help me decide!!
 

Hey everybody, names Anthony first time poster. I need huge help on deciding my next car. I've been looking into the BRZ limited lately and I am very intrigued. I have the money to buy this car today but now I am stuck on either getting a 2017 limited BRZ or another base STI (2017) I will list my past cars in chronological order if that helps at all. Then I will list my likes and dis likes of each.

2013 Civic SI
2015 STI Base
2015 Q50
2016 GTI Auto Bahn

2017 BRZ Limited
Things I love
-The looks. I think this car is beyond hot honestly
-I've aways wanted a RWD car
-last time I've owned a 2 door was when I was 16. I am 24 now so excited about that
-The true roots to a JDM car and all the possibilities of customization to it!
-Push to start

Things I am meh about
-This thing is slow. I've driven an FRS and I remember taking off but unlike my STI at the time it just never gave that pull it was just slow the whole time.
-I live in NY so snow is a huge concern to me as this will be my DD
-The lack in tech (I know it isn't a car for that but still stuff I like)


2017 STI Base
Things I love
-Fast
-Looks
-Handling
-The pride of owning this car
-AWD
-4 Door

Things I am meh about
-Lack of tech
-Since base no push to start will suck
-price is 8K more is it really worth it?
-Dinosaur EJ engine
-Fuel Economy Blows but not a deal breaker
-Should I wait for 2020+

The reason I am having such a hard time choosing is because I will no longer be upgrading yearly as I used too I will be sticking to which ever car I get for at least 4-5 years since my work commute is very far everyday now. please help me out, anybody who owns a BRZ tell me you're story would you do it again? Anything you really hate that I should be aware of? Maybe a whole other car in general you guys might suggest?

All opinions welcomed just keep it civilized thank you very much guys!

I think you summed things up already. Each has their plus and minus and it is up to which things you really want and what you can live without.
I do disagree with the statement that the BRZ is "slow" though. Is it slower than a STi? Most certainly, but that does not make it "slow". Driven properly it is actually pretty peppy even if it is not going to win many drag races.

any issues with you're FRS? Any regrets since purchase? With the openflash tune do you think the acceleration will be similar to my GTI? especially since the BRZ is much lighter?

I would go with the wrx if snow is an issue. And yes, the car is incredibly slow stock. It takes some work to make them quick in a straight line. If you can live with that and snow is less of a concern than you made it out to be it is a more driver centric car.

Honestly, I probably wouldn't go with either based off your cons list. Find a car that is better suited to what you're truly after.

Without a pile more work you will never get GTI acceleration out of a BRZ. That was not what they were built for and if you want to be pushed back in your seat then there are far better options. The new upper level Camaros and Mustangs, the STi you mentioned, most of the 3 series BMWs, even some of the hot hatches all may be a better option for you. You can mod for speed but that entails a level of risk and expense that you have to be able to justify for a DD car.
I have had zero issues after 100K and 3 years with the FRS. Not a thing. Nothing. Just regular maintenance. I went into the car knowing it was not a rocket but unlike so many I have never had any issue keeping up with traffic, passing or being beat off the line by soccer moms in minivans.

Snow? Meh.

What would you suggest?

What is your budget?
How far is the "very far" commute?
Stop and go or open highway?


There are 100s of cars to chose from if it doesn't need to be brand new.

Snow is not an issue with the BRZ/FRS provided you invest in a set of winter tires.

I test drove the WRX and it left me cold: powerful, practical, but not as sharp as the BRZ (and a far inferior shifter).

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

I wanted a STI/WRX. Test drove both.

Ended up with a 86. I'm very happy with my decision

guy at the dealer called me to let me know the BRZ was delayed another 3 weeks but mentioned he had a black STI for 389 a month which is dirt cheap. Since my cousin needs my GTI by this weekend, since he is taking over the payments. I think the universe decided for me :bow:

The tofu deliveries had nothing to do with it? :lol:

Well...you got me there.

I drove a 2017 Series yellow just this past weekend to feel the difference. The new Final Drive ratio does A LOT to enhance the feel of driving. The car FEELS a lot faster than previous years due to more wheel torque and you actually get that throw you back in your seat feel.

Another thing to consider. You could always take that 8k and go forced induction. Theres A LOT of options for that for these cars and at that point you would be as fast if not faster than an STi depending on what you do.