Wait for 2017 BRZ? or go used Toyota 86?
 

decisions decisions


I was planning on buying a used 86/BRZ. I'm finding a lot of examples (most of them 86 rather than BRZ) around 2013 with 20k miles on them more or less and price tags around 13k USD more or less. They tend to be in immaculate condition. No mods or anything. Almost as good as new.

But now the refreshed 2017 BRZ is coming out and I'm really digging the LED lights and the shorter gear ratios (oh yeah and of course the 5hp huge boost :lol:). I might be a minority but I actually like steering column controls. The info screen on the right of the dashboard can come in handy as well but no big deal for that bit.


For the 2017 BRZ, I could wait a little bit for someone to buy one and then decide he/she doesn't like it and I'll snatch it up for around 5k USD less which is a good saving.


Sooo anyone wanna toss ideas at me? :thumbup:

If money's not an issue for you then go new. If you need to budget go uses. Problem solved

just my opinion but id suggest finding a good condition used and putting the money saved on upgrading/personalising it, you get the benefit of it already being broken in, combined with less of a feeling of hesitation to work on it.

Also, ever year a new model comes out and every year certain problems persist, cabin noises, clicks, squeaks, rattles, chirps, you name it, its more or less part and parcel of owning a twin, consider it a part of the charm ;D

As for the model differences, id wait on it, pretty sure someone will find a way to put the newer cluster on an older car, and you could just buy the newer models tail lights when someone inevitably crashes one and slap them on your own.

Same for the bumper, as there usually mostly cosmetic changes.

If you plan to mod it aggressively, get a used one.
The aftermarket is well established and is filled with products that will exceed what the mid-cycle refresh car will do. You'll end up with a more "personal" and faster car for equal or less money.

If you plan to keep it stock for a while (a few years at least), get a new one.
You'll be happier with the new OEM upgrades and look over those with the current car.

ask yourself.

Are you going to drive as stock? --? buy 2017
Are you going to mod? --? buy used.

5hp? you can achieve that from aftermarket parts.

Or taking out the passengers seat :burnrubber:

Where are these cars so I can buy one? Everything I see below about $14k is a salvage or rebuilt title. Those ones are certainly not almost as good as new!

But back to your original question - I wouldn't spend the extra to buy a new one - just find a nice, clean used example.

If you got the skill or connections do like what the B is for Build project pick up a salvage one at insurance auction that's not totally wrecked or frame bent you can probably get the car including labor and repairs for below 10K and then spend the rest on mods.


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the earlier models (2013) seemed to have a lot of problems that were slowly fixed as the years progressed. I would personally say, if your funds allow, to get the 2017. it is the most current MY and many of the previous problems were addressed and solved. plus, it also has some new changes made that none of the other models have such as different intake manifold, internals, and fuel pump that might solve the cricket issue that plagues every other model as well as many other minor updates. also get the performance package if you can budget it in. an extra 1k for brembos and wheels, why not? you can always sell those wheels for some money back too

$13k for a 20k mile FRS? Haven't seen any that low that aren't rebuilt or salvage

Wait for a used '17 model only if you have the cash to buy one outright.

Bullshit. Virtually everyone I have encountered has had a trouble free car except possibly not enjoying the fuel pump sound (its really nothing to me) and possibly condensation in tail lights.

I have no intention to sell my car for at least a decade, so the resale isnt a concern to me. I 'm just tired of people making out MY 13 cars to be lemons. That is absolutely untrue and a lot of people on these forums (which might account for a tiny percentage of owners) seem to think a few dozen complaints is high. Also, a lot of extremely picky owners buy this car as it is popular with enthusiasts.Also this car is priced for a segment catering to many first timw car or new car buyers. They tend to be the most vocal with the tiniest issues. If anything, its the dealers who were behind the curve in'12 to '13 knowing the idiosyncracies of servicing these cars. That fades as time passes.

If my 13 was a turd Id have unloaded it years ago, I've had it since May '12.

If you do consider used, there are a few small and well documented things a mechanic can look for when doing an inspection. Doing an OBD scan is first, then some minor visual/auditory examination for the most part. Mainly, a used car must be properly maintained.

It all boils down to car budget and mod budget too.

I'm with wbradley here, the 13 model year cars are fine. The only issue I've had with mine was a check engine light related to the known cam timing sensor issue. I dropped my car off at Subaru on my way to work the next morning and was able to pick it up on my way home that night, no charge and no problem at all.

I'd wait and get a 2017 brz myself.