Buying a used Fr-s, 86, or BRZ

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by bazzookatooth

Ah yes, thank you for noting that!

Yes, I believe last-gen prices usually drop when the next-gen arrives; but, then again, the rumor mill is just that. Cheers.

Ah, didn't think about it from that perspective. Alternatively the used prices could go up because the next gen either gets cancelled or sucks lol.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by bazzookatooth

Yes, I believe last-gen prices usually drop when the next-gen arrives; but, then again, the rumor mill is just that. Cheers.

Depends.
Last gen prices will drop if the new gen is great.
Last gen prices will stay about the same if the new one is about the same.
Last gen prices will go up a bit if the new ones are crap.
Only gen prices could go just about anyplace if there is no next gen.

[bazzookatooth]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Depends.
Last gen prices will drop if the new gen is great.
Last gen prices will stay about the same if the new one is about the same.
Last gen prices will go up a bit if the new ones are crap.
Only gen prices could go just about anyplace if there is no next gen.
...

Good point! I, personally, am hoping for the same ethos on the same platform with modest improvements. But, it's irrelevant because I'm sticking my '19 regardless! Cheers.

[JosephV]

Originally Posted by bazzookatooth

Apologies if any of this is redundant:



*The 2013s have a pretty basic, non-touch head unit. In my opinion, it looks pretty awful. 2014+ has a unit that will work nicely with bluetooth phones. Android auto/Apple CarPlay upgrades are available around $400.



*OFTEN SLEPT ON FACT: they added knee bolsters somewhere around 2014-2016 - my apologies for not knowing. If you're average height, these add a lot of comfort. There were also improvements in interior trim - kick panels, I believe?



*There were suspension tweaks for the 2015MY - stiffer springs, more aggressive dampers. Noticeable? I'm not sure.



*2015 also gets the shark-fin antenna.



*Final drive went from 4.1 to 4.3 in 2017 MY - making acceleration a bit quicker (perhaps .5 seconds to 60 at best, with the newer cars getting to 60 around 6.5s as opposed to 6.8-7s).



*2017+ gets a crinkle-red aluminum intake manifold with a slight redesign for 205hp versus outgoing FRS's 200.



*Some will say the facelift 2017 Toyota models are a tad softer than the outgoing FRS. I drove both back to back and I'm not sure I noticed much.



*2017+ gets full LED driving lights with optional fog lights. I find the fog lights helpful with the deer in my area; plus, they look slick. The LED lights are supposed to last around 10 years but currently cost $1,000 or so to replace as the entire assembly must be swapped should a bulb die. They are essentially improvements on the aftermarket pieces you'll see on older cars.



A few notes:



I'm not going to touch on known issues in older cars, because with your budget you should be able to get something around MY '16+ and have some money set aside for any issues. There are also countless threads and sources of documented issues with these cars.



You're almost in the price range of having some remaining drivetrain warranty - 5 years or 60k miles IIRC.



The speakers in all models are not great, but I did notice a difference when test driving my current 2019 versus the 2017 I was considering. That being said, they aren't as bad as many people seem to say.



The transmission, engine, seat bolstering, steering wheel, overall dynamics, chassis and many other bits are largely the same in the full 8 year run of these cars.



The GR86 is slated to come out in a year so you may save big money by waiting.



Halo white is a cool color (I'm biased here).



The TRD exhaust manages to actually drone worse than some aftermarket solutions and costs $1,100 as a dealer option.



You may notice TRD lowering springs, Sachs dampers, TRD sway bars, or Brembo brakes as dealer options on any of these cars.



There are subtle differences in the spoilers.



***The BRZ tends to have neutral balance of oversteer/understeer, the 86/FRS tends to have neutral oversteer.



***Get a manual! Having owned 3 "vintage" BMWs (2 E30s, one E28), an NB Miata (MY '99), and a B6 A4 (MY '04) these transmissions are beginner-friendly and extremely fun to row through. There is a clutch valve that eases hard shifts in some newer(?) models and these drivetrains can take a good bit of abuse.



***If you're buying 60k miles or up and not an intermediate mechanic, check to see if spark plugs have been done. This service is pricey due to the boxer engine's packaging.



WOW that was long. I probably missed some things. Sorry for rambling and good luck!

Honestly, I loved all this information and if someone says this is rambling then they don't understand that people need this kind of information. I think I am leaning towards a manual for the car it looks like now Haha. Thanks again for the help.

[JD001]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Depends.
Last gen prices will drop if the new gen is great.
Last gen prices will stay about the same if the new one is about the same.
Last gen prices will go up a bit if the new ones are crap.
Only gen prices could go just about anyplace if there is no next gen.

So, exactly what are you saying here? .....


Let me think......


I got it..... .............


nope, lost it.....


wait a minute, it's back, it's ......


Oh shite, it's gone again.........

no wait, it's back.....

Your telling us that your armrest thingy creaks... I suggest silicone spray..

[Yoshoobaroo]

@Tcoat laying the truth down here

After 2020 the 1st gen prices will do. something.

We don't know what though, I wouldn't hold up buying one just to wait for that.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by JosephV

I live close to the Coachella valley. Roughly how much do you plan to sell it for? I'm planning on getting financed by altura and use their auto expert to locate a car and get a better apr by doing that.

shop around anyways. and when i say to shop around, i don't mean filling out the credit application--just simply pull up the websites of every bank you can think of, and find the APR. the lower the better... in my experience, banks or credit unions don't just magically ask for less money just because you used another person that they're paying to find the car. no one works for free.

everyone always pushes for using credit unions. i'm a member of one. but they're not always able to come close to the apr's i've located elsewhere shopping around.

[daniloneil8]

Don't be overthinking this to the point of paralysis.
Buy a used BRZ for $15k. A nice one. Not modded.
This is not a lifetime decision.
Don't like it ? Sell it for $14k after a year. Rental cost.
At your age, insurance is cheaper than you think.
Just look for a clean used one. Any year is fine
All the same. This is a driver's car.
The only features you need are a tight steering wheel, stiff suspension, and 3 pedals
BRZ kicks ass. Just do it. Clutch will be learned in 15 minutes.
What is batshit crazy is dropping $35k on a wagon.
$15k BRZ. You will get much of your money back if you sell it after a year.
Very low risk decision.

[TommyW]

Get something that fits your budget. The mileage should rule the decision as well as who the previous owner was. A young hooner or a more mature gentleman that probably showed more respect to the car. The model years weren't that much different. Id just spend a couple hundred on a PPI and get what you want if it passes. The 13's with the valve spring issue if done correctly eliminates the issues with that MY. You can't go wrong with any 86 as long as you do your homework just like you would with any sports car. I have a '13 and have had zero problems with it and it's a wonderful car on both street and track.

[soundman98]

how can one tell if a car was owned by an older but immature gentleman?

[2020BRZtS]

Originally Posted by soundman98

how can one tell if a car was owned by an older but immature gentleman?

The collection of MAD magazines in the glove box

[soundman98]

do they still print those?

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by soundman98

how can one tell if a car was owned by an older but immature gentleman?

Hey.. screw you buddy!

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

Hey.. screw you buddy!

The kids are calling me old now to. I'm still adjusting to this. Usually by chirping 2nd gear while blasting Fort Minor.