Later model-year differences?
 

I bought a '14 Monogram because I needed something fast, it was here and in good condition and I liked the BRZ-like electronics. It will be a DD with occasional track days. Were there any significant mechanical changes/improvements in later years that I should have looked for? I know '15 BRZs had upgraded rear suspension, but I've heard it wasn't a big deal. My principal concern is what I hear about spun bearings. It'll probably get to my home track of Sebring most, and those two long straights wind up the motor pretty good. I'll install an oil cooler before tracking it. I'm leaning toward the JR combo radiator and cooler, but haven't decided yet.

You bought a 14 monogram because you needed something fast?
how slow was your previous car lol?

Starting sometime in MY15 they updated the coil packs, valves, and rockers.

You got one with the better options and a 2014. Most issues were with the 13, and usually early builds at that. Enjoy.

the 5 HP increase, more aggressive FD and engine updates are the most notable updates with the '17s+ but whether those changes lesson the likelihood of a spun bearing remains to be seen..

I don't think you should be worrying about the bearings as it seems like the chances of it happening are still relatively low. I haven't read too many bad stories about any of the monograms as they were nearly in the 2nd year of production by then.

I meant I needed something in a hurry.

Most would say the 86/FRS/BRZ is not a car you would say that is "in a hurry".

Then say I needed to buy transportation without delay.
.

Yeah, you should have waited. The 2018 got a turbo.

Most would say however there is delay in it.

Probably the number one thing I would be mindful of is the throw out bearing. The grease in the earlier (2013-2016?) 86s is not good and can lead to costly repairs if it fails.

Are you trying to be funny?

I guess the only way to avoid that would be to drop the tranny and replace the bearing. But then I could just wait for it to go and replace it then. In my experience, they usually give you some warning and don't normally destroy anything else when they go.

Of course I drive with the clutch in mind by not launching and not keeping the bearing engaged for long periods.