Any major differences between all model years?
 

Hey all, I just want to see whether I would be missing anything if I decide go pre-owned vs new.

One thing to consider though, is that I want the upgraded interior found in the uplevel BRZs, the release series FRS's, and the new 86 GT Trim. Being a little older than before, I would like to have this luxury (Just makes the interior feel less cheap and basic. plus the standard climate control knobs look literally taken out of a Yaris...)

Anyways, I believe it goes like this:
-MY14,15 had some teething mechanical issues
-MY15,16 most of the teething issues got worked out (new parts).
-MY17+, manuals got the extra 5hp, autos didn't.

various suspension tweaks along the way. I think some sound deadening improvements were made in I think 16? And a few tweaks to the interior materials in 15 or 16+

So I guess im asking, would I miss anything looking at FRS in the 15, 16 model years (Monograms/release series) vs 18+ for the GT trim (aside from the latter looking more 'mature' and refined) Im actually starting to like the release 2.0 (not very common) with its unique and upscale look both inside and out.

Well, Sasquachulator, there are no hidden surprises .. what you see is what you get.

It's your call … :)

Happy decision making!


humfrz

What are the teething mechanical issues?

If you want the upgraded BRZ interior, then I would go with a 2016 Subaru BRZ Limited. 2016 is when they started to add back up cameras as a standard option. The FRS only had the upgraded interior for Monogram, TRD, RS 1.0/2.0.

If you go with a brand new BRZ limited, you'll get the little screen in the dash.

You've pretty much summed it up. The 17+ manual cars also got a shorter final drive of 4.3 from the old 4.1.

That's probably the most significant mechanical change along with the revised shock damping.

I think it was crickets and some other stuff (fuel pump?)
Which resulted in new improved different parts in the later years I think.

Oh and I just preferred the front end styling of the Scion/Toyota (I also prefer the 86 badge) over the Subaru.

ah I figured as much.
Just didn't want to have that moment where "oh should have gotten this or that model year because this and that changed for the better". I can see me doing that with BRZ vs FRS/86 but that one is purely personal preference lol.

thanks guys.

The '18 BRZ infotainment is much better than the '17.

Don't be fooled, you don't get rid of crickets completely lol. Some people have them and some people don't. Has to do with the lubricity of the fuel you're using. Either way it's not harmful.

early model issues are but are not limited to:
ignition coils overheating
oil leaks at timing cover or rear block off plate in the MT cars
throw out bearing suiciding itself
rocker arm issues (2013 usually)
cam codes (less common)

Anyone else feel free to make additions.

How early is considered "early model"? I noticed that the oil pan on my 2015 MT is a little oily and your listed common leak points might explain it. It doesn't leave any spots/puddles in the driveway, but it's a little greasier than I would expect it to be.

The only significant one that I can think of is the throw out bearing. I have a 2014 with ~90k miles and have had zero problems...other than the TOB grenading.

Any idea how many hours to R&R a TOB? And is there anything else you should do while you've in there? Seems like a logical time for a new disc. I don't have a place or time to do that job myself.

lol I would consider 2013-2015 to be where most of the issues I've mentioned occur. Are you positive it's coming from the oil pan directly?

On my timing cover leak the car basically only "sweats" oil very slowly from a small crevice on the bottom. However, it mixes in with dirt and road grime and makes a nice mixture of filth on the skid pan. After about 20k or so with the small leak the skid pan was black lol. Cleaned it off and it's stayed relatively clean since. That's the main reason I haven't gotten to it.

I think the most common leak is at the bottom right (when looking into the engine bay from the front of the car) of the timing cover. Mine didn't leak enough to hit the ground but it made a mess down there and would blow onto the pan a little. My timing cover even leaked while sitting on an engine stand in the garage after the oil was drained. Hahaha.

Get some of that purple cleaner and then remove the engine cover and clean up everything under the car. Then leave the cover off and come back a few hours later (without ever driving the car) and see if any oil is coming out of the bottom right of the timing cover. That should isolate the problem a little.