is there an obvious alternative?

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by JS + BRZ

Yep! The E46 M3 was way too old for me, the S2K was way too small for me.

Also agree! Man. s2k is a small 2 door, 2 seater roadster. I tried driving it and I always felt cramped. The e46 m3 is a great driving machine. Hard to find them in good condition and with decent miles, but if you are lucky enough to find one with good condition, babied, low miles, and body straight with no accidents and is all stock, you're looking at the same price as a new twin. Would rather have a new twin then worry about a 10+ year old bmw that needs heavy maintance.

[JS + BRZ]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

Also agree! Man. s2k is a small 2 door, 2 seater roadster. I tried driving it and I always felt cramped. The e46 m3 is a great driving machine. Hard to find them in good condition and with decent miles, but if you are lucky enough to find one with good condition, babied, low miles, and body straight with no accidents and is all stock, you're looking at the same price as a new twin. Would rather have a new twin then worry about a 10+ year old bmw that needs heavy maintance.

That was my rationale for getting my BRZ, too. Super happy 15k miles so far.

[chaoskaze]

Originally Posted by JS + BRZ

Yep! The E46 M3 was way too old for me, the S2K was way too small for me.

Wut E46 is the last true BMW M car!! :P & it's NA & super reliable all the way to even like 150k mile!!!!! (friend have one he daily & it's like 120k... problem free) Unlike the newer ones................

[JD001]

Is the BRZ an aspirational car or a stop gap because everyone wants a BMW M3/4... I don't believe so..

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by chaoskaze

Wut E46 is the last true BMW M car!! :P & it's NA & super reliable all the way to even like 150k mile!!!!! (friend have one he daily & it's like 120k... problem free) Unlike the newer ones................

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by JD001

Yep, I am struggling to find a true alternative, size, weight, price and handling.

Nope, no true alternative currently available on the market, some are close that are already mentioned with some significant differences, MX-5, 370Z, Genesis. If you don't know the difference between FWD and RWD there are a ton of cars that match the 86 for performance and blow it away with practicality.

Used opens up options, imo the only car that does what the 86 does built in the last 15 years has been the RX-8 although it skews a little heavier and more luxurious with a minor increase in power and of course the quirks of owning a rotary.

Also blah blah blah two seaters S2000 Cayman Boxster etc.

[NARFALICIOUS]

Some people cross shop non-RWD vehicles so some may consider FWD as alternatives

[ryoma]

I was about to buy an S2000 before my BRZ. then I test drove the BRZ and they had a 0.9% APR promotion going on for it. I still think that the S2000 would have been a great car to own, besides the fact that most of them going for a decent price have over 20k+ miles on the odometer.

now, sometimes I wish I got a Golf R instead. my friend has one and it is extremely nice. however, the BRZ has grown on me. maybe a few years down the line, I might sell the BRZ and either buy the Golf R or Focus RS

[humdizzle]

The e46 m3 was a close second for me. But I already had one for nearly 4 years prior to my GTR. Great car.. but I like to try new things. That and I was looking for a DD, I would care too much about the M3.

I dont do FWD or verts.. so that helped eliminate alot of other cars.

[GT86_PRAGUE]

In our country people usually rather buy Focus ST, Fiesta ST, Golf R or Scirocco, all of them are "sport cars" in similar price range. I am glad for it, at least GT86 owners here are not morons.

[JD001]

Originally Posted by GT86_PRAGUE

In our country people usually rather buy Focus ST, Fiesta ST, Golf R or Scirocco, all of them are "sport cars" in similar price range. I am glad for it, at least GT86 owners here are not morons.

I think the twins appeal to a different crowd looking for that special feel that comes from a finely balanced RWD. I have had my fair share of shopping trolleys.

[GT86_PRAGUE]

Originally Posted by JD001

I think the twins appeal to a different crowd looking for that special feel that comes from a finely balanced RWD. I have had my fair share of shopping trolleys.

I let some Subaru people (WRX/STI) drive my car and they all complains about:
- it is not all wheel drive
- it is expensive
- it lack power/turbo
- power only after 5000 rpm

It is sad. But hey, there are more Ferraris here than GT86/BRZ cars, so I have a rare car and a smile every day driving.

The FoST/FiST guys just always smash you with paper numbers, dont even want to consider a drive.

[JD001]

I am pleased that you are enjoying your car. I am too however don't get to drive it enough.....

[bcj]

Originally Posted by JD001

a stop gap because everyone wants a BMW M3/4... I don't believe so..

Do not want.