Subaru Announces US Pricing for 2013 BRZ at $25,495

[Enemies]

Ooh, now that's a good question.

Probably a bad choice because I seem to drive much too fast when a good song is playing but I'd have to go with Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.

[NeoDiNardo]

You can't drive fast till you break it in

[JohnnyR]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

If you think this car will embarrass itself at an AutoX, I don't think you've ever been to one. This car will do very well, and could even unseat the Miata once the chassis is developed more.

Looking at this post here, I think the BRZ is not the car for you. You clearly want a car that kicks you from behind with power. That's not what the BRZ is about and as you have pointed out, there's plenty of other options out there that will give you that feeling. In fact, what you want is not a traditional sportscar at all. And if you keep looking for one, you will be ever disappointed.

I would, however, recommend you test drive a BRZ if you get the chance. If you are comparing it to the WRX/STI, Evo, and GTR, I think you will be surprised by the handling characteristics of the BRZ. I'm sure it won't sway you, but if your experience is limited to nose-heavy AWD cars, I think you should experience what a well balanced RWD car can feel like.

I've been to numerous autox thank you. Also, the Evo 8/9 along with well tuned and driven WRXs (not STIs interestingly) dominate. Perhaps the regions near me are just different, different tuned cars, and better drivers. Club days at closed tracks are a sure thing, done deal.

I don't like Miata's. I don't like their feel, I don't like their size, and I only ever enjoyed one I drove which had over $8000 dumped into it (built/turbo/top of the line and tuned suspension). I know what these cars are going for feel wise, I'm just disappointed with what we got instead of the possibilities this chassis exhibits. If it had at least another 60-100hp, no questions asked, I'd "probably" buy one.

"Probably" because I'd have to weigh out a few things first, as I finally got to sit in one at the NYIAS this past Sat. I'll give my impressions in it's own thread later.

One thing I'll sum up though, out of the two, it's not even a choice... BRZ>FRS. Easily.

Originally Posted by brewksy

See, this is why someone gets called a "fanboi" - you take a comparison car and make idiotic statements like this, with no help from us. Those cars are way more expensive than the BRZ, and yet you're comparing them as equals. This is where I retort with something equally dorkish like: "If I wanted a track car like a Boss or Evo I'd just buy a Zonda."

There is a fanboi here, and it's not the guys having the rational discussion...

Hyperbole much? This isn't a Boss/Evo.....Zonda thing. We're talking about $6000-13,000 difference. If you can afford a BRZ, most likely, you can afford an Evo X GSR, perhaps not the Boss though.

[Koomoo]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

Because Scion seems like the defunct step child that no one really wants but has to accept cause they want to bang the kids mom. I wouldn't mind the Scion, but I prefer the looks of the Subaru over the Scion. I was also able to source pricing sig below MSRP, so it actually will make it much closer to the FRS in pricing. Most likely cheaper insurance as well due to demographics (speculation at this point). The added HIDs, nav, seats, trunk liner, DRL, LED and suspension (prefer BRZ setup over FRS) makes the BRZ a better pick for me.

Lol I like this comment! OH YEAH!!!!

[NeoDiNardo]

After doing some more research, I've become a bit concerned about the interior quality of the BRZ Limited vs the relative value of going with another 30K or less out the door competitor. While its apparent that you are never going to get handling quite as good as the BRZ from current competitors for the same money, is that enough to forgo better quality interiors, better gas effiency, more agressive styling, more utility, and more torque?

Über BRZ handling aside, the 2013 Ford Focus will handle decent, and seems an improvement on most of the above, with the concession that it's FWD car. However at this weight to power ratio, does it really matter what wheels you put the power down on? And all the anti torque steer tech has people excited to test drive this ST with a "feel no other fwd car has"

Or you could save up a bit longer for a Nissan 370Z, which isn't astronomically far off from the price of a BRZ Limited and comes with a better interior, more HP, more torque.

