[Darkone]

Originally Posted by robwbright

The common negatives I've seen noted and can remember include:

1: The BRZ either has barely enough power or needs more power or needs WAY more power... depending on who you talk to (and it sounds like you intend to remedy that with mods). It's a lot of fun stock when you ring it out, but many will want at least 30-40 HP added... then again, others will want 300 added. Personally, I will probably eventually mod until around 230 WHP - because it seems that that level of power is "safe" and doesn't require clutch upgrade.

2: Rattles in the door panels and other plastic (remedied by application dynamat or similar).

3: Stock audio system isn't great. Some, including me are satisfied with adding a powered sub, others replace head unit and add the OEM Audio speaker system.

4: Minor recalls like condensation in tail lights and issues with the GPS (I've had a little of the first and haven't had the second).

5: Stock tires aren't very sticky. This was planned by design (so that the driver could have fun sliding the rear end at legal speeds... but some want more grip. Stock grip is apparently around .90g (which is hardly terrible). A tire and wheel change can apparently get you at or over 1.0g with no suspension mods.

6: Tiny rear seats. I think this is overstated IF driver and passenger are vertically challenged people (I'm 5'4", my wife is 5'5"... we squeeze our 10 year old and 4 year old in the back seats and no one complains... once they're in). It is not overstated at all if driver/passenger are 6' plus tall. The back of the front seat will essentially touch the front of the back seat if you slide all the way back.

7: Crickets. Apparently fuel pump related, but some cars sound like there are crickets under the hood sometimes. I think replacement fuel pump resolves that issue for those that have it.

I do wish there were more/different storage locations and different cup holder designs... but this car isn't a 7 series BMW.

Basically, I haven't seen or experienced any major/common complaints that can't be fixed under warranty and/or relatively inexpensively. But I'm only at 5k miles so far and I certainly haven't read posts on here as much as some others have.

In short, to me, the negatives are minor issues/inconveniences that are FAR outweighed by the positive aspects of the car. Handling, fun factor, appearance, seats are off the charts for a 25k-29k car. Rarity, too - I have not seen a BRZ within 50 miles of where I live. I've only seen a couple FRS within 50 miles of here. There's a lot of aftermarket stuff available to upgrade the power (and anything else you want to change). And averaging about 28-29 mpg in mixed driving is pretty cool in a sports car. YMMV, of course.

The car audio guy who drove the car around the block and spent a bit of time scrunched up in it installing the sub asked me how much it cost. When I told him, he said, "Man, all of us here love it. We thought you paid around 40k".

That seems to be a common thought from those who sorta kinda know cars but aren't that familiar with the BRZ.

Thanks for all the info. and the time informing me ! I appreciate it!!!