Trading Up
 

I have a 2014 Premium with about 40K on it and am thinking about trading up to an almost new 2019 Limited with the performance package that has 6K on it.

My 2014 runs fine and outside of a few minor dents and paint chips, is in excellent condition. The real reason I'm thinking about trading is that I want to get the extras a limited has, like keyless entry, etc. Also since it has 6K and the original purchaser bought it 5 months ago, it has a lot of factory warranty remaining. I am kind of wondering why they traded it at only 6K miles, but I'm guessing it's the "unexpected baby on the way" thing, and they traded for an SUV or the like.

It's for sale at a local Honda dealership and they want 28K for it, and have already stated that price is firm. I haven't spoken to them about trade-in pricing yet so I have have no idea what they might offer for my 14. Carvana says they will give me $14K, but I've never dealt with them so I don't know if that's a bunch of bull or not.

So here's the thing, should I wait for the 2020's to come out in a couple of months or go for an almost brand new 2019? I am thinking the 2020 Limited's are going to be at least 3K higher in price with no appreciable difference in options.

Just as a side note, under the list of options it states the 2019 has a close ratio 6-speed. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I am guessing that basically means you get to red line quicker between shifts. I'm also guessing that is standard and not an option on the 2019's.

By the way, the 2019 is WR blue, which I am fine with since that's also the color of my 2014.

If you can get them to come down on the price go for the 19. The $28K seems a bit high but may be about right in your area.


The close ratio 6 speed is the AT. They are all close ratio no matter what year it isn't a change.

IMO 28k is ridic for a used one. I would think you should be able to get brand new '19 PP for 28k.

Wait until next year as the rumour is that a STI/GRMN Turbo V6/V8 is coming.... Seriously, I would going down the same route if there was a drastic difference.

If your car is feeling old/tired then it's time to try something different...

IMO, paying $14,000 more for the same car is crazy! Keyless entry can be installed for a few dollars. The brakes can be installed for a few thousand. Full leather interior only cost me $1100. New wheels and tires are also only a few grand. You still would have $8000 to do other things with. Is 34,000 miles worth 8 grand?

In all seriousness, the only way I'd imagine trading was for a higher power trim level.

This. The cars have not changed that much, and any discrepancies are covered by suspension in the aftermarket. I prefer my vanilla base model FRS with no weird gauges or touch screen radio to the new stuff and the steering wheel that has buttons on it. I've sat in the newer ones, driven the newer ones... I just think that if I already had one, I wouldn't give it up for a newer one unless it came with much higher output

I’ve thought about doing the same and planned to do so for a while. But as stated above me, it’s essentially the same car bro. Keyless entry, backup camera etc. don’t matter when you’re actually driving. It’s literally like 5 seconds of satisfaction lol if you trade in, you’ll end up with a bone stock twin and AT BEST $10k in debt. Not really worth it. Put $5k into your current car and make it your own and you’ll enjoy it more than a stock 19 PP. If you’re serious though, wait till there’s a MAJOR model change

It sounds to me like you just want something different/fresh and shiny. It's not worth spending that much on just the novelty of having a new car, once it wears off you're going to be in the same boat. If you were getting a turbo or serious differences/upgrades in the transaction then that would be a completely different story. After driving my 2013 for 6 years, the only way I would buy another BRZ is if it came with a turbo or bigger motor.

$28k is not a great price for a used BRZ, even with the PP. I don’t think it is worth paying $14k+ taxes more than what your car is worth just to get one a few years newer with a few extra features. Since your car has no current problems, I would just hang on to it at least until there is a significant model refresh with major changes.

Really appreciate the feedback, sounds like it's pretty much a no-brainer to just keep my 2014.

Besides, if I want a truly new BRZ, the 2020's are coming out soon and according to what I have seen they are only producing the Limited model. They are supposed to be about $1000 more then what I would be paying for the 2019. That's not including destination charges and the performance package, but that's no biggie to me anyway.

I might even consider a color change, but I'm pretty happy with the WR blue. Interesting to note they appear to be dropping red as a color option on the 2020's.

Keep it. You can find stock brembos for under 2k. Sachs dampers or better for 500. Keep it decide what you don’t like and improve it. Even a sweet paint job can be had for 2-3k. Still way cheaper than buying another one.

where are they selling a full set of 4 wheel brembos for less then $2k?!?

the limited has keyless ignition. that cannot be installed for anywhere less than $500. i'm finding systems for $350, but install costs are going to be at least $200-600 depending on the complexity and shop.

also, there's a few major changes between 2014 and 2019. the transmission is the same close ratio design, but the rear axle changed ratio's to make the car feel quicker. so 2nd gear in a 2014 would hit around 50-55mph, where 2nd in a 2019 won't surpass 40-45mph. otherwise, the overall structure is identical, though some minor rigidity improvements have been made.

basically, the 2014 is as close to a pure drivers car as one can get in this era. besides the performance packs altered brakes and dampers, every model update has slowly carried the car away from that. adding a backup camera to a tiny car... steering wheel controls... ditching part of the analog gauges for a screen that blinds at night...