Any big first year issues? Looking to buy BRZ/FRS, thoughts?

[OUGrad05]

Guys I've got the BRZ/FRS on my list of cars to shop. My Z06 looks to be sold. Also considering some other vehicles but after discussion with the wife and driving one a few weeks ago the FRS/BRZ seem to be the way to go for us.

I'm looking to pickup a used vehicle and spend somewhere between 16-20k depending on year miles, options etc. Would prefer to stay in the 16-17 range because I'll have money left over for upgrades to track the vehicle.

Is there any reason to steer clear of a 2013 model? Any first year gremlins to be aware of?

Also any help that can be provided about the trims would be nice. We'd prefer push button start but that maybe isn't a deal breaker, just a preference for our "toy" car. Right now I don't particularly care if we go FRS or BRZ, both have pro's/con's that are somewhat minor. For example, I like the gauges in the FRS better but the overall interior of the BRZ better...

[wbradley]

Despite other peoples claims, my May 2012 delivered FR-S had only one minor issue, condensation in the tailliights and eventually Toyota figured out replacement not required, just a thicker gasket. Buy with confidence!

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Guys I've got the BRZ/FRS on my list of cars to shop. My Z06 looks to be sold. Also considering some other vehicles but after discussion with the wife and driving one a few weeks ago the FRS/BRZ seem to be the way to go for us.

I'm looking to pickup a used vehicle and spend somewhere between 16-20k depending on year miles, options etc. Would prefer to stay in the 16-17 range because I'll have money left over for upgrades to track the vehicle.

Is there any reason to steer clear of a 2013 model? Any first year gremlins to be aware of?

Also any help that can be provided about the trims would be nice. We'd prefer push button start but that maybe isn't a deal breaker, just a preference for our "toy" car. Right now I don't particularly care if we go FRS or BRZ, both have pro's/con's that are somewhat minor. For example, I like the gauges in the FRS better but the overall interior of the BRZ better...

Looks like you're officially shopping now I got a early 13MY I have had since new, LOVE it, never had an issue. Would you consider buying a salvage title to save some money? That way you can get a FRS/BRZ and save a ton of money provided it was fixed proper. You could also look for a hail damaged one to save some coin for upgrades?

[jdmblood]

lack of torque

[LOLS2K]

when you hear a cricket outside your window, does it bother you or are you passive?

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

.......................Is there any reason to steer clear of a 2013 model? Any first year gremlins to be aware of?

..

A few minor issues (easily fixed) have been reported with the early 2013 FR-S.

My 2013 FR-S (built June 2013) has been trouble free.

Just listen to your wife and pick one she thinks is pretty ...


humfrz

[PureShield]

I also have a 2013 FR-S and have had no problems except for condensation in the taillights. Everything else have been amazing, although going from a Z06 to an FR-S/BRZ your definitely going to notice the lack of power haha. If you live near twisty roads or like doing track days/autocross you'll fall in love. Best of luck.

[FR-Sky]

I changed my tail light to valenti,,problem solved.
My service adviser said the cricket sounds from HPFP seems to be normal,,so my N1 covered for me.

[finch1750]

Any early years cars with big issues should have been dealt with already. Just check the issue sub forum and read the TSBs to see most common issues. And dont be surprised if it drinks coolant in the overflow for some wierd reason. Many of us still havent found a cause just top it off as needed (im at 90k miles btw)

[dnieves]

The only things my MY13 10 Series has needed (I feel pretty minor for a first year run):


Cam plate cover for a slight oil leak ->could've had the dealer scrape the old RTV and re-do it but I opted to get a Torque Solution cam plate cover ($60) with a built in hi temp gasket for a permanent fix (only applies to MT and not everybody had this issue). Fixed forever in a few minutes!


I noticed condensation once after a blizzard followed by an unseasonably hot day so I went for the thicker Gasket Ninja gaskets ($27) -I'm all about being pro-active. Fixed forever but took a little longer than expected because the glue on the old gasket was stubborn to remove!


Oil changes and a flat fixed (go figure). Every bit as reliable as my tC and Civic Si.

[RichardsFRS]

I have a 2013 but I bought it used 43k on it. Paid little over 15 for it. Not one problem with it yet but I've only had it three months. You will obviously miss the raw power you are giving up because I do, but you will love the handling and control of the Twin (get a manual because its a blast) I couldn't bring myself to give up a Z06 for a Twin, because that's my dream car

[OUGrad05]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

Looks like you're officially shopping now I got a early 13MY I have had since new, LOVE it, never had an issue. Would you consider buying a salvage title to save some money? That way you can get a FRS/BRZ and save a ton of money provided it was fixed proper. You could also look for a hail damaged one to save some coin for upgrades?

This may be a long-term keeper for us so salvage title is probably not something I'd be interested in.

Originally Posted by jdmblood

lack of torque

My daily driver has a fair amount of torque. To the point that from 1500rpm to 2500rpm it feels more torquey than the vette, while the vette ultimately has higher peak torque, the response of my 335i is impressive.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by LOLS2K

when you hear a cricket outside your window, does it bother you or are you passive?

Thats ultimately the biggest question. Can you live with crickets?

[OUGrad05]

Originally Posted by RichardsFRS

I have a 2013 but I bought it used 43k on it. Paid little over 15 for it. Not one problem with it yet but I've only had it three months. You will obviously miss the raw power you are giving up because I do, but you will love the handling and control of the Twin (get a manual because its a blast) I couldn't bring myself to give up a Z06 for a Twin, because that's my dream car

I hear you, from a performance perspective there is no comparison. But the Vette is too much car for my wife, it scares her. Consumables are pricey if you're tracking it (I planned to but never did because of costs) and I can't justify driving it in the rain or when its below 40*F. So for us we're paying $60/mo in insurance for a car that gets driven about 60 miles a month and only by me. If we're going to have a third car it needs to be something we can both enjoy at this phase in our life. At some point we'll likely add 2 car garage (we have a big enough lot) bringing total garage space to 5 cars and then I can add something else with bigger power back to the lineup.

My DD satisfies the power side of me just fine.