Known Major Issues I should know about....

[Darkone]

Seems like every car I purchase has something major going on that will cost you a ton after the fact without a warranty....

For example:
C6 Corvette Z06: Valve train issues cause the engine to crap out. Cost 15k
BMW M3 S65 engine: Connecting rod bearing clearance issues cause the engine to crap out. Cost: 25k
Challenger Hellcat: Supercharger craps out. Cost 15k

As you can see I have owned some fairly expensive cars and I am utterly sick of paying a ton for a POS that has issues....hence my desire to upgrade to a lower priced, more reliable Japanese car that hopefully has limited to no issues.

My friend has a 370z and he says they have virtually no major issues at all.

But I want 4 seats ....so I test drove a BRZ and I tell you the saying "its funner to drive a slow car fast then it is to drive a fast car slow" is TRUE!

PLEASE TELL me in advance if there is any MAJOR issues with the BRZ or 86!

THANKS

[gramicci101]

Early 2013's had problems with direct injector seals melting, but that should have been fixed with a ECU flash TSB. Beyond that, I don't think there are any systemic issues with the platform, just random individual problems that crop up in any vehicle.

Also, on one of your test drives, make sure you bring a friend or car seat or whatever so you can see how useful the back seat REALLY is. Or isn't, as the case may be.

[bcj]

March 2013 to present.

Aint'nt broke.

[ToySub1946]

Just buy any car which has a J as the first digit of it's vin number..and you'll be good to go. Note: Many Japanese designed cars are now made in USA, Mexico, etc. Don't buy one of those, quality is not quite the same as Made In Japan.


Zero issues with my 2015 Scion FRS, manual trans car so far. 36,500 miles since I bought it new. Don't believe anything negative Consumer Reports states relating to these cars...they are not yet up to date on this model car. Can't speak for early 2013 models, every car thereafter has been just great. And this engine is one of Subaru's best.

I've owned over 60 cars in my lifetime. This FRS is the first car I've had with zero issues under warranty, and also best car I've ever owned, and I'm age 70.


If you need a back seat (for actual humans) and still fun to drive...buy a four door Mazda. Won't come anywhere near the experience of an 86 or BRZ, yet closest you can come.

[norcalpb]

My fuel pressure regulator failed at 60k.

Good news is the part is only $100. Bad news is the tow will cost just as much!

[guybo]

http://www.truedelta.com/Scion-FR-S/problems-1096/2013

http://www.truedelta.com/Scion-FR-S/reliability-1096

http://www.truedelta.com/Subaru-BRZ/...lity-1097/2013

http://www.truedelta.com/Subaru-BRZ/problems-1097/2015

I included FRS and BRZ info since the sample size is kind of small. But FWIW, TrueDelta members have reported few problems and these are fairly reliable cars.

[Si_Chris]

I have 26K miles on my 2016 BRZ that I bought in February of this year (I know, I drive a lot, especially in 10 months) and the only issue I experienced was the clutch fork squeak that is common on the manual transmission FRS/BRZ/86's. This issue can easily be fixed by yourself, all you gotta do is re-grease the pivot points on the clutch fork.

Other than the above, basic maintenance is pretty much all that is needed. I've only done oil changes every 8K miles, changed the engine air filter, and cabin air filter once. The car is cheap to maintain, and is pretty reliable. I commute 80 miles a day for work, along with my BRZ being a weekend car.

[CTB727]

Purchased new in November 2012. Just hit 60,000 miles yesterday.

Throwout bearing replacements are extremely common. Almost always covered under warranty. Mine was replaced last October at 35,000 miles.

Oil seepage from the oil pan and cam seals was a common issue on 2013s. Mine was fixed under warranty in June of 2016. Roughly 49,000 miles is when this happened.

CEL code P000B came up. Oil control actuator - valve assembly. Replaced September of this year, around 55,000 miles. $130 part, plus an hour of shop time.

Other than that, it's not too expensive to maintain.

[finch1750]

That back seats dont really fit people is the major issue based on what you said

[Darkone]

Thanks everyone!
Sounds like if I purchase 2015 + everything has been worked out....

By the way the only one that would sit in the back is my daughter and she is 5 foot 1 and 100 lb so she should fit perfectly...my wife is 5 foot 2 and 100lb so they can switch off...lol

[pfaffendorn]

Originally Posted by Darkone

. . . . But I want 4 seats ....so I test drove a BRZ and I tell you the saying "its funner to drive a slow car fast then it is to drive a fast car slow" is TRUE!

Well, right off the bat, the BRZ doesn't actually have four functional seats -- it's even difficult to put a bag of groceries in the back area. So, it couldn't really match your criterion, unless you're talking about child seats, and I mean seats for small children!

But I think you're on the right track, anyway. It's a very well-put-together car.

[ToySub1946]

Darkone: "Sounds like if I purchase 2015 + everything has been worked out...."

Actually, according to most on this forum...2014 and newer are cars with few problems.

Suppose you are looking at a new car ?

In 2013 and 2014 FRS had different springs and/or shocks than BRZ. The FRS would hang out it's tail (oversteer) more easily than the BRZ in those years...fun, fun.

In 2015 changes were made so both cars handled more like the BRZ.

For 2017 both cars have a somewhat softened ride and slightly more insulation to diminish noises heard in cabin. They seem to now be catering to a wider audience, not just the driver enthusiast.


I own a 2015 FRS. I'll be looking for a used 2014 FRS...(I'd like to experience the original suspension setup). Not interested in changes they've made just recently.

Currently, for 2017 model year, BRZ, base model, is cheaper than the Toyota 86. BRZ has two models and 86 just one.

Your wife, in front seat, will have to have her seat pushed all the way forward for legroom for your daughter in back seat. Will they be willing to tough it out so that you can enjoy the fun of ownership ? And yes, pushing an underpowered car which handles corners exceedingly well, beats a muscle car any day. Wanna buy a used 2005 Mustang GT ? I'm oh so tired of it since buying my FRS. I just would not be happy with even a new Mustang or Camaro. Too spoiled I am by little, low car, does well. I may consider new Mazda Miata but the seats aren't as good as the 86/BRZ I hear.

[soulreapersteve]

As previously stated by everyone, no systematic major failures across the board, just individual reports here and there.

My car's auto trans started to misbehave, fixed with TCM reflash.
Fuel sender unit crapped out, that got replaced.
Other than that, its been all smiles for almost 25k miles.

[Brayden_23]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

I own a 2015 FRS. I'll be looking for a used 2014 FRS...(I'd like to experience the original suspension setup). Not interested in changes they've made just recently.

You could save yourself a buttload of money if you just swapped in the suspension from the first 2 years..I'm sure there are plenty of people on the forum who are willing to part with their stock suspensions.