Anyone own both a BRZ and a WRX?
 

I've been shopping for a BRZ since the beginning of the year. Along the way, She Who Must Always Be Obeyed In All Things (Mrs. AnalogMan) decreed that before I could buy another mostly impractical sports car, I had to get something that would be 'practical' year-round transportation, particularly usable in the winter in our new home in snowy New England.

So, much to my surprise, earlier this year I test drove, and bought, a WRX (6 speed of course). I never paid much attention to them before, both because we don't need another 4-door car (wife has a Crosstrek), and because of the whole 'vaping bro' stereotype of the WRX (being in my 60's, I don't quite fit that demographic). But it was so much fun to drive, great visibility, roomy enough for our needs, that I couldn't resist. The stiff and jittery ride might get old after a while, but that's a decision for the future.

There's one space left for a car in our lives, and I can buy anything within our budget (as long as it's not a Corvette, Mrs. AnalogMan refuses to get into one). For the past few months, I've been debating with myself about finally buying a BRZ. I like the car very much. It's the kind of old-school analog-feeling elemental sports car I grew up with and always loved. But, I question if it's silly to have 3 Subarus in the family? (My other car is a 2015 Mustang GT, bought as a retirement present for myself, to commemorate my first car being a rusty clapped out old Mustang when I was 16).

Along the way I also seriously considered the Nissan 370Z, love the engine, came close, but in the end couldn't deal with the abysmal visibility and cramped interior. Also test drive the Miata RF, which is still a candidate, but neither my wife nor I are especially into convertibles anymore.

Does anyone else have both a BRZ and a WRX? Is it silly to have both?

Thanks!

I have a BRZ, a WRX STI, and my wife drives a 3.6 Outback. So 3 subarus isn't crazy. Right??? maybe it is...

I bought the BRZ before the STI and it was a lot of fun for a few years, particularly on track. The consumables for track duty are just so cheap compared to bigger, heavier cars. But then we had a kid in January and it just wasn't all that compatible so I bought a new STI. Now the BRZ mostly just sits because the STI is WAY more fun around town. It's more comfortable, makes better power, it's quieter (even with a louder exhaust) and has nicer creature comforts. I haven't had a chance to get it on track yet (new baby, remember?) so I don't know how that compares... But as far as having both, I kinda like the STI more in every way as a daily driver and I'll probably sell the BRZ before too long. The BRZ is very fun to drive hard and it looks great but everything about it is kinda cheap. it's noisy and doesn't make great power around town. But it's a fun RWD car especially if you can take it on track.

For what you're looking for, I don't think the BRZ separates itself enough from the WRX to earn a spot in your fleet. I'd be looking at a sporty convertible. Or a motorcycle... Is that an option? Because bikes are the most fun money can buy.

I may get called crazy for this, but I don't think it's a good idea. The BRZ is a really good inbetween car. It handles extremely well but doesn't have a lot of power. It doesn't have low power though. The WRX has great power and torque, and no wheel spin - so it's very thrilling to drive. It handles great. Not extremely well, but it's great.

I think you'll find the WRX to be such a great generalist that the BRZ will not be unique enough to serve a purpose. The WRX handles really well, it gets excellent gas mileage, it hauls way more, it's much faster, it sounds the same but with the bonus of turbo noises and much higher power potential.

if you want an exciting secondary car, find something more niche than the BRZ. if you want exciting, light, and fun for 20k, look into a lotus Elise or Exige. Don't stifle this chance with a BRZ when you already have an excellent all around car.

Edit:; holy crap, JoeC and I were thinking the same. Glad I'm not alone.

My ultimate plan is to have a full Subaru household consisting of a BRZ, WRX (STi or not), and a Crosstrek. I'm almost 2/3 of the way there with myself purchasing a BRZ very soon and my other half already having a Crosstrek. The BRZ will be the fun/backroads/track/auto-x car, while the WRX will be the practical around town car suitable for children.

While I do agree with @JoeC and @DarkPira7e, some key things to consider is what you want to do with this car, what is your budget, and what you're willing to do to maintain it. On the used market there's a bunch of good options around the price of a new BRZ but again it comes down to what you want to get out of the car.

