Used FRS vs. new BRZ
 

I’m sure this has been discussed. I’m getting ready to test drive new BRZ in manual and auto soon and looking at RF Miata as well along with a few others. I’m new to the twins world, no experience at all. I’m realizing after looking st used market how many ‘13-‘16 FRS with low miles there are for around 15-16k. How much has actually changed? Is it worth dropping way more for new? No tracking, just 2nd dd.

Thx

If its dd try with '16, issues on early models was fixed. Tons of afermarket on early models as well

Would never consider an FRS, be it new or used

Also, what this guy said ^

Get a FRS , front end looks better than a BRZ front end. And always manual!!! ALWAYS!

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BRZ or FRS is a matter of prefference, is like with which hand you like to masturbate

Both

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YeA, I know,

I test drove a BRZ and an FRS, BRZ was more comfortable, FRS felt more raw and that's what I wanted. ...


Plus the front end looks better [emoji41]

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I would suggest a new one. The trim line is higher in the BRZ models and overall i just like the idea of owning a new car. I leased my BRZ with the intention of returning the car after 4 years. My track record seems to be 2-3 years on a lease as I return vehicles because i'm tired of them. i fell in love with my BRZ and just bought it out this month.

If you don't see yourself upgrading anytime soon, I would go new. If not, used. Also think about your intentions with the vehicle and the trims. If dual climate, heated seats, leather, etc doesn't stand out for you, go FRS.

In terms of differences, all the kinks were worked out with the 2016 models (that i'm aware of). The new upgrades in the 18's are really nice, like CarPlay, facelift, interior trimming, etc.

I would also suggest a manual over auto any day of the week. If you care about practicality I would go with a Twin over the miata. at least you'll get a decent sized trunk and 2 rear seats. If you have another vehicle to rely on thats practical, then it doesn't really matter.

all in all theres no wrong decision.. its just what you value in the car. For me it was 1>10 BRZ vs FRS on the road, cheaper insurance vs the FRS (Saved 500 a year), and push start with smart key.

hope this helps, GL!

Buy used. Older cars are fine. Save the money.

I have a 2013 FR-S, which has proven to be quite dependable. I haven't seen a new FR-S or BRZ that has any changes that would tempt me to trade.


humfrz

can't go wrong with either....save money on used or have the experience of new car ownership

BRZ for sure, and this is coming from an FRS owner.

Why? depending on the trim you get, the BRZ actually has somewhat of a decent interior which helps make daily driving a vehicle like this more realistic.

I daily my 13' FRS atm. Just has basic cloth seats, no heated seats, all of the interior bits feel extremely cheap besides the upgraded head unit mine came with from the factory. My tachs are boring, no digital screens nothing fancy.

It's a bit of a first world problem but trust me. You're going to want the nicer interior that the BRZ offers, esp a 16'\

ALSO.

Majority of us are manual owners, I myself drive an automatic with paddles. I can tell you that if properly maintained the automatic is extremely fun and rewarding if you don't want to DD a clutch. Give it a try for sure. I would not recommend getting yourself in an automatic past 30k miles. I'd get that ATF serviced as early as you can to ensure you keep that trans healthy.

Good luck with your pursuit of a fun car my friend :)

brz cause masterrace.
2017 brz cause upgrades

WoW...

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None!
Get the Miata. It's always the answer.

The Miata....cop -out, always the answer. Not if you don't like convertibles.

It's mainly : 1. Get the color you want, 2. Transmission you want, 3. At the price you are willing to pay ( ex. A 2014 with 40K miles, will be less money then a 2016 with say 20k miles).

If you go used, try for a '14-'16 , you should be able to find a 1st owner, without any mods ( protective mods are fine...add some value to the vehicle)

The 13 FRS is the most raw and imo the best suspension, it is slightly more oversteer prone.

If you are interested in modding getting a used is better, if you are going to keep it mostly stock buy the new one.

Test drive as many as you can. The brand new ones have quite a few upgrades, and if it is a dd you will appreciate them. But if you are the type to change out everything and mod like crazy, no reason to get a new one.

