New Car: Soul of a Z - 2013 FR-S And How It All Happened

[Hardway]

I still lurk around on here but have not posted anything really meaningful in a while and wanted to share the news of my latest acquisition. I remember when these came out they were all the buzz in the Z car community so I know everyone will appreciate it. The car is a 2013 Scion FR-S with the 6spd manual. The only options are the rear spoiler and trunk mat. I won’t go in to all the details of it as I am sure most of you know all the specs already. The real point of this post is how I came to the decision and the events of the day.

The want and desire for another classic Z has never left since I sold my ’72 240z. I still look on Craigslist, Ebay, Datsun Classifieds, and have even called on a few to get more info. Over the last week I have been shopping for a new daily driver and since I was already at the Toyota dealership I wanted to test drive an FR-S. I had absolutely zero intentions of buying one and the sales guy knew that and was totally cool. I had already convinced myself it was not practical, they are a bit expensive for what they are, and maybe in 3-5 years I can pick up one at a good price to have as a toy car. However, once I was behind the wheel and after just a few miles the car really spoke to me. It just seemed to fit perfectly, so easy to drive, plenty of power, gave lots of great feedback, and the “bolt action” feel of the shifter was just icing on the cake. I asked the sales guy to run the numbers just to see what I was looking at and it was not until then that we realized it was a 2013 and not a 2014. Because of this Scion knocked off $1500, combined with a $500 rebate the price got closer to being more reasonable. None of the usual sports sedans and other cars I had test driven made me happy. In fact, they were all just exercises in compromise. Then the Z came back to my mind and how this car has been viewed by so many as what the 240z would be today. Then I thought, people drove 240z’s as daily drivers when they were new, I could certainly drive this, and why not? I have no kids, our 2 little dogs never ride with me, my wife has a small SUV that she loves, so why am I even thinking about buying a sedan that would not make me happy in the long run. Then I had one more thought of rationalization, a fully restored 240z would realistically cost $10K - $20K. For something that is just as fun if not more, is much more refined, much safer, and with things like ice cold AC and a warranty, the FR-S started to look more like a real deal. After a little number crunching I said “I will take it”. 10 signed forms and two hours later I was driving home in it.

As a bonus to the day I met a lot neat people as I waited for the finance guy, swapping stories about what we were buying and just having a good time. An even bigger surprise was the epiphany my sales guy was having throughout the afternoon. He loved the car too after just driving us a mile away from the lot to switch. After a lot of conversation and seeing how alike we were one of his last comments to me was “I really need to start doing more things for myself” It was a heartfelt comment and I told him “always remember and do for the ones you love but never forget about #1” I thanked him again for all of his help and wished him the best.

I have been thinking about the events of this afternoon all evening. It never fails to amaze me how memories are uncovered and the emotions that are stirred by driving a particular car.

[Mike]

Congrats on the purchase. I've talked to many classic Z owners who have gone this route as well. I've taken a couple of test drives and seriously considered a purchase. Nice fun car.

[Walter Moore]

Nice car. I hope you get lots of good use from it. I haven't personally test driven one, because I am afraid of what might happen.

[madkaw]

If my commute didn't involve Indiana winters I would be all over the BRZ, but...

[Stanley]

Tons of bolt-on stuff to turn it into a monster. Option2 magazine might be the best source for articles and parts catalogs for BRZ/86/FR-S.

Parked next to one last week at the store, looks like some hot wheels, seems lower than 370Z.

Edited February 16, 2014 by Stanley

[Captain_Zeros]

I'd even be comfortable in the back seats if I didn't have feet!

[psdenno]

I stare with envy every time I drive past the local Scion store.

Dennis

[LeonV]

Great choice. Make sure to hit the track, it'll be a blast. We're developing a turbo kit for the FRS/BRZ should you ever crave more...

[Hardway]

Thank you for the compliments guys. I have only driven it a few times so far and even though it requires a little effort to gracefully enter and exit it is all worth it once you get settled and turn the key. I am actually leasing it so I won't be doing any modifications besides getting the windows tinted. I have joined the FR-S forums to read up on maintenance "gotcha's" but it is my daily driver and will stay that way.

I must admit, I still have to sorta pinch myself since if you had told me 6 months ago I would sell my super reliable Acura TL and buy an FR-S I would not have believed you and probably would have laughed. But now, I have one and it is a neat feeling owning and driving something that is not seen every day on the road.