Buying Pre 17' vs 17'+ Autox/Track use
 

Hey guys,

Been a while. I sold my 13' BRZ, then had a 17' that I prepped STX. Then Milwaukee had a terribly wet season, followed by no Miller Park. So I sold the 17' BRZ in February.

I'm now driving a 2011 STI Hatch (not for sale!) It's a bit beat up though; so I'm not really investing in it. It's a fun DD with 110,000 miles that I may do winterx in.

Anyways, selling my 17' BRZ feels like a huge mistake, especially since the financials and other details ended up working out and I now have garage space for 3 cars.

I'm considering getting a used 17' for the upgrades/etc. But it might also make sense to just get the cheapest twin that has reasonable miles up to and including a rebuilt title since I'll be upgrading the car...

Was hoping to get some opinions here before I pay more for a 17' than a 16' with similar miles. You are entitled to call me an idiot for taking the loss on a 17' and then buying another the same year...

Hello fellow Milwaukee-ian.

I have a '13, and if I ever got a new car, it would be an RS 2.0 from the south. That Cream color is amazing! BUT if I could go back and re-buy an FRS, it would be a 15-16 base model. No spring recall, no coil pack issues, and no steering wheel controls. Its the best foundation for putting a ton of aftermarket into.

When are you looking to buy? :)

Now.

Steering wheel is good argument. I like the transmission in the 17+ though... so I'm still on the fence.

I don't think they made any changes to the 17+ transmission. They did change the final drive ratio, though. Not sure if the shorter FD would actually be an advantage when you add more power for STX. For AutoX it would probably depend on exactly what MPH your shift points end up at.

Rebuilding the red FRS this weekend so my silver 2015 BRZ will be available soon if you a car from far away. Southern car at least. Rebuilt also. Would still have a Koyo radiator and probably Tein flex. Or stock. I have both laying around.

It wasn't a FS thread :middlefinger:

:)

I'd go SSC if I were looking primarily for an autox/track car.

For STX I'm guessing that the 17+ is slightly better overall to run on 255s with the shorter gearing and slightly improved engine. Crank up the rev limit for more mph.

Oh and, not that it'll have any chance at being competitive at all, but a 17+ 86 with TRD springs, bars, and wheels is now the best twin for Street class.

Buy the cheaper car in good shape, spend the money on mods. Or take advantage of buying a decently setup car for less than you can build it.

No real advantage to a 17+ IMO for either auto or tracking.

The features the new models have don’t outweigh the price. If you want features, get a premium ‘15 BRZ. Sachs BRZ coils and dampers are pennies in comparison to swap into a cheap FRS. The brake kit not so much, but thousands of people run the floating calipers with zero issues.

The positive of the '17+ cars is that you can't run SSC, but the extra couple mph of the earlier cars is nice for autocross for those that are strong willed enough to not get reeled in by SSC.