What do you wish you'd known before owning?
 

Edit: I'll try to keep updating this first post so people searching on the subject can find the list easily.




I'm dipping my toe into the waters, looking at cars, test driving, etc. and I'm pretty sold on an 86/BRZ as another toy to replace something I rarely drive. I see some griping about mechanical issues, etc., but realistically angry/upset people are a lot more likely to post than happy owners, so it's hard to sort wheat from chaff. Is there anything about the BRZ/86 you wish you'd known prior to purchasing? I know that some complain it's low on power, but I've already got bikes and powerful cars available, I'm looking for something I can wind out without going to jail. My current DD is a 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth which is hilariously fun, but it's not exactly a precision instrument.

Also, hi :)

edit: I don't want to, but pending a neurologists visit I might be forced to go auto. I'm not sure if I'll still be in the market for an FRS with an auto... it's a pretty decent automatic trans, but I'd rather have a lot more torque with an automatic. I'll have to go test drive one. I really want to go stick but it's hard to stick one handed.

To better state my use-case: I intend to use the BRZ/86 as a weekend car/intermittent trip-to-work car. I don't really plan to mod it, there's something nice about leaving a car (mostly) stock. I'm an "oem-plus" kinda guy these days. I think my days of v8 swapping fieros are behind me :D

Feedback so far:
Suboptimal headunit stock [regardless of scion/subaru/toyota/year] (slow, laggy, inconsistent) -> replace with aftermarket. 2din standard size makes this easy.
Prius tires should be replaced for much improved handling and feel -> hoon 'em til they die then replace.
Low power -> This shouldn't be a surprise. It's possible that the low power complaints are because of the torque dip.
Torque dip -> it's there, is not as much of an issue as expected, but still kinda annoying.
Automatic is pretty decent -> slower to 60, much better than past automatics. AT good in traffic, MTx good for those with more athletic intent.
Paint chips easily -> Clear bra is a good idea
Performance package is worth it if you have any sporting intentions -> would cost a lot more to do the upgrades separately.

Oh and if anyone has to give me flak for dd'ing an Abarth, go ahead and get it out of your system :P the thing is dumb fun, and I drove it off the lot for under 14k new :P still makes me laugh every time I drive it, even after a year.

The OEM stereos are bad. It's common knowledge, but I spent more time researching mechanical and dynamics subjects so when I picked up my '17 BRZ I had a "Wow, this DOES suck" moment in regards to the stereo.

Also, the 'Prius tires" are better than most will admit, especially while your learning the car.

Honestly i'm in love with my car. My thing is i wish i had an actual plan when i started modding. I wasted way too much money on stuff i ended up selling or not using. Wish i had more a solid modd plan. Other than that honestly the car is perfect for what i want to do with it in my eyes.

The 86 will not be as fun as the Abarth as a DD, however it offers a rewarding drive in a different way. I had more fun tracking the FRS because I took it more seriously and it has more potential. It's hard to beat that "stupid" fun that the Abarth offers though. Lucky for you, you'll have both.

Agree. It makes me laugh when I see one.:popcorn:

I wish I had learned about it sooner. I literally bought the very first one I ever laid eyes on in pictures or real life.


You nailed the complaint thing. There are hundreds or even thousands of guys with zero issues for every person that has a major one.


The "no power" thing is also a minority of owners but they want very specific performance points for a bargain basement price. The same group complaining about "no power" would be whining if it carried a $45K price tag.

I am still looking and I am stunned how poorly the audio/nav system was designed (or not designed) in the earlier models. It is what I would expect from a Tata. I now know I will have to replace an OEM HU if I buy an earlier model!

I rented one last trip to Vegas. It was a hoot and if I commuted mostly in the city I would have one in a heart beat.

My 14 Scion Canadian HU is not bad at all. It isn't top of the line or anything but get's the job done with no issues. On or even above par with any other car in the price point. Now, I hear that the BRZ and US ones of that same year bite the big one...

I have '14 monogram head unit with navigation. I think it is completely decent for radio, sound, bt phone, and navigation. I use it everyday without any complaint. It could be better of course with Android auto, capacitive touch sensor, and brighter, high resolution screen. But that is an upgrade I can do anytime in the future, I don't feel the need yet.

Do you also have this one?
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dkZh7hB_12w/maxresdefault.jpg

Yep but without nav. It seems to be one of the better ones they have used. I have never seen a car with so many different HUs used across the model years and trim levels (BRZ). It is like they rand down to Best Buy and said "give us all the car HUs you have in stock" every time they changed years.

To answer the OP question. Definitely the HU, it is really bad. When I get in my wife's 2013 Nissan it is light years ahead of the 2017 Subaru HU.

Everything else about the car I love, and I love that you can have fun driving at the limit of it's ability (at the track) and not be afraid of it. I have the biggest smile on my face when I get to be on the track.

HP Primacy tires are fine, and they love to tell you when you reach the limit with loud screams. They actually wear quite well, I have 5 track days on the stock tires and they are holding up well.