Phaedrus29's DGM Premium BRZ - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Phaedrus29 · 06-03-2012, 04:42 AM

Pic showing new tails and bumper light:

Great pic taken by M-17 on the top of the Trop during the AC meet (4/6):

Clean car with Colins (2/14):

Red Colin Tails installed (on dirty car) (1/31):

PIC (11/29): (dropped on RCE yellows, 5axis wing installed, Perrin CBE)

PIC (9/22): (clear sidemarkers and frameless mirror installed)

-----------

Well, it's time to start my car journal. The whole short experience of this car so far has been very emotional, filled with high peaks and deep valleys. Currently, I'm in a very sour mood (which you'll understand at the end of this post), so I hope that doesn't affect my initial comments too much.

As some may know, based on a thread I started on the car (http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7186), I was initially unsure of whether to buy the car once it arrived at the dealership. I did a very short test-drive, to fill up the gas tank, and I immediately fell in love. My main concern with the car (coming from being a Mustang guy) was the low torque number, but it really felt lively and powerful...my worries quickly disappeared. So why the hesitation? Well, as I was about to return to the dealership later in the day to pick up the car, I was informed that the detailer found a scratch above the passenger rear wheel (that I'm fairly certain wasn't there earlier in the day). I took a look and it was a pretty deep scratch with some chips in it. To buy or not to buy????? (As I mentioned in the other thread, this is my very first new car purchase ever, so I had no idea whether these are normal issues people deal with when buying new.)

Well, fast forward two grueling days and I went to see the car after the dealer fixed it up. The paint looked perfect from all angles, the dealer gave me a lifetime warranty on the paint on that panel, and a $250 gas card for the trouble. OK GIMME THE CAR! The dealer later emailed me saying that driving out I had the biggest smile he's ever seen. OK, it's dealerspeak, but it was probably true.

I'm no expert driver or anything...pretty unexperienced driver, so my comments will not be technical at all. But before any comments, here are some pics of the car after a 30% tint (my first quick mod the day after taking delivery):

OK, now on to some more words. The car just handles amazing. Tonight I drove my friend's G37s and on one fairly sharp turn I was like woahhhh massive understeer. This is something I probably wouldn't have even recognized a week ago. But after the BRZ, which just goes exactly where I want it to, it was VERY noticeable. I have to say, the BRZ really didn't feel much slower than the G37s...go power of lightness!

Another thing I love about the BRZ so far is that it just feels so exciting and fun at any speed. I mean, this is a bit of an exaggeration, but I was driving by a school zone at 25 mph and it still felt fun!

I set the rpm light and buzzer to 4k rpm for the break-in, which is super useful. It's real nice with the buzzer, not having to watch the rpms but still respecting the break-in. Man I can't wait until 1k miles to really start seeing what she can do. After my day of driving today, I'm at around 250, but more on that in a bit.

OK, this isn't the most important thing in the world, but the amount of attention this car is getting is kinda fun haha. Basically wherever I go people want to talk to me about it. "Woah is that the BRZ?" or..."What the hell is that?!?!?" "BRZ????, never heard of it??" "AWD right?" "Woah, how much did that cost, if you don't mind me asking?" Etc, etc, etc. It might get old at some point, but right now it's kinda fun sharing my excitement.

Some other rambling points: I'm coming from a 1993 Mustang GT, so the BRZ has an amazing amount of fancy tech to me, not to mention a working AC haha. The bluetooth phone integration is super cool and I was able to really easily and instantly import all the contacts from my phone. Using my ipod touch through the nav unit is super easy and cool. Even stuff like auto up/down windows is new to me and nice to have.

OK, more comments later, but here's the "deep valley" I was referring to that really has me in a horrible mood right now. Out driving tonight (two days after getting the car) with a friend we hit a raccoon that darted out in front of the car!!!!!! NOOOOOoooooooooooo!!!! I can take some very depressing pics later, but it appears that the front bumper has to go.

. There aren't really sad enough emoticons to express how I feel right now. OK OK...at this point I'm hoping it's simply the bumper and that I'll be able to get it fixed ASAP. OK, back to crying.