JoeC, DarkPira7e, scoobydrew, thank you, very much!! I appreciate the benefit of your actual ownership experiences, and your objectivity. On a BRZ forum, it wouldn't be surprising to hear a chorus of 'hell yeah go for it!', because the BRZ is a great car. I appreciate your thoughtful, reasoned comments.

JoeC and DarkPira7e, you're right. I'm looking for something semi-niche, a small, light 'sports' car (I'm a hard-core gear head, and have owned well over 100 cars in nearly 50 years of driving). Like millions of other people have carped, if the BRZ had 'more power' (like, the 268 hp WRX engine) it would be a no-brainer and I would have bought it a year ago. But that will never happen, thanks to the Toyota bosses and their need to protect the Supra from cannibalization.

I hope to keep my WRX for as long as possible. It's such fun to drive! In some ways it reminds me of some of the old Saab Turbos I used to own, great ergonomics and visibility, practical but with power and handling.

My budget is up to $30k's. Enough to buy a new BRZ Limited, or something else used.

The 370Z came very close a couple of times. It was a blast to drive, in many ways like a BRZ, a simple, elemental car but with a lot more power. But with the non-existent visibility and cramped interior, I didn't see using it that much. No car is perfect, especially in my price range. In hindsight, I probably should have bought a 370Z. It seems like the closest to what I'm dreaming of.

I used to ride motorcycles in my younger years (teens and 20's). It was a loooonng time ago. At this point in my life, I don't want to be the stereotype of the 60-something guy getting back into bikes after 40+ years, and then killing myself on it because my reflexes aren't what they used to be (besides, my wife would probably kill me sooner than the bike if I brought one home; I still have scars from two near-fatal accidents as a teenager on them).

Thanks again!

You guys are not alone at all.
The BRZ is a very well done compromise for somebody wanting a sports car that still maintains a level of practicality as a daily driver. It fills that space very well but those compromises do hobble it a bit.
If I was in Analog's shoes (am also a dude in my 60s) I would most certainly be looking at something a little higher up the food chain. A used Lotus or Porsche in the same price range as a new BRZ would be well up my list.

HEre's what I would do in a 3 car world:

1.) Practical people mover (Wifey's car)
2.) Second practical people mover (My car)
3.) fun car (sports car, any kind)

I'd also say go Lotus Elise or something.

while a BRZ would be fine and dandy I think as a third car you can afford something that is higher up the food chain and/or very not practical.

In a 2 car world, one car has to be a practical people mover while the second car needs practicality, but can be compromised a bit.

Tcoat, thank you for reassuring me that I'm not the only WRX owner in my 60's. It gets a bit lonely at times, driving around and seeing all the WRXs/STis in my area driven by people less than half my age (but then, I've always been immature).

In theory, something a little 'higher up the food chain' would be great (especially for what will likely be my last 'sports car'; by the time I hit 70, I probably won't want to shift a manual transmission anymore, and might not have so much fun climbing down into a low sports car).

I've ruled out Porsches (I've owned several in my life). The air-cooled ones are fabulous, but prices have gone into the stratosphere. The water cooled ones, I can't abide a car like the Cayman with an engine you essentially can't even see (I like to do my own maintenance), and doesn't even have an oil dip-stick (I owned a 2006 Boxster S, and the lack of an oil dip-stick ended up causing headaches and expenses, when the digital gauge on the dash showed the oil level increasing).

Lotus, great in theory, but I'm too old to deal with the poor reliability and constant repairs. I've had many British cars, was always constantly tinkering with them, don't want to do that anymore (and my wife would not be happy if I brought another British car home, after some marriage-straining experiences with MGs and Triumphs in the past).

I keep thinking about the Nissan 370Z. Simple, basic, like the BRZ but much more power (but also more primitive). I'd go for a C6 Corvette, but my better half would never ride in it.

To be clear I do not currently own a WRX/STi but it is at the top of my shortlist when it is time to replace the FRS. I am just waiting on it to come out on the new platform because I think it will be spectacular.


