Torn between a BRZ and a 335 Coupe (with M package)
 

I'm comparing these two:
1)Buying/financing a brand new BRZ Premium MT for 5 years and payment of $480+/mo
2) Assuming a lease of a 2011 BMW 335ix with M package MT for $423/mo with 1135 miles/mo allowance for 23 months. This car has only 3900 miles on the clock. No downpayment, just assume the remaining payments.

I've had 3 BMW leases before, '99 Z3, '06 330 convertible, and '07 Z4 Coupe.

I love BMWs and its luxurious feel and drive but I want to try this BRZ. I'm just concerned that I might be just so hyped up with the BRZ at the moment and feel remorseful after few months.
Has anyone switch from BMW to BRZ or vice-versa (too early)? Or does anyone have both cars at the moment and help me choose which one I should get.
This will be my weekend car with a wife and 2 kids age 3 (still on carseat) and 8. We have an SUV ('11 Mazda CX-9) to haul bigger stuff and road trips and an '08 Prius. I'm 40 yrs old if that matters. My DD is a Kawasaki Ninja 250 so I can use HOV/Carpool lanes.
The photo is the actual car I plan to lease.

I'd say for you to take the BMW.

Cheaper on payments, and cheaper on insurance.

Pretty sure you already answered your own question lol.

Lots of people have switched into the BRZ/FR-S, but at the end of the day it was really up to them.

Have you taken a BRZ for a test drive?

Do you honestly seeing yourself getting into another car in the future?

Also, let me tell you, there is NO room in the back of the BRZ/FR-S, you have to sit with your legs crossed, my buddys GF that's 5'5 can barley sit comfortable in the rear. That's if you plan on putting the kids in the back at some point.

I also don't know how comfortable BMW seats are, but I know after a bit of sitting int he BRZ seats (2hrs+) it really gets uncomfortable.

Think of the BRZ/FR-S as a pure track car from the box :-)



EDIT:
Ah, I read it differently.

The BMW is a lease vs the BRZ to buy it out.

It depends on your finance and what you want, the BMW will be up in a few years once you assume it. If you plan on getting a new car after the BMW just for a few years. That's the ideal point of a lease.

As for the BRZ, that set finite amount is what you get, and in return at the end you keep the car. Therefore you can mod the hell out of it come forth the warranty dates expires, or prior.

Watch when warranty expires on that BMW. It will suck the marrow out of your bones.

BMW. The brz is essentially a 2 seater. I know you said you had kids in a car seat. I would think it would be harder to put those seats.

I don't really see how these two cars compare other than being fun to drive, but hey, I cross shop things too.

Hands down the "Beemer" will be nicer built and higher quality feeling than the Toyobaru. My FR-S doesn't even feel as well built my CR-Z. And as far as brute performance, the turbo I6 will eat the flat 4. And while I've seen people put a car seat in an FR-S (check Jalopnik) I would think the 3 would have a bit more room inside of it.

Don't forget that you get an ego boost standard with the 3-series.

That stuff being said, the Toyobaru will probably be a sharper feeling car to drive, and it's def a blast to do so. Again, do not be expecting to win any sort of drag contests.

Speaking other than the cars themselves, 1135 miles a month is not a lot to drive. You said weekend car, so perhaps you can pull it off,

2011, his warranty should be good to atleast 2015.. (4years)

That being said in 4 years he could be in another car, or getting it serviced at a private tech!

Obviously the BRZ will be cheaper in maintence, it is a JDM car.

I have a BMW 325i and Miata MX-5. I prefer the BMW for daily driver to work (mostly freeway miles). It is more comfortable and quieter with a better stereo. For weekend fun (canyon runs), the Miata.

BMW is NOT the "ultimate driving machine". It is too HEAVY. It is better than a Camry but it cannot compare to a Miata or BRZ in the handling department.

Since you already have two practical cars, your 3rd car should be a FUN car. So get the BRZ!

Neither, if you are looking at a BMW to compare to the BRZ I would suggest you find a 135i. Same motor as the car you are looking at but much lighter. I have a friend with one and with some basic mods and a tune he is pushing over 500HP.

I tried the lux sedan thing but got so bored with driving the car.

I went to watch an autox event a few weeks ago, there was a 335i that was getting killed. It looked like an suv trying to take sharp turns. That being said, on an actual track it would be faster and I sometimes miss the smoothness of my e46 3 series.

