How satisfied are you with your FR-S/BRZ?

[neurokinetik]

Coming from a Miata ('95 R package), this car is a big bucket of "meh". Aside from the looks. It took a mild STX build to make this car what it should have been from the factory, and even then, there are serious shortcomings.

Unfortunately, it was one in a class of one (affordable, non-convertible, RWD, and under 3000lbs), with no other new cars meeting those criteria. I hope Mazda and/or Honda have learned something and bring out a suitable alternative, and soon. The Nissan IDX looks promising, but my past experience with them was even worse than this car, so I'm pretty wary of anything they come out with.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by AVodka14

Thanks for the response. Answer a couple of questions for me if you don't mind. Simply because I am curious and sounds like you have pushed the car more than I have.

1.) What specifics in terms of reliability? (i.e. engine)
2.) Why do you say the trans is good?
3.) What do you think about turbocharging this motor? I have heard mixed responses.

Torque dip is easily fixed with a tune/exhaust from I understand.

1. DI seal failures leading to engine issues are the primary, but this is a young engine and time will tell.
2. Shifter feel. Too bad mine is getting replaced by warranty soon.
3. I don't see an issue with it if heat can be managed on track.

[OrangeJuleas]

Originally Posted by ericmpena

In 1 yr of ownership there hasn't been a single day that I've gotten out of my car and not turned back to take a 2nd look. I love my car!

I second the hell out of this.

[Superstar]

Had the car for 6 months now. Needs more power, lol. Want supercharger, but don't wanna void warranty..

[makesdrivingfunagain]

I am satisfied now. However the first 6 months of this car it was a love hate relationship for sure. I loved the way it looked and performed and I hated the crickets and safety belt lights coming on by themselves. It has been good thus far. I really love this car. I hope the crickets don't come back. But I do drive this everyday and it has had no other problems besides those. I can't believe how good this car handles and brakes in 100% stock form. I haven't upgraded anything on the car. Seriously this is a awesome car.

[goshem]

love the car except for three things:

transmission/clutch: 2nd & 3rd gear shifts are nightmares sometimes. Literally have to granny shift for it to not grind.

tires: not good at all, not enough traction at all.

rims: the pattern on them are a bit underwhelming and just doesn't fit really well with the car.

[Davey]

Originally Posted by goshem

transmission/clutch: 2nd & 3rd gear shifts are nightmares sometimes. Literally have to granny shift for it to not grind.

What does the dealer say?

It's covered by your warranty.

[tennisfreak]

1-10 scale (1 worst, 10 best):

8

Why?

Want more power. If this had came with 250 and no torque dip then make it a 9.5 out of 10.
Little quality things like creeks, rattles, pops.

Other than that perfectly happy with everything else.

[deange]

After 18,000 miles on the car (14,000 with a Vortech Supercharger):

The car was fun before the power boost, but the Vortech gave it that little extra that makes it a blast! I still average 30 mpg or better (when I'm not having too much fun). The twisty road to and from my house makes me excited to leave and come home. I've got enough space to do normal DD things like getting groceries or a weekend trip to Vegas. I LOVE the car for it's looks, the way it connects me with the road, and most importantly how it makes me smile when I am driving.

My girlfriend consistently tells me I'm not a race car driver, but I sure feel like one when I'm in my BRZ. Satisfied isn't the correct word.

[unsurety]

I came from an LS1 Camaro with suspension mods, so the BRZ is a very, very different car.

After getting an OFT tune for E85, I'm happy with the powerband characteristics. I still want an UEL, primarily for the sound. Another bump in power would be nice, but not necessary now. I don't go to the track, but a car with big power just doesn't appeal to me much anymore. Like the saying goes, it's funner to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow.

I think with a full 2.5" exhaust setup, then a drop on Tarmac 0s I have waiting, then 245 Pilot SS, I will be happy. Everything else will be icing.

[P86RAVES]

Looking at this car is exciting.

Daily driving this car is boring.

I live where it's mainly flat and straight, not an ideal geographic location to enjoy this car.

[FT911]

It looks great and handles better. I love this car, but after my engine failed I just don't trust the FA20 anymore. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that, but I guess I'll figure it out once I get my car back from the dealer.

[Cliu91]

I couldn't imagine myself driving any other car in this price range. The car marvels me everytime I see it in the parking lot, driveway, etc. It's just so damn beautiful.

The looks I get from people is a nice touch.

[TylerLieberman]

Still want more power....

It's a good car and a great starting platform. I still just feel 200hp isn't the best. That extra 40-50hp and mid range torque would make it so much more appealing to me from the box.

Not going to complain though. I still like it. I've thought about getting rid of it quite a few times but just can't do it.