I shopped the Zs and did not enjoy them at all. It is a horribly dated platform now and as far as sports cars go it is a barge in handling. It can't do anything you can't do as well or better with a WRX.
Newer Lotus seem to not have the issues of the past so constant repair is really no big deal. They are a total bitch to get in and out of though.
Your $30K price limit does restrict you a bit but I don't think the BRZ will give enough variation to your current line up to have much fun value.

Have you considered the new Miata? The power-hardtop convertible is pretty sweet. It's a good looking car and definitely has that sporty driving characteristic you're looking for.

If I were looking for a fun toy from among new cars right now, I think I'd be seriously considering an Alfa 4C. It's odd how every picture I've seen of it makes it look ugly as sin, but then it's surprisingly beautiful in person. It's funny to watch traffic around a 4C give it extra space because the drivers don't quite know what it is and whether they should respect it.

The driver of one recently mistakenly interpreted my downshift while approaching traffic as a challenge and left me behind like I was sitting still. My BRZ felt heavy and sluggish as I watched it zip around cars ahead of me.

But in reality if I were looking for another sports car, I would probably end up buying an older classic instead, maybe a TVR or Austin Healey. Hell, I could buy two or three old sports cars for what a new one costs.

I had an STI hatch before my FRS. They are really different cars despite them both being Subarus.

As I understand it, you and your wife have a Crosstrek, WRX, and Mustang GT, and are thinking of adding a BRZ? With that mix of cars I'd probably skip the BRZ since you could get away with a car that's even less practical.

I think a used Cayman (or 911 if you want a larger cabin) would fit the bill nicely. If you want something new and it's not out of budget, possibly a new Supra.

I second the recommendation to check out the new ND Miata. I was fortunate enough to rent one while on vacation. Even though it was an auto, it was a blast to drive. I think it fills the requirement of being a fun car, yet not practical enough to overlap too much with the WRX. As a reference, the trunk wasn't big enough to fit carry-on sized suitcases for 2 people (i.e. the driver & passenger).

Have you thought about getting a vintage sports car as fun car? MR2 or a fox body Mustang.
You should have taken your motorcycle to Old Town Road and keep riding until you cant no more:lol:

Now there is a thought. Doesn't have to be a sports car but anything vintage that can be a fun weekend toy.

The wife is on her second STi, a 2016, (She had a 2011 hatch). Up until a couple of weeks ago I had a 2006 STi that I'd had for 13 years. My year old BRZ is fun but in a rather sedate way compared to my 06 STi. It's got the looks, the feel, the handling but... I don't get that big grin when I accelerate in the BRZ like I do in an STi. Plus, I'm not a drifter so wagging its tail end is not my thing and the BRZ will do it at very low speeds with the "nannies" turned off. I'd be very content with the BRZ if it made more hp with low down grunt. Oh and I'm closer to 70 than 60. Also, the wife and I have decided to sell out motorcycles.
Me and some friends with our MV Agustas and our driveway last year.

Honda S2000
 

Don't want 3 Subarus, but want something similar to the BRZ?

Simple answer;

Honda S2000

In a good used condition and lightly used it will only appreciate in value, IMO.

Also, 9K RPM redline & VTEC baby.

Sorry, it is a convertible. Just keep the top up.

Well, if you like 370Z, you should buy a G37x used. Very good car. Saves you a bunch of cash as well. You seem to live in a cold place in winter. That helps too.

Agree. The best thing about S2k is that if you spend $20k to get a good AP2, use it for 10 years, you probably will be able to sell it for $20k 10 years later. If you have extra cash, get a NSX. After 10 years, you can make a bundle.

I have a 2016 WRX, 2017 BRZ PP, and a 2019 Ascent so I don't think it's silly to have 3 Subaru's. WRX and BRZ are completely different cars. WRX is much faster but I feel the BRZ is more fun to drive. BRZ has a very analogue feeling that's difficult to explain. BRZ has much better seats than the WRX. I did want a new Miata but having 2 small kids I still needed to have those (tiny) backseats for occasional use.

