Opinions needed on Subaru BRZ (Page 1/3)
mrfiero AUG 24, 11:08 PM
So....I am looking at buying a newer car. I will be selling 3 or 4 of my cars, but don't worry....I'll be keeping my '88 GT.

I've been looking at several cars lately, but re-discovered the FR-S/BRZ twins. Specifically I'm looking at a 2013 BRZ Limited with 20K miles. I have always liked these cars, but have never driven one and know nothing about their issues or idiosyncrasies. I plan on driving one tomorrow, but a test drive doesn't really tell the tale so if anyone has owned one or has intimate knowledge of these things LMK your thoughts.
Raydar AUG 25, 05:46 AM
My object of automotive lust for a long time. Even went so far as to put a deposit down on one, but I didn't go through with it.
Please let me know how it turns out. (I'm sure you've read all the reviews that call it a "Miata with a roof".)

There are several Forums out there. It's also called an "86" in other parts of the world, so search for that, too.
mrfiero AUG 25, 01:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

My object of automotive lust for a long time. Even went so far as to put a deposit down on one, but I didn't go through with it.
Please let me know how it turns out. (I'm sure you've read all the reviews that call it a "Miata with a roof".)

There are several Forums out there. It's also called an "86" in other parts of the world, so search for that, too.



I've always liked the shape of them.....the fact that they're relatively inexpensive is enticing too. I am also more about the handling than all out speed, so the lack of power (as some have called it) doesn't phase me.

I have looked at a few online forums, but figured I would see if anyone here has any first hand knowledge about it. Now that Scion is defunct, Toyota will be calling the FR-S the 86. I may consider buying a new one when they come out.....not sure. Right now I just need to drive one to see if I like it. I'll post back up later today.
Patrick AUG 26, 01:37 AM

quote
Originally posted by mrfiero:

I've been looking at several cars lately, but re-discovered the FR-S/BRZ twins...



My best friend's son bought a brand new one in September of 2014. It's a sharp looking car!




Boxer engine, rear wheel drive... win win!
Monkeyman AUG 26, 06:10 AM
You DO know it's NOT all wheel drive like the rest of the Subaru line up, right? Doesn't change the way it looks but most people opt for a Subaru partly for the famous all wheel drive.
Raydar AUG 26, 06:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by Monkeyman:

You DO know it's NOT all wheel drive like the rest of the Subaru line up, right?
...



It's rear wheel drive. The perfect drift machine, according to more than one enthusiast magazine.
Of course, that's not the quickest way around a track. I'd have to swap out wheels and tires, immediately. (Same bolt circle as Fieros, BTW.)

Edit - the BRZ also had a special edition that was painted, for all intents an purposes, "Petty Blue".
They are few and far between (only 500 units) and are not on the website. I want one.
http://www.autoblog.com/201...e-quick-spin-review/

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 08-26-2016).]

mrfiero AUG 26, 08:19 PM
Yep....rear wheel drive and fun to drift. I would also have to put stickier tires on it....drifting is fun, but it would get old after awhile.

I put off the test driving until tomorrow. I spent the past couple of days working on Fieros.....I've been trying to get one of my Formulas roadworthy so I can take it to the Heartland Fiero Show next weekend. I'm almost there....just an alignment away from being driveable.

I will test drive the BRZ and a few of the other cars I'm interested in tomorrow and decide which ones stay on the "list"
RWDPLZ AUG 26, 08:20 PM
I bought an STI, but I WANTED a BRZ. Test drove a couple and a 370Z, no comparison. Bought the STI because a RWD car in the winter when I already had a Fiero made no sense.

Patrick AUG 26, 09:49 PM

quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:

I bought an STI, but I WANTED a BRZ. Test drove a couple and a 370Z, no comparison. Bought the STI...



Do you know offhand now the horsepower compares between the BRZ and the STI ?
mrfiero AUG 26, 10:26 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

Do you know offhand now the horsepower compares between the BRZ and the STI ?



200HP for the BRZ and 305HP for the STI.


If I get a BRZ I may add a supercharger kit. That would bring the power level up quite a bit, but it's pricey. I'm just toying with that idea since it defeats a big reason why I would buy one....price. The BRZ is just plain cheap for what you get.

I'm also looking at the Boxster S & Cayman S as well as a new Mustang GT. Hell....I'm even considering an old Porsche 356, but I really need something modern, reliable and fast that I could enjoy when I'm home. Since I already have a convertible (Bugeye Sprite), the Boxster is low on the list. I really, really want a Cayman S and the 2007-2008 models are affordable enough for me, but I would be worried about something happening to it when I'm parked somewhere. Not that I wouldn't be with the BRZ, but the Porsche would get more attention (and not all in a good way).

This doesn't take into account maintenance costs....an 8 year old Porsche might be too brutal to maintain, I'm not sure. The Mustang wouldn't be too bad but everyone and their mother owns one. I see far fewer BRZ/FR-S's which is also enticing and a reason I love my Fiero so much. I hate having something ubiquitous.....I want to be the oddball driving the weird car (hence the Fiero, Bugeye Sprite, Datsun roadster, etc.).

Anyway....test drives coming tomorrow. I plan on driving the BRZ and a Cayman S....maybe the Mustang too, not sure yet.

[This message has been edited by mrfiero (edited 08-26-2016).]