Quote:
Originally Posted by e85sbm
I am hoping to find a realistic owner who can let me know if the FRS/BRZ makes a good daily driver in Calgary. I have owned a number of RWD cars in the past (S2000, Z4, M3) with a small number of winter driving issues, but since then my lifestyle, needs and wants have changed.
I am currently in a BMW and have been driving BMW's for the past 10 years, prior to BMW ownership I was a Toyota owner and loved the cars.
Trying to reduce costs in the poor Calgary market and I don't want to find a part time job to keep the BMW.
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I've had my mine for about a year and a half... on my 2nd winter with it. It's my daily driver and, like you, have only had RWD cars all my life. (and only manual transmission)
Now that I've had it for a while, I can give you my 2 cents on it.
This is a driver's car. If you enjoy driving, then this is the car to get. If you're all about romping it at the lights or straights, then forget it... get yourself a Charger or something. This car is for people who appreciate balance and cornering. I love that it's so light, which reminds a lot of my old AE86 (obviously). My 2 previous cars before this was an E36 and E46 (both 3-series), and I find they are just too heavy to enjoy.
My biggest complaint about this car is its size. It's so damn small, don't expect to drive more than one person at any time. Also, because of its design, shoulder checking and rear view is very limited at times. I recently installed a backup camera to alleviate the annoyance of having to back up at night (I have tinted windows as well).
The shifter is a bit clunky for my taste. Shift linkage was a non-issue in the BMWs, as they are smooth and sure. Going to the FRS/BRZ, I'm quickly reminded of the clunkiness that is old Japanese cars from the 80s and 90s. Also, my second gear grinds A LOT.. it's a common problem with some of these models (but not all).
The pedals are nice, but the space between the brake and gas is slightly farther apart than on BMWs. As a result, toe-heel during medium speed and braking is a bit harder to do. However, fast/hard braking toe-heel is fine cuz you're much deeper on the pedal.
As for winter... make sure you have a decent set of winter rubber on. And here's a pro-tip... put two 45lb gym weights in your trunk. I velcro mine, so they don't shift around. Doing so will be a night and day driving experience! The added traction and weight is a huge improvement to stock!
In short, yeah, this car is pretty great. But if you're all about straight line speed and impressing your guy friends on its (non-existent) power, then get something else.
Feel free to PM me, if you want me to expand on any other details of this car and its daily driving experience.