Oil consumption and cylinder wall scoring (FA20 engine)
medium- Typically appears
- 40–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,500 – $5,000
2014 Scion
FR-SCoupe
Coupe
The 2014 Scion FR-S is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru (sold as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 in other markets). Built on a purpose-designed platform, it uses a Subaru-sourced 2.0L flat-four engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or automatic. The result is a car that prioritizes driver feel over outright power — low center of gravity, sharp steering, and a balanced chassis make it one of the most entertaining affordable sports cars of its era. The FR-S targets enthusiasts who want a genuine back-to-basics sports car experience. It is not a fast car by modern standards — 200 hp feels modest today — but it rewards skilled drivers who enjoy working through corners. The light curb weight (under 2,800 lbs) means it handles bumpy Wisconsin backroads with surprising agility. Ownership costs are reasonable for a sports car, but the FR-S has a known sensitivity to oil quality and change intervals, and the boxer engine's flat-four design requires attention to head gaskets over time. Parts sharing with the Subaru BRZ means parts availability is good, and the enthusiast community is large.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for FR-S — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Premium gasoline
MPG
22 city / 30 hwy / 25 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Minicompact Cars
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2014 Scion FR-S is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru (sold as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 in other markets). Built on a purpose-designed platform, it uses a Subaru-sourced 2.0L flat-four engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or automatic. The result is a car that prioritizes driver feel over outright power — low center of gravity, sharp steering, and a balanced chassis make it one of the most entertaining affordable sports cars of its era. The FR-S targets enthusiasts who want a genuine back-to-basics sports car experience. It is not a fast car by modern standards — 200 hp feels modest today — but it rewards skilled drivers who enjoy working through corners. The light curb weight (under 2,800 lbs) means it handles bumpy Wisconsin backroads with surprising agility. Ownership costs are reasonable for a sports car, but the FR-S has a known sensitivity to oil quality and change intervals, and the boxer engine's flat-four design requires attention to head gaskets over time. Parts sharing with the Subaru BRZ means parts availability is good, and the enthusiast community is large.
Known for
- Exceptional chassis balance and driver feedback
- Low center of gravity from the boxer flat-four engine
- Light curb weight (~2,758 lbs) enhancing agility
- Strong enthusiast and aftermarket community
- Shared platform with Subaru BRZ
Best for
- Driving enthusiasts who prioritize handling over horsepower
- Weekend canyon or backroad driving
- Entry-level track day participants
- Buyers wanting an affordable, engaging sports coupe
Watch for
- Low power output (200 hp) may feel underwhelming at highway speeds
- Rear seats are effectively unusable for adults
- Engine can be sensitive to oil neglect — flat-four design is unforgiving
- RWD in Wisconsin winters requires winter tires or extreme caution
- Many examples have been driven hard or modified by enthusiast owners
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVVT/camshaft timing actuator faults — oil sludge or low oil pressure causes over-retarded timing codes
medium- Typically appears
- 50–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Valve control solenoid circuit faults — often triggered by dirty oil or a failing solenoid
low- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $600
Clutch wear — accelerated on tracked or spirited-driven examples
medium- Typically appears
- 40–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $700 – $1,400
Suspension bushing and rear lateral link wear — common on cars with aggressive driving history
medium- Typically appears
- 60–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,200
Oxygen/A/F sensor heater circuit failure — age-related wiring or sensor degradation
low- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months — do NOT stretch to 10k Engine oil and filter change — use full-synthetic 5W-30 meeting Subaru/Toyota FA20 spec
The FA20 boxer is sensitive to oil quality and level. Extended intervals are linked to cylinder scoring and VVT sludging. Check the oil level on the dipstick monthly.
- 2 Monthly or every 1,000 miles Check and top off engine oil level between changes
Some FA20 engines consume a quart every 3k–5k miles even when healthy. Running low causes serious, expensive damage.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles Inspect and replace spark plugs
The FA20 uses iridium plugs but benefits from proactive replacement — worn plugs affect the already modest power output noticeably.
- 4 Every 30,000 miles or if slipping is noticed Inspect clutch pedal feel and measure clutch disc wear
Clutch wear rate varies dramatically based on driving style. Track use can wear a clutch in under 20k miles; street-only use may last 80k+.
- 5 Every 2 years or 30,000 miles Inspect rear suspension bushings and lateral links
The rear multi-link suspension is tuned for handling precision. Worn bushings cause vague handling and uneven tire wear — safety relevant on a RWD sports car.
- 6 Every 2 years regardless of mileage Brake fluid flush
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering boiling point. Cars used on track need this done annually. Wisconsin salt season accelerates corrosion on brake lines.
