Do you think it's a bad idea to buy this car when it FIRST comes out?

[lookitschloe]

I've got a couple of friends telling me not to buy this car when it comes out at first because it's new and the "kinks" won't be worked out until a year or two later. They compared it to software releases and how the first version of anything has been tested but not against a mass audience. But then again, just as an example, even though I think the whole "unintended acceleration" thing was blown way out of proportion, THOSE cars have been on the market for YEARS.

I'm someone with very little patience and the need for instant gratification. I was thinking I could either lease a brand new one for a few years and then get a new one if that one had problems.. but that's most likely a waste of money, right? Or... drive my 2005 Corolla CE for another year... *grumble*.. or take a gamble and buy one when it comes out. I understand that you can keep waiting and even better cars will come out (like phones) but my friends were saying the majority of the problems, the ones that could not be seen in the test drives, would be fixed and a 2012 or 2013 would be the best for its time.

What do you think?

[ProZach626]

It's always the safe idea to wait a year for all of the bugs to get worked out. Saving the cash will only benefit you in the long run.

If you decide to buy one right when they come out, I'm sure toyota will recall everything that needs to be fixed. Either way, it won't be nearly as bad as the recalls on the new camaros. lol

[Cal]

I think it depends on how much it is worth it to you. Any first design is going to be one of the worst they make. If Nissan relased a Silvia successor I would buy it first thing. Might wait till second gen to buy one of these cars.

[burninskulls0911]

yes i do, its probably going to snap an axle 3 times a week like my last subaru

[ej25ti]

yes i do, its probably going to snap an axle 3 times a week like my last subaru

well u probably should have bought an STi instead of a RWD WRX

[HyperFX]

First editions are for those die hard collectors and enthusiasts who like their tires a little bald, their food a little spicy, smoke and grease in their face on a Sunday morning. Sometimes eating the steak tar tar is good for you with a side of shushi. Sometimes a bad ass defective sports car makes people happy as long as you know your playing with dry matches in a forest full of dry trees,its all good.

[ra23celica]

People bolting together something new for the first time will always do it better given more practice...

[ae86gtsBOSTON]

Depends.

Could be worth the wait IE Honda S2000 (those early gens were way uglier come on now AND less powerful)

Or it could be pretty solid straight out IE Nissan 350z.

either way I'd say just buy it when it comes out if you're actually really in the market for a new car and are pretty hyped on it as of now.

[Terrari]

This car will be made in Japan I think, so year 1 production should be OK

[bersh]

new cars have a warrenty...
so i dont think it would matter.

[DrewsiferxXx]

I will have to wait a while, so you can wait with me. XD

[blood mtn]

Sometimes the first line of production is of higher quality before companies discover more "efficient" (cheaper) methods of production.

[West]

Screw it! Im after production run #1.

[HyperFX]

Screw it! Im after production run #1.

Awesome!

[JackSwagger]

I think when a new car arrives at the market the company just test the performance and quality of the car, so some times buying a new car at the release is not a good idea, they make plenty of changes after first report of the car in market, and some new models fail in performance.So better don't buy a car when it is just released.

[HakosukaBunta]

Weird because the 350Z is considered a butcher knife compared to the 370Z as a Samurai sword...

ProZach speaks the truth. I'd like to add and repeat, hahaha, that there will always be minor improvements with each model year whether it be revised headlights, bigger turbo, better interior, etc. If it's stuff like that your worried about then time to participate in the joy of modding. It's not uncommon for enthusiasts to mix around parts from the slight variations of a chassis. Have your heard of the Japanese terms Zenki and Kouki? All in all it's up to you as the consumer.

[Cal]

that there will always be minor improvements with each model year whether it be revised headlights, Have your heard of the Japanese terms Zenki and Kouki? All in all it's up to you as the consumer.

zenki



kouki


First Gen FTL

edit: after further review it is hard to say. Some cars get better as they go on, like the above. Others like the Eclipse get worse. Its really a dice roll.

[Zenrael]

Depends.

Could be worth the wait IE Honda S2000 (those early gens were way uglier come on now AND less powerful)

Or it could be pretty solid straight out IE Nissan 350z.

either way I'd say just buy it when it comes out if you're actually really in the market for a new car and are pretty hyped on it as of now.

Took the words right out my mouth.

[ZDan]

Depends.
Could be worth the wait IE Honda S2000 (those early gens were way uglier come on now AND less powerful)

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder! Not much between the two, really...

Regarding power, the later AP2's had 10% more displacement, but 11% less revs (8000 vs. 9000), and 50% less rev range in VTEC (6000-8000 AP2 vs. 6000-9000 AP1). Typical RWHP numbers are in the 195-200 range for AP1, 200-205 for AP2. AP2 is a smidge heavier, though, at 2850 lb. vs. 2750 lb. Acceleration times are pretty much identical between the two. AutoX performance is likewise practically identical despite AP2 being on wider 17" wheels vs. narrower 16's on the AP1. Of course the AP2 CR model does have a slight autoX/road course advantage over both the AP1 and non-CR AP2.

