Dilemma BRZ vs FRS
 

So I am currently in a dilemma. I went to two dealerships today, Subaru and Toyota to check out the cars. Was able to test drive the FRS manual. Love the way the car handles, but for me, it comes down to what kind of deal I can get.

I personally prefer the BRZ interior (the way the center console looks), the push engine button and the heated seats. I could care less about the NAV system. I also like the fog lights standard on the BRZ.

On the FRS, I like the way the scion looks on the outside, and I like how the dash is all a dark color as I prefer a darker interior. I just don't like the center console as much. The BRZ console resembles the JDM and EUDM versions more which I prefer.


So currently, these are the offers on the table.

Scion, with their pure pricing is offering me the vehicle for $24200.00. Add in carpeted trunk matts and the destination charge, comes out to $25050.00. After taxes and DMV fees (NY), comes out to $27.273.00, without the wheel locks which I want to add on. Comes in Black which I want.

Subaru, is offering me a Silver BRZ for 28,300.80, this price includes the rear bumper applique (sp?), chrome fenders (which I can care less about), the rear diffuser (which I also don't care about), auto dimmer with compass, and wheel locks. After tax and DMV fees, total comes out to $31,130. The price that was on the sticker was somewhere in the mid 29k. As I was leaving, the dealer stated to me he may be able to knock the price down to mid 27k but he couldn't make a promise he would have to check with his manager. Unfortunately I want the car in black, he stated he can try to swap it with another dealer, or factory order one and the same prices would apply.

From all your opinions and experiences with purchasing the car, which do you find to be a better deal? Which deal would you take? (The better deal is not the one a person will always take) Please share your opinions.

I will be checking out another dealer tomorrow which I believe has it in black limited manual for an even lower price than the subaru I checked out today.

Also, I wanted to put this in both the FRS and BRZ threads but wasn't sure if the mods would be okay or happy with that.

doesnt sound like a dilemia. hold out and get what you really want. brz.

I just bought an FR-S. The pure pricing thing was super nice, it was my first new car and it took a lot of the stress out of it. I got mine for 26,500 after tax and title. I also got a really good interest rate and loan from Toyota, so make sure you take that into consideration.

The biggest difference for me when it came to price, was insurance cost. Even though the BRZ Limited was a few thousand more, my monthly output was about $5 LESS going with the BRZ because of cheaper insurance. You would obviously have to check it out locally where you are, but it's worth consideration (if you are financing or leasing that is).

I also just wanted the BRZ more in the first place, so it worked out well. In the end, go with whatever works best for you though (you can't go wrong with either, they are almost identical and both totally awesome!). :)

HIDs and Keyless entry as well. Get the color you want though.

Wait until you can get a black BRZ. Sounds like that's what you actually want.

Chrome fenders? Hmm....NO!

I prefer Subaru's dealer network and mechanics over scion.

Yea, not a fan of the chrome fenders either. Issue with waiting for the black BRZ, I would need to make a deposit first for them to swap or factory order one. They also stated they couldn't promise that they will find a black one. They stated they will attempt to swap one with another dealership, or attempt to factory order one. Whole process can take anywhere for 8 to 12 weeks but that also can't be promised because it can take longer. I'm not looking to wait too long as I need to give up my current car soon

I too was debating the Scion and Subaru, but rather than simply going for whatever Subaru offered, I had one ordered with my specifications. It's a two month wait approximately but I got the exact BRZ I wanted. The Subaru dealer should be able to tell you if there are any BRZs that match your specifications in your vicinity, if not they'll have to wait and see what comes in at the port in Baltimore. A black BRZ without the rear diffuser and chrome add-ons should be relatively easy to find.

My dealer only required $500 down out of the $6000 deposit to make the order. The rest of the deposit is paid when the car arrives and I get final inspection.

Sounds like the FR-S is more of a compromise than the BRZ.
I'd buy the one you want.

And sounds like they are "willing" to order you the one you want if necessary but are hoping you'll accept something that involves less work for them.

It seems like telling them "This is what I want, and will buy from you if you can deliver, what I want with that 27k pricetag..." without being rude about it, would be the bestway to go and they can let you know whether they can deliver on this or not.
Otherwise you'll find it elsewhere.

It's only a car.. I'd wait for the right one.. Don't buy anything you don't want, and don't settle for any less.

Nothing worse than buyer's remorse.

Seems like shopping for FR-S and BRZ out here is easy... I saw 6 at one dealership alone. And there are tons posted for sale on the websites.

If you don't have any locally, maybe a few phone calls and a road trip are in order?

And just an FYI if that dealer does infact have to get your car from another dealership... they will have to pay or give up a better optioned car to sweeten the deal to make it worth while most likely... This will effect the deal you are able to get on the car, as the dealer who owns the car is going to want to profit, and the dealer who traded to get you the car is going to leave you paying the tab (without you realizing it) when you negotiate a deal.

You could bypass this "dealer swap tax" by locating the car you want yourself. and picking it up yourself.

I went with the BRZ Limited for the creature comforts. The alcantara is nice, as is the keyless entry (correction - this is awesome) and auto climate control.

I like the chrome fender trim (but I'm silver anyway)

Full disclosure - I did not test drive the FR-S.

I understand the dilemna between FR-S / BRZ though.

Honestly what we need is the Toyota version ! It's better optioned, and has the nicer front end. Best of both worlds.

I like the BRZ interior far more.. But I also don't care about the Nav and I am indifferent towards the spoiler.

The FR-S has the front end I prefer.. I can't help but think of a smiley face or a mazda when I look at the BRZ.

If I go with the BRZ at least, black is the color I want... and it will hide some of that smile a bit better until I can verify whether or not the front bumper swap is doable and what that means for the lighting.

Out the door price is worth considering in a decision though, I mean if you can get an amazing deal on a FR-S you could always use the money saved to upgrade the interior? On the same note, if you save some money on your BRZ you could use some left over cash to change the bumper later.

I think if I go with a BRZ I will start out with a paint matched moustache (Black paint). Until I find the best solution to a full bumper swap.

Anyway, good luck with your purchase, and your decision.
Try not to make a rushed decision as the dealers will totally play you on that.

Also, I like that insurance tip posted above. I'll have to look into the difference locally.

I feel the same way you do. If only the US had the same model as the JDM. Best of both worlds is the best way to put it. I don't care about the Nav and also indifferent the spoiler. We are on the same boat.

I do have a question about the keyless entry system however. If I was to install an aftermarket alarm system, would that remote replace the remote for the keyless entry? How would all of that work out?