What's Changed?
 

About 2 months ago I picked up my 2013 Silver Metallic BRZ with about 33,000kms on it. Previous owner babied it, never took It out in the winters. And aside from some minor scoffs on the interior, the thing was clean. Never midfield or dissembled. Totally taken care of.

The other day I was thinking about when I first started looking at the FRS/BRZ platform and test driving these cars. I REALLY fell in love with the car when I drove a brand new 2015 FRS (they only had an AT for me to test drive). The car felt tight, the steering wheel fit in my hands perfectly, the steering feel was incredible and the whole car felt right. I knew I wasn't going to get into a brand new vehicle, it just wasn't in the budget. But a used one I could work with and live with.

When I drove my 2013 BRZ for the first time it also felt great. But something was missing. Now that I think about it, the car felt a little more relaxed and "worn in" sort of speak. The steering and feel of the car siding feel as refined as the FRS I drove. I still enjoyed it and obviously I bought it. But my question is, what changed from the 2013 models to the 2015 models. Was the difference that significant because of variances between the BRZ/FRS. Or was I just driving a much older car that quite literally had just been "worn in" already.

I really really really enjoyed that 2015 I drove. And every once in a while I ponder what changed between the models or what was the difference in why I felt this.




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anything new will feel new. Its all in your head. The firm seats, perfect paint and that new car smell :)

You need to learn to be happy dont let the newer years get to you. Its marketing, and its really working on you!

I'm hoping this is the case


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I thought there was minor suspension changes between those years.

Yes more softness, no thanks

maybe it felt more worn in because it was worn in?

Wouldn't be surprised if the previous owner beat the shit out it, these cars aren't meant to be babied.

:search:

New suspension bolts, new dampers.

FR-S vs BRZ is the main difference.

The BRZ is more... neutral. Overall setup is more mild on the car.

The FR-S is more prone to oversteer at the limits. Not by much but it's enough for average drivers to notice.

This is found in the suspension that are used between the two cars.

-alex

The twins are like a large Lego set so you can easily retro fit later year model parts to earlier cars, but I would do some research and see whether it might end up being wiser to update to more advanced after market components.

What I mean is look at what owners are going to from even new cars like MY15's for things like suspension. You might initially think oh it might be nice to just change to MY15 dampers (buying a used set), but then how much better would the car feel if I got some Tein, Brilstein or Olhins?

As with every mod. Think about where you want to end up, what's your budget and then research options in your price range.

Mods are definetly in the cards and I've already started to work towards my goals and get it closer to a setup that I want. I was/am just more curious as to what's different or what's been updated because I do really enjoy the feel of that 2015 model I drove and I would've loved to have had that as a baseline/starting point.

I already knew some suspension components were different but I didn't think it would make THAT much of a difference.


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Very informative link. Thanks!


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All new cars are much tighter. No worries I bought used and its just as good of car.

I speculate the main difference you are feeling may be due to different tires ..... :popcorn:

See .......ol humfrz has a simple answer for most everything


humfrz

Just as your butt dyno will give you the impression the car is quick....when its not vs most cars out there. heehee

Every time I vacuum and wax my car it feels stronger... just my head.

I've noticed the difference between slightly low tire pressure and all the way up to spec can have a huge effect in the overall tightness of the car.

Will definetly look into this.


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There will be always new car coming out every year, and you cant think newer is better in your head. You said something is missing, that maybe true. Newer cars are always equip better. However, I think you are missing a heart to drive this car or tune this car by yourself.

OP you'll find out buying slightly used is a better financial decission than brand new. Lose so much money in a new car. And in six months that brand new car isn't brand new no more.

This is true but somebody has to buy brand new for there to be used ones.

Tcoat, let them, I'll pick them up a year or two later after all the depreciation has fallen off em. I've had my share of new cars and used cars and in the end the slightly used ones just make more sense

That does not change the fact that somebody has to buy new. Maybe I am reading into your comments but you sound like you are saying nobody should ever buy new and that we are foolish for doing so. You should be thanking us for making used ones available. There are also many pluses to buying new over used which the depreciation makes up for in the long run.

There will always be someone to buy new, just won't be me anymore. I don't like car poor and my car isn't my life. I like having the extra cash for vacations road trips house shit ect ect

Mine was tight when new.
It has loosened up now, but still accurate and good for the use indicated.
The bushings and tie rods have worn a bit.
That's the nature of interference fit machinery.

What's Changed?
 

I've already ordered some Perrin rack lockdowns and control arm braces. Those combined with some newer (stiffer) sway bars front and rear and some end links should tighten things up a bit and bring me to a somewhat stiffer ride until I can afford a full suspension setup. Thanks for everyone's input!


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RichardsFRS quote:

"I don't like car poor and my car isn't my life."


Well for me, another Richard, my car IS my life.

Others sometimes state their pet is their life. I hate pets...LOL.


Disclaimer or whatever: I'm a life long car nut here, what can I say, an addict. I've owned near 60 cars in my lifetime. Possibly 7 of them bought new.
Certainly the used cars, including some beaters were more fun overall (when kept long enough). Yet this time I bought new, just possibly another lifetime mistake, lessons learned all over again. Bought a 2015 new so I'd not hear rattles experienced by others in 2013 models. Yesterday at 24,800 miles, a squeak in the driver's door panel...oh shit, it's beginning...lol.

i think the reason why its loose because the tires are wore out lol

Different tires? If you're running winter tires right now, it makes the handling feel really mushy.

Mine may have or may be making all these noises. It's a 13 with 45 on the clock. I have nothing to compare it to. To me its tight and drives well and rides well for sports car. Mines fairly quiet cept for the boxer grumble!

personally I love buying new. makes me completely confident that the car was taken care of exactly the way I want. I pay cash and also don't usually sell my cars until they are completely worn out and so for that reason, I think they have been good financial decisions. for whatever reason, every used car I've ever bought seems to wear out at a rate faster than my new cars did.

Does the MY15 also get the updated suspension the 2015 model got.

 looking at 2014 Toyota 86 GTS MY15

Wise words indeed. After I put Michelin pilot 4s all seasons on mine, it drives like the old mans buick.

Careful there, with the Buick talk, or I'll bring this machine out of the barn.

No, it wasn't mine (I was in the background on the scooter).

:D


humfrz

Old Primacy tires are really hard and slippery. Great for fuel economy and drifting, but terrible for road.noise.

By the beginning of the '14 MY, many many (did I mention many) little fixes, modifications, foam pads and other things were done to eliminate most of the squeaks and rattles in the twins. My early 2014 is really solid at 50K. Overall feel improved remarkably when I installed new Continental DWS06 ExtremeContact tires.

I really need to test drive a new 86 and compare to my ‘16 FRS. A lot of reviews say the 2019 twins ride noticeably better than previous model years. Especially with the Handling/Performance package. I’m a little worried it won’t feel as connected to my senses like my FRS, but there is only one way to find out. [emoji6] I also have TRD lowering springs and different tires, so I have to factor that in.

I completely agree about the Conti ExtremeContact DWS06 tires, great all around performance. [emoji106]


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