to insanity!

I think this is what I want to do. I already have a plan. . . kind of(no I don't but I like to imagine I do).

Also, why are these so popular with "drifters" and 17 year olds that don't know how to drive?

Squid > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/03/2014 at 02:16

When I was in highschool it was right at the cusp of the drifting scene breaking out and Initial D was brand fucking new. The S13 and S14 became popular with the kids because they were generally unloved until the drift scene hit. No one lusted after AE86's or S13's before ~2003 because the truth of the matter is they are not the best cars out there. Sure you can turn them into something special but that takes time and money. Now the prices of clean S13's are through the roof because they are technically rare to be found in a well preserved stock state. Most of the cars have been slammed to the ground and slammed into things while the kid was learning that his mad camber didn't make him a drifter. When they go and sell the car they try to get an inflated value because of the "work" they put into the car which artificially inflates the market.

Its good that you got the point, keep your reliable car until you can afford the time and money to have the pleasure of working on a car that someone mickey fuckin moused back together and basically fucked the whole wiring harness up because they had no idea what they were doing. Learning how to work on cars can be fun but it can be really stressful and you need to really think about your canidate for a project car. If you plan on doing a motor swap you would be better off finding a car that has been stripped so you don't have to worry about pulling the motor yourself. There are lots of things to think about when you find a car to work on and generally speaking a project car makes not a good DD.

Enjoy the FRS and mod it lightly if you so choose to, or go crazy and know that you will have a bad ass car that should be rock solid for the next 10 years.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Squid
02/03/2014 at 05:28

Exactly what I thought about the S13. They do kind of suck, with an open diff, a pretty terrible engine. You gotta do quite a lot to get it right, I kind of like that. I guess I should be happy that most owners of these cars just throw on a terrible exhaust, some hideous wheels and possibly the worst coilovers out there. They always end up looking like this.

Kinja'd!!!

Plan is an engine swap, but that won't be a long time. Unless I can find an old Sentra for like a grand, and pull the SR20DE out. Then I will do it right quick, once I get all the other parts sorted that are more important like brakes. Never done an engine swap, but I imagine it to be very difficult.

If I can get an S13, then I won't be modding the FRS to much. But if I don't, I will be doing quite a lot, but not to much. Still a daily.

hollanddjw 1 > iDriveCode3
02/03/2014 at 12:10

Yeah, my dad just ordered himself a 428i. I guess he got tired of driving mainly Ford trucks and wanted something with better chassis balance.

He ordered it with the M-sport package and the 6MT. I was a bit proud of him, haha.

Squid > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/03/2014 at 17:43

Engine swaps are just a big job with lots of areas to mess up. If you can plan ahead and tripple check your work you should have no issue with doing a swap. It just takes time and costs a little bit more than you think. Engine swaps are always more expensive than what people make them out to be. Plus you need space and time to get it done.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Squid
02/03/2014 at 17:49

I have the time, I however do not have the space. I guess the truck engine will do for now. I am sure an engine swap in these cars are pretty easy, at least if it is a Nissan engine. Or a 1UZ, they make a kit to have them bolt up to the transmission.

Eric Johnson > YSI-what can brown do for you
02/05/2014 at 15:32

I had an S13 coupe (1989) almost exactly like the one in the picture above. Seeing it makes me instantly nostalgic, but then I remind myself why I got rid of it. A tuned car is extremely fun, but it's also not so fun as a daily driver. See, for me, I was using it to commute and was always worried about something happening to it. Insurance value would have been something silly, like $2000 or something. But I had north of $10k into the car. Selling for $6k seemed like the right think to do at the time. I would say keep the FRS, save your pennies, and then get into a project car when the time is right. You can throw some nice wheels/tires/exhaust on the FRS in the meantime, and get some seat time on the track...