Test Drove a BRZ today

[atledreier]

Ignition on, but stationary. Press the "Display" button a few times and you'll see "G-off" in the display. Hold the button and it changes. :-)

[swaq]

Originally Posted by rgt

Thanks. Yes, I did have a good test drive. Good info on the homelink mirror. Will be sure to drop that from my list of options.

I have the HomeLink mirror and it has fallen off twice (the first time was before I took delivery). The second time I just got out my Torx screwdriver bits and put it back on myself. Hasn't budged since. My dealer said that they are putting in longer screws now, so I'll either try that or Loctite if it gets loose again.

That said, I'm quite happy to have the HomeLink mirror. I live in a gated community (I don't recommend it...) and I programmed the second button on my mirror to open the gate.

[m.wood0213]

the car LOVES corners. highways and straights do not show the cars true colors. I love everything on the limited model I got and I am also very impressed with the A/T very fun and I get to do what I want when I want to (shift).

[Kimsey47]

Didn't read through, but the head unit is complete $#!t...

[wheelhaus]

I have the Premium trim, I would have liked the aditional creature comforts of the Limited, but they put the car beyond the budget I wanted to stay within and saving more cash would have left me sans car in the winter.

Anyways, After 14 moths of ownership I've had zero problems and too many smiles to count. I do have the HPFP crickets occasionally, but it's not enough to bother me. I also came from an 08 STi, modified 06 Evo MR, and modified 04 STi. Comparing all of them, I think I like the BRZ the most due to it's seating position, light weight, overall balance, driving feedback, etc, it's just so damn much fun. I look forward to officially welcoming you to the club!

[PMok]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

I have the Premium trim, I would have liked the aditional creature comforts of the Limited, but they put the car beyond the budget I wanted to stay within and saving more cash would have left me sans car in the winter.

I'm sure you're as chagrined as I am, that now prices are negotiable enough that you could probably buy a Limited now for the price we paid for the Premium a year ago. But at least we got to enjoy driving them over the past year.

[tbertran]

Originally Posted by ThisIsChrisKim

I still turn around to look at it when I park, and that feeling of beauty never seems to fade.

And I thought I was the only one corny enough to do the same thing!

[Suberman]

Originally Posted by swaq

I have the HomeLink mirror and it has fallen off twice (the first time was before I took delivery). The second time I just got out my Torx screwdriver bits and put it back on myself. Hasn't budged since. My dealer said that they are putting in longer screws now, so I'll either try that or Loctite if it gets loose again.

That said, I'm quite happy to have the HomeLink mirror. I live in a gated community (I don't recommend it...) and I programmed the second button on my mirror to open the gate.

Have your dealer fit the updated adapter plate under warranty. Fixes this problem permanently. Mirror no longer shakes either.

[rgt]

Did anyone get the subwoofer add from the dealership? Is it worth it ?

[Sport-Tech]

I'm a bit surprised you found the visibility so good - compared to what, a Camaro? Yes it's terrific to the front but the rear quarter visibility is dreadful, as many here have noted.

[rgt]

Originally Posted by Sport-Tech

I'm a bit surprised you found the visibility so good - compared to what, a Camaro? Yes it's terrific to the front but the rear quarter visibility is dreadful, as many here have noted.

I guess the vis is better than my celi. I just recall not having any trouble looking out towards my right side blind spot.

[Darkrune]

Originally Posted by ThisIsChrisKim

I've had my BRZ for about 6 months now and it's been a great fun car to own. I still turn around to look at it when I park, and that feeling of beauty never seems to fade. The only thing I find somewhat tiring is how jarring it is when you go over bumps or large changes in elevation--it's pretty harsh. Other than that, the car is pretty compliant.

I was reading the grimmspeed strut bar reviews and they said it made what you described much better.

OP: I love my limited. I dumped a 2012 Evo X with 500 BHP for my new BRZ. I have no regrets, and my wallet thanks me too.

