Is this the car for me?

[Firefighterjake]

Been lurking here for a few weeks now reading whatever I could on the FR-S/BRZ and the one question I keep coming back to is if this car would be a good fit for me and my wants . . . or if there is something else I should be looking at.

As mentioned I've read a lot about the FR-S/BRZ here and in other reviews . . . and I took a 2015 FR-S out for a test drive last weekend. However, the truth be told, I honestly don't know if a 15 minute drive was long enough for me to be able to tell much about whether this car is a good fit for me -- especially since I spent the first half of the drive just getting accustomed to the different clutch and talking with the salesman.

Some information about me and what I would be doing . . .

I'm 44 and live here in Maine . . . but if snow is in the forecast I have a 4 x 4 Titan . . . or I could "steal" my wife's Subaru Legacy if she isn't scheduled to work that night.

I have a 66 mile round trip commute . . . the first 2/3 on country roads (more or less decent roads though) and the last 1/3 on the interstate.

I'm currently driving a 4 cylinder Honda Accord coupe which has been a decent car -- but at 198,700 miles I'm starting to think about replacing it. Before this car I had a 2000 Toyota Celica which I also liked a lot -- despite my friend Joe telling me it was a "chick car" -- replaced that at around 170,000 or so miles when the floor pans were rusting out.

I don't need or necessarily want a lot of tech in my car -- hell . . . I'm still using a flip phone for work.

I also don't need a car with gobs of power . . . but I would like something that is comparable in terms of speed off the line (for merging on to highways and just plain fun driving) as my current Accord or that old Celica.

Incidentally I also test drove a 2007 350Z right before trying out the FR-S . . . and surprisingly (at least to myself) I didn't really care for the Z . . . the visibility (lack), clutch play and fact that I felt like a sausage stuffed into the car -- left arm felt like it was plastered right next to my body on the whole ride).

I doubt I will ever track this car and knowing me will most likely not modify it even though I would be tempted . . . in the end . . . knowing myself . . . I will spend extra money on other things like vacations, new sled, etc.

Instead, this would mostly be a car to commute to work . . . and of course drive around for "leisure."

Having the fastest car is not a priority with me . . . having a car that is fun and has soul AND is at least equivalent to the "zippiness" of what I have now however is important . . . well that and reliability.

Truthfully . . . I took the Z off my "list" . . . regrettably since I really did like the look of the car and specs, but it just wasn't a good fit for me.

Other cars on my potential list . . . WRX, Honda Civic SI and even the Honda Accord coupe.

So how about it . . . is the FR-S/BRZ a car for me . . . or would I be disappointed with the ride, speed, reliability, etc? From all of my reading here the one thing I realized pretty quickly . . . you guys can be brutally honest . . . and in this case I'm hoping you folks who have been in a FT-86 for some time now probably have a pretty good handle of the type of person that would like or not like this car.

[Loetke]

I understand what you mean about the test drive. My test drive was only about 5 miles and it left me underwhelmed, but I knew I could change anything I didn't particularly care for, and I wouldn't normally be driving with my wife and a 250lb salesman on a daily basis, so I went ahead and bought it. I've only had the car for about 6 weeks now and I absolutely love it. People will say it's underpowered, but it's got enough kick to get the job done. It's especially fun on country roads with curves and it's comfortable for long drives. I recently drive about 300 miles down to Florida and I didn't have any fatigue or discomfort. I can't tell you if it's going to be right for you though, obviously, but it worked for me when though I was somewhat skeptical.

[2much]

do you ever put stuff in the trunk?

[tahdizzle]

get a 15 wrx

[tyrantcf]

See if you can get another test drive, Maybe an extended one. But judging by your post, this car seems to be a Good fit for you, just keep in mind you'll have less room than you're used to. The ride will be noticeably more firm than youre used to also but, IMO completely worth it.

I Have a feeling you'll end up buying if you can get a definitive experience in one.

[evan]

Never walk into a church asking if you should be a religious man. ��

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Firefighterjake

Some information about me and what I would be doing . . .

I'm 44 and live here in Maine . . . 55 Ontario but similar weather Check

I have a 66 mile round trip commute . . . the first 2/3 on country roads (more or less decent roads though) and the last 1/3 on the interstate.

