Thoughts on a Subaru BRZ?

QuikSilver_ · 08-31-2015, 10:07 AM

First off, let me say I have no doubts about BMW. I currently have a 320i, my first BMW, and I love it! It's a nice entry into the brand.

I can afford the payments (lease), as well as all my other bills, but there's not a lot of room for much else in my budget. And yes I'm aware that owning a BMW is a want, and not a need

I've been passively looking around at different options, and I know a few members on the forum would agree that Subaru is a brand worth driving as well. I've always been fond of the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ, but I would more than likely consider Subaru due to better features. I love the look and the sportiness of the car, but I've never driven one. Looking at YouTube videos online, it's pretty clear the car is simplistic, and geared more towards the driving experience rather than the amenities that come with the car.

Has anyone ever driven/owned one and want to chime in on their experiences or opinions?

csu87 · 08-31-2015, 10:19 AM

drive one and then you will either love it or hate it.

Ive driven them a couple times cause I like the way they look, and always have high hopes for the performance, but as soon as I get in them and start driving, I am left feeling very disappointed. Why they dont have a turbo-4 engine in them I have no idea. And they market it as a track ready car, but have skinny wheels and the handling is meh.

They are overpriced for what they are, and you are paying for the Subaru name more than anything.

Ammonia · 08-31-2015, 11:58 AM

^ lol wat

handling in them is sublime, one of the best handling cars this side of a cayman. Paying for name makes no sense when they're also badged as an Scion / Toyota. Its like $26k new.

Its low on power stock, but the driving experience is what they were going for, straight line performance was not. If you want a track toy with a side of daily-driver then the BRZ is a good choice.

NoSHAM3 · 08-31-2015, 12:05 PM

If you are looking for a new car in that segment then I think it is a good choice. If the car doesn't need to be new I think the S2000 is a better car in just about every way. Just my opinion tho...

LwaLt · 08-31-2015, 12:17 PM

I could chime in on this. I picked one up last Thursday and loving every bit of it. It's definitely lacking in the power department compared to competitors in the market but I have my M4 to satiate that aspect. Other than that, its "holy crap" fun to drive. I've driven the 2016 Miata, and although that was a fun car to drive, this doesn't pale in comparison plus it has ample room for you to carry things.

Definitely a great car for a daily driver and fun car to get you from point A to B with the ability to be a track warrior as well!

Side note: I find myself getting more excited getting into this car than the M4. Uh oh!

JHFW89225 · 08-31-2015, 01:05 PM

I have one and its a great car depending on what your expectation of it is. Power is lackluster, handling is sublime.

Obviously the S2000 is still a rawer, better, more focused car after all these years. But if you must have a new car then the twins is the way to go, the rear seat and coupe top is a bonus.

Aatish · 08-31-2015, 01:54 PM

The chassis is superb! Interior build is quite good for the price and it also looks good. While the power is a little low, it still has enough to live with and have fun most of the time. Good thing is, since the FR-S/BRZ/GT86 is really popular with the aftermarket modding community, performance mods are plentiful. And that mechanical bits are more than capable to handle extra power.

QuikSilver_ · 08-31-2015, 02:28 PM

Interesting answers. To me, it kinda sounds like the price is good for what it's worth; sounds like a fun little car. And yes it would have to be a new car, as I would be leasing. Speaking of which, did any of you lease the car? Do they have good lease rates?

Ammonia · 08-31-2015, 02:35 PM

I bought mine straight up. I also modded the piss out of it, although I also owned a mostly stock NA 'track-focused' FRS prior to this one. This one is considerably more ballsy, running a turbo (476whp on E85), brembo BBK, full suspension work (coils, LCAs, etc), lots of cosmetic knick-knacks.

Dan Bilzerian · 08-31-2015, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ammonia

^ lol wat

handling in them is sublime, one of the best handling cars this side of a cayman. Paying for name makes no sense when they're also badged as an Scion / Toyota. Its like $26k new.

Its low on power stock, but the driving experience is what they were going for, straight line performance was not. If you want a track toy with a side of daily-driver then the BRZ is a good choice.