Wait, I don't want to end on a sour note, so...while on the topic of the bumper I have to say that while I didn't like the "moustache" in pics, it looks great in person. For a moment I thought...oh well, broken bumper, I might as well wait and upgrade to an aftermarket one. But then I realized how much I really enjoy the stock look. Never thought I would after the pics I'd seen. So, word to all those who aren't sure about the front bumper...wait to see it on your very own BRZ!

Phaedrus29 · 06-03-2012, 05:00 PM

OK, snapped some pics of the damage. Here is a wider shot...as you can see, it doesn't look HORRIBLE from a distance:

But as you can see, after a closer look it gets really depressing...you can even see some hair from the damned raccoon:

Here I'm pushing the pieces up a bit so you can see the damage:

Another shot:

Oh well...at this point I just hope it's only the bumper. I did notice that the radiator is not straight up and down but is tilted inward at the bottom...is that how it comes stock? Please say yes.

Starscream15 · 06-03-2012, 05:03 PM

The Radiator is tilted as stock. It is likely fine.

houseofsuffering · 06-03-2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedrus29

Oh well...at this point I just hope it's only the bumper. I did notice that the radiator is not straight up and down but is tilted inward at the bottom...is that how it comes stock? Please say yes.

Yup, its supposed to be that way.

Phaedrus29 · 06-03-2012, 05:04 PM

Phew ok thanks.

Achpoques · 06-03-2012, 09:57 PM

Looks like we're DGM brothers.

And noooooooooo! to the damage. I would feel exactly the same way.

(

Nevermore · 06-03-2012, 10:25 PM

Geeze, what the hell kind of raccoon did you hit? That seems like some pretty serious damage for such a small animal.

Phaedrus29 · 06-03-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevermore

Geeze, what the hell kind of raccoon did you hit? That seems like some pretty serious damage for such a small animal.

Guess it was a little beast. The car being this low is amazing but has its costs. Can't wait to get this fixed!

NYC BRZ · 06-03-2012, 11:00 PM

Damn. Just damn.

FakeWhiteMan · 06-03-2012, 11:00 PM

Awww man gratz on the car but damn does that suck about the bumper.

Nevermore · 06-03-2012, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedrus29

Guess it was a little beast. The car being this low is amazing but has its costs. Can't wait to get this fixed!

Must have been, maybe solid muscle or something haha. Is this covered by anything you have on the car?

Phaedrus29 · 06-03-2012, 11:30 PM

Another comment about the car came to mind: The headlights are awesome, but there's one issue. Driving around I've had a bunch of people flash their brights at me when I didn't have my brights on. All I can think is that these headlights are so nice and bright that they are annoyingly bright to other drivers. Perhaps a small downward adjustment would help.

---------

Yes I have full coverage on the car, and a $250 deductible (although I'm not sure if they will even charge the deductible for this sort of incident). I'll be in touch with them first thing tomorrow and will report back.

2pt5RS · 06-03-2012, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedrus29

Another comment about the car came to mind: The headlights are awesome, but there's one issue. Driving around I've had a bunch of people flash their brights at me when I didn't have my brights on. All I can think is that these headlights are so nice and bright that they are annoyingly bright to other drivers. Perhaps a small downward adjustment would help.

---------

Yes I have full coverage on the car, and a $250 deductible (although I'm not sure if they will even charge the deductible for this sort of incident). I'll be in touch with them first thing tomorrow and will report back.

the headlights have leveling motors in them. You'll see a switch on the left of the steering wheel that has numbers. 0 is where it should be. You're probably on 3, making it really high. turn them down and you won't get flashed any more.

Phaedrus29 · 06-03-2012, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2pt5RS

the headlights have leveling motors in them. You'll see a switch on the left of the steering wheel that has numbers. 0 is where it should be. You're probably on 3, making it really high. turn them down and you won't get flashed any more.

Ya I remember reading about that in the manual pdf. Actually I just went and looked and mine are set exactly as in your pic.