I am surprised you can tolerate the CVT with such a big car. If it had a decent 6 or 8 speed, I would have already owned one.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Owned a 2018 WRX for a few months. Shifter and rev hang sucked pretty bad, handling was good but not even near close to how good a BRZ or STI feels. Turbo was nice, felt very fast, but I now own a 2019 BRZ and enjoy it way more than I did with the WRX.

I have on 04 Subaru wrx wagon. Bought new May 23rd 2003. After 16 years still runs and pulls hard. When I got a new job with a longer commute I bought a 2016 BRZ new because it gets better mpg. Now I daily both and love them both. WRX is very practical, I have hauled all sorts of stuff, mountain bikes, kayaks, John boats. And with snows it’s unstoppable. Now the BRZ is just a go kart and pure fun, but lacks some torque even with a header and tune.

After kids college is paid for I will get either an old 911, 993 or cayman. WRX for winter and biking, BRZ for daily and some fun and the Porsche for the weekend and project car. I say get one, but if is really just a third toy get a used cayman.

WOW!! Thank you everyone for all the great comments and experiences! I deeply appreciate it!

Miata ND is on the list. I test drive it a couple of times and generally liked it. It's even smaller than the 370Z. People fit OK, but the trunk is laughably small, and there's no room in the cabin for anything at all. Seems like it would be fun for an afternoon drive, but hard to pack for even a weekend getaway. Mostly, I and my wife are not much into convertibles anymore, so the top would rarely go down.

Honda S2000, I owned one for 10 years! One of my biggest (automotive) regrets was selling that car. We were living in the Pacific Northwest at the time, where there are about, oh, 3 good days a year to use a convertible. So, in a weak and stupid moment, I sold it. Mistake. Big mistake. I should have kept it and found a hardtop for it (though I looked for a factory hardtop for years and never found one close enough to get). I think about that car as well, but would feel silly paying more for one now than I sold mine for a couple of years ago.

Water cooled Porsches, 911 or Cayman, I can't abide, because of the essentially sealed engine compartment, no oil dip-stick, and insanely expensive rip-off maintenance and repair costs.

I had a 2006 Boxster S over 10 years ago. About 6 months after I got the car, the digital oil level gauge on the instrument panel showed that the oil level was increasing. One quart overfilled, and then a couple of weeks later, two quarts overfilled. There are only a couple of things that can cause that. With a dipstick, I could have checked and found out in seconds what the actual oil level was, and if it was contaminated with anything. As it was, I had to take it to the dealer. Since it wasn't throwing any codes, they refused to cover it under warranty. They charged me $250 to drain the oil, measure it, look at it, and determine that the level was fine and no contamination. It turned out to be a faulty sensor (which they did cover under warranty, but not the drain and refill). After that, I swore off cars without dipsticks in general, and German cars in particular.

An older sports car, I owned many of them back in the 70's/80's/90's, and constantly peruse the classifieds looking at them. The problem is, with anything old, you really have to check it out in person. There are so many bondo-filled cobbled together heaps out there. Everything looks beautiful on internet photos, but most are a fright pig in person. I can't bring myself to buy something from far away sight unseen, and not too many come up close enough for an easy drive. But the search for old fun stuff is never-ending.

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!!

One of the perks of owning a 86/BRZ is the surprisingly functional (mostly at least) community. Just sayin'.


Also, just as a counter argument, there is some benefit to all your vehicles being from the same maker. For example, when you learn something technical about one, it is likely to apply to the others.


I did briefly have 3 Subarus (counting the FRS as a Subaru). Not sure if I would have kept all 3 if the back didn't fall off of one.

Is the 86 more toyota or more subaru?

I feel like the drivetrain is more subaru, where the interior is more toyota...

Also have a modified sti, old outback turbo in the fam. Brz may go bye bye soon but sti def will stay. Not really looking to get into an argument but for me the BRZ power doesn't do it for me. For DD it can be too slow to be safe on the highway when people decide to cut you off etc. I love cornering so of course it has plenty of power for that just not practical situations or enough to ever thrill you from acceleration. The car carries an amazing amount, but the back seat is really crappy and has a terrible hump for doggo. The mileage is incredible. If I didn't have a 13 maybe it would stay longer.

buy an sti bro.