Honestly, I think the Boxster S handles better than the Cayman.

fcman · 08-31-2015, 02:57 PM

I've driven a couple and was unimpressed both times. It did not do anything for me and small, lower powered cars are the only thing I've ever enjoyed driving (S2000, 2nd gen RX7, Integra GSR). I can get over a slow car if the engine peppy (my GSR was a blast with only 170hp), but the N/A 2.0L boxer just feels like it belongs in a small pickup, not a sports car. If you can afford to slap a turbo, suspension, and some new tires on it right away I would say maybe, but then you've just increased your investment heavily and could start looking at some more serious sports cars.

Also, the new Miata is around the same price and, if reviews are to be believed, it's faster than the BRZ even though it's down 45 hp. That's what I would get if I was looking to lease an inexpensive sports car.

Haywood · 08-31-2015, 04:00 PM

E36 M3

Mavus · 08-31-2015, 05:23 PM

Check out Genesis Coupe also.

csu87 · 08-31-2015, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ammonia

^ lol wat

handling in them is sublime, one of the best handling cars this side of a cayman. Paying for name makes no sense when they're also badged as an Scion / Toyota. Its like $26k new.

Its low on power stock, but the driving experience is what they were going for, straight line performance was not. If you want a track toy with a side of daily-driver then the BRZ is a good choice.

Like I said, you either love it or hate it, but to me the handling was unimpressive. It needs a decent set of wheels/tires and upgraded suspension to really be considered a well handling car imo. Even if it didnt come with shitty skinny wheels/tires from the factory and had a decent set to begin with, it would be a different story. And the lack of power is another thing. Sure you dont need a ton of power to get around a track efficiently, but this thing is just underwhelming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fcman

I've driven a couple and was unimpressed both times. It did not do anything for me and small, lower powered cars are the only thing I've ever enjoyed driving (S2000, 2nd gen RX7, Integra GSR). I can get over a slow car if the engine peppy (my GSR was a blast with only 170hp), but the N/A 2.0L boxer just feels like it belongs in a small pickup, not a sports car. If you can afford to slap a turbo, suspension, and some new tires on it right away I would say maybe, but then you've just increased your investment heavily and could start looking at some more serious sports cars.

Also, the new Miata is around the same price and, if reviews are to be believed, it's faster than the BRZ even though it's down 45 hp. That's what I would get if I was looking to lease an inexpensive sports car.

I drove the new Miata and it wasnt too bad. Felt a little better than the BRZ. Still neither of them are in line with the s2000, which is what I tend to compare cars of this type to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

Check out Genesis Coupe also.

Genesis coupe is nicer, I had one before my 335, and is a better handler while having more power. But, it will need some suspension mods as well to really be considered a true track car. But atleast if you get the R-spec, it has a good, wide set of wheels and some nice brembos and a slightly better suspension set up vs the other models. It is a bigger car though, so if you are looking for just a small 2 seater, it might not be for you.

NickyC · 08-31-2015, 05:34 PM

Just too damned slow.

I know you don't need 400hp+ for daily stop and go traffic and sitting at red lights, but the car needs at least a *little* sack. C'mon now.

RM7 · 08-31-2015, 06:41 PM

Seems like the perfect car for those that want more low-end get-up and go would be the WRX? It's proven, it has the "god kicked it in the rear end" speed to 60 and for the 1/8th and although it runs out of steam compared to higher HP cars at higher speeds, it has close ratios so it feels quite fast.

RM7 · 08-31-2015, 06:43 PM

On the other hand, an STI BRZ model was confirmed recently...that'll be pretty insane IMO with the other advantages the basic car has.

BloomRunsDubs · 08-31-2015, 08:38 PM

They are ok.. I like the Release series. Dont think I would ever own one though

1MOREMOD · 08-31-2015, 08:46 PM

They are marketed as a car you reasonably use all it's potential more of the time like a miata. But what that means to me is rather slow and low limits. Might be fun on the street but would need upgraded for me to track.

csu87 · 08-31-2015, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

On the other hand, an STI BRZ model was confirmed recently...that'll be pretty insane IMO with the other advantages the basic car has.

but they said no turbo 4cyl. It would be almost the same current car, just tuned by the engineers of the STI department or something like that. At least according to the article I saw about the STI BRZ a few months ago.

Meeni · 09-01-2015, 05:49 AM

They've been all talk and no show for years now. I tried it and I liked everything but the lifeless engine. Any news about when and what ?

BMW269 · 09-01-2015, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meeni

They've been all talk and no show for years now. I tried it and I liked everything but the lifeless engine. Any news about when and what ?

Right, just like BMW.

08-31-2015, 10:07 AM	#1
QuikSilver_ Captain 175 Rep 614 Posts Drives: 2016 F36 M Sport Join Date: May 2015 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW 428i Gran ... [0.00]	Thoughts on a Subaru BRZ? First off, let me say I have no doubts about BMW. I currently have a 320i, my first BMW, and I love it! It's a nice entry into the brand. I can afford the payments (lease), as well as all my other bills, but there's not a lot of room for much else in my budget. And yes I'm aware that owning a BMW is a want, and not a need I've been passively looking around at different options, and I know a few members on the forum would agree that Subaru is a brand worth driving as well. I've always been fond of the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ, but I would more than likely consider Subaru due to better features. I love the look and the sportiness of the car, but I've never driven one. Looking at YouTube videos online, it's pretty clear the car is simplistic, and geared more towards the driving experience rather than the amenities that come with the car. Has anyone ever driven/owned one and want to chime in on their experiences or opinions? __________________ *2016 BMW 428i Gran Coupe, M Sport, Glacier Silver Metallic*
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08-31-2015, 10:19 AM	#2
csu87 Banned 2134 Rep 3,554 Posts Drives: 09 335xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern Colorado iTrader: (0)	drive one and then you will either love it or hate it. Ive driven them a couple times cause I like the way they look, and always have high hopes for the performance, but as soon as I get in them and start driving, I am left feeling very disappointed. Why they dont have a turbo-4 engine in them I have no idea. And they market it as a track ready car, but have skinny wheels and the handling is meh. They are overpriced for what they are, and you are paying for the Subaru name more than anything.
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08-31-2015, 11:58 AM	#3
Ammonia Captain 37 Rep 747 Posts Drives: 440i GC Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Wilmington NC iTrader: (4)	^ lol wat handling in them is sublime, one of the best handling cars this side of a cayman. Paying for name makes no sense when they're also badged as an Scion / Toyota. Its like $26k new. Its low on power stock, but the driving experience is what they were going for, straight line performance was not. If you want a track toy with a side of daily-driver then the BRZ is a good choice.
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08-31-2015, 12:05 PM	#4
NoSHAM3 First Lieutenant 71 Rep 385 Posts Drives: a gas guzzler Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: 5252 iTrader: (3)	If you are looking for a new car in that segment then I think it is a good choice. If the car doesn't need to be new I think the S2000 is a better car in just about every way. Just my opinion tho... __________________ Suck/Squeeze/Bang/Blow
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08-31-2015, 12:17 PM	#5
LwaLt First Lieutenant 33 Rep 302 Posts Drives: EVOX,M4,X2, Model X, Model 3P+ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Hollywood, California iTrader: (0)	I could chime in on this. I picked one up last Thursday and loving every bit of it. It's definitely lacking in the power department compared to competitors in the market but I have my M4 to satiate that aspect. Other than that, its "holy crap" fun to drive. I've driven the 2016 Miata, and although that was a fun car to drive, this doesn't pale in comparison plus it has ample room for you to carry things. Definitely a great car for a daily driver and fun car to get you from point A to B with the ability to be a track warrior as well! Side note: I find myself getting more excited getting into this car than the M4. Uh oh!
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08-31-2015, 01:05 PM	#6
JHFW89225 Major 174 Rep 1,251 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: HK/Vancouver iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	I have one and its a great car depending on what your expectation of it is. Power is lackluster, handling is sublime. Obviously the S2000 is still a rawer, better, more focused car after all these years. But if you must have a new car then the twins is the way to go, the rear seat and coupe top is a bonus. __________________ 2013 Scion FR-S 2009 BMW E92 M3 2008 BMW E90 335i 2005 BMW X3 3.0i
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08-31-2015, 01:54 PM	#7
Aatish Lofty 3458 Rep 849 Posts Drives: i4 M50, 991.2 C2, RRS Diesel Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: ORD <> ATX iTrader: (0)	The chassis is superb! Interior build is quite good for the price and it also looks good. While the power is a little low, it still has enough to live with and have fun most of the time. Good thing is, since the FR-S/BRZ/GT86 is really popular with the aftermarket modding community, performance mods are plentiful. And that mechanical bits are more than capable to handle extra power.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-31-2015, 02:28 PM	#8
