Need the ft86 Brain Trust... 2017 86 vs 2013 BRZ
 

Hey all,
So I'm one of the few folks who are considering dailying at FT86 here in Alaska. The secondary market is abysmal here. So without going through the shipping hassle these are my 2 options:

2017 86 Manual $25k 5 miles
2013 BRZ Limited $18k 19,000 miles

So, about me...

-just looking for a fun commuting car that I can autocross in the summer. Not gonna mod it like crazy, rather save and buy a Vette...

-we already have a Subaru Outback, so having matching subarus would be cool, but I drive a Toyota now so not a deal breaker.

-besides the name the only thing I liked about the Subaru is heated seat... would be nice on a cold day (I currently don't have them either)

-we have a tendency to keep cars for a long time (current car is 130,000 and counting) so having the extra piece of mind and warranty with a new car is a plus...

-everything that I would mod or change in the BRZ (lights, knee pads, ect) has already been updated in the 86


So what am I overlooking in this comparison? I've been waiting a long time (30 now) to be able to buy my first 'sports car' and I just want the one that makes me smile when I look in the garage and not cry when I get my monthly note hence the (BRZ/86) thanks!

I would go with the '17, from what I hear the build quality is a lot better. I have a '13 FRS and have some early-build issues.

well in terms of making you smile, both cars are essentially the same. A few differences like final drive and I think a couple more hp in the 2017 not to mention the front end differences are the only real changes as far as I know, probably some tech but meh. In my humble opinion, I would save that 7k and buy the 13, its honestly the same car and 19k miles is nothing, its got many years ahead not to mention its already broken in and you can start having fun with it right away. With that extra money you can do some mods if thats your thing or just save it up for later.

13' models have had issues going into limp mode. I would purchase a 14' or up. I personally don't like the new 86 design, but I would take it over an early model FRS.

Welcome to the family in advance :)

Is the 86 pre-owned? I thought they were closer to $30. Anyway at that price point, if you're considering $25k, I'd step up to a new BRZ Limited with the performance package which is right around 30k. It's worth it to know the car has been taken care of if you plan on owning it for a long time.

..if you are buying it outright then that BRZ is the better deal hands down...barely broken in too. The few problems the early models had were sporadic, there are plenty of users here with '13s without any problems. i had a 2013 frs (automatic mind you) that went to nearly 60 K with no problems whatsoever..admittedly my 2013 did have 2 interior panels that rattled and while i personally don't care for such things it is worth pointing out that the newer MYs (my '16 included) seem to have less rattling.

..if you are financing especially for 0% APR then I think a new 86 would be the better buy and as @tobin mentioned it might be worth checking a PP BRZ too. The refresh has enough improvements to make it a good consideration versus the pre-refresh

Link?

Go with the 2017 for the reasons you listed in your initial post.

The 86 is new, its a holiday weekend, so it's their Presidents Day sale. The BRZ limited PP is nice, but is closer to $33k after shipping one from Washington. The 2 cars I listed on the only manual model for sale (at a dealer) currently in the state...

It's funny how the budget changes, Initially my budget was $18k, then I talked myself into looking at the new 86 at $25k... now we are talking the BRZ PP at $30k+... lol...

While I can 'afford' a $30k car, I don't want too at the moment.

Many of the 2013's had some very annoying first year problems. If you can swing the 2017... that's the one I would get...

I'd suggest you get the new one.


humfrz

The better options would be :P

New MY17 BRZ or Used MY14+ FR-S

Do you work on your own stuff?

Definitely the 17 imo, as others have mentioned, they've kind of got the platform down now, which they didn't when it was new, of course.