What should I look out for when buying used?
 

Hello,

I am in the market for a 2015 BRZ. Are there any known issues that the 2015 BRZ had? What are some of the things I should look out for to tell if the car has been maintained properly and/or the car wasn't mistreated too harshly. Basically, anything that could throw a red flag on a potential purchase.

Hope this makes sense.

Thanks,
FineV

Look for:
Bolts on the engine and fittings that have obviously been removed/replaced.
Heat discolouration on the rotors.
Holes in the body where things have been removed.
Mismatched paint.
Service records if any.


If you get a VIN you can compare it to the numbers listed in the Service Bulletins here - https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21868

check the door frame lining where the window meets the rubber. mine has a nasty habit of getting pushed up after getting my door repainted due to someone sideswiping my car.

Check the typical used car problem areas, oil or coolant leaks under the car, excessive smoke out the exhaust of engine bay, rust under the body, etc.


More importantly, test drive it and listen for any weird noises (fuel pump chirp is NORMAL).

People hiding in the back seat.

Very, very small people. Especially the kind that will get you vibrating everybody's phones at the same time.

Oh DUDE! If people listen for weird noises in these cars they won't even buy them brand new much less used.

I know the buttons on my rearview mirror rattle in the heat. I know because when I cover them with my hand the rattling stops. I still swear in my bad hearing brain that it's coming from somewhere else.

Curious, what is your budget?

kbb prices a car similar to mine 20k to 22k, I rather spend extra 5K and get it new without the headaches or hidden gremlins that the owner is trying to unload on you.

Too much of a risk on this types of cars because chances are that it was pushed hard. haven't seen little old ladies driving these.

The one time a fellow BRZ driver waved hi to me on the road was actually an elderly lady in her brand new 50th anniversary BRZ.


To the OP, check to see that there are matching VIN stickers on the major body panels - hood, both front fenders, trunk, etc. If it is missing on that panel, most likely an accident.


I was in the market for a used BRZ for the longest time (~1 year). The price for decent ones were between $21k-23k (2015+ models). The ones that were more affordable were sketchy what's with all the "tasteful" mods, higher mileages, and missing VIN stickers. It's safe to say any of these used cars have been "driven as intended". I finally said eff it with looking for the right used one, and for the peace of mind... I just bought one new and never looked back.

I agree, good point. Plus the new ones have some worthwhile upgrades unless you are going to mod the crap out of it. But then you should be looking at 2013 models anyways.

Check the passenger side footwell for any leaks/wetness. Issue for some of us with AC drain hose being plugged up. Thankfully my weathertec floormats caught all the moisture and I knew immediately. Could be problematic...at least pull the carpet/floormat back.

Budget is around 20k. Not in the market to buy new. Just have to be picky to find the right one. I'm going to keep my eye out for mostly stock with lower miles(under 35k miles).

It is a good point. Budget isn't high enough for new and I tend to like buying a few year old car because it's gotten past the big initial depreciation. But I, like you, have a real good taste. Haha. I'm looking for a series.blue ;)