Of course this is just my book feeling, I'm hoping my hands on feeling will set me straight. I've only ever test driven a 2006 GTI, a 2012 Mazda Speed 3, owned a 2006 Civic SI and a 1994 Mustang GT. I think I need to test drive the BRZ first and foremost, feel up its interior, test drive a 2013 370Z, a 2013 Focus ST, and for good measure a 2012 Golf R (never going to find one). There is nothing else currently like the BRZ's character that's not out of my price range, Not a convertable or a gas hog, but is that unique character enough to pay just over 30K OTD vs my other options? I'd love to be convinced either way.

My biggest problem is I don't have the hands on info to make a good decision. Reviews only take you so far. If the BRZ Limited was like $27500 OTD I'd happily consider it a bargain, but at over 30K OTD I'm not sure yet. I'm sure my first test drive will have me forget everything I just posted but until that happens the concerns remain.

Anyone else feeling that way or can ease my concerns with new hands on test drive feedback? Perhaps I just need to step down to the BRZ Premium trim pricing to feel better about this purchase.

[Rabble]

Originally Posted by JohnnyR

Hyperbole much? This isn't a Boss/Evo.....Zonda thing. We're talking about $6000-13,000 difference. If you can afford a BRZ, most likely, you can afford an Evo X GSR, perhaps not the Boss though.

You are an idiot.

[NeoDiNardo]

I might be over reacting but I can't help but be nervous about it. I've never even seen the BRZ. I just hope the interior and extras on the limited trim is worth the money and is at least on par with the interior of a 2006 Civic SI, preferably a tad better actually. And if the 2013 Focus ST approaches VW levels of interior quality I'm going to be a tad jealous.

That said I'm not letting go of my BRZ preorder! Not yet. There's way too much hype for it to be off my short list. That Subaru BRZ will be test driven ASAP.

I'm hoping the BRZ will drive better than my old 2006 Civic SI too. I really enjoyed that car, its handling was nice, the stick feel was fantastic, the HP was ok, however it was a little short on torque and the interior didn't hold up over the years.

[r2b2007]

Originally Posted by NeoDiNardo

I might be over reacting but I can't help but be nervous about it. I've never even seen the BRZ. I just hope the interior and extras on the limited trim is worth the money and is at least on par with the interior of a 2006 Civic SI, preferably a tad better actually. And if the 2013 Focus ST approaches VW levels of interior quality I'm going to be a tad jealous.

Watch out for the Alcantara. I read all the research before I purchased my first car with it and my high hopes were dashed quickly. To say the least it is a very strange product and in my experience did not last. Signs of wear came quickly. I have had two cars that came new with it and I would never buy another car with Alcantara. FYI, it was one of the highlighted features of the 2012 Porsche GTS and as the model year continued nearly every dealer spec car chose the Alcantara delete option...
If the BRZ Limited had an all leather option I would be all over it...

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by r2b2007

Watch out for the Alcantara. I read all the research before I purchased my first car with it and my high hopes were dashed quickly. To say the least it is a very strange product and in my experience did not last. Signs of wear came quickly. I have had two cars that came new with it and I would never buy another car with Alcantara. FYI, it was one of the highlighted features of the 2012 Porsche GTS and as the model year continued nearly every dealer spec car chose the Alcantara delete option...
If the BRZ Limited had an all leather option I would be all over it...

It does take some additional care but I have alcantara in a 15 year old car and it still looks fine.

[igorot]

I've noticed Alcantara really only show signs of wear depending on the weight of the persons sitting in them

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by NeoDiNardo

After doing some more research, I've become a bit concerned about the interior quality of the BRZ Limited vs the relative value of going with another 30K or less out the door competitor. While its apparent that you are never going to get handling quite as good as the BRZ from current competitors for the same money, is that enough to forgo better quality interiors, better gas effiency, more agressive styling, more utility, and more torque?

Über BRZ handling aside, the 2013 Ford Focus will handle decent, and seems an improvement on most of the above, with the concession that it's FWD car. However at this weight to power ratio, does it really matter what wheels you put the power down on? And all the anti torque steer tech has people excited to test drive this ST with a "feel no other fwd car has"

The last time Ford bragged about it's lack of torque steer Top Gear almost drove it right off the test track due to it's massive torque steer. It's reduced from some other high HP cars but it's still going to be massive amounts of torque steer.

