Question about new BRZ 2017/18 soft knee pad?
 

I tested a 2015 BRZ yesterday and was quite pleased for the most part except for my right knee which was in contact with the center knee pad area which is hard plastic. Wanted to ask if the new revised car has improved this with softer material?

I was looking that it’s possible to replace with some aftermarket solution but I’m not sure if I want to buy a new car and start replacing parts like this. I also need to add an armrest.

Later I tested a MX5 which was very fun but just too small for me, I don’t have an inch in any direction. Funny enough my legs were more comfortable with no hard points and I fit in the car, but my head was 1 inch form the roof and it would be impossible to have worn a jacket.

I had owned a S2000 for 6 years but my right thigh developed a numb spot due to resting on the center tunnel, this didn’t happen all at once but over the years so that I began to put a foam pad to keep my thigh from contacting the center tunnel, I maybe could have get different seats but in the end just sold the car.

I don’t want to repeat the same with BRZ if the right knee area is going to be a big issue.

Has anyone found this to be any improvements in the newer car?

How tall are you? I’m 6’2 and drove and fit in new RF somehow but yeah, need more room! I found place here that will help me select and install bucket seat in Miata to give more room, I wouldn’t do that in new RF but in NC I’m definitely open to that. I’ll be testing BRZ soon.

I’m 6-2 also medium build 203 lbs.

The BRZ had a lot more room inside for driver.

My only issue with the fit was lack of armrest (should be standard) and hard plastic where my right knee falls (actually below the knee the top of the tibia).

As for driving this was a 2015 and I’m not sure if the new car has better tires, but the 2015 was severely under tired meaning it was almost like what you’d feel like in a normal car if you were driving in the rain. I don’t mean once it’s moving but from a start they tires don’t have any grip.

I'm 6'6" @ 240lbs and fit fine in my 2017 BRZ. I have a long torso, so I typically have to recline the seat pretty far back in any car (not uncomfortably though) and still fit with a helmet with about an inch of clearance to the roof. I actually feel like i have more room in the front in this car than my previous 2001 2.5RS.

The 2017s have knee pads stock on the center console and doors. Not sure if the pre-2017 cars have it or not.

The 2018 I have has soft upholstered padding where your knees touch the door and center stack.

Thanks,

I’m going to text drive one on Saturday in that case.

It sounds like the mid cycle refresh had a lot of good additions.

Correct, the '17+ cars have the knee padding on both sides, which is a big improvement. You also have the option of the performance package, which gives a much nicer ride quality.

Is the first year that the BRZs have the padding? My 14 FRS has it and I thought the BRZ got it sooner. Seems like a basic item for them to take so long to include in the "upscale" cars.

I would not buy a 17+ without the PP! $1K add on. That package is a no brainer!

Honestly not sure. I'd have to look into it. I was an FRS guy till I started working for Subaru :)

i think the brz may have started including them from 2016 on whereas the FRS started getting them earlier. but quite frankly they are very easy to swap out and i doubt they would be that expensive...find a part out thread?

Toyota owner here wishing he had bought a Subaru. I went to check out the BRZ with PP, and couldn't find options for it on the Subaru site or any dealer site - only Sit option. Is the PP a dealer-installed option? What gives?

Is on Subaru website as option $1195 which includes larger Brembo brakes same as on STI (I believe) larger 7.5” wide wheels and firmer dampers.

Has to be factory option, there’s no way a dealer will be replacing brakes and wheels and dampers for $1200.

@Rai-zero - all FR-S/86 models came with the kneepads and door pads 2014 and onwards. As for the BRZ, definitely 2017+ in all of NA but I thought the earlier models had it as well. Maybe Canada only?

It is only an option for the Limited. It shows up in the features and build section of the site.


https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/brz/features.html

Knee pads
http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/cata...=0&q=knee+pads

Console arm rest
http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/cata...est&q=arm+rest

And trippinbillies is right, the Sachs dampers in the 17+ PP cars provide a really good ride, plus you get proper brakes (for track anyway) and pretty wheels for $1K.

That is possible. I was pretty sure they had them here in 16.

Welcome to 2012.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13583

Yup I thought so too


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Thanks, I see it now. Makes me ill... I got the 2017 86 with nav because I thought it included a better entertainment system. It doesn't. The nav is useless, and for the same price I could've gotten the BRZ with PP. Adding the same Brembos to my car will probably run about $2500 now.

It was frustrating as #$&% buying this car. Not one salesperson in four dealerships knew anything about it. One Subaru guy couldn't even tell me the difference between the Limited and Premium.

Me: "So what's the difference between the Premium and Limited?"

Salesguy: "I'm not sure."

Me: "Well, do you have any brochures?"

Salesguy: "No, we're all out."

Me: walking out...

Salesguy: Following me, "So you wanna order one?"

I just hit my 1st anniversary. I'm seriously considering trading in the 86 for a Limited PP. I'd probably lose a ton on money.

You would lose a ton of money. The PP is a spectacular deal if you track the car. Sort of overkill (other than the sweet appearance) if you do not.