Anything that looks like a Toyota inside is completely superficial. Everything that the buttons connect to is the same between both cars with the possible exception of the infotainment system. I don't pay much attention to that part anyway.

I wouldn’t worry too much about having 3 Subarus, who cares what other people think. It sounds like you don’t have a shortage of cars, it might be worth waiting for the next gen 86/BRZ. If rumours are true, @Tcoat loves a rumour ;), it should be out in a couple of years and it might fit the bill more than the current gen.

If it doesn’t, buy the current gen used.

I can’t think of many sports cars in your price range, especially since you’ve sworn off Porches etc. Miata/MX5, which you’ve said. New Fiat Abarth 124? Miata/MX5 with a turbo motor basically, worth a test drive. I like the look of the 124 better than a Miata/MX5. Otherwise go a BRZ.

BRZ if you want handling or 370Z if you want more power.

If I had a stock BRZ, I wouldn't buy a faster second car. Power is addictive. If your second car is WRX, I am afraid you may feel BRZ weak and start driving WRX in the summer as well. If I had WRX already, I would buy Miata so that I could at least go topless in the summer.

Have you ever sat in a 370? I find the seating position horrible. It could be my height but it feels like you’re sitting on a stack of books. I like them but can’t do it. Great car though

Sure the CVT acts funny sometimes. I guess I don't really care since it's the "carry kids around so driving experience doesn't matter" car.

My wife and I have a BRZ tS and 2 WRXs. We used to have a Crosstrek as well, but I recently swapped that for another WRX. I couldn’t ask for a better combo. WRX for my all around daily and dog hauler, and the BRZ as my weekend/track toy!

Thank you very much everyone! Your comments and experiences are very helpful and greatly appreciated.

You've given me a lot to think about....

Does anyone else have both a BRZ and a WRX? Is it silly to have both?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

I owned a 2015 WRX along with my BRZ for three years. Since I live in the great white north, it allowed me to keep the BRZ garaged in the winter unless it was a nice day.
I liked the WRX, but I didn't love it. Next time around I might go for an STI instead.

I respect your opinion, but I can only say that while I owned both that was not my experience. The WRX had some annoying quirks, rev-hang being one of the worst, felt cheaper and noisier than the BRZ. Since both cost almost exactly the same, it was tougher to put up with the shortcomings of the WRX. I sold it with very low miles and bought a Crosstrek for wife instead.

I realize this thread is old,, but as a 60+ YO guy to another 60+ YO guy,,, get the Corvette. Life is short and you only live once (YOLO) . This is partially important for guys our age.

That's why cars are great! It's fun to find your own preferences and decide what you do/don't like.
I'm in the same boat; I'd never put up with another WRX. I was generalizing for what I consider to be "most people". Then again, I suppose " most people" wouldn't be on this forum.

I ended up buying a BRZ as a garagemate to my WRX.

MrBreeze and DarkPira7e, I actually find the BRZ to feel 'cheaper' than the WRX. I like both of them, but probably due to the lightness of construction, the BRZ feels more flimsy and rudimentary than the WRX. It doesn't bother me, I was looking for a more elemental 1960s feeling sports car, but it might not be my first choice for a long drive. The WRX does have the rev hang you mentioned, but it doesn't bother me (that much), all turbo engines seem to have it (though the rock-hard stiff and choppy ride of the WRX makes that not a great choice for long drives either).

gtpvette, I am totally with on YOLO, and the importance of guys our age to appreciate the time we have left. The only certainty about life is that it's shorter than you think, and we all have less time left than we think. I looked hard and thought a lot about a Vette. But, She Who Must Always Be Obeyed in All Things has forbidden me from getting a Corvette. She tolerates (usually...) my car obsession and actually encourages me to buy fun cars. But the only cars she has forbidden me from buying are British cars (too many of them in the past have threatened our marriage) and Corvettes (unless it's a pre-1967). Happy wife, happy life, so I must obey the higher power...