Test drove a 2014 BRZ...not worth $20,000

[Dake]

I am NOT the Stig. With that out of the way, I just have to wonder about folks.

When I AutoX my bone-stock FRS (still on the Primacy tires), I am (after practice) consistently in the top half of the competition and put down better times than numerous more powerful cars.

DD-ing my FRS I have yet to EVER not have enough grunt to make a pass. Sure I might need to downshift, but that's half the fun!

More power is fun and sure, the twins would be great with more power. BUT with great power comes great gas bills, and the reality is I've found the power to be better than adequate.

In short, extra power costs more and hides bad technique. Maybe the FRS is just what you need to learn to drive precisely and then you can bump up to something else. I'm still working on the "learning" part for now and having a blast doing it.

[swpbrz]

You either didn't warm up the car before the test drive, you had a lemon, or your not nearly the driver you seem to think you are. The warmed up gear box is smooth as silk.


The only other legit complaint is speed. If you don't understand why a car like this is fun go for a mustang!

[Tcoat]

Even a dirty picture (of the supposed car please) would add some credibility


Pretty sure this one is better then yours!

[Namuna]

Originally Posted by iBoost

...QUESTIONS for you modded BRZ & FRS owners
1. How much better does the Street handling GRIP improve on your FRS / BRZ's when you add say 17x9 rear wheels with 255 tires and 17x8 front wheels with 245 wide tires?

2. With the above tire and basic accompanying suspension mods (like coilovers and minimum bushings), how much better is the drive experience with a turbo kit making ~300-320whp on the street?

Since I have direct experience with these questions, I'll chime in..

1 & 2. I recently upgraded to 17x9 with 245/40 square setup and ST Coils (1" drop). The transformation is day and night. At stock the car was nimble, playful and ready to wag it's tail as you please. Dropped with the wider setup and now it's the epitome "on rails"

It's a great workout for the love-handles when you're zipping around a corner that's rated at 20mph, at over 50mph and the car is holding the line like it's glued to the pavement, so the g-forces are pulling (or pushing) you to the side and you've gotta use them love-handle muscles to stay in place!

The only thing that feels better than that is if you're passing someone already in the turn! You're able to do so because this cars' steering response is so F'ing dead-on that you've got the full confidence to be able to do so! <--- As truly badass and satisfying as doing this is, it's a pretty big asshole move to do to someone else though, as you'll tend to scare the shit out of them.