I ordered my 2017 without the PP.
All the cars I found on lots had it already so if I wanted one without I had to order it.

I was looking for a run-about, not a track car. I saved 1k which I spent on winter tires and used Scion rims.

Did a lot of internet research before the purchase. When I went into the dealers I already knew what I wanted and what I was getting before ordering the car. I was answering the dealers questions in many cases.

A&T Subaru in Sellersville PA was great; no gouging, ordering and communicating well. Ordered the car and waited (the hardest part).

Then:burnrubber:

Can I get a picture of you in there with a helmet? I have all but given up on clearing a helmet without a lot of work. I am only 6'3" and my head is pretty much on the headliner.

I just ordered mine this week with the PP, but yeah, I knew exactly what I wanted when I headed into the dealership and had everything printed out as far as the cost of what I wanted, as well as what my trade should be worth. Was talking to my salesman and he said that they hadn't had a new BRZ on the lot since they were first introduced back in 2013, which is why it took an extra day for them to actually put the order in - they weren't sure what code to use to get the PP and had to check with their Subaru rep to make sure they got everything right!

Late April / early May delivery (hopefully sooner), so yeah, now comes the waiting.

My 2015 Series.Blue BRZ came with the soft knee pads :)

Agree about losing a bundle but if buying new an extra grand is nothing for what you get compared to Mazda charging over 3k for bbs/brembo package. Both look great!

Yes but losing $5,000 to save $1,000 doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Be better off to get an idea of what would be lost in a trade in against what it would cost to do the same thing through the aftermarket.

You could have bought the one with the PP. found someone to give you stock breaks and struts. Sold the PP brakes, wheels and struts for $2K pocketed $1K

Thx for posting site, I’m in trouble now. Comparing used FRS/Miata market...fun site.

Hey, my time is worth something too! After swapping brakes, struts, and wheels on two vehicles, minus my time, I'd only be left with $950.:laughabove:

Besides, if I had them I would probably get used to it and keep it the way I bought it. I'm lazy like that.

I mean, really, I'm kinda okay with the stock Michelins. I put on winter Continentals, and I can't wait to get my summer tires back.

The factory padded knee rests were available on the JDM versions of the car from the very beginning. I had the same problem as you, and replacing those panels was one of the first things I did on my '14 BRZ. I think this is what I have, but I bought them from another member here:

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/toyo...l#.WpjFC2rwaM8

You can find them even cheaper on Ebay. Understand that you can't just pry the panels out. You have to remove the center console first so they can slide out. That DIY linked somewhere above was excellent, but all the pics are dead. Still, it's worth a read through.

You have two options for factory armrests. There's the Toyota JDM one that looks like this:

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/medi...a-arm-rest.jpg

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/toyo...l#.WpjHBWrwaM8

There's also the Scion one that looks like this:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/rp-part-ima...5a64474275.gif

https://www.oempartstoyou.com/oem-pa...ter-pt47818130

The flip up armrest looks better, but it pretty much renders your cupholders useless. It's also kind of low for us taller Americans. I would have to lean way over gangsta style to use it.

The sliding armrest is slightly less attractive but is considerably more functional. It allows you to slide the pad out of the way to use the cupholders and/or access your storage area and power plug. It's also taller, which was the selling point for me. I can drive comfortably with my elbow right on it.

There are some aftermarket armrest options, but IMO none of them look or function as well as the OEM options.

I understand why the ND and the BRZ get compared all the time, but they're pretty different. The Mazda is a very tight cockpit without breathing space behind the seats like the Sube has. Psychologically and functionally it makes a difference. And while the ND is a great handler, the body roll in corners is mental- I like the flat attitude of the BRZ. The seats are better in the BRZ, the Mazda has very creatively designed beach chairs. But if you're a convertible guy, there's no better choice than the ND, and the RF is a cool thing. Also, the ND's engine delivers linear power delivery, I had to spend $$ to bring my BRZ "up to speed."

Glad to see some one local to me. I bought mine from ciocca Subaru in south Allentown.

Just test drove a 2017 last Saturday, the knee pad is not any softer to my leg, the problem is my leg bone not the kneecap is resting directly on the console.

I did find this that may be a solution.

https://www.ebay.com/i/141933461330?...D1458776857324

The knee padding on the 2017s is much thinner than those aftermarket photos (see above)

Its more of a surface covering surrounding the door speaker, and the footwell about half an inch thick.

Am I back on thread?

Yes, the new material is leather or leather look but not soft, I’m guessing most people don’t have the same issue which I do.

I agree some other aftermarket options are softer. Use the links people have posted in the thread for some Alcantara ones as opposed to leather, since it will be a softer feel for you.


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Wasn’t there a children’s story about this?

Princess and the pea or somthing like that?

Or was it about 3 bears?

Only a REAL princess can pee through 12 mattresses.

had to search all the way back to 2007 for pics, when i did this to my 05STi. But its really easy to do yourself. some spray on adhesive and some foam, and some material to cover the foam with.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...x/DSCN5462.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...x/DSCN5464.jpg