Are these cars worth the money?

[whatsinaname]

Every car at $25,000 comprises on something. You just have to figure out if the compromises Subaru made (power; and to a certain extend, the interior) align with your needs.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Yoniyama

For a new car, nothing beats the FT-86 in performance (when it is working well) for US$30k.

The Mazda MX-5 comes close, particularly if you like a 2-seater convertible.

Reliability (or the lack thereof) is another story. 2015 model is supposed to have fewer problems. Are you feeling lucky today, punk?

For US$30k, you may also consider a second-hand Cayman. A 5-year old Cayman is likely going to offer better reliability and lower depreciation than a new FT-86.

Has yours left you stranded? Zero issues on my '13 after 1.5 years and >30k miles.

I'll bet you the average Toyobaru sees warranty work much less often than the average Cayman.

[53Driver]

Originally Posted by Yoniyama

For a new car, nothing beats the FT-86 in performance (when it is working well) for US$30k.

The Mazda MX-5 comes close, particularly if you like a 2-seater convertible.

Reliability (or the lack thereof) is another story. 2015 model is supposed to have fewer problems. Are you feeling lucky today, punk?

For US$30k, you may also consider a second-hand Cayman. A 5-year old Cayman is likely going to offer better reliability and lower depreciation than a new FT-86.

Are you sure about that? There's an old German proverb "Never own a Porsche out of warranty".

[Tank]

Originally Posted by 53Driver

Are you sure about that? There's an old German proverb "Never own a Porsche out of warranty".

From what I've read, 911's are known to be quite reliable.

The proverb as I know it is "There's no such thing as a cheap Porsche"

[53Driver]

Originally Posted by Tank

From what I've read, 911's are known to be quite reliable.

The proverb as I know it is "There's no such thing as a cheap Porsche"

Like everything with cars, probably depends on the year/model more than anything. I'm not a Porschephile so I can't speak to the 911 year group this is related to, but I remember reading about primary seal issues on their engines at one point causing big issues. With that being said, one of the old air cooled 911s would be fun to own. I really like some of the early 70s ones.

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by Yoniyama

For a new car, nothing beats the FT-86 in performance (when it is working well) for US$30k.

The Mazda MX-5 comes close, particularly if you like a 2-seater convertible.

Reliability (or the lack thereof) is another story. 2015 model is supposed to have fewer problems. Are you feeling lucky today, punk?

For US$30k, you may also consider a second-hand Cayman. A 5-year old Cayman is likely going to offer better reliability and lower depreciation than a new FT-86.

Miata is slower and sloppier.


Reliability, you're on crack if you think the Porsche is more reliable. Just because you read every thread on the warranty forum doesn't mean these cars are unreliable.


Comparing depreciation between a new car and a used car is a fools game...

Originally Posted by whatsinaname

Every car at $25,000 comprises on something. You just have to figure out if the compromises Subaru made (power; and to a certain extend, the interior) align with your needs.

Everyone complains about the interior when I find nothing wrong with it. It LOOKS Spartan, but the materials used are quite nice, and everything you touch is the way it should be (outside of the lack of console arm rest, but that's fixable)


Power is quite good for an NA car and the engine responds to mods very well (which is the way it was intended IMHO)

Originally Posted by Tank

From what I've read, 911's are known to be quite reliable.

The proverb as I know it is "There's no such thing as a cheap Porsche"

They're reliable for cars in that cost bracket. They're unreliable for cars in general though.

[stonenewt]

Originally Posted by 53Driver

Like everything with cars, probably depends on the year/model more than anything.

Also the keeper. Some ex-lease cars have been totally trashed as the keeper. Of course they knew they were handing it back in 2 years & as long as the bodywork & tyres were okay plus the service book stamped the they wouldn't pay any more for the car than agreed.

[jmsaxon69]

Anyone who thinks that the cost of ownership of a Porsche or BMW is the same as a BRZ/FRS at a stock level is delusional. Price out anything part for part and get back to me....how about we start with Porsche brakes?

[Fastbrew]

I think this thread would have been better if it was titled "Are these cars worth my money?" and only you can answer that.

[w.k.s.]

Originally Posted by 53Driver

Are you sure about that? There's an old German proverb "Never own a Porsche out of warranty".

I've always heard "Never own a BMW out of warranty."

[53Driver]

Originally Posted by w.k.s.

I've always heard "Never own a BMW out of warranty."

Maybe we should just substitute "German" for car make.