Is buying a used brz more beneficial then buying a new one?
 

Hey so this may seem like a dumb question, but is it beneficial buying a used brz rather then a new one? If so, can you explain why. Cause I'm debating on whether or not to buy used or new. I'm leaning towards a used one with less 30k miles on it.

Depreciation is highest in the first few years. Only reason to buy new is if you really want the new car warranty, but this car is reliable so it is moot. I wish I bought used.

I bought used because I was planning to modify it..so it didn't make sense (to me) to do that to a brand new car.

I purchased the car at 40k and despite a few minor cosmetic issues (most of which have been fixed already), it's been great.

So it really just matters what your plans for it are.

Lots of factors to consider, but generally it is better to buy a well maintained used car that is in good condition than a new car due to the depreciation.

This assumes either a cash transaction or reasonable financing - which not all people can qualify for.

Case in point: I paid $17,500 for a used 2013 that only had 12,000 miles on it and was still under factory warranty (this was almost 2 years ago). Original owner took a huge hit on depreciation.

One thing to take into consideration is the abuse the car has been through with its previous owner(s). I bought mine used (CPO) because I inspected it thoroughly myself for signs of mods, but this car is known for being famous with the modders so make sure you know what to look for or at the very least a buddy. I will say I got a steal of a deal on mine, 18k out the door for a 10 Series. Just be cautious and do your homework before committing.

There are certainly pros and cons for each.
The guys that bought used will say it is better.
The guys that bought new will say it is.
Both have very valid points but will say the other group are wrong.

I bought mine new. There weren't many used 86s at the time, so I didn't have much choice.

Buying new, you know what the break-in was like, you have all the maintenance history, and you know when you get it that it is correct per factory specifications. Also if you plan on keeping it long term, you will likely have 30k miles less wear to think about.

That being said, if you plan to replace a bunch of stuff off the bat, used might be a better deal.

Yeah, that's what I've heard the depreciation isn't to kind haha

My plans for the car include modding it of course. It's just such a nice platform to work with and I really like it. I have everything planned out already that I want for it and what not just of course finding one that is good enough condition and passes what I think is exceptional car can be challenging. It's kind of unfortunate that I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and I like things to be super maintained and everything to be in it's place, also little bit of OCD haha. But I think used is the way I'd like to go for sure.

Makes sense thanks for the feedback!

I would buy new, I bought my 15 new and obviously like any new car that is not a lemmon its fantastic. The only reason i would stray from used on a car like this model is because you dont know the work that has been put into it and since its a cheaper "drivers"/"tuner" car the possibilities are endless. I went car shopping with my gf and we looked into used brz's and they all had their individual issues and driving them compared to mine was night and day. Youll be spending alot of time finding the right used 86/brz so if you are stuck on buying a used brz at least compare it by at least test driving a new one. If I were you i would just save the time and effort and just get the new one, plus if you are like me and are paranoid of all the little noises and things that happen to cars it will be nice to just have that peace of mind of a new car.

Yeah what I figured as well. A good used maintained car is the way To go. Ironically enough this dude I live by in my area is selling RBV2 brz for 20k 😫I want it so bad it's so beautiful. Nothing done to it mechanically what so ever just the rocket bunny kit wheels tires and coils

Yeah 100% get where your coming from. I'd love to buy new the only thing is with that just paying off a 29k car will take a while for me only cause I don't have the highest paying job at the moment and I'm in college sadly. I just don't want to wait till I'm out of college to get the brz though. Although that would be the smart adult decision to make, I feel I just don't want to wait any longer to have this car. I've always wanted one and I feel I've waited long enough to get it hahah.

Yeah I feel I'd prob be replacing quite a bit of stuff cause I don't plan on keeping it stock for long. On the low I've been just getting little parts here and there so when I get the car I can throw them on the first day lmao

I feel you, im in undergrad right now as well this is my last year at the u of a and I bought mine new for 28 with 11 down and the rest financed and my payments are about double to triple an electric bill. its tough but its do-able so dont cut yourself short if you think you cant do it brotha.

I have owned two BRZs, one new (2014 Limited) and one used (2015 Series.blue). I think I paid $26,500 for the new with maybe 10 miles on it and $21k for the used with 1500 miles on it. I have always bought new cars because I "worried" about the abuse a used car might have taken, but the depreciation of a new car isn't worth it IMO. I saved $5500 and ended up with a practically brand new BRZ that was barely used by the previous owner. Just do your homework on the used and save a ton of $$

I'm in early 20's, attending college and work a part-time job at the moment. If I was live with my parents, I would've bought brand new BRZ because I know they would help me pay my car. Since I live with my friends in an apartment and paying all the bills including car by myself I had no choice but to buy used one. But really whether it's used or new, BRZ/FR-S is good car regardless because it's reliable and just so much fun to drive. I just can't wait to graduate college so once I get myself a decent job I can finally afford brand new BRZ lol.

I bought new, a 2015 FRS.

Now with 51,400 miles on it...zero problems so far. Nothing to take it to the dealership under warranty so far.

Since this seems to be an incredibly reliable car, I'd say buy used.

Do not buy a 2013 model year...mostly as those had problems with squeaks and rattle in their interiors.

As others have suggested, have a car thoroughly checked out before buying...and buy one with some of the 5 year 60k warranty remaining for piece of mind should there be any major repair needed within that time frame.

Agree, I bought used 2013 and had an absolutely no issues so far though mileage is only 30000 at the moment. The squeaks and rattles don't bother me at all and are barely occur/noticeable anyway. Correct me If I'm wrong but I thought up to 16 BRZ/FR-S have same squeaks and rattles as 13 model? Not sure about new 17 one though.

I usually buy used, but went new on this one. My main concern with used was that this car has a higher percentage of owners adding FI than almost any other car, and I didn't want to risk buying one that had been run hard with FI+E85, etc. Between the new tech on the '17 and getting to roll it new off the lot I'm satisfied with having paid the extra ~$10k.

Go with a lightly used example and let someone else eat the depreciation. Also, check the history report and keep an eye out for cars that spent their time in areas where they use salt on the roads in the winter. Not a deal breaker but in that case you'll want to check the underbody for corrosion.

Is it ironic that "ironically" was used instead of "coincidentally" above? Cause I would definitely expect "coincidentally" in that sentence. ;)

I have to recommend staying away from a widebody kit unless you really know what you are doing and have another car. In simplified terms, it F's up your suspension. It may look good (subjectively) on show cars, and might be somewhat useful for racecars (with $20k+ of suspension r&d and a yachtload more power), but might be problematic for a DD street car, which I am assuming this will be.

Makes sense for sure thansk for the feedback!

Oops 😬Hahahah but yeah I get where your coming from I'm friends with the dude that owns it's super cool he's a great guy and yeah it's not his daily and would actually most likely not be mine either I have a cobalt for my daily at the moment. Brz would def be my project car and like weekend driver type car.

Yeah the depreciation is something I don't wanna deal with. That's why I'm def leaning more towards a used one instead. And yeah will do I'm very meticulous about cars that I check out so I'll be sure to check for anything that looks rusty or corroded.

Yeah understandable concern to have. I've actually not thought of that. Most of the used ones I've looked at have always been bone stock maybe besides like different tires. But like you said I have no idea maybe they had different parts on it and switched it back to stock.

I buy new cars. But that is me.

If money is your biggest concern and you only keep a car for 3 years or so. Clean used is the way to go. If you are buying one to race, build engine, modify a ton. Used is the best also.

For me My life cycle on cars is 10+ years generaly. At that time frame depreciation does affect total cost that much. My cheapest transportation ever I am driving still. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado 4dr 5cyl, Bought new for $20k 165K miles on it now. Knock on wood, no major issues just general maintenance and modifications. Still going strong.

The key is to buy a car you can afford, New or used.

These cars depreciate fast and a lot of people buy them thinking they will like them and wind up hating them....its easy to find a used one at a great deal.


Unfortunately this also means a lot of turnover in the cars and it isn't uncommon to see 3+ owners on a car that is only a few years old (model wise).


Do some research, find a low mile used one that has a clean record and enjoy. JMO, but unless you can find some dealer willing to make a crazy deal the car isn't "worth" the initial depreciation hit.

Nothing like that used car scent!

I bought new because I'm the only one that farted in the car.








Then again, the port people could have let some loose... and maybe the salesman.

That vehicle that has 4-5 miles on it has been driven by at least two different truck drivers, several porters, one mechanic, and at least one salesman. That is also believing that the car hasn't had to be moved around the lot due to repositioning or moving it to get another vehicle out. Almost every one of those people make it a mission to fart in the new vehicles.


I'm just saying.....

This is pretty much me to a T.

Right around 10 years is when expensive stuff usually starts to break, so you either drop some $$ to fix it, or get a new ride.

Lmao yeah bro duh

bought new... cause I want to be the only one who breaks her in.

Two things. This screams used... And also, no mods till you have a rainy day fund. Also, patience is worth the practice. You will find more and more times your immediate wants may work out better with patience. I have still never purchased that car I really wanted (want still). Doesn't mean this isn't a good time to treat yourself, you need to do that too.

Where will you park? Can you afford the insurance? Will it be a vandalism target? (A couple locals are having issues with this, sadly.) Where will you work in it if you do the mods? Will you be able to afford to fix it if it breaks? Can you do without the car if not? College is a busy time.

I got my first new car (a Neon ACR) as a treat for landing my first real job out of college. It felt good having earned it rather than scratching that "want" itch... Especially because the want itch would bankrupt me.

Not going to say you shouldn't jump in, but trying to share some things I've learned that might help you consider the options.

C

All depends is the real answer. When I was 19 and just starting college I bought a brand new Chevy Cavalier....bone stock. No A/C, no radio, no antenna, no power anything. It was what I could afford payment wise and had a decent warranty that would get me through college. For the BRZ....I bought a 2014 due to price. I saved over $10k on a slightly used car that still has some factory warranty (5yr powertrain) and it had the extended warranty. Yes, there is some risk to the mods done from the previous owner and if it was taken care of properly. But once you fart in the car once......it is now yours, whether new or used!

I got my car new. There wasn't really used cars on the market when I went to buy. Either way the car doesn't cost a ton to maintain and holds up well for the most part. If you find a good used one no reason to pass on it.

That being said driving a brand new 86 is special, and for me that feeling of super new/perfectness was blissful enjoyment. Except for the break in period which feels too long when you really want to enjoy the hell out of it. Also the piece of mind knowing every scratch and dent or mishap or anything was done by you and not some bonehead. You never fully know how a previous owner treated the car so that always is with you in your head when wierd things start to happen.

I'm also looking at keeping the 86 for 10+ years, maybe keep it indefinitely and hand it off when I'm ready to drop into a cayman

Have you driven one yet?

Keep in mind your mechanical ability. Used cars, especially modded ones, may need a little TLC that could really add up if you are paying someone to do it.