Test drove BRZ, a few observations/questions

[mkiv808]

Originally Posted by N1rve

I think a Prius would win if the race is long enough..

Ever see this?

http://www.topgear.com/au/videos/compass42

[mkiv808]

So what's the absolute cheapest you can get a new BRZ limited these days?

[Decisis]

Originally Posted by m.wood0213

look youre going from high powered high priced cars to the new cheap and cheerful RWD. Power will feel lacking when getting out of the others into a BRZ. I find myself loving the power available. On the back roads its just low enough to allow you to redline a couple gears while not going over speed limit. Steering can not be beat and honestly interior is quite nice imo. Overall, you need to be happy with the car. Maybe look at a Z Genisis Coupe or used Cayman. I love my BRZ and later Ill get a WRX for practicality.

^Agreed. Honestly, the Cayman S was probably your best bet. With cars like the vettes you listed and the E92 M3, you're comparing a whole different class so interior quality is out of the question since it's a budget sports car. In terms of handling though, I'd say it's on par with a lot of higher tiered cars...

I say go for it if you prefer to have something that's easier on your finances but it seems like you are set on the Porsche. Like you mentioned, you can always boost if you're concerned about performance. Unless you're planning to track the car (sounds like you are), it's more fun to really drive and push a slower car to its limits rather than limiting that experience with a fast car on back roads where you can't utilize all that power.

Do what makes you happy. Hope everything works out :]

[mkiv808]

The ability to save money is really appealing. Can do more work on the house, invest, and generally save up for the 2014 Cayman S - maybe in spring of 2016 when the prices are down a bit?

My only worry is the power. I couldn't care less on interior quality. Heck, my C5 Corvette Z06 had one of the worst interiors in the history of interiors. But it was relatively cheap and fun. I've actually considered another C5Z, but those interiors are sooo awful.

[woode]

Originally Posted by mkiv808

So what's the absolute cheapest you can get a new BRZ limited these days?

No idea what the cheapest is, but I got my '13 BRZ Limited w/ Option Package 2 (homelink, etc) just over a month ago for $26.1k OTD. I feel like I got a good deal since it was a '13. I'm sure there are some that are even better deals though.

[hail2thetheif]

I'd say that's a pretty good deal for sure. I picked my '13 Limited with the same package for $25,800 OTD. Personally I think anything in the area of $25.5 and $26.5 is nothing to be bummed about.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by woode

No idea what the cheapest is, but I got my '13 BRZ Limited w/ Option Package 2 (homelink, etc) just over a month ago for $26.1k OTD. I feel like I got a good deal since it was a '13. I'm sure there are some that are even better deals though.

That's an extremely good deal. Good job!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[mkiv808]

Oh boy, now I'm looking at C5 Z06's in addition to the BRZ. 2 TOTALLY different cars, but the exact same price used with low miles. My C5Z was one of 2 cars I regretted selling (the other being the Cayman), and they've pretty much done all their depreciation.

Gonna have to test drive both in one day. The C5Z is a track monster, but I think the BRZ will be more fun on tight streets.

[SliverBrz]

Ill keep it simple

If you TEST drove, and the CAR didn't convince you then simply DON'T buy it.

Don't let others convince you, or DON'T try to convince yourself after your first impression.

[Boxer486]

Originally Posted by SliverBrz

Ill keep it simple

If you TEST drove, and the CAR didn't convince you then simply DON'T buy it.

Don't let others convince you, or DON'T try to convince yourself after your first impression.

I disagree with this. It makes sense at first blush but things in life are more complicated.

I came from lightweight MRs, V12 GTs, boosted AWD and was lukewarm about the production 86(was much more excited during concept development). Went for a test drive and found the power and throttle response lacking, the handling was okay compared to my standards, the sewing machine sound of the FA20 from outside made me wince, and the interior sound tube sonics made me lol the first time I heard it, steering feel wasn't up to my MR like you said, the responsiveness was somewhere in the neighborhood of a first gen mini which I hated, the blindspots worried the hell out of me based on how I typically like to drive. I was not won over and if anything more willing to just pass on the car.

A few months went by and the 10 series was announced. Went to check out the color and they threw another set of keys at me. Became more familiar with the car in the meantime and had a more positive drive. Still didn't win me over but started to make more sense as a combination of compromises and tuning potential and driving enjoyment. Went home and started doing more research and shopping to run the numbers while biding my time.

