Parts no longer available advice
 

I am looking at a 2014 BRZ Limited... however, it's got about 155K on it. The Clutch was done at around 106k. Thankfully, this car is a timing chain and not belt.

As far as I know, so far, everything is stock thankfully. So, my questions are...

What should I be looking for with that kind of mileage as far as long-term issues?

Is there anything that is no longer available for this car that could be a potential issue?

I learned the hard way with an 84 RX7 a few years ago, A LOT was no longer available to replace. I know this BRZ is going to be only 9 years old, but... have to ask.

There's nothing really mechanical that is likely to fail at a certain mileage. In 190k+ miles these are the only age related issues:

1) multiple bushings needing replacement
2) axle was stuck in the hub and I have to replace the entire knuckle now
3) coolant neck was so brittle that it cracked when I took the hose off. replaced with an aftermarket metal one
4) brake calipers needed a rebuild/replacement due to worn seals and pistons sticking

You can still get all parts pretty easily, though used engines are getting harder to come by and much more expensive as a result.

How's the bodywork?

Im dont treat my car super well but i guess its help up fine. the paint hasnt gone to shit though if you put it next to someone who takes care of it im sure you ould notice a difference. Im also from California where so rust isn't an issue. The doors wont stay open at all though, so whatever piece gives those tension could probably benefit from replacement.

The front and rear ends have both been replaced from seperate accidents though lol.

Good, it doesn't sound like anything unusual fails with this car from the research I've done. I mean... it is Toyota after all (for the most part). Just was a little concerned with the mileage. But, if it was taken care of properly.. should be good. At least I am hoping!

Not to get too picky, but the twins are mostly Subaru. Market and aftermarket parts are readily available.

@WNDSRFER has 240,000 on his car. If you take care of them properly and drive it like someone's Nana, they will last.

Or you can just beat the shit out of it.
Just change your oil from time to time.

You're right. They are well-built though. So far the car I am looking at... seats are crap and the steering wheel is all marked up from someone wearing rings. 2 Projects right there. Still waiting on the mechanical analysis. Just going off pics so far. I know I want to keep it stock, but don't want a giant project on my hands either.

Always tricky to know based on the previous owner. But that's the risk you take with any used car purchase really. You do have to keep an eye out, as many people with this car will bring it back to stock to put it up for sale. So it being previously modified isn't out of the question. But as long as a fool didn't own it, like others have said, proper maintenance keeps this car in good shape like other good vehicles out there. Plenty impressive enough for a cheap sports car. Parts are fairly cheap and there is a wide variety of choices in the aftermarket world if it makes sense to switch over from an old OEM part that needs replacement.

Oh, yeah. I forgot about replacing my steering wheel because it peeled really badly. It was not a super common issue but common enough. No jewelry required to damage it even.

If you can't find a cheap OEM replacement just go with an aftermarket that lets you keep the airbag still.

Ha, funny you mention that.. the car I am looking at has a steering wheel all marked up, and was already looking at the potential project to replace it.. and looks like the seats as well. Pics I have show seat covers... so I know what that most likely means!

"The doors wont stay open at all though, so whatever piece gives those tension could probably benefit from replacement."


Door checks, which apparently weren't available for a while, are now back. I bought one for $45, 15 minutes work and solved my biggest gripe about the car. If you can't find one they can be shimmed. There's a thread about that you could look up.

By far one of the most annoying things about the earlier cars. IIRC they changed the part at some point to fix it.. but I haven't bothered buying said part.

What is the door check issue?
The door does not stay open?
I would like to fix this, if possible
Please advise.

Yeah on flat ground the door will shut instead of staying open. Sucks worse in a caged track/race car to have it shut on your leg/hand when climbing over the door bars.

Why are we thankful it's a timing chain and not a belt?

I guess you've never had a car with a timing belt.

Nor one with an interference engine.

With a timing belt.

Many, in fact.
Question stands.

I've had one break on a GTI. Bent 18 valves. Had to replace the head.
Had one break on a CRX Si. No damage. Just replaced the belt.

And chains are much harder to break than a rubber band.

My first car was a 3rd Gen Eclipse. 2000 car. Happened in 05.
The belt snapped on the freeway one night.
11 vales bent. 1 piston damaged enough to need replacement.

Blanket statement is blanket.
The ONLY timing system I ever had break was a chain.
Chains are not impervious to stretchy and breakage. They have a life expectancy and many can't even make it that long.

And? Would the damage have been less if it was a chain that broke?

How the hell did you do that?
What kind of car was it?
I've had chain tensioners wear but how do you break a timing chain? Massive boost with no oil?

It's just the classic "I had this experience so it is so" argument. Anecdotal, nothing more.

I've dealt with hundreds of engines, belt and chain. In general I find chains to be far more reliable. There are systems out there that have issues, looking at you 22re, but for the most part a chain is more durable. The issue with the chain is it and it's components are not easily serviceable and more likely to be neglected, though for the most part they are considered lifetime parts and don't even have called out service intervals in many engines I have come across. They do typically have wear limits that are specified. My opinion, also anecdotal, so take it for what it's worth.

Civic S - Water pump froze up and broke the timing belt that was driving it. Bent valves.

Typically, an automotive timing chain is running in the engine interior oil bath.
That's a very benign environment for them as long as you change the oil.

Bicycle and motorcycle drive chains are usually out in the dust and grit that requires they be replaced periodically.

There have been timing chain recalls for BMW, Audi, Nissan, Chevy and MINI.
Most of those have been due to cost cutting and under specification in design.

If this truck had a timing belt, it would have been replaced 10 times.

'07 Mazdaspeed3. Notorious for chain stretch.

Thought about buying one of those back in the day. Glad I didn't now.
Their forum is full of idiots. https://www.mazda3forums.com/threads...-chain.289960/

Yeah, an MZ3 and an MS3 are opposite ends of the spectrum. That being an MZ3 forum with a Speed subform, I would tend to agree.

The point being that a timing belt snapping is MUCH more common than a timing chain.

.com/.org represent!

https://live.staticflickr.com/4487/2...b560b161_k.jpg

Is it though? I’ve never had a belt that was serviced the appropriate intervals snap, but I have had premature chain issues.

Come on... Don't BS. You know it's true and now you're changing up the discussion. Normal people don't pay attention to "service intervals." Timing chains are WAY more tolerant of neglect than belts.

It's in his nature to be obtuse, c'mon now. If the goal posts aren't moving, what would the grounds keeper do all day?

Usually I'm pretty good at skimming over the petty bullshit. Sometimes I'm weak. :brokenheart:

Guess the belt snapped on my Eclipse snapped after less than 30k miles cause I didn't follow the service manual and replace it.

You failed to mention mileage in your original comment. Now we have a point of reference.
Anyone who thinks timing chains are free from service intervals may have a rude awakening on their horizon is all I'm getting at. Or maybe not. Maybe ICEs will be outlawed before it happens to you.