I guess I'm back again, with a smile, VIP program was worth it.
 

So I originally joined this forum when the Series.Yellow BRZ were announced. And I eventually got one. It looked so cool, I love yellow cars and the stitching made it feel special. It was fun to autocross and hit a back road, but it was less fun doing the everyday things. Winter came and it was EVEN less fun, in hind sight it was my first full winter here and Alaska and my skill set was lacking, so my everyday drives felt like I was either gonna make it or total it. With kid #2 on the way I used that as an excuse to trade into a 2017 WRX STi.

Fast forward 5 years and a couple cars later (Bought 2004 Mini Cooper S; Sold STI; Bought 2006 Porsche 911; Sold the Mini and the Porsche this year)

I wanted to give the BRZ/GR86 a second go. The 911 was driving bliss, BUT after very hard drives every new sound or creak made me paranoid that a $25k engine build was waiting for me. It also pained me to see it in the warm garage all winter while I got in a freezing cold mini to go to work.

Originally the GR86 is the model I wanted, the styling, the spoiler the more subdue stitching. But as many of you know they are nearly impossible to find. And if you do the markup are unreasonable. My local Toyota had one come available last month and they had $10,000 mark up on the car! (it sold too). So Subaru it was. Our local Subaru dealership is great, very nice and MSRP only dealer. We ordered my wifes Ascent from them and it came exactly as she expected. So in April my order for a BRZ went in fast forward to October, I sent ASPCA a $500 donation to become one of their 'Founders' which allowed me to use Subaru's VIP purchase program. The MSRP for my car was $33,178 after destination and my price OTD was $31,867!

I was just happy to have the car, and have a bigger sense of pride with it knowing (in this market) I got it home under MSRP. So far I'm taking it easy driving, being diligent to keep it under 5k. But I tell you what! It's not that hard to do! The car is SO much nicer doing regular old daily driving. By the time its ready to rev out the snow and ice will be here, so I'll have to wait till next spring to really let her rip, but in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.

Attachment 216199
Attachment 216198

Congratulations. I have two VIP customers waiting for orders right now, def a great option if you can find a dealership that will honor it.

Wow. Alaska looks beautiful. Also, nice choice of winter wheels :)

Thanks but those RPF1's are my 3 season wheels now that I have a set of Continental DWS'. For Winter I have a set of 16" Steelies with studded tires. Its already too cold for 'summer tires' but I don't want to put unnecessary wear on the studs. DWS were the answer.

I would guess sports cars in Alaska are a rare site..

You would be surprised, come summer time with 20+ hours of sunlight there's lots of time for activities. We have a pretty active SCCA and PCA region hosting auto and rally cross and a Miata and Corvette clubs for the cruising types.

1320 Came up this summer, have a look at what its like here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emkXv4kQpo0

Talk about burying the lede - how come this is the first we have heard of the $500 ASPCA donation to get into the VIP Program?

I don't know its on their website, regular donors its a 6 month wait, donate $500 and you get it instantly:

https://www.aspca.org/about-us/strat...artner-program

I saw it on a Subaru Ascent forum.

Luckily I am in program through VIP. Coincidently I have car with same color as well. Congratulations.

How's the grip level of the DWS? Do they slide well or is it tough to overcome the grip? Enjoying them?

So far so good. I'm still taking it pretty easy on the car but I did go out last night in 35 degree temps and carved some corners. I was impressed by both the cold weather grip and the cornering capabilities of the car. They are a excellent 3 season tire. Its a lot more confidence inspiring when trying to enjoy the car in the colder weather.