Another month goes by and I'm getting an itch to test drive it again and make a decision, so I do. Everything just begins to make sense for my needs. Size, weight, cargo space, mileage, handling, looks, ergonomics. It wasn't the best at any of those but it was the best package to include all those aspects in a usable way for me. More importantly, I started missing not having something like it. So made the decision and got one.

Let me tell you, I understand all the points the OP is making and I don't think he's saying talk me out of the 86 so I can save for the Cayman. He feels the car but has valid concerns which is just fine. I can say without hesitation that despite not being the best at anything, the FRS has been my favorite daily driver ever. It simply has a charming balance of let's stir some shit up and I just want to get home without fuss all while I can go to IKEA or Home Depot and haul some stuff around getting great mileage. All in a sub $25K+ package too.

I have sharper, lighter, more focused cars and more powerful cars, but the FRS is the car I miss driving the most everyday and look forward to getting back into everyday. It makes me want to just stay in the car and just keep driving who knows where to do who knows whatever. IF that makes sense to the OP, get a used BRZ. If not, wait for the Cayman GT.

Even if you get the Cayman later, you can use the BRZ to be your track bitch while you get up to speed racing. You aren't going to want to push a new $70K car out on the track and really abusive it the way you should, unless it's not yours. I'm also a firm believer that real car guys always need at least one beater in their collection anyway.

[BRZfan]

Me?

I simply start doing my research and tryouts/test-drives about a year before I plan upon purchasing. My preference changes from car to car, or even back again during that period, but I am always satisfied with what I eventually buy. There will never be the perfect car and I suspect that some of the posters in this thread, yes, even the OP, will never be 100% satisfied with what they buy.

The only 'saving grace' is to buy mods in an effort to get the 'perfection'. Some achieve it, some do not. It's like the wife or daughter (not mine) who needs to go shopping to get the 'quick fix'.

Moral: Take your time, do the research. There will be other cars in the future.
.

[mkiv808]

Originally Posted by SliverBrz

Ill keep it simple

If you TEST drove, and the CAR didn't convince you then simply DON'T buy it.

Don't let others convince you, or DON'T try to convince yourself after your first impression.

Totally disagree. I test drove a C6 and liked it on test drive, was 100% sure I'd love it and wound up hating it.

After having an amazing experience owning a Lotus Elise, I test drove the Cayman S. Thought it was decent, wasn't convinced, still looked at other cars. Wound up loving it more than any other car.

I don't think that rule is true. It takes time to really grow to love or not love a car IMO. At least for me.

[???]

For NA, you can EASILY gain 20whp or more from a full exhaust, drop-in filter, and a tune. That's a good way to safely increase power and or economy. I recommend a turbo kit or vortech supercharger kit. That can almost double the power at the wheels pretty easily and safely. And believe me, in such a light car, you will notice even the slightest engine mod. You said you drove the brz. The FR-S has an even tighter, sportier suspension without sacrificing ride quality. It also comes with a carbon dash instead of the aluminum and it's cheaper. I personally think the frs looks better too, but a brz with a drop and wheels would look really good. You can wrap the dash trim in carbon fiber, colored carbon fiber, alcantara, etc. as for tires, any performance tire, ESPECIALLY the pilot super sports, will completely change the car. This car comes with some of the very worst tires ever made. They are the same tires on the Prius. They have a long life but they are just terrible on a sports car. You can't modify the suspension too much with those tires because they don't have enough grip. There is also a guy on here who has a thread called my interior redesign. He did some pretty awesome mods to his brz. Check it out. Basically, for about 35k, you can have a good looking car with better grip and steering feel than a cayman and any other car comparable to that, 300whp on a 2700lb car, some of the best aerodynamics (cd is .27) for a production car, a good looking car, a very custom interior, a warranty that WILL NOT be voided by these mods, etc. (the tune can always be reset if u hav to take it to the dealer and erases any traces if it. Also, a dealer has to PROVE that your mods caused the problem. If not, it is illegal for them to void your warranty. That was a law passed by congress in the '70's.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[???]

The torque dip can also simply be flattened by a header or header and tune. There is also a way to get rid of a check engine light if u hav a cat less headet


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk