The only car I've owned that I left completely stock was my 1996 Sentra, because it was a 1996 Sentra. I do however prefer the "OEM+" approach to modifying; keeping the car looking as close to factory as possible while still enhancing its curb appeal and performance.

:respekt: I love this approach as well. On my first WRX I was opposite but with my last 2011 and with the BRZ, I hope to keep a very OEM feel while still enhancing things I would like (resonated exhaust, mild drop, etc.)

I read somewhere on here that someone upgraded their springs and lowered their car a bit and said their ride was even smoother than stock. Not sure how true this is but it might be worth looking into. I hate stiff rides also but the look of the BRZ a little lower makes it even better, IMO.

I'm a car guy, I have to tinker with every car I've owned.

I am contemplating a sticker. That should add 25whp right there.

I appreciate a few cosmetic modifications, such as converting this car to the "JDM" OEM style (exhaust tips, debadge only "subaru" etc.) + that and a shark fin along with some interior & exterior LED retouches, I'm planning to keep this car stock... JDM stock that is.

I agree with keeping the look as close to 'stock/oem styling' as possible. It's really a well designed car out of the box. So far, my approach has been small/subtle mods to achieve the look that I want. ie: chrome fender trim (most may not like the chrome, but on silver, I felt it compliments the chrome in the headlights and the polished part of the oem wheels), JDM exhaust tips (not sold on an exhaust yet), JDM frameless rearview mirror (not entirely necessary, but I love the look), shift knob and a custom plaque for the center console to add a bit of personal touch. At first glance, "oh, it's all stock". but it's cool to me when attention to detail comes into play and notice the small things. In the future, if anything, I'd probably get an exhaust, drop it 0.5"-1" with new wheels and call it a day.

Because the Japanese are savvy people. Owning a car in congested areas of Japan is a luxury. Owning more than one car with storage space is even more to ask for. Japanese marquees tend to make sports cars that work as everyday drivers meaning they can handle less than perfect roads (part of the reason for wheel gap/clearance) and they can accommodate a young family with some storage space left over.

From a "pleasing the most amount of people possible" stand point, the car is perfect.

Yes I know many people slam their cars in Japan. This isn't for everyone though.

Completely agree with your stance on BMW's though. They always sit nice and proper. But it's spelled "bimmer". Unless you meant to refer to BMW motorcycles

I'm keeping my car mostly stock, but there are a few things I've added for an OEM+ look.

I have white interior LEDs, reverse lights, and license plate lights. Also added V3 Triton LED turn signals. Last but not least, Nameless axleback exhaust.

There are a few things this car needs in order to look "complete" from the factory, but other than that it looks beautiful in its stock form.

I haven't gone overboard with mods for a few reasons: I like keeping my warranty, and I worry about the long term effects of things like lowering springs, tunes, intakes, etc. This is my daily driver, and I'm just a college student. I can't afford to do too much to it anyways.

My car is bone stock right now except for a K&N drop in filter and sport muffler tips. I love the looks of the car....except for the wheels (although the stockers are growing on me). If the stock wheels were either 18 inch or the car came a little bit lowered/reduced gap, I would be happy with them stock.

As for future plans...once warranty is gone, I will explore forced induction. Although I can't promise catback exhaust and/or 18 inch wheels won't happen before the warranty is gone! :thumbsup:

My car has been stock for 10 months and have no complaints so far. Then again, it's my daily driver with some spirited driving here and there.

To say stock is the way it was intended is not exactly correct.

The car has been modified by the designers thousands of times over. It's not that they didn't get it right the first time...it's that they didn't get it right for the right price for a mass market the first time.

Exterior modifications are done because while the car appeals to the masses individuals want a more customized look. More power to them.

Tuning etc...hardly true to say some tunes are not stock since the engine has been factory detuned for reliability. Imagine if they didn't have to honor a power train warranty...you think 200 hp is what this boxer would come out of the factory with...not a chance.

I enjoy this car thoroughly in stock form it is a wonderful DD.

I also thoroughly enjoy modifying cars...which makes this car doubly enjoyable, I have owned cars that you are "forced" to modify because they suck in certain aspects, the designers got so much "right" in this car that it is more of an exercise in tweaking things to meet our personal preferences.

So to answer the OP's question yes...but not enough to deny myself the joy of tinkering anyway.