Saw a '17- like the '16 better!
 

I finally found a dealer with a new 2017 BRZ. The dealer was closed, but the car was on the lot.

1) what is with the thick black plastic on the grill?
2) I miss the old wheels
3) I like the old spoiler

But,

4) the new manual has hill assist.

Man, I'm conflicted.

Buy the 2016 while you still can if you like it since I bet some dealers still have some brand news ones left on the lots.

The 2017 is nice, but I also prefer the 2013-2016 for both 86/BRZ.

Unless you care about the new dash and the cosmetic changes, I say get a 2016 and then mod it with the money you saved from haggling a 2016 vs paying full price for a 2017.

Don't miss your chance to buy a 16' new, the clock is ticking on them!

There are a lot of '16's left around here.

I need to decide what I'm doing. I bought a new vette close to a month ago, seven speed manual. We also have a manual Challenger and WRX. I commute 2.5 hrs to go sixty miles on the way home from work. This may need to be an automatic anyway. Ugh.

My daily driver is a Prius with 422k (!) miles on it. When it goes, I need another daily driver.

2016

Just wanted to say that, although it seems like most changes are cosmetics, from my experience the 2017 does feel different from the way it accelerates compared to the pre-facelift models. Not saying one is better than the other, but the pre-facelift seems to have a more smooth revving feel while the 2017 has a more aggressive free flowing rev feel to it in terms of airflow. (I think sound wise is slightly different too, but don't quote me) Some other things that I believe are instantly noticeable are steering feel and suspension softness.

So I guess if you plan to mod the heck out of the car anyways, get the pre-facelift, but if stock maybe consider 2017.

p.s. I haven't owned the 13-16' models just test drove them a few times =p

Edit: Just saw that you need an automatic, then the engine will have no difference.

1) Do you mean the mustache?
2) Stock wheels are very cheap on here, people are practically giving them away
3) I don't know if all BRZs have a spoiler, but the old spoiler should cover the new mounting holes.
4) if you need hill assist, get the new one.

In sense, you can buy the new one and then add the old styled stuff.

If you need to drive that much I'd buy another Prius. Or maybe the Lexus hybrid wagon. Sounds like you've got the toys and the difference in cost of 20 mpg or more for that much driving adds up fast.

BRZ has a real handbrake not an electronic finger switch so no need for hill assist imo.

That new Redline video review up makes the facelifted BRZ in CWP look terrific, can't wait to see it IRL. The new look keeps it very contemporary IMO.

Anyone deciding between the 16 and 17 should check out the Aussie reviews of the new GT86 to get an idea of what differences they are finding with the new chassis and suspension setups (like Subaru, Toyota had the old car there for comparison testing at Fuji). Also if you can drive both yourself.

I've thought about snatching up a 2016 for a better price too, but they don't seem to be offering any deals yet. I've seen a few 16s for higher prices than I can find a 17.

If hill assist plays in to your decision...... buy an auto.

I agree. If I were going to spend close to the new price for a low mileage 15 or 16, there are enough positive changes in the 17 to convince me to pay a bit more for new. I really liked how the 17 drove and it would be great to have steering wheel controls, and improvements to gearing and suspension, LEDs, etc.

However, If I could find a great deal (somewhere around $19K) for a relatively unmolested 13 or 14, I'd gladly spend another $900 for upgrading to a CarPlay friendly stereo and a backup camera and a few other mods. Saving $6,000 over new is pretty substantial, and then you are in a much better position if Subaru comes out with a major 2018 redo.