Doubt that's the option he has. The 335i came up probably because it's from a good source he has.

However a 135i M is a different story :thumbup:

I was cross shopping the same cars. My opinion, BRZ was more fun to drive (than 335), felt faster (it's not obviously) and more economical for out of pocket maintenance and running costs.

335 is not really a status car anymore, it's an awesome sports sedan, but it is as unique as a Toyota Camry. Leasing for that little of 1100 miles is weak IMO.

The BRZ is my secondary family car, forester xt covers most family duties. One thing about the BRZ vs more powerful cars is I don't worry about guzzling gas, so I drive it more often and I really enjoy it. Right now, the car is unique, until production catches up.

Either way, you win.

You've already had several BMWs, get the BRZ. Riding a 250 you already appreciate low power, light weight, well handling vehicles.

Do not expect a lotus. It's more like your 99 Z3 with better handling. Difficult to overhype the car when put that way.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you miss the curves of a sporty little car and now that you need 4 seats in that car you see the BRZ as a possible solution. As prev. noted the rear seats are essentially useless, there are some memebers here using car seats and putting their kids in back but in 3-5 years theyll be hyper and kicking your seat. Also there are no rear cupholders and I'm not sure those fancy kid seats with the cupholders will fit.

Not sure your budget/mpg/AWD needs but if you're not sold on another BMW check out the out the Infiniti G37 or Audi S5 coupes which have useful rear seats and still fit the sports coupe criteria.

I've had a Infiniti G35 Coupe before too and that was heavy and not as smooth as a BMW. I've never had an Audi but had a '08 VW GTI and '06 Passat.

Just to let you know that I am car crazy and maintain 3-4 cars at a time that's why you see I've been through a lot of them. Although recently we've been slowing down changing cars as we transition from leasing to buying and keeping the cars longer and I'm enjoying riding motorcycle a lot now.

This is my dilemma too, how often I can do autoX with the BRZto really enjoy it? I've done autoXs with my Z4 Coupe few times and I loved it.

From someone who has owned almost nothing but BMWs(M3, M5, and a 1er), I think you might be a bit confused if you are cross shopping these two cars. Do you want a very lightweight low slung sports car with NA power and a proper LSD? Or do you want a turbo GT car for comfort driving? The 335i weighs nearly 1,000lbs more than the BRZ, which is simply massive.

Personally I'm looking forward to my upcoming BRZ, but then again, I still have the fiance with her ZHP. :thumbup:

Never lease a used car. Oh, wait, you're taking over someone's lease... that's different.

Regardless, never buy an AWD BMW. If you want the best rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan, get a BMW. If you want the best all-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan, get an Audi. Seriously. Better still, if you want a lightweight, ultra-fun and reasonably well-appointed rear-wheel-drive sport coupe that will leave you grinning every time, get the BRZ!

Similar situation here. The plan of action I've more or less settled on for now is to clear out the toybox somewhat but hang onto the M coupe (e36/8) ... and wait for Toyota/Subaru to sort the engine issues. As for BRZ vs 3-series, they're quite different cars. If you need the practicality of usable back seats, for example, the 3-series is a no-brainer. If you're attracted to trying out the ol' "it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow", then the BRZ is an ideal choice.

OP here and sadly the BMW is not available anymore. Somebody else has been approved to take over the lease.

BRZ it is!

This.

That was such a good deal, I think.
I would be torn between the two also in that situation, but my final decision would've been BRZ. ;)

Welcome.

Too bad he's not the original owner, otherwise after the 4th or 5th fuel pump he could just lemon law the POS and get something else.. free car ftw :)

That is funny from a forum that is currently replacing fuel pumps for cricket sounds. I guess once the crickets come back 3 times we all get free cars. :D

LOL true enough. The crickets aren't as bothersome as the stuttering and loss of engine power that the 335 experiences though :)

I realize it's moot now, but if throwing the money away on a lease didn't bother me I'd get the BMW and then buy a 2014/5 BRZ ;)

Before I when I first read the subject on the thread, I was thinking "Com'on! How can that even be a discussion at all. Got to go with the Bimmer!" But after reading it, I realize that you are talking between owning a BRZ and renting a BMW. I always tell people unless you own a business and can write off tax, then you should consider leasing cars. But if you aren't, should never lease a car. I hate those people who lease a Mercedes Benz and talk smack to people who drives an Accord. DUDE! It is not even your car. You are just leasing it from the dealer. Stop acting like it is your car. You can't do jack to this car. Not even change the stereo system.