I think the 2013 FRS looks the best. I do not like the changes to the front end and rear end on the newer models. All the issues have been fixed and mine has not had any problems since I have owned it.

The 13s and possibly very early 14s had tune issues, DI seal issues, etc. While many may have proven relieable it's not worth the risk IMO (I have a first build MY13 and consider it a ticking time bomb). If buying used just make sure it is an April 2013 build date (change was in March). AT there is no real difference between zenki and kouki, but the kouki MT did see a power bump and got a shorter final drive so it feels a lot different. It also got better dampers iirc.

I didn't realize the MY14s had tune and DI seal issues. Was that for the whole model year?

LOL a lot of subjective comments here. There is no way that everybody will agree what year or version looks or handles better. Same goes for the features and interior. What makes the car perfect for one person just means somebody else says it sucks. It is always interesting how many here also say how much they love their version but have changed so much of it that it really isn't the same anyway.
Curious why the requested comparison is a new BRZ or a used FRS. What about a new 86 or a used BRZ?

I'm over generalizing because I think it was just the earliest builds for MY14 but I can't remember the exact date (I think May/June 2013 got the best tune revision)


So if getting a MY14 just check the build date for something July 2013 or later. I'll edit for clarity

No. Just the very early ones built in mid 13. The service doc only references the 13MY though.


http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...1&d=1422657737

March. I can't find the document that said that though. It is buried in here someplace. I remember it was March because mine is a July build.

New 86, of course...


No actual reason for it...

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Yeah, March is probably too early for a MY14 but better safe then sorry. Mine is a March build that I picked up end of May and I think the MY14 started around August iirc?

I would want a new 86 at the Gt trim level with a pre 17 front bumper, seat material, Scion spoiler, head and tail lights, with the BRZ PP wheels, in Lava.
In other words I build it myself or am just screwed.

They were overlapping the MY for a while in the early days. Keeping in mind that most of the 13s were actually built in 12 it really isn't that strange.

Honestly, if my 16 got totalled I'd be looking for a new 86, or special addition, 860, not a huge fan of the new front end but I could work with it. And I hate the "all smiley" BRZ.

Of course I'd have to upgrade the sound system again.

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Depends what you want. They did change significantly. Suspension wise of course I will say 13 FRS but that's preference.. these engine problems ^ are a little scary however. Mine has 80K+KMS and I have had zero engine problems so far. Will check build date right now and take it to the dealership asap to check for the impending doom as I do not want to think of my car a a ticking time bomb.

I am inclined to say save the money BUT... there is all that nice new stuff on the guage cluster... the only reason I would get a new one is for the thing that tells you Gs, oil temps battery lvl and coolest of all: The HP/Torque curve thingy that moves real time...Come to think of it: Is all that worth an ugly front end, more understeer and $15K more.... Absolutely not.

Odds are that if you were going to have the issues you would have by now. Most that did never seem to have made it much past about 30K. The ones hitting higher mileages probably don't have the issue or the fix was already applied.

Yeah, I do remember that. And now the MY17 has been out for hella long with 18s barely being ordered (for the BRZ at least)

Man I want performance package wheels so badly. I've only seen one set for sale and I missed out on them. :(

The new one is hardly worth the extra price over a used one at this point IMO. They simply haven't changed enough to warrant buying a brand new car. Now, if you really want a new car, the question gets harder - but if you don't care (the new car smell wears off quickly), there's no reason to spend the extra $$$.

If I were buying today, I'd buy used. These are strong cars that take a licking and keep on ticking. No reason to take the hit on a new one. Same with a Miata.

Buy a used one
You pay half for essentially a new car.

Also depends on how long your going to keep it. I bought new because I wanted to keep this car for along time. Now after driving it for a couple years I want to keep it forever.

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So where do the used ones come from if nobody ever buys new?
This insistence that everybody buy used has always baffled me.
I will continue to sacrifice myself and buy new ones for the betterment of car guy kind.

How do you know that?
There are cars on here that I would NOT want to end up with no matter how low of miles they have.

Thats the one issue with this car. No one buys it to just granny drive it. They drive them hard and have fun with them.