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My requirements were: RWD, <3000lbs, under 20k, and 4 'seats' if possible.
It took a few months of looking when I realized the BRZ was the only car that ticked all of those boxes. I was looking at Caymans, 350Zs, and BMW Z4s.
The Cayman was out on price. I could afford one but shouldn't, and I'm glad I resisted the temptation.
I always loooved the 350Z (came out when I was 16, it was THE tuner car for a little while), but finally drove one and walked away miffed. It was heavy, the engine didn't feel willing, and it felt really chintzy.
I looked for a few S2000s but quickly realized for that money i'd take a Z4 over it any day.
The Z4 was starting to feel like the one to go for. I had owned a 2006 Z4 3.0i auto before and loved it. I had my heart set on a 2008 3.0SI M/T.
Then I started realizing how important the vestigial rear seats would be with my 1 year old. If anything happens, I CAN transport her safely in my car. I CAN fit my whole family in the car if my wife's bimmer is in the shop. None of these other cars could.
I drove an FR-S on a damp Saturday morning and by the first turn I was in love and the salesman was grabbing for the ohshit-handle. The engine doesn't have any torque from 3-5k, but that is okay because between 5-7k it buzzes around like the angriest little bee that just wants to rev and rev and rev. Some places the car feels thin in the metal and a little cheap, but that is okay because it's still better than the 350Z AND this car is legitimately light. The interior is spartan when compared to my previous BMWs, but that is okay because the seating position and driver controls are brilliant.
I fell in love, started researching the twins more (i remembered them from the concepts in 2010) and decided on setting my sights on a BRZ limited for under 20K.
If the twins didn't exist, I would still be commuting in my Saab 9-3 and taking the wife's 335i out for a spin when I need an automotive adrenaline shot. Now I'm on an IV.
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