06-03-2012, 04:42 AM	#1
Phaedrus29 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ Location: PA Posts: 683 Thanks: 106 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Phaedrus29's DGM Premium BRZ Pic showing new tails and bumper light: Great pic taken by M-17 on the top of the Trop during the AC meet (4/6): Clean car with Colins (2/14): Red Colin Tails installed (on dirty car) (1/31): PIC (11/29): (dropped on RCE yellows, 5axis wing installed, Perrin CBE) PIC (9/22): (clear sidemarkers and frameless mirror installed) ----------- Well, it's time to start my car journal. The whole short experience of this car so far has been very emotional, filled with high peaks and deep valleys. Currently, I'm in a very sour mood (which you'll understand at the end of this post), so I hope that doesn't affect my initial comments too much. As some may know, based on a thread I started on the car (http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7186), I was initially unsure of whether to buy the car once it arrived at the dealership. I did a very short test-drive, to fill up the gas tank, and I immediately fell in love. My main concern with the car (coming from being a Mustang guy) was the low torque number, but it really felt lively and powerful...my worries quickly disappeared. So why the hesitation? Well, as I was about to return to the dealership later in the day to pick up the car, I was informed that the detailer found a scratch above the passenger rear wheel (that I'm fairly certain wasn't there earlier in the day). I took a look and it was a pretty deep scratch with some chips in it. To buy or not to buy????? (As I mentioned in the other thread, this is my very first new car purchase ever, so I had no idea whether these are normal issues people deal with when buying new.) Well, fast forward two grueling days and I went to see the car after the dealer fixed it up. The paint looked perfect from all angles, the dealer gave me a lifetime warranty on the paint on that panel, and a $250 gas card for the trouble. OK GIMME THE CAR! The dealer later emailed me saying that driving out I had the biggest smile he's ever seen. OK, it's dealerspeak, but it was probably true. I'm no expert driver or anything...pretty unexperienced driver, so my comments will not be technical at all. But before any comments, here are some pics of the car after a 30% tint (my first quick mod the day after taking delivery): OK, now on to some more words. The car just handles amazing. Tonight I drove my friend's G37s and on one fairly sharp turn I was like woahhhh massive understeer. This is something I probably wouldn't have even recognized a week ago. But after the BRZ, which just goes exactly where I want it to, it was VERY noticeable. I have to say, the BRZ really didn't feel much slower than the G37s...go power of lightness! Another thing I love about the BRZ so far is that it just feels so exciting and fun at any speed. I mean, this is a bit of an exaggeration, but I was driving by a school zone at 25 mph and it still felt fun! I set the rpm light and buzzer to 4k rpm for the break-in, which is super useful. It's real nice with the buzzer, not having to watch the rpms but still respecting the break-in. Man I can't wait until 1k miles to really start seeing what she can do. After my day of driving today, I'm at around 250, but more on that in a bit. OK, this isn't the most important thing in the world, but the amount of attention this car is getting is kinda fun haha. Basically wherever I go people want to talk to me about it. "Woah is that the BRZ?" or..."What the hell is that?!?!?" "BRZ????, never heard of it??" "AWD right?" "Woah, how much did that cost, if you don't mind me asking?" Etc, etc, etc. It might get old at some point, but right now it's kinda fun sharing my excitement. Some other rambling points: I'm coming from a 1993 Mustang GT, so the BRZ has an amazing amount of fancy tech to me, not to mention a working AC haha. The bluetooth phone integration is super cool and I was able to really easily and instantly import all the contacts from my phone. Using my ipod touch through the nav unit is super easy and cool. Even stuff like auto up/down windows is new to me and nice to have. OK, more comments later, but here's the "deep valley" I was referring to that really has me in a horrible mood right now. Out driving tonight (two days after getting the car) with a friend we hit a raccoon that darted out in front of the car!!!!!! NOOOOOoooooooooooo!!!! I can take some very depressing pics later, but it appears that the front bumper has to go. . There aren't really sad enough emoticons to express how I feel right now. OK OK...at this point I'm hoping it's simply the bumper and that I'll be able to get it fixed ASAP. OK, back to crying. Wait, I don't want to end on a sour note, so...while on the topic of the bumper I have to say that while I didn't like the "moustache" in pics, it looks great in person. For a moment I thought...oh well, broken bumper, I might as well wait and upgrade to an aftermarket one. But then I realized how much I really enjoy the stock look. Never thought I would after the pics I'd seen. So, word to all those who aren't sure about the front bumper...wait to see it on your very own BRZ! Last edited by Phaedrus29; 11-23-2013 at 06:05 PM.