QuikSilver_ Captain 175 Rep 614 Posts Drives: 2016 F36 M Sport Join Date: May 2015 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW 428i Gran ... [0.00]	Interesting answers. To me, it kinda sounds like the price is good for what it's worth; sounds like a fun little car. And yes it would have to be a new car, as I would be leasing. Speaking of which, did any of you lease the car? Do they have good lease rates? __________________ *2016 BMW 428i Gran Coupe, M Sport, Glacier Silver Metallic*
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08-31-2015, 02:35 PM	#9
Ammonia Captain 37 Rep 747 Posts Drives: 440i GC Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Wilmington NC iTrader: (4)	I bought mine straight up. I also modded the piss out of it, although I also owned a mostly stock NA 'track-focused' FRS prior to this one. This one is considerably more ballsy, running a turbo (476whp on E85), brembo BBK, full suspension work (coils, LCAs, etc), lots of cosmetic knick-knacks.
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08-31-2015, 02:57 PM	#11
fcman Captain 666 Rep 983 Posts Drives: 2023 G87 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	I've driven a couple and was unimpressed both times. It did not do anything for me and small, lower powered cars are the only thing I've ever enjoyed driving (S2000, 2nd gen RX7, Integra GSR). I can get over a slow car if the engine peppy (my GSR was a blast with only 170hp), but the N/A 2.0L boxer just feels like it belongs in a small pickup, not a sports car. If you can afford to slap a turbo, suspension, and some new tires on it right away I would say maybe, but then you've just increased your investment heavily and could start looking at some more serious sports cars. Also, the new Miata is around the same price and, if reviews are to be believed, it's faster than the BRZ even though it's down 45 hp. That's what I would get if I was looking to lease an inexpensive sports car. Last edited by fcman; 08-31-2015 at 03:06 PM..
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08-31-2015, 04:00 PM	#12
Haywood I know a thing or 2 about a thing or 2... 3101 Rep 3,470 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Coupe, e39 M5, i3s Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (11) Garage List 2003 BMW e39 M5 [0.00] 1997 BMW e36 M3 [0.00]	E36 M3 __________________ 2019 Imperial Blue Metallic i3s BEV 2003 Le Mans Blue e39 M5 Dinan S1 1997 Alpine White e36 M3 (the old gal) 2013 Mineral White e92 M3 (sold ) 2014 Carbon Black 650i M-sport (sold)
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08-31-2015, 05:23 PM	#13
Mavus Colonel 2026 Rep 2,669 Posts Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (9)	Check out Genesis Coupe also.
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08-31-2015, 05:34 PM	#15
NickyC Lieutenant General 17427 Rep 10,637 Posts Drives: M4 CS. Former G82, x2 F82, F80 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Jacked out of my mind iTrader: (23)	Just too damned slow. I know you don't need 400hp+ for daily stop and go traffic and sitting at red lights, but the car needs at least a little sack. C'mon now.
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08-31-2015, 06:41 PM	#16
RM7 Brigadier General 2890 Rep 3,464 Posts Drives: Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	Seems like the perfect car for those that want more low-end get-up and go would be the WRX? It's proven, it has the "god kicked it in the rear end" speed to 60 and for the 1/8th and although it runs out of steam compared to higher HP cars at higher speeds, it has close ratios so it feels quite fast.
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08-31-2015, 06:43 PM	#17
RM7 Brigadier General 2890 Rep 3,464 Posts Drives: Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	On the other hand, an STI BRZ model was confirmed recently...that'll be pretty insane IMO with the other advantages the basic car has.
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08-31-2015, 08:38 PM	#18
BloomRunsDubs Second Lieutenant 128 Rep 248 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 M3 Competition [0.00] 2022 Challenger Hel ... [0.00] 2017 Grand Cherokee ... [0.00] 2009 Lamborghini Ga ... [0.00]	They are ok.. I like the Release series. Dont think I would ever own one though Attached Images
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08-31-2015, 08:46 PM	#19
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	They are marketed as a car you reasonably use all it's potential more of the time like a miata. But what that means to me is rather slow and low limits. Might be fun on the street but would need upgraded for me to track.
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09-01-2015, 05:49 AM	#21
Meeni Gateropode 329 Rep 2,848 Posts Drives: BMW 330i 06 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	They've been all talk and no show for years now. I tried it and I liked everything but the lifeless engine. Any news about when and what ?
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