86/BRZ - 'Instant Classics'

[whateatsrabbits]

I read somewhere that in 20 years you'll be searching the classifieds for one of these bad boys.

[track_warrior]

Hmm maybe i should buy a spare and leave it stock.

[MY13FRS]

Didn't they say the same thing about the 1990 Miata? Which you can buy today as low as $1000 on Craiglists.

[lordgrover]

^^ A victim of its own success?
If they produced only 10k cars p.a. then it would have iconic, classic status I'm sure, but with thrunty gazillion miata/MX-5s out there it's unlikely to happen.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by MY13FRS

Didn't they say the same thing about the 1990 Miata? Which you can buy today as low as $1000 on Craiglists.

Originally Posted by lordgrover

^^ A victim of its own success?
If they produced only 10k cars p.a. then it would have iconic, classic status I'm sure, but with thrunty gazillion miata/MX-5s out there it's unlikely to happen.

More likely a victim of not enough time having passed and too many examples on the road. When I was in high school lots of kids were driving cars they paid under $1000 and often under $500 for ('60s Mustangs, '50 Chevys, '40 Fords) that now would be worth 10's of thousands of dollars in the same condition. Same thing will eventually happen to the Miata, just not enough time has passed based on the number produced. At least that's my guess. Heck even MK1 MR2s that in the mid 90's you could have gotten for a $1000-$2000 now sell for close to their original asking price in the right condition.

[delsol97]

Originally Posted by MY13FRS

Didn't they say the same thing about the 1990 Miata? Which you can buy today as low as $1000 on Craiglists.

Good point, those 1990 Miatas held up for a long long run. I remember at one time believing a Miata would never be worth less than $10,000.


The problem with the Miata is that they were able to manufacture so many of them.

The user-base of this car is much smaller and production is much smaller than what the Miata was, so it'll probably make a difference in the long run.

[dem00n]

The car is going to be overproduced, unless they stop it for some reason...

[regal]

I see this car as an instant classic because it is a swan song, it will be the last lightweight RWD coupe sold in the USA. Once the hype dies down the market will be small not many will sell. This car is very similiar to the 240sx which by 98 wasn't selling at all, its been that long since a car even remotely similar was on the market.

There will still be exotics but no $25k RWD 2700lb coupes sold here. If the S2000 failed in a good economy, this will be lucky to last 3 years. Most people who buy an FR-S won't "get it". These cars were brought over here to get people into Scion dealerships so they buy a Tc, as the Tc grows in sales the FR-s will be phased out quickly. The Genesis will outsell the FR-S by far. In 20 years the FR-S will be worth a ton if kept in good condition and not modified.

The only chance for the domestic small sports car market in the future will be if the green movement allows lowering of crash/safety requirements and we have 40mpg 120HP 1400lb double wishbone "go carts". The motorcycle industry is the gateway, I consider it conceivable everytime I see a $35k Harley "Trike". I mean a Ginetta has to be safer than one of those. Imagine if Harley came out with an "Arial Atom", they just need to add one "wheel"

[reeves]

It'd be nice if it was an instant classic.. but that didn't influence my decision to get one

[dori.]

Originally Posted by MY13FRS

Didn't they say the same thing about the 1990 Miata? Which you can buy today as low as $1000 on Craiglists.

yeah with 200k miles, body rust and a ripped top

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by lordgrover

^^ A victim of its own success?
If they produced only 10k cars p.a. then it would have iconic, classic status I'm sure, but with thrunty gazillion miata/MX-5s out there it's unlikely to happen.

yes! the miata was over produced.just too many to make a difference!

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

More likely a victim of not enough time having passed and too many examples on the road. When I was in high school lots of kids were driving cars they paid under $1000 and often under $500 for ('60s Mustangs, '50 Chevys, '40 Fords) that now would be worth 10's of thousands of dollars in the same condition. Same thing will eventually happen to the Miata, just not enough time has passed based on the number produced. At least that's my guess. Heck even MK1 MR2s that in the mid 90's you could have gotten for a $1000-$2000 now sell for close to their original asking price in the right condition.

it could happen,but we won't be around when it does! i predict!

Originally Posted by delsol97

Good point, those 1990 Miatas held up for a long long run. I remember at one time believing a Miata would never be worth less than $10,000.

most,but not all are used as " weekend toys" in the summer,but unfortunately they can be purchased used for fairly "short" money so it's still a "niche" car for a lot of people!


The problem with the Miata is that they were able to manufacture so many of them.

true! and it hurts resale value over time!

