FR-S or BRZ? Need some advice

[Hanzo]

Originally Posted by adprokid

The Fr-s is lighter and slightly faster, front looks ok, the interior is simple just like the old ae86

The FR-S is only lighter by 4 lbs and according to Randy Pobst the BRZ is actually slightly faster:

[Hanzo]

Originally Posted by Proud of BOXER

The bumper is easy to change. Same aftermarket parts, except for any sort of minor front bumper add ons.

The reason that the BRZ doesn't has as many kits is because there's a bigger fanbase in Japan for the 86, and in the USA FR-S outnumbers BRZs 2/3:1. Also there are more AE86 tuners who are jumping on the 86 bandwagon but less so Subaru tuners doing BRZ stuff.

That being said, everything is (mostly) mechanically the same, so everything will fit.

I went for the BRZ mainly because the creature comforts were worth the extra cost for the Limited that I have a deposit on.

But when you compare costs between the FR-S and the BRZ premium, I don't really see the price difference.

24930 for FRS
25495 for BRZ Premium

That's a $565 difference, not the 1k everyone says.

If you want White, which I did, that pushes the FRS price to 25150 (+220 for white), which is a difference of only $345.

For an extra $565/345 for a BRZ you get Foglights, HID, NAV, and Trunk Lid liner, and Red stitched Ebrake lever. The only thing you "lose" is the Silver handles, IMHO.

That's a deal to me.

Is it worth the extra 2k on top of that for the LED Running lights, heated leather/alcantara seats, silver handles, illuminated mirrors, Keyless Entry, Dual zone automatic climate control, push button start, alarm, and spoiler? I answered Yes.

Also, if you think you can retrofit the climate control and push button start easily. I highly doubt it. Subaru makes their wiring harness one piece, and doesn't usually run wires for missing accessories.

For those who say Subaru dealers are marking their cars up, I was able to find a BRZ Limited 500 less than MSRP, equipped as I wanted in White, with Package 1B, and it was offered to me. Obviously, YMMV.

No it's $1,300 more, the MSRP on the Scion you listed includes destination fee. Also what illuminated mirrors are you referring to?

[Grimlock]

I thought of it this way:

I liked the FR-S bumper more, but I don't like the red seat inserts. The suspension differences were a moot point since I'll be getting a new suspension on it anyway. I don't care for heated leather seats or fog lights.

Another thing is the brand image that Scion projects for itself. I don't like it.

Also, World Rally Blue rocks!

So there was only one option for me. A Premium BRZ 6MT, for which I paid $25,897 after destination (MSRP of $26,200).

[harajukukei]

HID and possibly push button start will probably be offered as an option soon if you have the patience. All the TRD parts are coming to market in August.

[Brimford]

If i hear the word DRAMA one more time im going to flip.

[Razz]

DRAMA

[Hawaiian]

Originally Posted by Hanzo

The FR-S is only lighter by 4 lbs and according to Randy Pobst the BRZ is actually slightly faster:

If you read his comments it appears as though he's driving the brz more aggressively than the frs. I would warrant the guess he drove the brz right after the frs making him more comfortable with the vehicle.

[Hawaiian]

Originally Posted by MONTEMEX3

Listen to this guy...

That guy seems light and tossable.

He lost me around "blah blah blah no soul blah blah" (exact quote). anyone who listens to him should hang themselves.

[dnL]

I originally wanted the BRZ, but mark-ups and long wait times had me get the FR-S instead. Waiting for the BRZ seemed like a risk also because I had a feeling that dealers would add all sorts of costly options (even though I asked for no options when putting down my deposit) when the car finally arrived, which I didn't want to pay for. I just wanted the base-most car possible.

I remember it was really difficult for me to get my WRX as base as possible, but even the basest car I could find had 2 $200 add ons, which is not too bad. But that was a rare occurrence. Most WRXs I found had tons of other options that I didn't want to pay for.

[Davie Dynamite]

I can get past everything but the moustache on the BRZ. I just don't get it? Why is it there? What's behind it?

I'm brainstorming ideas that would make me fully want the BRZ because I love the interior. Could it be paint matched and look better? Is ordering a FR-S front end and replacing it practical? I'm not a guy that works on his car in the garage. Who could do the swap?

Man oh man... I want one of these cars so badly lol

[Proud of BOXER]

The Metal bumper is behind it.

I think when you paint the mustache, it'll look funny, and it'll be easy for the paint to chip off.

Any body shop could paint and install the FR-S bumper on your car. I would guess it would cost no more than 500 dollars to have a new bumper painted and installed.

[Davie Dynamite]

I gotcha. But will the fit and finish look factory?

[Proud of BOXER]

If the body shop is competent, it should.

[Davie Dynamite]

Hmmm... interesting. Has anyone done this yet?

And the scion emblem on the bumper? A Subaru emblem will fit nice? I guess the hood contours that point to the emblem are the same eh?

Seems odd to buy a $30k+ car and already have to do this type of mod too... Crappp.