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How reliable is a Scion FR-S?

The Scion FR-S, also known as the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ, is a compact sports car that has gained a reputation for being a reliable and enjoyable driving experience. While no car is perfect, the FR-S has generally been considered a dependable and well-engineered vehicle.


Reliability Ratings and Ownership Experiences


According to various automotive reliability surveys and owner reviews, the Scion FR-S has performed well in terms of overall dependability. The FR-S has consistently received above-average reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. Owners have also reported generally positive experiences, with the car's mechanicals and build quality holding up well over time.


That said, no car is immune to potential issues, and the FR-S has had some reported problems, such as with the infotainment system and occasional electrical gremlins. However, these issues appear to be relatively minor and infrequent compared to more serious mechanical failures.


Maintenance and Ownership Costs


The Scion FR-S is also known for being relatively affordable to maintain and own. The car's naturally aspirated boxer engine and rear-wheel-drive layout are relatively simple and straightforward, which can help keep repair and maintenance costs down. Additionally, the FR-S's compact size and lightweight design contribute to good fuel efficiency, further reducing ownership costs.


Conclusion


Overall, the Scion FR-S has earned a reputation as a reliable and enjoyable sports car. While no vehicle is perfect, the FR-S has generally performed well in terms of dependability, with owners reporting positive experiences and relatively low maintenance costs. As with any car, proper maintenance and care are essential to ensuring long-term reliability, but the FR-S appears to be a solid choice for those seeking an engaging and dependable driving experience.

Does Scion have Toyota reliability?


While the Scion brand may no longer be in production, it was a subsidiary of Toyota, a brand known for producing durable and reliable vehicles. This reliability has transferred well to the Scion xB, which boasts a generally solid track record of performance and minimal major issues.



How many miles can an FR-S last?


One individual who owns a 2013 FR-S (which is mechanically identical to the BRZ) has driven the car for 120k miles and claims it is still running like new. This suggests that with proper care, these cars can stay in good mechanical condition even with higher mileage.



Is a Scion FR-S expensive to insure?


Yes, how much you pay to insure your Scion FR-S can vary depending on where you live—including your state. For example, average car insurance rates for a 2018 Scion FR-S in Illinois range from roughly $46 to $58 a month, while monthly premiums in Texas range from about $72 to $87 for the same model and model year.



What year was the FRS discontinued?


Scion, unfortunately, discontinued its operations in the US in 2016. This meant the FR-S only had a short three-year run.



Is the Scion FR-S reliable?


Very reliable and good on gas, and fun to drive at speeds under the speed limit. One of the best handling cars I've ever driven, on par with cars that cost twice as much. Definitely would recommend to someone wanting a sporty daily or a fun handling car. Also a great platform for modifications and originality.



Do Scion FR-S have engine problems?


Allowing the oil level to get too low puts the engine in jeopardy. Some FR-S models were equipped from the factory with defective valve springs. Although Scion issued a recall for this problem, not every owner brought their car in for repair. The only solution is to have updated parts installed.



Does Scion FRS have good gas mileage?


Based on data from 520 vehicles, 33,035 fuel-ups and 8,794,690 miles of driving, the 2013 Scion FR-S gets a combined Avg MPG of 26.99 with a 0.05 MPG margin of error.



What year to avoid Scion FR-S?


2013-2015 Scion FR-S - Common Problems
Scion disabled the system while transporting brand new FR-S cars. It was to avoid damaging the transmission. Some FR-S cars were delivered to dealerships without ever having had their systems reconnected. In early 2016, Toyota issued a recall on all FR-S cars.



How long do Scion engines last?


Typical Scions will last around 200,000 miles, which is an okay number. The Scion matches right up with this standard.



Are Scion FR-S expensive to fix?


The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Scion FR-S ranges from $105 to $2767, with an average of $427.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.