- 7 Every 2 years / 30,000 miles Coolant system inspection and fluid check
Subaru boxer engines have a history of head gasket issues in other applications; keeping coolant fresh and the system pressure-tested is cheap insurance on the FA20.
- 8 Every 5,000–7,500 miles Tire rotation and alignment check
The FR-S's suspension geometry is sensitive; even minor alignment drift causes uneven tire wear and dulls the handling precision the car is known for.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,200
Fuel
Premium recommended by Subaru/Toyota for best performance; expect ~$1,600–$2,200/yr at typical Wisconsin driving distances and current fuel prices
Insurance
Expect modestly higher premiums than a comparable sedan — sports coupe classification and young-driver ownership demographics push rates up. Budget $1,200–$1,900/yr for a clean-record adult driver.
The FR-S is relatively affordable to maintain by sports car standards — no turbos, no complex AWD systems, and wide parts availability thanks to BRZ sharing. The biggest cost risk is deferred oil maintenance leading to engine work, or buying an example that has been tracked hard with worn suspension and clutch components. Keep up with oil changes and the car is unlikely to surprise you.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Swap to a dedicated set of winter tires before first snow — the stock summer-oriented tires and RWD drivetrain are genuinely dangerous on snow/ice. A cheap steel wheel + winter tire set is strongly recommended.
- Install a quality battery before winter; the FR-S uses a small-displacement engine that cranks hard in sub-zero temps and the stock battery is modestly sized.
- Use a winter-blend washer fluid rated to at least -20°F — Lake Geneva winters regularly hit that range and freezing fluid in the reservoir or lines damages the pump.
- Apply underbody and rocker panel wax or rust inhibitor before salt season — the FR-S sits low and the rockers and subframe see heavy road salt exposure.
- Check tire pressure weekly in cold weather — every 10°F drop in temperature reduces pressure by ~1 PSI, and the FR-S's handling is highly sensitive to tire pressure.
- Warm up the engine gently for the first minute before revving — the FA20 boxer needs oil to circulate fully before being pushed hard in cold weather.
Summer
- Check tire pressure regularly — heat increases pressure and overinflation reduces the contact patch, affecting handling on a car built around grip.
- Inspect the A/C system operation before peak summer; the small cabin heats quickly when parked and a weak A/C makes highway driving uncomfortable.
- Monitor engine coolant temperature on spirited drives — the FA20 can run warm in stop-and-go traffic or during extended track sessions without sufficient airflow.
- Inspect brake pads before any track days or mountain driving — heat soak from sustained braking degrades pads faster than street use.
Comparable vehicles
2014 Subaru
BRZ
Mechanically identical twin — same FA20 engine, same platform, same chassis. The BRZ has slightly stiffer suspension tuning from the factory; FR-S vs BRZ is largely a badge and dealer preference choice.
2014 Mazda
MX-5 Miata
Similar lightweight, RWD sports car philosophy with an emphasis on driver feel over power. The Miata is a convertible and lighter still, but targets the same 'driving purity' buyer.
2014 Ford
Mustang
V6 Mustang is in a similar price range as a used FR-S and is also RWD, but offers more power and a larger, more practical platform. A good alternative for someone who wants RWD fun with more real-world usability.
2014 Hyundai
Genesis Coupe
Another affordable RWD coupe from the same era. Available with a turbocharged 4-cylinder or V6, offering more power than the FR-S while targeting a similar enthusiast buyer.
If you're shopping for one
Red flags
- Any signs of track or autocross use without corresponding maintenance records
- Aftermarket exhaust or intake without a tune — the FA20 runs lean at the top end stock and improper mods worsen it
- Worn or heavily modified suspension without documented alignment
- Evidence of overheating (white residue near coolant cap, staining on the radiator)
- Low oil on the dipstick at time of inspection — owner doesn't check it
- Roll cage or harness bar installed inside the cabin — indicates serious track use and possible frame/chassis stress
What to inspect
- Pull a full service history and look specifically for oil change frequency — gaps over 5k miles are a red flag on the FA20
- Check the engine oil dipstick for correct level and look for milky or gritty oil indicating contamination or wear
- Listen for ticking or rattling at startup — VVT actuator noise at cold start can indicate oil starvation history
- Inspect all four corners for suspension modifications — aftermarket coilovers, camber plates, or sway bars suggest track use
- Test the clutch engagement point — high engagement or slipping under load means imminent replacement
- Look for uneven or excessive tire wear, especially on the rear — RWD and aggressive driving chews through rears fast
- Check for accident history (Carfax/AutoCheck) and inspect rocker panels and rear quarter panels closely for body filler