The user-base of this car is much smaller and production is much smaller than what the Miata was, so it'll probably make a difference in the long run.

it may! don't bet the house though,as toyota in particular,is KNOWN for "stamping" out 'tons" of a popular model,even if it fits a limited market!.hopefully,they won't get greedy like the "general" and "wreck" a good thing! the new camaro comes to mind! 200,000 and counting since 2010.

Originally Posted by dem00n

The car is going to be overproduced, unless they stop it for some reason...

my biggest fear! they will f**k it up,because of greed and avarice!

Originally Posted by lokvo

I just hope the 86 remains a niche market car and doesn't get mass produced to crazy numbers and becomes common. It'd be great if it could keep its rare/mystique factor.

love to see that,however,realistically,ya cannot count on that! after all,they are in business to make money,and if the car sells well,then well,you know the rest! like "henry ford" so eloquently proclaimed."any color you want as long as it's black!" certainly hope subaru "thinks beyond it's nose" and limits production!..just sayin'

Originally Posted by cgrey

I predict the value of your car will never surpass what you paid for it.

i agree,but i wish it wasn't so! in the final analysis,the car is a "depreciating" asset,and if ya roll up "crazy nuts" miles on it,it's value will plummet just like any other car on the road!

At least not while you're alive enough to care.

right! i don't figure to be around if,and,or when it happens! just sayin'

Originally Posted by MY13FRS

Didn't they say the same thing about the 1990 Miata? Which you can buy today as low as $1000 on Craiglists.

very true,although the 1st edition IS bringing "tall" money if restored properly!

[TRD_86]

There will never be a car like this 86/FRS/BRZ architecture w/o Toyota/Subaru unless there is a new $25k front boxer engine & rwd porsche. This car is in classic book. I will probably get the last year model special edition for my garage collection. If the subaru have their own nice looking design sport car for 300hp+ in 6 years from today then I may consider.

[steeloyangster]

I have always believed from the moment that this car was unveiled that they were gonna be really great cars but once it was released and the tons and tons of great and PASSIONATE reviews came out for this car, I know it will be an instant classic. Even the way that this car went from concept to production is a great story! In a car ecosystem dominated by FWD family sedans, gas guzzling SUV's, and under-steering straight line monsters, comes a light, nimble, balanced and fun to drive car from Toyota and Subaru. "The Driver's Car" some have described it.

When I talk to friends and family about this car I get overly excited and always say,"In twenty years when they look back at sports cars, everyone will refer to this car as the reason why we have the sports cars that we have now." There is no doubt in my mind that all of the manufacturer's are eye-balling the SH*T out of the FRS/BRZ right now. This car will influence a majority of cheap high performance vehicles in our immediate and distant futures! Maybe it's just that we are on the inside looking out that makes some of us feel like this car will be an instant classic but man, this is a great view.

I cannot wait to see an answer from Honda, Nissan and/or Mazda. I would not mind seeing the sports car market get overflowed from more cars like the FRS/BRZ. Great car, great community. I can see a long and healthy life for this car.

I hope I'm not eating these words same time next year. LOLZ!

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by steeloyangster

I have always believed from the moment that this car was unveiled that they were gonna be really great cars but once it was released and the tons and tons of great and PASSIONATE reviews came out for this car, I know it will be an instant classic. Even the way that this car went from concept to production is a great story! In a car ecosystem dominated by FWD family sedans, gas guzzling SUV's, and under-steering straight line monsters, comes a light, nimble, balanced and fun to drive car from Toyota and Subaru. "The Driver's Car" some have described it.

When I talk to friends and family about this car I get overly excited and always say,"In twenty years when they look back at sports cars, everyone will refer to this car as the reason why we have the sports cars that we have now." There is no doubt in my mind that all of the manufacturer's are eye-balling the SH*T out of the FRS/BRZ right now. This car will influence a majority of cheap high performance vehicles in our immediate and distant futures! Maybe it's just that we are on the inside looking out that makes some of us feel like this car will be an instant classic but man, this is a great view.

I cannot wait to see an answer from Honda, Nissan and/or Mazda. I would not mind seeing the sports car market get overflowed from more cars like the FRS/BRZ. Great car, great community. I can see a long and healthy life for this car.

I hope I'm not eating these words same time next year. LOLZ!

i want to share your optimism but what you suggest is not a good thing.
if the market is flooded with frs/brz clones,then resale value will suffer over the long term.our best bet lies in the hope that production remains "limited"
over the long term,and the resale values remain high.