Anyway, if VSA, DBW, and not having carpet over the trans tunnel are important, AP2 is quantifiably superior. But performancewise, no advantage (except CR).

[ej25ti]

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder! Not much between the two, really...

Regarding power, the later AP2's had 10% more displacement, but 11% less revs (8000 vs. 9000), and 50% less rev range in VTEC (6000-8000 AP2 vs. 6000-9000 AP1). Typical RWHP numbers are in the 195-200 range for AP1, 200-205 for AP2. AP2 is a smidge heavier, though, at 2850 lb. vs. 2750 lb. Acceleration times are pretty much identical between the two. AutoX performance is likewise practically identical despite AP2 being on wider 17" wheels vs. narrower 16's on the AP1. Of course the AP2 CR model does have a slight autoX/road course advantage over both the AP1 and non-CR AP2.

Anyway, if VSA, DBW, and not having carpet over the trans tunnel are important, AP2 is quantifiably superior. But performancewise, no advantage (except CR).

beat me to it

[aerobert]

Sometimes the first line of production is of higher quality before companies discover more "efficient" (cheaper) methods of production.

Agreed, this is normally how it's handled. But one should not confuse this with improvements such as different chassi bushings, cosmetical changes and other ride handling characteristics. This is just a normal evolution, and you should be able to upgrade your "older" model with ease if you'd like to.

[Exitspeed]

I don't have a problem buying one the first year. Cars are SO much more dependable now then they even were 15 years ago. Plus there's the warranty benefit.

I bought a 2000 Eclipse GT within the first 3 moths of that car coming out. I actually got a very special, rare version that they only made the first three months of production. It had 5 more hp then the 01, 02's. Plus mine was a GT without a spoiler or sunroof (which you COULD NOT BUY under any circumstance after the first 3 months), but with leather interior (with the Mitsu logo embroidered into the seats in black) that Mitsu had put in only so many Fed Spec (that's what they refereed to these particular cars as) GT's. There was one more like mine around my area that I knew of and it was white with black interior, mine was Patriot Pearl Red with Tan leather.

Moral of the story is, sometimes you can get something special if you buy right away.

[HakosukaBunta]

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder! Not much between the two, really...

Regarding power, the later AP2's had 10% more displacement, but 11% less revs (8000 vs. 9000), and 50% less rev range in VTEC (6000-8000 AP2 vs. 6000-9000 AP1). Typical RWHP numbers are in the 195-200 range for AP1, 200-205 for AP2. AP2 is a smidge heavier, though, at 2850 lb. vs. 2750 lb. Acceleration times are pretty much identical between the two. AutoX performance is likewise practically identical despite AP2 being on wider 17" wheels vs. narrower 16's on the AP1. Of course the AP2 CR model does have a slight autoX/road course advantage over both the AP1 and non-CR AP2.

Anyway, if VSA, DBW, and not having carpet over the trans tunnel are important, AP2 is quantifiably superior. But performancewise, no advantage (except CR).

Looks like we have an s2000 guy and fellow AutoXer here? Hahahaha.

I believe the CR also has an advantage due to the factory RE070's as well. Love those tires but soooo damn expensive!

[ra23celica]

I would buy the second one out, straight after West. Work through any problems with the dealer and get to know the car really well, inside and out. Then I would sell it / trade it and buy one of the last of the series made, just after they announce the model run is coming to an end. You have to be there at the start, ride the wave of euphoria that is a new model, especially one as good as this will be, and then buy the last of the series to keep the best built one.

[blood mtn]

zenki



kouki


First Gen FTL

edit: after further review it is hard to say. Some cars get better as they go on, like the above. Others like the Eclipse get worse. Its really a dice roll.

I prefer the headlights and taillights of the Kouki but remember the zenki's are ODB1.

[ej25ti]

I prefer the headlights and taillights of the Kouki but remember the zenki's are ODB1.

u can easily just change the front end

[modifiedMR]

remember though, this isn't a totally new car. a new chassis, with existing subie equipment essentially.

where build matters, the engine and trannies, will be almost the exact same. the same people are probably building them right now. yeah there aren't any fwd shafts in the tranny, but it's still a basic subie variant.

now, body panels and interior may suffer some, but it's a jdm built vehicle and they typically take their jobs with more pride than we do here. US people seem to worry alot more about how much they make and what they can get from their job than making sure they do theirs right. at least alot of the younger generation is that way.

i hope the Japanese will get through their mess right now and come out stronger. they got it rough right now!

[blood mtn]

u can easily just change the front end

That is my point. The newer s14s came with a more restrictive emmissions system so newer =/= better.

[Cal]

That is my point. The newer s14s came with a more restrictive emmissions system so newer =/= better.

Easier to change exhaust than front end.

[supraru]

It seems like every 1st gen models always comes with its many faults whether it be a car, a console gaming system, an iPod etc.... that being said; it is generally a good idea to just wait on your early purchase and let the manufactures "buff out, tweak and fine tune" its product till its perfect or nearly to it.