What keeps me awake at night thinking about the FR-S

As I thought about ordering the FR-S, I looked for differentiating factors between it and the BRZ.  Same car mechanically, same performance, same dimensions.  Traditionally, I would never have even considered the name Scion being on my car, not because I didn't like Toyota, or that I didn't understand what they were doing creating a sub-brand for younger/sportier people, but because of the ricer-tuner crowd that had traditionally flocked to the brand.

I said to myself, "I'll only buy that car a Subaru!" when I first heard about them.  As the cars started to gain some media attention, and as I did a little more digging, I found that wearing the Scion badge not only wasn't bad, but carried with it a sense of focus and fulfillment, in a way that Toyota was returning to the segment, and trying to make their sub-brand break-out of the ricer-tuner mold.  As I looked further, I also found that the way the car is offered in regard to features and price point, fit exactly into what I was looking for.

I have always said, "Why don't car companies let me buy the car that I want?  Why am I forced into the technology package in order to have a sun-roof?"  Those things don't even make sense being together, it is just part of the feature creep that has come into the way cars can be ordered today.  In the 60's, you got a check list, and got exactly what you wanted when you ordered.  For those that didn't care, take the one on the lot and go home happy, but for those that did, you could fine-tune in everything.  Now, I certainly don't expect that to ever return in the same context, we have totally different manufacturing processes in the world these days, and the way business works has changed a lot, but why can;t I buy a sports car that come with the "racing" stuff that I want, and no gidget-gadget crap that I will never use?  Wait, what's that you say?  I can?

Enter the Scion FR-S.  The only option on the car is the upgraded radio.  As a base package, you get a 6-speed manual, limited slip Torsen rear diff, full bracing all over the car, and nice slidey tires, in an affordable 17x7 size.  You get a radio that has bluetooth calling as well, awesome!  All of these things are simple, usable, and performance oriented, no fluff.  You might be saying, Alex, you're 25 and work at a tech company, don't you want all the Gen-Y gadgetry your generation is so famous for?  No, I don't care about it, and I don't want to pay for it.  While things like heated seats, climate control, in-dash navigation, and the sort are cool, they are not needed in a sports car.  If I were buying a 5-series BMW, than I would expect it to drive me home and brew me a cup of coffee when I push a button, but in this car, it is unnecessary and unwelcome.

Scion gave me the chance to have the car I wanted.  Basic items like air-conditioning, of course you gotta have that, this is a daily driver after all, but the unnecessary stuff, leave it off the car.  That is the main reason the Scion grabbed me over the Subaru.  The Subaru can be ordered with HID headlights, leather, climate control, navigation, and other assorted things.  Guess what that does for you?  Adds $3000 to the price tag, makes the car heavier, and gets you a Subaru badge.  No thanks.

Simple, light-weight, usable, fun, all of those things are what the FR-S will be for me.  I am glad to be paying under $25k for an awesome car.  Boxer engine?  Yes, it will be my first time with one, and while it is a different mindset, at the end of the day it's a 180 degree V4, so it all still makes sense.

I cannot wait!

Ordered an FR-S

So after some careful consideration of life events, and other monetary related items(mainly surrounding having money for a house), the time has come for me to consolidate to one car.  Thus I have sold my truck.

That leaves me with one car, the Miata.  Hmmmmm, not exactly the best car to have as your only source of transportation.  Great for top down fall driving and autocross, but not the most capable option when you need to haul something, or drive in the winter.  The fiance and I had a long talk, and I got the okay to order an FR-S, with the stipulation that the Miata goes with the purchase.  The Miata has been a great car, and I love everything about it, but with the need for something slightly bigger and more usable, while maintaining the sports car stuff for autocrossing, the FR-S will fit the bill much better.  Oh and also, they're awesome.

I've been watching the development of the Toybaru twins for the past few years, excitedly monitoring to see what the joint project between a great sports car manufacturer, and an automotive behemoth that has lost its way on the road of performance, could produce.  Everything looked good on paper, and I was excited to check the cars out.  At an autocross a few months ago, I finally had the opportunity to see both cars in person, and ride in them.  Man was I impressed with everything about them.  The handling, the simplicity, all of it was great.  I knew it was the perfect car for me.

The dealer told me 3-6 months when I ordered, but I hear they are coming much sooner.  Can't wait!