When did you "know"?

[Flo]

Originally Posted by sshole

The question everyone here has missed: what are you planning to use this car for? Daily commuting? Any track events? AutoX?

Also, you brought up this point in your original post:


If what you really want is a BMW M235i, then this car is not right for you.

One thing I really miss about my 330xi is the high speed stability. There was no tram-lining/tracking/wandering at 70mph+.

Well what I really want is a Ferrari 458...

This car would be my daily driver with hopefully some track days on weekends. I don't have a long commute at all, maybe 10 miles each way. The most I usually carry is a camera and tripod.

I think the BMW wins hands down for long drives. They are so smooth and comfortable (and quiet) but I don't do much of that type of driving. Although I would LOVE to drive it on the new Austin GP track. I never really got to take my 325 to the track because I was always fixing it lol.

[STV3]

When I sat in one before they were for sale at the NY auto show. Got in it and held onto the steering wheel and was like this is going to be my next car. Fell in love with it instantaneously.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Flo

Well what I really want is a Ferrari 458...

This car would be my daily driver with hopefully some track days on weekends. I don't have a long commute at all, maybe 10 miles each way. The most I usually carry is a camera and tripod.

I think the BMW wins hands down for long drives. They are so smooth and comfortable (and quiet) but I don't do much of that type of driving. Although I would LOVE to drive it on the new Austin GP track. I never really got to take my 325 to the track because I was always fixing it lol.

I commute about 10 miles each way. FR-S is perfect for that kind of driving. I have a more comfy/lux daily driver (GTI), but rarely feel the need to drive it for such a short commute.

If you're serious about doing track days, buy the FR-S and take the money you save and put that towards track expenses and other non-car areas. If you're not so sure about going to the track, you can put that money towards the BMW.

[Flo]

That was my thinking. The BRZ is cheap enough to allow some room for an extra set of track tires. And it is fun to drive at legal speeds on the street. Where the BMW would strain the budget, and only really be fully enjoyed on the track, that I wouldn't have the money to go to anymore.

My brother said this about his 135i. He loved it but he never could fully drive it on the street, he is a real outdoors type of dude so he was always struggling with camping gear and mountain bikes. He sold it and got a 4 door Tacoma.

It's kind of funny he has always had a sports car while I have mostly owned sedans. I think I am way more into driving than he is though, always kick his ass at the go kart track. He had a late model rubber bumper MG-B when we were growing up, loved that car except for the leaky rag top and British electronics.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Flo

Can you pinpoint the moment you decided to get a BRZ?

Sure, figuratively speaking.

First, we test drive the car. For us, it's always about the driving, first and foremost, but not exclusively, of course.

We do our research.

Then we sit down and discuss the pros and cons, the "yeah-buts," and the inevitable asterisks.

Then we make an informed, and well-considered decision.

And that's how we do it. YMMV.

Just as no one can tell us what's best for us, we cannot tell others what's best for them.

I am 99% there but I still have some doubts.

Of course; that's unavoidable.

Virtually nothing in life is clean cut, black and white, unambiguous, and absolute. And that includes choosing your spouse, never mind an inconsequential car.

The twins have much to offer, but what they offer will appeal to only a minority of drivers. Each individual must decide for himself what appeals and set it against the alternatives.

For instance, I find that there's more to "speed" than just torque and acceleration.

There are many "faster" cars, but, as one writer observed, you can only have fun 3 seconds at a time.

It's all about personal preference.

And the choice needn't be for a lifetime. Enjoy it for a few years for what it has to offer, and move on.

Those folks who buy this car, or any car for that matter, and then spend their time bemoaning all the shortcomings ... made a mistake in judgment, which is no fault of the car's.

My approach is more rational than some, but I've never suffered Buyer's Remorse. That's not to say that my way is any better than others, it just works for me is all. Some people, to my surprise, actually choose cars based upon an emotional reaction to a commercial. Since they seem happy, I just reckon that worked for them!

Choose wisely, and enjoy your choice.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Flo

That was my thinking. The BRZ is cheap enough to allow some room for an extra set of track tires. And it is fun to drive at legal speeds on the street. Where the BMW would strain the budget, and only really be fully enjoyed on the track, that I wouldn't have the money to go to anymore.

My brother said this about his 135i. He loved it but he never could fully drive it on the street, he is a real outdoors type of dude so he was always struggling with camping gear and mountain bikes. He sold it and got a 4 door Tacoma.

It's kind of funny he has always had a sports car while I have mostly owned sedans. I think I am way more into driving than he is though, always kick his ass at the go kart track. He had a late model rubber bumper MG-B when we were growing up, loved that car except for the leaky rag top and British electronics.

Yeah, I feel like every car enthusiast has to make this choice at some point. Do I buy a cheaper car and put money aside for track days, or do I buy the most expensive car I can and forego the track?

Just comes down to what you value more.

For me, the FR-S was the sensible decision (and left me enough money to enjoy track days and mods without worrying about budget), whereas a Cayman S would have been the emotional pick.

[Flo]

For instance, I find that there's more to "speed" than just torque and acceleration.

I find this true more often than not. Every time I go ride my motorcycle in a group there is aways some bad ass on a 1000cc super sport that goes real fast on the highway but falls to the back of the group once we reach the real roads.

Someone else here (I wish I could quote it but I read it before I registered) said he is still learning how to be properly fast with 200hp. You don't need more power to be a better driver you need more skill.

[poundsand]

Originally Posted by Flo

Can you pinpoint the moment you decided to get a BRZ? I am 99% there but I still have some doubts.

I'm right there with you. I had talked to Clint, got the thumbs up from the wife, but just couldn't quite pull the trigger. Not sure what it is- it's a good looking car, handles well, easily affordable, but I can't quite pull the trigger on it...

[Beyer Subaru]

When I had just returned from the Subaru BRZ ride and drive in NOLA and my Ex wanted to sit down to have "the" talk.

[weepel]

Originally Posted by d3lirious

God Damn i love Melbourne... car scene here is amazing

Yeah, definitely some better selection that what we get here stateside - Peugeot, Honda Euro (many of which are badged as Acuras here), Renault, Citroen etc... too bad it's all twice as expensive! Although I was amazed at the number of Quattroporte rolling around town!

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

When I had just returned from the Subaru BRZ ride and drive in NOLA and my Ex wanted to sit down to have "the" talk.

Oy!

Well, either way... Consolation or celebration, the BRZ satisfies.

[GotMunchies?]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

When I had just returned from the Subaru BRZ ride and drive in NOLA and my Ex wanted to sit down to have "the" talk.

Rough, dude. Glad you found something shiny and new to distract you from the shittier things in life.

[xxBrun0xx]

I test drove an frs because I was bored one day. 3 days later, I traded in the sti for a brz.

I'd say if you're on the fence, go test drive one. If it's the car for you, you'll know it very quickly. It's incredibly good, but it's not for everyone. If you still have the urge to race at every stop light you come to, you'd be better off with a wrx or mustang. But I wouldn't trade my car for anything regardless of cost. Driving a slow car fast is a lot more fun than driving a fast car slow.

Car is also surprisingly comfortable. Way more so than my sti was. Didn't expect that, but I'm not complaining!

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Flo

I find this true more often than not.

I would venture to guess that this resonates more with the more experienced, "older and wiser" crowd.

he is still learning how to be properly fast with 200hp. You don't need more power to be a better driver you need more skill.

Ain't that the truth, though.

As long as everyone is having fun...