Opinion on how to go about buying a BRZ?

[42395_skyline]

I have wanted the BRZ since launch and for the past couple months have been looking into what year I am wanting to buy. Since day one I decided on lightning red limited 6-speed. I test drove a new 2015 a couple days ago finally and loved it. Price was $30k with the first package after fees. Car only had 12 miles.

Problem for me is that I see three options that I like and not sure which I should go with.

1. Buy 2016 once they release in a couple months and pay the $30k then.
2. Buy a slightly used 2015 (if I can find it) after 2016 releases for a few thousand less.
3. Buy a 2013/14 with some miles on it for substantially less but risk not knowing it's history.

I do plan on modifying the car (not heavily) so one worry is buying a new 2016 and end up voiding the warranty by flashing the ECU and adding bolt-ons like intake, header back, ect. This actually makes me lean towards the second option where I save a few thousand and can put that towards mods.

Sorry about the long post! Anyone want to give me their opinion on what I should do? Thanks.

[swarb]

Your car your money your choice.
Your options go from
newest to new to used from most expensive to not as expensive to cheapest.
You should do what you want.

[uEih]

Originally Posted by 42395_skyline

I do plan on modifying the car (not heavily) so one worry is buying a new 2016 and end up voiding the warranty by flashing the ECU and adding bolt-ons like intake, header back, ect. This actually makes me lean towards the second option where I save a few thousand and can put that towards mods.

.

I think you already answered your question with this part right here.

[tyrantcf]

1. Decide what you want.
2. Go to dealer that has what you want.
3. Come to agreement on price that you're happy with.
4. Buy car.
5. Enjoy car.
6. (Optional) if not happy with car, trade in for Mustang or other large fishing vessel.

[Champster]

I called the dealer and picked up the last manual old stock. got a big discount.

[8ighty6]

I just bought a BRZ after being in the market for a few months, so here's my input...

You can surely save a few thousand by waiting a few months and buying a new 2015 when they are clearing them off the lot after 2016s are released, especially in the winter. Around April, a dealer near me sold their last '14 limited for 24 OTD. Now that's a deal...especially if you want to buy new.

I opted for buying a 13-14 used BRZ L with under 10k miles. You can usually get a good idea how well the car was kept simply through conversations with the seller and test drives (I bought through private seller). Also, make sure all maintenance and service records are included. Buying through a private seller also allowed me to transfer the Gold Plus warranty to my name for a small fee. It took me 3/4 months to find exactly what I wanted, but it certainly paid off in the end.

To many, spending 4/5k extra to buy new is probably worth it if they're able to get one of the last year's models at a discount. I was fine with waiting and putting that money elsewhere (aka mods haha). Hope you find what meets your needs!

[svtfever]

id buy used. there all all the same car

[thill]

If you are modding the powertrain buy a used one. Even buying a gently used one with less than 10K miles can save you thousands, but you have to be willing to extend your buying range a little.

[PandaSPUR]

I'd be worried buying these cars used since they tend to be driven more harshly than your average car lol. Plus, Subaru doesnt do certified used cars so no warranty support if you need it.

I got my 2015 Limited out the door for 28.5k, which is pretty good considering the taxes here in NYC. But I bought it during the last week of december and signed final papers on January 2nd. Meaning it was right as the dealership was closing out their year lol.

Winter + year end = low demand for a RWD sports car + desire to sell ASAP.

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

I'd be worried buying these cars used since they tend to be driven more harshly than your average car lol. Plus, Subaru doesnt do certified used cars so no warranty support if you need it.

I got my 2015 Limited out the door for 28.5k, which is pretty good considering the taxes here in NYC. But I bought it during the last week of december and signed final papers on January 2nd. Meaning it was right as the dealership was closing out their year lol.

Winter + year end = low demand for a RWD sports car + desire to sell ASAP.

This you're rolling the dice buying used. Could be a good condition car on the outside but was boosted for the first 10k of its life pushing 400hp and turned back to stock. Then you buy it assuming its stock and it turns out.to be a pos and the engine pops a few miles into ownership. I'd look for any older model years that might still be on the lot and go from there

[GreenMonster]

Originally Posted by PandaSPUR

. Plus, Subaru doesnt do certified used cars

http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/certified-pre-owned.html

I don't see them often, but they are out there... basically a 7 year / 100K powertrain warranty.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by 42395_skyline

Since day one I decided on lightning red limited 6-speed.

The folks telling you to buy used might have missed this. Lightning Red is not a common color. If you're set on red, you might get lucky, but you also might have a difficult time finding one used or a new 2015 sitting on the lot.

Also, the ones that sit on the lot are usually automatics. If you're looking for a manual, it will be harder to find a 2015 still sitting there when the 2016s arrive. Fewer people want this car with an automatic, so they just don't sell as quickly.

You can wait and watch and see if you get lucky, but you may end up either having to look far and wide for it or compromising on your choices. A local dealer might be able to search other inventories and find one on another lot somewhere else, but if that happens you're not likely to get the great deal that you'd get on one that has been sitting around locally.

My advice: Don't compromise on color or transmission. I actually own a 2014 Lightning Red Limited 6-speed. I ordered it that way to get exactly what I wanted. To me it was worth it. If I were in the market now, I would wait for the 2016 and order it exactly the way I wanted it.

[PandaSPUR]

Originally Posted by GreenMonster

http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/certified-pre-owned.html

I don't see them often, but they are out there... basically a 7 year / 100K powertrain warranty.

Hm... I must've missed that somehow.

But when I search within distance "ALL" of my area, there isnt a single BRZ. *shrug* odd

Originally Posted by extrashaky

Also, the ones that sit on the lot are usually automatics. If you're looking for a manual, it will be harder to find a 2015 still sitting there when the 2016s arrive. Fewer people want this car with an automatic, so they just don't sell as quickly.

Not saying you're wrong, but I'm not sure how accurate that statement is. When I was shopping around my area, all 4 dealerships I checked had more MT than AT on their lots. Some even had no AT at all. Its probably just dependent on each dealership's sales strategy.

[chaoskaze]

Buy used but be careful. Cuz 99% of Brz probably got redlined eveyday