I already have a great FWD car, the ST holds very little interest for me.

Or you could save up a bit longer for a Nissan 370Z, which isn't astronomically far off from the price of a BRZ Limited and comes with a better interior, more HP, more torque.

I could buy a Z right now, but I have zero interest in doing so. It's a dull bloated pig IMO and with the exception of the Nismo cars I've never liked them.

Of course this is just my book feeling, I'm hoping my hands on feeling will set me straight. I've only ever test driven a 2006 GTI, a 2012 Mazda Speed 3, owned a 2006 Civic SI and a 1994 Mustang GT. I think I need to test drive the BRZ first and foremost, feel up its interior, test drive a 2013 370Z, a 2013 Focus ST, and for good measure a 2012 Golf R (never going to find one). There is nothing else currently like the BRZ's character that's not out of my price range, Not a convertable or a gas hog, but is that unique character enough to pay just over 30K OTD vs my other options? I'd love to be convinced either way.

VW interiors are shit. The Golf R doesn't appear to be any better, the one I sat in already had wear. The Civic's interior is decent enough. The MS3 is pretty good too.

My biggest problem is I don't have the hands on info to make a good decision. Reviews only take you so far. If the BRZ Limited was like $27500 OTD I'd happily consider it a bargain, but at over 30K OTD I'm not sure yet. I'm sure my first test drive will have me forget everything I just posted but until that happens the concerns remain.

I've sat in it and the Interior is hands down the best Subaru I've ever been in. It's not the best interior I've ever been in but no other Subaru even comes close IMO.

[NeoDiNardo]

Yep, I'm cancelling the BRZ Limited, I'll reconsider the Premium trimmed BRZ, a 2013 WRX (if it's a remake), the 2013 Focus St, the 2012 Golf R, and the 2013 370Z. Possibly others.

I just don't want to pay 2K more for the BRZ Limited anymore. I hope I get my $500 back, they better if they hope to so business with me, but it's hardly the deciding factor at this point. I want to test drive some more before commiting to another order.

[Oriental Life]

Originally Posted by NeoDiNardo

Yep, I'm cancelling the BRZ Limited, I'll reconsider the Premium trimmed BRZ, a 2013 WRX (if it's a remake), the 2013 Focus St, the 2012 Golf R, and the 2013 370Z. Possibly others.

I just don't want to pay 2K more for the BRZ Limited anymore.

Well, if that helps, I was looking into 2013 Focus ST myself, after remembering what a good EU version was a few years back. However, UK folks are disappointed with the latest ST, as its not a 'proper' ST. The best engine they claim is 2.5L 5 cylinder, which is not coming to US. If it were not another 6 month wait, I'd look at it for sure to make my own decision. But that torque steer, when you have 250 bhp and 200+ feet of torque at front wheels, what worries me the most. I'm afraid its just too much for the diff to handle.

Ford aside, BRZ Limited has a decent interior in the front. Things are a little cheap in the back, but nothing major. Pillar covers I noticed were loose, children car seats anchor covers would pop-up. Algo of moving front seat forward in order to get to the back is bad. Speakers in the back and those covers are so-so. But upfront, minus that silver dash pannel, its all good. Doors do have that proper 'thump', even though they didn't use much of a insulation on them. And if BRZ will come with electrical folding side mirrors, it will be another nice Euro-JDM touch.

[Tainen]

Originally Posted by NeoDiNardo

Yep, I'm cancelling the BRZ Limited, I'll reconsider the Premium trimmed BRZ, a 2013 WRX (if it's a remake), the 2013 Focus St, the 2012 Golf R, and the 2013 370Z. Possibly others.

I just don't want to pay 2K more for the BRZ Limited anymore. I hope I get my $500 back, they better if they hope to so business with me, but it's hardly the deciding factor at this point. I want to test drive some more before commiting to another order.

lol

watching all of your posts in the last two pages is quite entertaining. From OMG I LOVE THIS CAR BLAH BLAH to "oh I'm cancelling my order. :P I'm uninspired."

emotional responses much?