Early BRZ, how reliable when driven hard?

[Apelsin]

I have been looking for a dual duty car basically choosing between an NC Miata and early BRZ. The cars seem close in performance but NC requires some modifications for track use while BRZ not so much. i am leaning towards BRZ but concerned about its reliability. I am wondering if you can share your experience especially if you drive your BRZ at the track

[TMF]

I've owned my 2014 FRS for just over 3 years. Bought it with just over 11k miles, now I'm at 25k. I average 6-8 autox/track days per year and it hasn't skipped a beat. I regularly change the oil every 2-3 events and I've also sent in oil samples several times for analysis, and I've always gotten great results (*knocks on wood*). My car has been stock power, only suspension modifications. That will be changing for next year though, but only header/exhaust and tune.

These cars are typically very reliable as long as you don't add forced induction. You'll see lots of people add oil coolers (even without forced induction) and I'm not entirely convinced that it is necessary, since I've had no degradation to my oil even after heavy track use (according to the oil analysis's). Since I'm planning more TT competition next year, I will be adding an oil cooler setup for extra piece of mind.

There were some early 2013's that had some issues (valve seals I believe), but it is just specific build dates. When I was shopping, I found it easier to just look for a 2014+ so I didn't have to worry about tracking down build dates. You also get some knee pads on the door/center console in the 14+, which is surprisingly nice for the track.

These cars are a ton of fun though. Good luck on your search!

[Tcoat]

There is a recall on most 13s but anything after that are fine. These have proven to be very reliable.Don't let the very small number of people that had issues and like to complain the loudest fool you.

[Apelsin]

There is a recent recall for valve springs. Is that what you guys are talking about?

[NCtoBRZ]

I owned an NC Miata prior to my BRZ (hence my user name) and in general they are both very reliable sports cars. As with most cars, the earlier years will tend to have some teething issues. Some early NC Miatas had engine issues (usually spun rod bearings) the later engines had a forged crankshaft and higher redline. I specifically bought a late model NC to have the upgraded engine and other improved features. Some early BRZs also had engine issues. The key word with both cars is “some”... most owners have no issues.

The bottom line with any used car is that there are a lot of variables that impact reliability and there are no guarantees how reliable yours will be when you buy one. You can’t really know how abusive the previous owner was or how well they maintained the car. Both cars will benefit from some mods for track use. An oil cooler is generally recommended for track use for the BRZ and the Miata’s stock suspension has a lot of body roll and will need to be upgraded for track use.

[DarkPira7e]

My car is an early 2013. It has 60k miles, has seen 3 north east winters, and basically requires my attention at all times. It's needy. Seems like every 330 miles I have to put gas in it (fkn pig), oil changes come quickly, I had to put an oil cooler on it because the internet told me to. I had to put tape between the window switches because they rattled/buzzed. I had to buy new headers and had to get it Dyno tuned, to get rid of the torque dip. I had to replace the stereo because it sucked. I had to buy better tires for the car, because I didn't like how it handled.

Now, ignore every statement that starts with "I had" and you'll know everything I've needed to do over the last 45,000 miles. I've driven my car harder than most average people (there's a nice 2 mile uphill mountain road that I pound through sometimes) and the car is stout. I think any car, when tracked, has weaknesses that will require maintenance. It's just a matter of budgeting for your hobby and finding your balance.

[HKz]

'14 would be my vote...avoids most build concerns associated with some 13s and you're guaranteed to get knee pads on the door/center console area which was one of the few omissions I was sad about when I had a '13.

[BoxRZ_86]

i have a 13' brz. i have 110k miles on it. the only issue i have had with my car is throw out bearing at 95k miles. others wise just oil changes. i daily mine all year round.

[g e]

2013 BRZ limited. Late build. Some teething issues were addressed by dealer - window /door weather seal. I think that was it

I drive it like it was engineered/manufactured/marketed to be. Far more reliable than all those VW products I had. And more fun. No more Fuckedvergnugen for me, please and thank you.

[Ganthrithor]

'13 checking in: driven reasonably hard (combination of pretty aggressive canyon driving and daily commuting) for 60-something thousand miles now, only non-scheduled maintenance items have been:

- Replace throwout bearing (it was squeaking-- done under warranty)
- Replace timing chain / cam tower cover gaskets (oil leak-- done under warranty)
- Replace taillights due to bad gaskets (condensation in lights-- done under warranty)

I've also been through like four Milltek exhausts due to cracking welds, but we can't really pin that on Subaru :P

Mine's been really reliable and very easy on consumables as well. Tyres and brakes last forever on this car compared to my 911, and oil changes cost nothing at all (I think it was like $40 for oil, crush washer and the black filter at the dealer).

These cars are really economical.

[krayzie]

If you really want to be safe, buy a BRZ manufacturered after March 2013 IIRC.

[reeves]

My '13 BRZ was very reliable.. at least for the first 80K miles before it was totaled. I had the redline raised to 8K rpm too and drove it that way for 5+ years. I do wonder how long the engine could've lasted in light of the valve spring recall, since I did redline my car quite often.

The only "reliability" issue it had which could've left me stranded on the side of the road was the defective throwout bearing. All the other issues were 'minor' stuff and didn't really bother me: crickets, tail light condensation, oil consumption (1 qt every 3K miles), and fluctuating idle. Funny enough I ignored all the these minor things and, except for the fluctuating idle, they all went away eventually

[snuff58]

Originally Posted by Apelsin

I have been looking for a dual duty car basically choosing between an NC Miata and early BRZ. The cars seem close in performance but NC requires some modifications for track use while BRZ not so much. i am leaning towards BRZ but concerned about its reliability. I am wondering if you can share your experience especially if you drive your BRZ at the track

Condensed: Bought my '14 Ltd 6MT summer of '15 w/less than 5k miles as a DD. Many track days the last 3 yrs. Oil cooler prior to first event was beneficial to keep temps down. No major performance mods. Only safety and handling mods, so far. No problems. Having a blast!

[Will BRZ]

Kinda the same as buying any used car. Try your best to find one in good condition with great maintenance history, get a PPI and all that.

You'll get lots of '13 guys swear their cars are bulletproof and you'll have people tell you to stay away, but they'll be reliable. I would go for the 2014 and up just for the peace of mind, but cant really go wrong with a Toyota engine lol

I beat the crap out of my car lol daily. I bought it to drive it hard and because I knew it'd be reliable and I know I've made the right choice. Remember reliability will also come down to the mods you plan to do as well but good luck man.