Buying an early build in the fall, but some issues with these cars are worrying me...
 

Forgive me and feel free to delete if this is an ignorant post, but here goes anyways.

I’m looking to buy a (preferably ‘14) manual BRZ in the late fall that will probably have about 50-70k miles on it in my $13-14k (writing a check, not financing) budget. First sports car, first “fun” daily car I’m able to buy for myself.

Do I need to be worried about the valve spring issues and the TOB stuff with buying a ‘14 or possibly ‘13 car? I’d rather not buy the thing and then immediately have to dump cash (besides things you’d normally freshen up on a used car) in it to make sure a bad TOB doesn’t take the trans and/or whatever issues the valve spring stuff causes.

My perception is that this is a pretty reliable, easy to work on, and fun sports car for the money. I’m just easily frazzled I suppose...


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At that many miles and used, suggested is go buy a new clutch, new tob, New clutch fork and new pivot ball. The valve springs are not a big issue, you can ignore it.

Thanks for the tip. I’m not very mechanically savvy, but I’m assuming the parts you listed are synonymous with what you’d usually replace when doing a clutch anyways? Figured I’d have to do that sooner than later


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on this car; yes

Well being a '13-14 chances are they are on the recall list.
No biggie, it's a free service just takes time.

As far as what to look for, throw out bearing, maybe coil pack(s). That's about it.
It is easy to work on.....besides the spark plugs but it can be done, just a huge pain in the ass.

Sounds good. Yeah if I can I’d probably rather buy a 70k mile car that just had the plug service done than a 50-60k ish one that’s going to need it, if I can. Otherwise, it’s a bullet to bite I suppose


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The 14s are not subject to the current recall and don't seem to be plagued with the same issues as the 13s. Pretty much the standard 60K maintenance package will be all you need. The TOB issue is hit and mis right up to the 17s so it may be something to consider.

you better buy additional 50k mile warranty from dealer, you gonna need it since you aint mechanically savvy.

I can count the stuffs that might go out after 60k miles + there are good amount of wear & tear items that will need to be replaced & wont be covered by warranty after that mileage.



I would get a 30k mile one if you are serious, trust me, you are not saving money by buying a 50-70k one. No point in gambling..... thou buying a used twin is kind like a gamble... :cheers:

or get a carmax one with unlimit mile warranty for x amount of years & make a youtube series. :D

Or they can go 120K with zero issues. The car does not start to disintegrate at 60K. Wear and tear items won't be covered by an extended warranty anyway.

It really depends on the previous owner with these cars.:brokenheart:

If I can do it again I would get 100k mile warranty from dealer when I bought the car brand new, my timing chain cover starts to leak oil after 58k miles. After countless canyon run & 10 ish track/drift event.....ya :burnrubber::bonk:

I have just gone over 120,000 miles and other than the TOB have not had a single thing go wrong much less something that would be covered by a warranty. Hell I didn't even need to change my wiper blades until almost 100K. If the car was well maintained and not beat to hell I just do not see any advantage to getting an extended warranty since they simply do not cover enough to have value. If it as obviously beat on then buy another.

I'd go for extended warranty because it doesn't take much to pay for itself UNLESS you are going to heavily mod it.

High pressure fuel pump alone is over $2k. Plus used, you never know what the last owner did with the car

Get a PPI either way. Don't trust 1 word the dealership or salesman says. Most cars were garage kept and belonged to the manager OR owner of the car lot LOL

Bought my 17 used with 4400 miles. Also bought the longest top tier $0 deductible National Warranty. I’m covered under factory warranties then the National until 100k and 1/1/2026.

I work on cars every day. Nothing worse than having to fix your own car. Drop it off at Subaru and pick it up on the way home.

These cars seem to follow the same rules in Porsche land. Buy the newest lowest mileage car you can afford. You never know how many drift laps or donuts a used rwd car has been through.

You are correct on all points. I've owned a '13 since new and have had no major issues yet. When I bring the car in for the recall, I'll likely do plugs and some other maintenance items at the same time. Otherwise, it's a very easy car to work on and very reliable. This is the third Subaru I have owned.