BRZ!
You are here asking this question that means you like BRZ more. You just want all of us to tell you that. Stop using your brain to calculate and listen to your heart!
I have a similar profile like you, over 40 making good income, 2 daughters 4 and 8, have a MDX and Prius for daily use. Buying this car for weekend fun, therefore it must be fun. I don't see Bimmer can be fun? All my friends (also have kids), they all admire me can make this decision for the love of the pure sport driving, and they all make decision from their right brain...
My 2 girls actually enjoy riding BRZ more. If you see a WRB MT with 2 Pink color child seats in the rear, that's me!

OP already out of choice.

Take the 335 hands down.

If you can't see how a twin turboed 335 can be fun.
:bonk: wtf

We can't decide for you... Honestly after I got the BRZ I havn't drove my e92 M3 for 12-13 days... and thats how long I had the BRZ and already passed 1000mi and did my first oil change myself.

I'm in your seat as well, except I've ordered my FRS already. They're a large part of me that still wants the 335i.
Driving in the streets, the power from the 335 is always available, and I'd be able to cut in/out like a sewing machine! It's more luxurious for sure, and has better exhaust note than the FRS. The fact that you mentioned you're 40... I'd say the 335 is more fitting for you, it's classier and is better suited for your age. (heck, I would have bought my 335i 2 years ago if it didn't look like I was driving my dad's car)

Now with the FRS, if you want to go around corners like drawing a circle with a protractor, and truely enjoy the driving experience... FRS is your answer.

I'd say, if you plan on tracking and working on your car, the FRS is probably the better choice. If your driving consists of street, 335. At the end of the day, i'd be happy with either or.

I think the 335i is a better daily driver car, I had a 335i for 3 years before I got the M3. Even now, I still think the 335i is a better daily beater/ all rounder than the M3. Its better on gas, easier to move/drive around, less things to fiddle with, lower/less maintenance. I have the FR-S for daily drive now and sometimes I regret not getting another 335i.

The FR-S is great, but in the city/highways I think the 335i would be a lot more fun with the power/comfort. There isn't much place in the city where you can exploit the FR-S's potential/handling. But,the FR-S is great on gas and wear and tear items are much cheaper, as well as mods. Its got great looks too, too bad the performance is not up to par. I was really disappointed with the engine in terms of response and feel. Perhaps I was too overhyped expecting something like a S2000. The seats are great though but road noise is no where as good as the 335i/M3, they manage to filter out the things you don't want to hear while keeping the sound that matters to a driver to connect you with the car.

I feel like I am stuck with two weekender/track cars nowadays:mad0259: I think the FR-S is kind of like a S2000, a great weekender, toy, or track project. For something to live with everyday it will get tiring quick and I am only 23, cant imagine what it will be like for you.

removing the bias, that 335 is on another level.

Financing and leasing for me are the same thing. The bank owns it until it's totally paid off or the lease ended. I guess you can't and shouldn't judge people on what they drive and how they're paying for it. I respect people's choices. You have totally no idea how they came up with a decision to buy or lease. It's none your business. You need to grow up!:w00t:

Bmw. 2 kids? Good luck w fitting then in the back. May i suggest a 335 sedan?

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BMW isn't a choice anymore, so why the debate :bonk:

I realize the question is already settled since the BWM is no longer available to the OP. But for posterity, if someone else should have this question...

I currently own a 2009 BMW 335i, and the BRZ.

I agree completely. The 335i (2wd) weighs almost 3600 pounds. Don't get me started about the obese xi AWD model.

Good call.

200 pounds lighter. Still fat at almost 3400 pounds -- 650 more than FR-S/BRZ.

One thing I notice a lot switching between cars is the noise. The BRZ is very noisy. Tire noise, engine noise, air noise. I find myself turning the radio up a lot. The 335i is far more quieter, and at the end of a long trip I feel a little more relaxed as a result.

They're just different cars. The 335i is massively powerful, sure-footed, and heavily engineered. And just heavy. The BRZ/FR-S is light, nimble, lower-powered. It's several segments downmarket in terms of fit/finish, sound-deadening, amenities (my 335i has auto-dimming outside rear view mirrors and a heated steering wheel !?). Both are great cars, but they're worlds apart in terms of the driving experience.

--Dan
Mach V