(GR86) Second Generation FR-S/BRZ insider info...

[JesseG]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

Completely agree, I've driven nothing but Japanese cars my entire life (except for an 08 328xi for 6 months) and between the price, fun, reliability, they cannot be beat. There are no Japanese cars available right now that I would consider, besides a more powerful BRZ, or if a GTR would drop substantially in price.

The first car I had my eyes on recently is the Audi S3. I went and test drove the S3 and RS3 side by side and I was really impressed. The S3 had me sold until I found I could not get comfortable in the front seats. The bolsters are a little too wide and the seat does not go low enough to be comfortable. I read many others say the same thing with this car. I compared the seats to those in the S4 and they are completely different. I really hope Audi does something with those seats for the 2021 refresh. Another thing was the power, while it's not slow, it would be cool if they would bump it up to at least 300hp. Besides those 2 things the Audi S3 is IMO a perfect fun daily. It looks great, nice level of tech, carbon fiber interior bits are an option, and powerful enough for fun and dealing with traffic.

I agree the B58 is a gamble being it's 100% new and has not yet had time to show problems. From what I've read, BMW is making an effort to improve long term reliability, not sure how true that is but it would be nice. When Steve Papadakis tore one down for the build he recently did, he said it looked pretty solid.

I felt the same sitting in the RS3, the seating position is too high. They are nicely bolstered though. I think I’m spoiled with the seating position in the FR-S.
My brother had a TT-S, and he just recently bought a new TT-RS. Don’t overlook those if you are into Audi’s, they address a lot of the boring sedan issues of the S3 and RS3, like seating position, and unnecessary rear doors Plus they are good on the highway (skip the Dynamic Handling package), good on twisty roads, sound amazing, and are stupid fast.

I do love BMW’s, and they make some of the most advanced cars in the world. Sometimes that desire to push the envelope gets them in trouble though. An extended warranty is good insurance. The Supra is very fast because of the B58, and I would buy one. And not modify it (except maybe for some TRD parts)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[B-R-Z]

Originally Posted by JesseG

I felt the same sitting in the RS3, the seating position is too high. They are nicely bolstered though. I think I’m spoiled with the seating position in the FR-S.
My brother had a TT-S, and he just recently bought a new TT-RS. Don’t overlook those if you are into Audi’s, they address a lot of the boring sedan issues of the S3 and RS3, like seating position, and unnecessary rear doors Plus they are good on the highway (skip the Dynamic Handling package), good on twisty roads, sound amazing, and are stupid fast.

I do love BMW’s, and they make some of the most advanced cars in the world. Sometimes that desire to push the envelope gets them in trouble though. An extended warranty is good insurance. The Supra is very fast because of the B58, and I would buy one. And not modify it (except maybe for some TRD parts)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think you are in the same boat with reliability and expensive repairs with the Audi's, especially those that include an 'R'. I've never been a huge fan of the TT models for some reason.

While I prefer the exterior styling and interior of the Audi's, I think the driving experience & power is better with the BMW's. The M240i checks off just about every box for me, except I fear I will see M2's and M3's on the highway and wish I'd gone all out. Primary thing holding me back is the fuel economy, I'll be filling up every other day in the M2 or M3, while the M240i I can get by for 3-4 days. My work commute sucks.

[Will BRZ]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

I think you are in the same boat with reliability and expensive repairs with the Audi's, especially those that include an 'R'. I've never been a huge fan of the TT models for some reason.

While I prefer the exterior styling and interior of the Audi's, I think the driving experience & power is better with the BMW's. The M240i checks off just about every box for me, except I fear I will see M2's and M3's on the highway and wish I'd gone all out. Primary thing holding me back is the fuel economy, I'll be filling up every other day in the M2 or M3, while the M240i I can get by for 3-4 days. My work commute sucks.

I drove an M235i on the highway the other day and it felt a lot better than I thought, to be honest. I know it’s not the same as an M240i but still the same body and all that. It felt comfortable and of course more luxurious and spacious. I really liked it.

As far as M240i vs M2, I’d just go with the M240i if I was you just considering your commute. I’m sure it’s nice to have the top-of-the-line model, but there’s always something shinier

[B-R-Z]

Originally Posted by Will BRZ

I drove an M235i on the highway the other day and it felt a lot better than I thought, to be honest. I know it’s not the same as an M240i but still the same body and all that. It felt comfortable and of course more luxurious and spacious. I really liked it.

As far as M240i vs M2, I’d just go with the M240i if I was you just considering your commute. I’m sure it’s nice to have the top-of-the-line model, but there’s always something shinier

Yeah, I'm sure the test drive will sell me. That 335hp and 370 ft-lbs of torque must be nice alongside that handling/tech of a BMW. And getting 30 mpg, just doesn't make sense, lol. Granted, utilizing that power obviously will not get you those MPG's, but it's nice that you have that option of taking it easy to get good fuel economy.

