My still on-going search for a BRZ!

[leevanf]

As most of you have noticed, Ive been asking a lot of BRZ questions on my way to getting a pre-owned one. I wanted to share how my search story has been from start to now.

Ive been saving up for 5 years for my first sports car. a pre-owned Subaru. Initially wanted an STI but I decided on the BRZ.

Why I chose the BRZ over the STI:
- I live in the Philippines where it is traffic everywhere. Even the horsepower on a yaris is way too much for our traffic.
- We only have rain and sunshine
- I dont have a family to fit in the car, just me and my GF
- My daily commutes to work are only about 5-10 km
- All of this means the extra 10k USD premium of the STI would just be left to "bragging rights" as the AWD and power will barely be used.

What I've love about the BRZ:
- It looks good.
- Its the most affordable fun you can have.
- True that everything else can be added aftermarket, but the design + low COG can only be made by the manufacturer.
- Its story/point in car history

So now, I am looking for a pre-owned BRZ . I cannot afford a new BRZ as it is 38,500 USD in my country. Pre-owned go for 22-24,000)

I particularly wanted a WR blue M/T that is all stock because I want something off the factory and to use it the way it was originally intended. Plus points to the Gen 1 because I feel like it is the most "raw" iteration of the manufacturer's intent. - with probably the least consumer-driven feedback yet. I am by no means a modder and again it will be my first sport car. So I really want to experience stock before learning the differences mods make.

I noticed so far that the pre owned market here is flooded with Automatics, while manuals are rarer - 4:1 ratio. I dont think it means autos are worse - probably the regular buy and sell cycle, but simply the owners with manuals are keeping them. a lot of both autos and manuals are modded somewhat though..

Long story short, it takes about 3-4 months before a gem of a stock blue mt comes out.. I almost snagged one yesterday but the owner backed out the last minute and decided to keep it. Heartbreaking after 5 years!

Just wanted to thank everyone whose been satisfying my curiosity by answering my questions like Tcoat. Thanks for the patience too for a noob like me.

I cannnnnot wait to get my BRZ!

[mrg666]

I hope you will find what you want in the end. I think the stock condition is the most desirable thing to look for in a used BRZ, then mileage, maintenance, etc. I worry about the used manual cars since I know so many not-so-talented drivers abusing their transmission/engine/clutch. I have my bias not to buy a used manual car. Even an idiot can drive automatic without as much abuse. But BRZ automatic is not the same automatic you would find in Yaris. If you have the opportunity, go drive one automatic BRZ and you will see what I mean. You can drive the automatic BRZ in manual mode and shift in automatic mode. So if you find a desirable automatic, I recommend give it a look instead of indefinitely waiting. Not sure if you have seen the following video, I have a very similar configuration and I love it.

Good luck!

[zizon93]

You will love it for sure. I've had mine about little over 2 weeks now and I'm just lovin it every time. and I think it looks super good so that's a bonus.

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by mrg666

Even an idiot can drive automatic without as much abuse.

In fact an automatic can also have much abuse. You can easily over-rev the engine with the silly kick down. The condition of a used car depends basically on the owner, either it is a manual or automatic.

[navanodd]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

In fact an automatic can also have much abuse. You can easily over-rev the engine with the silly kick down. The condition of a used car depends basically on the owner, either it is a manual or automatic.

You can still do dumb things while the engine and transmission are cold, but you cannot over-rev with the automatic. It will not allow the downshift to occur if it would cause an over-rev situation. The car makes an angry beeping noise if you try.

[leevanf]

Thanks for the inputs on the gearbox Not looking for a performance perspective on the auto/manual. I really just enjoy shifting with the stick. I feel very connected. (learned to drive and been driving a big diesel manual for years

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by navanodd

You can still do dumb things while the engine and transmission are cold, but you cannot over-rev with the automatic. It will not allow the downshift to occur if it would cause an over-rev situation. The car makes an angry beeping noise if you try.

Bad wording. I didn't mean to pass the rev limiter, but rev the engine close to the limiter.

Originally Posted by leevanf

Thanks for the inputs on the gearbox Not looking for a performance perspective on the auto/manual. I really just enjoy shifting with the stick. I feel very connected. (learned to drive and been driving a big diesel manual for years

Hope you find something soon.

[mrg666]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

Bad wording. I didn't mean to pass the rev limiter, but rev the engine close to the limiter.

I am sure you can surprise me by grinding gears and bypass rev match with AT

[darthpnoy1984]

I've owned many MT cars and currently drive a 15 FRS AT honestly the best AT I've driven given the direct control you get with this car for under 30K.


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