Autocrossing 2016 vs. 2017?

[Celica00]

Originally Posted by TrqlessWonder

Good point. Still, internet info and all that. To quote the my salesman, who, at the time was our region solo chair, upon my inquiring:

At least the salesman didn't pretend to know the answer.


My salesman told me that for only 2k, there'd be a factory turbo upgrade option two months after the FRS came out... uh huh

[Stang70Fastback]

I haven't read this entire thread, but I did see some people suggesting that if you were going with the "1st generation" to look into the older ones.

Personally, I would avoid the 2013 MY. They seem to be most prone to issues that were resolved in later years.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

I haven't read this entire thread, but I did see some people suggesting that if you were going with the "1st generation" to look into the older ones.

Personally, I would avoid the 2013 MY. They seem to be most prone to issues that were resolved in later years.

Some may be more prone, but I wouldn't avoid the MY as a whole. Most of those issues were found in early production MY'13 models. I don't remember the exact date, but around May or June of 2013 many of those issues were resolved. I have a '13 that was made in July 2013 and haven't had any factory defect issues.

If you find a good deal on a MY'13 made in the 2nd half of the year, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

If you notice any panel fitment/gap/alignment issues that's a good indicator that it was part of the production that had issues.

Unless you really want a new car, definitely go used. These cars are nice a cheap right now, and the money you save will allow you to add some mods for whatever class you're planning to run.

[strat61caster]

Agreed, wouldn't hesitate on a 05/13+ build date FR-S/BRZ.

I have a 12/12 that hasn't been back to the dealer in almost 52k miles, only issue has been coil packs and new axle nuts.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Agreed, wouldn't hesitate on a 05/13+ build date FR-S/BRZ.

I have a 12/12 that hasn't been back to the dealer in almost 52k miles, only issue has been coil packs and new axle nuts.

I need to do a coil pack too. I've got one sitting around, just busy/lazy. lol

But, AFAIK, this is an issue with all MYs. Coil packs do not like the heat generated from track days and lack of ventilation in the engine bay.

[GeorgeJFrick]

You're going to want to hit a tire wall in a used 2013 BRZ, not a new 2017. I'm speaking from experience :-(

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

I need to do a coil pack too. I've got one sitting around, just busy/lazy. lol

But, AFAIK, this is an issue with all MYs. Coil packs do not like the heat generated from track days and lack of ventilation in the engine bay.

Absolutely, same story with axle nuts which have been a known Subaru issue for a decade+ (Here's a link literally from July 2006). The '14+ might have some quality of life upgrades inside the engine as manufacturing processes improved if memory serves, but the big killer was the tune and first like 4 months of production (mid '12) imo.

[JimR]

Unless I'm mistaken, this sounds like picking a car for casual, occasional autocross/track work. No one with multiple booster-seat-aged kids has time for a sorted track rat or STX Solo build. OP may not care if the 2017 doesn't reach 60-ish MPH in second gear, either.

The 2017 refresh addresses mainly drivability enhancements that make it more enjoyable. The answer is a Performance Pack 2017 BRZ, if nothing else because of the upgraded brakes already installed and financed into the situation.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by JimR

Unless I'm mistaken, this sounds like picking a car for casual, occasional autocross/track work. No one with multiple booster-seat-aged kids has time for a sorted track rat or STX Solo build.

Exactly why we're suggesting a used first gen, someone with multiple booster seat aged kids would probably be pretty happy to save about $10k over buying a new BRZ with 'drivability improvements' and experience 9.9/10 of the fun.

I'll take good pads for <$500 over the 'upgraded brakes' offered on the BRZ for likely >$2k because you're paying for the wheels and badging every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Especially if the car will ever hit the track.

[cjd]

Originally Posted by GeorgeJFrick

You're going to want to hit a tire wall in a used 2013 BRZ, not a new 2017. I'm speaking from experience :-(

I thought it was a shrubbery? Still...

[JBPII]

How is the handling with stock springs sway bars on the rapid sharp direction changes of the Autocross courses? I am definitely staying in the stock class and I want to keep OEM or TRD parts so it is easier to sell in a few years when my kids outgrow the back seats. If TRD offers performance parts that Subaru doesn't and they will keep me in CS, and maintains warranty, that pretty much sells me on the FRS.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by JBPII

I seem to recall when they first came out that Toyota and Subaru were using their own ECU's and programming but I have not heard much about it since.

ECU's are identical, and programming was updated on both brands at roughly the same time IIRC.

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

Some may be more prone, but I wouldn't avoid the MY as a whole. Most of those issues were found in early production MY'13 models. I don't remember the exact date, but around May or June of 2013 many of those issues were resolved. I have a '13 that was made in July 2013 and haven't had any factory defect issues.

If you find a good deal on a MY'13 made in the 2nd half of the year, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

If you notice any panel fitment/gap/alignment issues that's a good indicator that it was part of the production that had issues.

I must have a freak early build date car (july 2012 delivery), the only warranty replacement it needed was a tail light. I do need a coil, but I blame the dozens of track days not the build date.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by wparsons

I must have a freak early build date car (july 2012 delivery), the only warranty replacement it needed was a tail light. I do need a coil, but I blame the dozens of track days not the build date.

Not all of them had the issues, they were just more prone to them. Seems like body panel alignment was a fairly common issue with the early models.

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by JBPII

How is the handling with stock springs sway bars on the rapid sharp direction changes of the Autocross courses? I am definitely staying in the stock class and I want to keep OEM or TRD parts so it is easier to sell in a few years when my kids outgrow the back seats. If TRD offers performance parts that Subaru doesn't and they will keep me in CS, and maintains warranty, that pretty much sells me on the FRS.

Next week is the Solo Nationals, at or after which a lot of people expect the powers that be to make final rulings on all the proposed changes regarding the FR-S/BRZ in street classes: either moving BRZ and non-TRD FR-S to DS, or allowing BRZ drivers to use the TRD parts (this already seems to have received a pretty definite "no"). But the chance of a class move is still there. I'd wait until after that and make your decision once all book has been closed on that matter.

Stock suspension handles things pretty well, haven't driven a TRD equipped car yet. The FR-S is definitely more tail happy, but getting some Koni adjustables and sways can help you dial that back (or up) depending on your preference.