[Will BRZ]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

Yeah, I'm sure the test drive will sell me. That 335hp and 370 ft-lbs of torque must be nice alongside that handling/tech of a BMW. And getting 30 mpg, just doesn't make sense, lol. Granted, utilizing that power obviously will not get you those MPG's, but it's nice that you have that option of taking it easy to get good fuel economy.

Yeah absolutely. Definitely go check one out yourself. They have an “Eco-Pro” mode that’s supposed to save gas and of course there’s that “Sport +” for when you want to waste it lol I know you can get a good deal on a slightly used one. Just make sure you get a good warranty and all that since you know...it’s a BMW. But yeah there’s lots of things to love about those cars

[B-R-Z]

Originally Posted by Will BRZ

Yeah absolutely. Definitely go check one out yourself. They have an “Eco-Pro” mode that’s supposed to save gas and of course there’s that “Sport +” for when you want to waste it lol I know you can get a good deal on a slightly used one. Just make sure you get a good warranty and all that since you know...it’s a BMW. But yeah there’s lots of things to love about those cars

It's awesome that the car has different drive modes. Some say the variable suspension is a gimmick and the steering sucks but it can be corrected with aftermarket parts.

I honestly rather pay more for peace of mind and just buy new. I don't trust the general population with an 'expensive' car that has a level of fun/power. You never know what level of beating a car took and/or if it was ever over-rev'd. Plus, having seats that nobody has farted in yet is key.

Driving nearly 20k miles per year, I will likely get the 100k mile/7 year extended warranty. I will let them do the maintenance while it's free, and then do the oil/brake fluid/coolant/brake pad changes myself to save on maintenance.

[Dave-ROR]

OK so here's some minor but actual insider information.

2nd Gen BRZ enters production in the Spring of 2021, so likely Summer 2021 for the first deliveries. 86 should be the same of course.

Next gen WRX enters production in the Fall of 2021. Next gen STI enters production in the Fall of 2022.

No other details yet. Subaru is good about keeping real details tightly controlled but the above was officially released today, internally anyways. At least it gives people an approx target for those deciding to buy now or wait to see the 2nd gen.

[HachiRokuX]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

OK so here's some minor but actual insider information.

2nd Gen BRZ enters production in the Spring of 2021, so likely Summer 2021 for the first deliveries. 86 should be the same of course.

Next gen WRX enters production in the Fall of 2021. Next gen STI enters production in the Fall of 2022.

No other details yet. Subaru is good about keeping real details tightly controlled but the above was officially released today, internally anyways. At least it gives people an approx target for those deciding to buy now or wait to see the 2nd gen.

So we can most likely expect a reveal for the new 86 sometime this year and then release next year? I would be okay with that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HaXx]

the question remains:

buy new for $30k

or buy used for $15k
and add $15k in mods

[Vr4gasmtt]

Originally Posted by HaXx

the question remains:

buy new for $30k

or buy used for $15k
and add $15k in mods

Should just buy used for 15k and spend the rest on BTC.
By next year you can buy the 2nd gen for free

[troyguitar]

Originally Posted by HaXx

the question remains:

buy new for $30k

or buy used for $15k
and add $15k in mods

Considering how most people treat these cars, and the significant number of little updates that can't reasonably be retrofitted, I see a lot of value in buying new. The cars haven't depreciated that much anyway and a new one now is going to the "best of the breed" when you do get to selling it.

Plus new ones come in green.

[Opie]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

OK so here's some minor but actual insider information.

2nd Gen BRZ enters production in the Spring of 2021, so likely Summer 2021 for the first deliveries. 86 should be the same of course.

Next gen WRX enters production in the Fall of 2021. Next gen STI enters production in the Fall of 2022.

No other details yet. Subaru is good about keeping real details tightly controlled but the above was officially released today, internally anyways. At least it gives people an approx target for those deciding to buy now or wait to see the 2nd gen.

Looks like totalled one's needing to be rebuilt should be on the auction block by Fall/Winter of 2021...

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by Opie

Looks like totalled one's needing to be rebuilt should be on the auction block by Fall/Winter of 2021...

lol yep I'll be keeping an eye out!

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by Will BRZ

I drove an M235i on the highway the other day and it felt a lot better than I thought, to be honest. I know it’s not the same as an M240i but still the same body and all that. It felt comfortable and of course more luxurious and spacious. I really liked it.

As far as M240i vs M2, I’d just go with the M240i if I was you just considering your commute. I’m sure it’s nice to have the top-of-the-line model, but there’s always something shinier

Main difference between M240i vs M235i is going to be the B58 engine that's also used in the Toyota Supra vs the old N55 in the M235i. Hard to dispute the highway cruising of BMWs since they are tuned for high speed.

However, those M240is and M235is do not even come close to the ///M2C. The DCT is one freaking amazing transmission that makes the ZF Transmission feel sluggish. Always go true ///M and never an M sport crap if you care about driving.