My First Sports Car

On Saturday, I purchased a sports car with nothing but my good word I'd pay (and a sizeable down payment), and threw myself into considerable debt for the next 4 years. If you ask me, I'm livin' the dream!

Social commentary aside, I walked out of the dealership with a brand-spanking-new Scion FR-S, with the optional "Whiteout" color. It's that pearlescent white that Toyota has. I love that color...

Firstly, pics!







Yeah, already dirtying up the floor mats. Such is life:











And now for my thoughts on the car!

First and foremost, this is my first manual transmission car. That was on my list of requirements for my next car; a list which this FR-S filled out perfectly. Basically, I wanted a manual, RWD, customizable sports car that I could fit in (6'3", 230 lbs). The Toyobaru 86 series offered several subjective benefits as well: aesthetics, "mojo," and driving character.

There are some less-than-thrilling quirks about it, though. I may be new to motoring proper, but even I wish it had some more punch. Fortunately, there is already a sizeable aftermarket that can satiate that hunger before too long. On the flip side, the ~200 hp ~160 ft/lb boxer motor definitely feels ample for its 2,700 lb curb weight. Continuing on, several reviews I've read mentioned the cheap-feeling interior, and I'll echo those thoughts. I suppose Toyota had to cut costs somewhere to keep this guy affordable, and it shows up in chincy trim. Fortunately for me, I didn't buy this car for interior amenities, so as long as I can prevent cracks and rattles, I'll be happy.

As for drivability, well, this guy delivers by the truckload. The steering is sharp, the suspension is firm but not painful, the shifting is quick and easy for a newbie like myself, and the little Prius tires break traction oh so wonderfully. It's just damn fun. A complaint I do have, however, is the clutch. I probably would never have noticed had I not read about it, given my lack of experience, but it's super smooth. There is almost no engagement feedback, and for a newbie, that may present some challenges getting the feel for it. I'm picking it up well enough, though.

I'll update this post with complaints/praises as they arise!

Edited by DeTrevni - 20 June 2013 at 9:28am

Lucky. Have fun with it.

I'm waiting to have a job and for the newer models. Maybe waiting for the hybrid supra if more info is put out.

What made you go with the Scion configuration over the Subie?

Congrats on the car purchase!

Are you parked in a handicap stop?

The car isn't very "you". Going from an old Buick, to a Impala, to a Caravan you wanted to drag race. It's a bit too normal.

I'll trade you my Mazda Tribute for it. :(

SSOK wrote: The car isn't very "you". Going from an old Buick, to a Impala, to a Caravan you wanted to drag race. It's a bit too normal.

HEY. The Impala came AFTER the Caravan! But I'm impressed you remembered all that...

And thanks for the compliments, folks! Manuals are a lot of fun to drive, as it turns out.

Yeah, the major difference is the trim level, some exterior changes, and the suspension. The Scion is a bit more over-steer happy than the BRZ is. You have to want to put the Subie into a drift, the FR-S will do it a lot more easily.

Either way, nice choice! I'm not a big RWD fan. I appreciate it, but wouldn't want one for my daily driver given the weather we get where I live.

Nice! congrats!

__sneaky__ wrote: tallen702 wrote: I'm not a big RWD fan. This single comment makes me call into question everything I ever learned from you.