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

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...

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!

Looks like you're officially shopping now :cheers: 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?

lack of torque

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

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 ... :thumbsup:


humfrz

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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

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

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.

Forgot I too had a slight oil drip from rear passenger cam plate. Can easily be ignored except after months of storage there is a bit of oil smoke for a few minutes upon startup as the few drips of oil land on the exhaust manifold.. Really minor concern. Makes the twins smell like a sports car!

Since I enjoy tinkering, I removed the plate, applied red Permatex sealant and never had the issue again.

Just curious why you are going from Z06 to FRS?


I had a Z06 at one point too... I often question why I didn't get another corvette instead.

Hard to put miles on a car like a Z06. I want to keep the car absolutely pristine so it doesn't come out with rain, chance of rain, temps below 40. It was also supposed to be something my wife and I both could enjoy and yet I'm the only one who drives it. You can never get anywhere near the limits on the street unless you have a death wish. It's a great car, been rock solid reliable (though I haven't put many miles on it) but want something I can enjoy driving without worry about every little nick/scratch, rain, etc.

I can see that. The wife thing matters, but at the end of the day it is a corvette. Depending on year and everything parts are pretty cheap and they're a common enough vehicle. I'm guessing C6Z, because if it was a C5Z parts are generally comparable or cheaper than the FRS / BRZ in terms of consumables and most engine upgrade parts. Driving any car at limit on the streets is a risk IMO, but I can see what you're talking about. You will get quickly bored with the everyday power of the BRZ though. I miss having a 1200 RPM cruising speed and being able to overtake anything in 6th without concern, lol.

It's a C5Z and consumables are not cheap. Tires alone are 1,000-1,600 unless you opt for the bridgestones which are mediocre and still about 900 bucks. The FRS/BRZ 500-700 for great tires.

Hawk HP+ pads for the vette total $250 for all four corners on the vette. Same for FRS

Hawk High Performance Street 5.0 will also set you back about $250 on the vette. 200 on the FRS

Some of the parts are definitely comparable in price, but the tire difference alone is pretty significant if you're burning through a set or two a year which I'm hoping to do.

Also I fit in the BRZ/FRS MUCH MUCH better, at 6'6 I have zero headroom in the vette and slouch a lot, in the BRZ/FRS no such issue even with a helmet.

TLDR whole thread but...

I have a 2013 frs and have had it taken in for the following issues;

1 Condensation on the taillights
2 CEL that turned into cam intake gears being replaced and then a whole new ECU
3 Throw-out Bearing rattle and trans whining louder than normal - they replaced throw out bearing and replaced the whole trans with a new one.

I am just now coming up to the end of my 36k bumper to bumper warranty. Toyota is great with identifying and fixing issues you may have. I can't say much about Subaru, because I have a FR-S.. I do know that Subaru will warranty 1 clutch if it's within your bumper to bumper warranty and it hasn't been beaten on/ shows signs of abuse.

I was paying 1000 for tires for my GT at one point, and the brakes and krap are about the same price you quoted. I do miss it and told the wife last night we will keep the FRS another two years then were getting our Vette or back into a GT. You will miss the power but you'll still love the Twin

Prius tires... lol

Yeah but my daily driver has pretty good power. Not the fastest thing on 4 wheels but good for low 13s at 106ish which is plenty for the street.

So stock sizing Z06 tires and stock sizing FRS tires. Not sure how many people truly keep the stock wheels on the frs/brz but...Sure. Everything else though, mostly comparable. C5Z are cheap to build and maintain. If you ever run in to electrical issues then it starts becoming an issue... If you are nitpicking between a few hundred here and there.... a C5Z is probably not the car for you. Overall after insurance and everything I figured it would be cheaper to do a C5Z, in my personal situation.... but the BRZ was new and came with a warranty.


I can't comment on being 6'6 but I always felt like there was adequate room in either car, FRS/Brz has better stock seats. I'm 5'10.


If it hadn't been my only car at the time.... I'd be in another vette, the newness / warranty is what did it. I had already built multiple "ls" cars and figured this would be a fun departure.... meh.

Cars are meant to be driven. It's a C6 Corvette, not a Ferrari.

He said it is a C5Z.....

Then I can't argue with that, but MAN! A Z06
I'm just a Vette fanboy. Just couldn't find a used one in the price range I would pay for a used car, same with the GT, otherwise I'd be on a Vette or Mustang forum.

But the one upgrade, doesn't slurp gas like my Mustang lol
Maybe next time around