06-03-2012, 11:00 PM	#9
NYC BRZ AutoX Addict Join Date: Mar 2012 Drives: 08 Pontiac G8 GT,13 GBS BRZ Limited Location: Queens, NY Posts: 723 Thanks: 168 Thanked 118 Times in 83 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Damn. Just damn. __________________ 2013 BRZ Limited- GBS - 6MT -VIN #0937 ~~NYR SCCA # 18 C Street R (CSR)~~ "But there’s no mistaking the noise. This car is loud, and not in a particularly nice way. There’s no crisp exhaust note, no induction wheezing. It’s just the sound of petrol exploding in a metal box." - Jeremy Clarkson

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Premium gas, or?	NotlocTRD	Scion FR-S / Toyota 86 GT86 General Forum	151	09-27-2017 03:56 PM
Symbiont's SWP BRZ Premium 6MT	Symbiont	Member's Car Journals	104	01-09-2013 07:22 PM
Looking for a SWP MT Premium.	Mitch	BRZ First-Gen (2012+) — General Topics	6	05-24-2012 06:31 PM
FR-S vs BRZ premium seats?	karbon	BRZ First-Gen (2012+) — General Topics	26	03-29-2012 02:40 PM
GT5 Premium wish list	OldSkoolToys	Other Vehicles & General Automotive Discussions	13	04-26-2011 02:17 AM

06-03-2012, 05:00 PM	#2
Phaedrus29 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ Location: PA Posts: 683 Thanks: 106 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	OK, snapped some pics of the damage. Here is a wider shot...as you can see, it doesn't look HORRIBLE from a distance: But as you can see, after a closer look it gets really depressing...you can even see some hair from the damned raccoon: Here I'm pushing the pieces up a bit so you can see the damage: Another shot: Oh well...at this point I just hope it's only the bumper. I did notice that the radiator is not straight up and down but is tilted inward at the bottom...is that how it comes stock? Please say yes.

06-03-2012, 05:04 PM	#5
Phaedrus29 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ Location: PA Posts: 683 Thanks: 106 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Phew ok thanks.

06-03-2012, 09:57 PM	#6
Achpoques Member Join Date: May 2012 Drives: 2013 DGM BRZ Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 89 Thanks: 2 Thanked 25 Times in 17 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Looks like we're DGM brothers. And noooooooooo! to the damage. I would feel exactly the same way. (

06-03-2012, 10:25 PM	#7
Nevermore Wayward Member Join Date: May 2012 Drives: Hot Lava 86 Location: Bust of Pallas Posts: 3,336 Thanks: 1,669 Thanked 2,312 Times in 1,386 Posts Mentioned: 50 Post(s) Tagged: 3 Thread(s)	Geeze, what the hell kind of raccoon did you hit? That seems like some pretty serious damage for such a small animal.

06-03-2012, 11:00 PM	#10
FakeWhiteMan Back From The Dead Join Date: May 2012 Drives: Hot Lava FR-S Location: CalCo MD Posts: 144 Thanks: 24 Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts Mentioned: 4 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Awww man gratz on the car but damn does that suck about the bumper.

06-03-2012, 11:30 PM	#12
Phaedrus29 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ Location: PA Posts: 683 Thanks: 106 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts Mentioned: 10 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Another comment about the car came to mind: The headlights are awesome, but there's one issue. Driving around I've had a bunch of people flash their brights at me when I didn't have my brights on. All I can think is that these headlights are so nice and bright that they are annoyingly bright to other drivers. Perhaps a small downward adjustment would help. --------- Yes I have full coverage on the car, and a $250 deductible (although I'm not sure if they will even charge the deductible for this sort of incident). I'll be in touch with them first thing tomorrow and will report back.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password