[Chad86]

Originally Posted by rgt

So on my day off today I decided to go visit the local subie dealer to see what the fuss about these BRZ's is all about. My impressions:

1. First the seats. I am tall (6'3") so the first thing I wanted to do was squeeze into the car to see how fit. I was very pleased with the sitting position. The seats cup you just right and the ledge on the door (glass sill) was just the right height for resting my elbow and had enough width to rest a good portion of my arm. The seats were leather and were very snug. I tried the standard seats on another car at the dealership and was not impressed with the feel. The overall position was good and vision through all windows of the car was fantastic - which surprised me.

2. Test drive. The first thing I noticed and kept fixated on almost the entire test drive was the giant rpm gauge directly in front of you. I don't think I ever noticed the speedo. Just the rpm needle and the digital speed indicator. It took me a little to get used to the clutch - so much lighter than my ole STI. The gearbox was good although I had some trouble trying to figure out what gear I was in at times. The reverse being to the left in the gear tree is strange to me. In any case, off we zipped. The car is an absolute brick in the low rpms - maybe even worse than my ole celica, but ironically I think the car is actually quicker than it let's on. I found myself getting to 60-70mph with relative ease. I had opportunity to gun it from a light as we neared our return to the dealership and it was a blast. The car came to life and growled like a panther. Overall it drove almost exactly as I imagined it. Kinda reminds of a 2.5RS but not as torquey.

Conclusions: i should say first that I come from a stage 2 07 STI but I did go into this with limited expectations to not mess up my impression. Overall it is a gorgeous little car - I absolutely love the cockpit feel of the BRZ. It doesn't really throw you into your seat but it has such a good road feel you kinda overlook it. I just felt so comfortable in it. Still it was a tad slower than I imagined it would be. Don't get me wrong it feels sporty but you really have to be rolling around in the upper rpms to see it - and it's very loud at the high end so you won't be fooling anyone by holding it in a lower gear to get a quick jump.

I think it would make a good replacement for my commuter celi for sure. I was curious if there is anything on the BRZ when you purchased it that you really wished you had upgraded. I think I may just be picking me up one this year.

I'm still contemplating a test drive... Thinking about going this Friday. I currently drive a 2003 Celica GT

Are you driving a GT or GT-S and what do you notice in the differences between the Celica and BRZ?

I'm still contemplating between Subaru and Scion, color options (wanting Ashpalt, and want to have all the creature comforts.)

Let me know your thoughts.

I am looking to purchase an Asphalt Monogram (but I live in Canada, not available) or BRZ with all the options. I think it might just be easier getting a BRZ, but everyone complains about the mustache. I like the standard fogs, DRLs and angels eyes on the BRZ, but the front end looks more agressive on the FR-S...

[daiheadjai]

Originally Posted by Chad86

I'm still contemplating a test drive... Thinking about going this Friday. I currently drive a 2003 Celica GT

Are you driving a GT or GT-S and what do you notice in the differences between the Celica and BRZ?

I'm still contemplating between Subaru and Scion, color options (wanting Ashpalt, and want to have all the creature comforts.)

Let me know your thoughts.

I am looking to purchase an Asphalt Monogram (but I live in Canada, not available) or BRZ with all the options. I think it might just be easier getting a BRZ, but everyone complains about the mustache. I like the standard fogs, DRLs and angels eyes on the BRZ, but the front end looks more agressive on the FR-S...

I had a 2002 GT before the BRZ.
I notice the BRZ pushes less in sharp turns, and feels way more confident in turns. Where the Celica did feel like it would push me into a curb a couple times (though this could be due to lousy tires), the BRZ always feels great.
Engine note is growing on me, but initially, I actually thought the 1ZZ sounded better.
Clutch was heavier in the Celica, and gas pedal more linear in response (Drive By Wire, what can you do?) so that initially, I found it harder to drive the BRZ smoothly (got used to it though).

You build up speed much easier (200hp is a big jump for someone used to 140hp), and it just feels more composed (in some regards, even more compliant than the Celi - despite low profile 17-in wheels/tires vs. 60 sidewall econobox 15-in wheels/tires)

It's nice to have TC and VSC - but one area where the Celica excels is practicality - there is more room for things like your phone, sunglasses, garage door openers etc. in the Celica's cabin - and the hatchback trumps the trunk everytime.
Rear legroom is better in the Celica as well (if that matters), and the split folding rear seats are also better than the single piece folding rear seat in the BRZ.