I'm currently driving a 4 cylinder Honda Accord coupe Was driving a Lancer GT close enough Check

I don't need or necessarily want a lot of tech in my car -- hell . . . I'm still using a flip phone for work. Same here Check

I also don't need a car with gobs of power . . . but I would like something that is comparable in terms of speed off the line (for merging on to highways and just plain fun driving) as my current Accord or that old Celica. Littile less off the line but keep revs up and ok Half Check

Incidentally I also test drove a 2007 350Z right before trying out the FR-S . . . and surprisingly (at least to myself) I didn't really care for the Z . . . the visibility (lack), clutch play and fact that I felt like a sausage stuffed into the car -- left arm felt like it was plastered right next to my body on the whole ride). Loads more space and comfort Check

I doubt I will ever track this car and knowing me will most likely not modify it even though I would be tempted . . . in the end . . . knowing myself . . . I will spend extra money on other things like vacations, new sled, etc. No track for me either / Some nice inexpensive things can be done Check

Instead, this would mostly be a car to commute to work . . . and of course drive around for "leisure." 14 hours a week in it commuting Check

Having the fastest car is not a priority with me . . . having a car that is fun and has soul AND is at least equivalent to the "zippiness" of what I have now however is important . . . well that and reliability. Loads of fun and soul wouldn't call it zippy Half Check

Truthfully . . . I took the Z off my "list" . . . regrettably since I really did like the look of the car and specs, but it just wasn't a good fit for me. Same here Check

Other cars on my potential list . . . WRX, Honda Civic SI and even the Honda Accord coupe. Not even the same things so different beast completely Negative Check

So how about it . . . is the FR-S/BRZ a car for me . . . or would I be disappointed with the ride, speed, reliability, etc? From all of my reading here the one thing I realized pretty quickly . . . you guys can be brutally honest . . . and in this case I'm hoping you folks who have been in a FT-86 for some time now probably have a pretty good handle of the type of person that would like or not like this car.

OK so your priorities, wants and needs line up very close to my own!
Out of a possible 10 points I figure you scored an 8!
So yes this may be a good fit.
The points that were missed were all based on "zippiness" and could be gained back with some relatively easy mods (not talking turbo here but just enough to give some more zip).
Don't get me wrong I personally think it is plenty zippy enough for DD purposes but it may not fir your criteria.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by 2much

do you ever put stuff in the trunk?

Bit personal a question isn't it?
He wasn't asking about buying a Mustang!

[Koa]

Originally Posted by Firefighterjake

Having the fastest car is not a priority with me . . . having a car that is fun and has soul AND is at least equivalent to the "zippiness" of what I have now however is important . . . well that and reliability.

If this is the case, a '15 WRX most likely would not be right for you. All soul left the impreza line after '07

Test drive both.

Really stretch the legs of both platforms. Don't be a hoonagin, but really get a feel for each.

If you can handle having virtually a 2 seater (4 seats for insurance), then it sounds like the 86 is for you.

[jayhoang]

Your situation sounds similar to what I faced.

I owned a 2011 Subaru STI Sedan - I got bored of it quickly. Interior was bland... but the car was fast and fun.

After I sold it, I was looking at a 370Z and the FRS/BRZ. I had the same issues with the Z as you - it's a nice interior, but there are tons of blind spots and it was just a tight car, given the size of it.

Once I got in the FRS/BRZ (I drove both), I instantly fell in love. I wasn't needing huge power, it was going to be my summer DD and leisure car and I like spirited driving here and there. It's great on gas, not a lot of tech to begin with, comfortable seating (one of the most comfortable I've sat in), and it's got a pass through trunk if you ever need that room.

My winter daily is a '06 Civic - love it to death and it's been a champ since day one.
I had the STI - fun car, but not great on gas, got boring after a while for me.
Also had a Lexus LS460L - that's an old man car - lots of power, comfortable, but I'll revisit it when I'm 60.

[Hot Lava]

It's perfect for you, buy it. You already own other vehicles that cover any needs the FR-S can't fulfill. Those same cars can't come close to competing with the FR-S in the niche it would occupy.

[pinski]

If you were okay with your old Celica from a ride/space/comfort perspective, I think you'll be at home in a twin. Even though you don't want to modify, you can modify these cars very easily to accommodate your wants and needs. Clutch grabs too high/low? You can DIY that. Hate the clutch spring? That too. Too loud inside? Plug the stupid noise tube (Toyota/Subaru even throw in the plug for free!).

The things I dislike about the car are minimal and all can be changed for very little money to make it something nearly perfect in my eyes. I'm also in the camp that it has enough power, sort of like they used to advertise for Rolls Royce - "adequate." If you drive it like your Accord, it'll feel (and be) slow. If you drive it hard, it'll reward you and you'll grow to love it.

[Defuser]

Originally Posted by evan

Never walk into a church asking if you should be a religious man. ��

Pretty much this.

Please, please, PLEASE don't buy an 86 if you want to beat SRT's, Mustangs, Camaro's..yada yada yada to the next stoplight. Which you can, but you will need FI of some sort and that's another subject all together.

Do get an 86 if you just want a car that is fun to drive, looks good, and is marginally practical.

[Chanpion]

Honestly, I would say try the 15 WRX and you must try driving the Fiesta and Focus ST. Where the cars 'feel' slower than the Accords you've mentioned, the ST models have that area covered.
You've have an easier time deciding what to get after that.