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

[Elliryx]

Before I got the car, I wanted it so badly. After I got it (a week later) I wanted to return it (swap it for a Manual Trans) I gave my self about another week with the A/T and did a lot of research there is a well respected guy in the forum that likes the A/T and he is one of the reason why I end up sticking with my A/T Ultramarine FR-S.

Complaints - Lack of power. But if you put money in to the car and not screw it up you'll gain enough power to enjoy it.

What I like about it?
1. Handling, I've been laugh at here at the forums for using a MICHELIN PREMIER A/S during winter here in Ohio. I had the tires for almost 10 days now and been driving it through 4-6 inches of snow and I kid you not the car handles VERY VERY GOOD.

2. The way the car looks. I was at work one day and one guy came up to me and said "How can you afford an exotic car?" I was like go to toyota/scion dealers there is a whole lot.

3. It's what I like. At the end of day you can buy a Ferrari and still have doubts and say maybe I should have bought a Lamborghini. It's what drives you. If you like it GO FOR IT!

[Antuono]

Originally Posted by P86RAVES

From what I've been reading from owners, the 2015+ WRX get's damn similar MPGs to the twins.

Why would you want the new ones their ugly also who keeps their wrx stock?

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by BRZZZZZZZZZZ

As noted in my profile, an AP1 S2000 and a Cadillac ATS 2.0L Turbo AWD as a daily (work subsidized lease).

You really like your AP1 better than your BRZ? I had an AP2, only lasted with it about two months. Could not stand the abrupt transition to vtec and the cowl shakes over every bump. The BRZ, while having a flat spot in torque, is so much more linear and smooth, and feels much more buttoned down.

[MrDinkleman]

After almost 3 months and 7600 miles, I'm lovin' it more every day. In fact, I've been behaving like a teenager since my thoughts are always about my FRS and what to do on it.

[BRZZZZZZZZZZ]

Originally Posted by TommyC

You really like your AP1 better than your BRZ? I had an AP2, only lasted with it about two months. Could not stand the abrupt transition to vtec and the cowl shakes over every bump. The BRZ, while having a flat spot in torque, is so much more linear and smooth, and feels much more buttoned down.

I love the VTEC crossover, I love the way the engine/exhaust combo sounds on my car, I love the characteristics of the F20C. I also think my S2000 has better quality build materials then my BRZ did. Yes it does have scuttle shake but not nearly as bad as say...my NA Miatas had.

[P86RAVES]

Originally Posted by Antuono

Why would you want the new ones their ugly also who keeps their wrx stock?

I thought the same as well, at first. Since I've seen a few around they've definitely grown on me, but I think it's a side affect if me despising how they cost the same as my car but have a lot more going to it.

You can find a good amount of unmodified WRXs. I can't find my resource, so take this with a healthy dose of salt, but the large majority of Imprezas sold since the WRX came to shore has been the WRX. So you'll find everyone from Dominic Torretto to Miranda Lambert as owners (personality types, not the actual people).

[P86RAVES]

Originally Posted by Antuono

Why would you want the new ones their ugly also who keeps their wrx stock?

I thought the same as well, at first. Since I've seen a few around they've definitely grown on me, but I think it's a side affect if me despising how they cost the same as my car but have a lot more going to it.

You can find a good amount of unmodified WRXs. I can't find my resource, so take this with a healthy dose of salt, but the large majority of Imprezas sold since the WRX came to shore has been the WRX. So you'll find everyone from Dominic Toretto to Miranda Lambert as owners (personality types, not the actual people).

[TruRace]

If I could fix the damn wind noise problem I am having I would be very satisfied. There are plenty of quality issues that may drive some people crazy (including myself). A lot can be resolved one way or another. Other than that cars been great.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by TommyC

You really like your AP1 better than your BRZ? I had an AP2, only lasted with it about two months. Could not stand the abrupt transition to vtec and the cowl shakes over every bump. The BRZ, while having a flat spot in torque, is so much more linear and smooth, and feels much more buttoned down.

First thing is easily fixed with a tune (remapping vtec crossover point) if it bothers you. A lot of people don't care though, since 1. It allows them to get better gas mileage while commuting and 2. On a track you'd spend most of your time at high RPMs anyway.

Second thing isn't that big of a deal. I only notice it when I hit a large bump/pothole. It's way stiffer than most convertibles.

Yeah, there are some downsides, but there are more pros than cons, IMO.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by Antuono

I love my car.. Buuuuut sometimes i wish i got a WRX just for the extra room and 4x4 going to the snow and out side stuff

BUUUUT then again i look at the MPG and im like oh yah nvm..

Im happy but i want something bigger...

This was the same for me. I love the STI, but I just couldn't justify that MPG.

[sam69]

After 2 years ownership I still find the 86 just soooo much fun and half practical as well as it's quite amazing how much I can stuff into it so full marks for handling and practicality from me for what I do.

It's a whole different matter when it comes to build quality / fit and finish as it is just plain average to poor imho.

My reasons for this is mine has more rattles than a new borns pram in it and the more I work on it and pull things apart the more I see how cheap alot of things have been done .
My wife had a Ford Fiesta Zetec before we bought this and it was considerably cheaper ( 11 g ) but oh so much better build quality it's not funny ( no rattles ) and handled pretty good as well.

I do love the 86 and it puts a smile on me face and have done a fair few mods so wont be getting rid of it any time soon but are surprised Toyota was willing to put their name on it as I wouldn't buy another Toyota vehicle if just judging off mine .

[halo13]

So I've owned the 86 (FR-S) for 5 days now and here's my thoughts:

Pros:
Sporty yet affordable (we're not talking a GTR)
Great handling (fun with traction control off)
Lightweight
Just enough power to make you smile but not too much where it's a cop magnet
Gearbox is tight and precise

Cons:
Engine is noisier than I expected, especially when cold
Gas mileage sucks (but that could be the way I drive?)
Backing up is so hard due to many blindspots (backup camera?)
I'm a hypocrite, this could use another 50-100whp

All in all I really love the car and it's a joy to drive. I bought used 2013 at 37k mi and it's been well maintained and came from the dealership lowered, with different wheels, and a nice tint job. So I really can't complain with what I paid 20k.

[ort895]

Originally Posted by halo13

So I've owned the 86 (FR-S) for 5 days now and here's my thoughts:

Pros:
Sporty yet affordable (we're not talking a GTR)
Great handling (fun with traction control off)
Lightweight
Just enough power to make you smile but not too much where it's a cop magnet
Gearbox is tight and precise

Cons:
Engine is noisier than I expected, especially when cold
Gas mileage sucks (but that could be the way I drive?)
Backing up is so hard due to many blindspots (backup camera?)
I'm a hypocrite, this could use another 50-100whp

All in all I really love the car and it's a joy to drive. I bought used 2013 at 37k mi and it's been well maintained and came from the dealership lowered, with different wheels, and a nice tint job. So I really can't complain with what I paid 20k.

Get some headers and an e85 tune!

[Norville Rogers]

I try not to think about these things too much.