Looking to buy New 2017 BRZ Limited

[rennlistuser3]

OK I think I'm about to through my common sense out the window..

I'm currently at Minneapolis Minnesota and will be here for 1 to 3 years depending on job assignment (I'm international, please don't ask from where).

The sensible cars to buy here considering the weather is something like the Subaru Crosstrek. I went and test drove one yesterday and almost died of boredom. The CVT was way more horrible than what people were telling me, and the flouty ride was something I did not like at all. Of course, it's an awesome practical car with great mileage and practicality but so boring.

I then test drove both a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata and a Subaru BRZ. While I liked the Miata, I totally loved the BRZ. Everything about it was a home run for me. I even though the interior was excellent, even though I know people hate it. I won't go off topic comparing the two cars, I'll just say I personally preferred the BRZ.

The dealer told me he worked as a snow plower on the side and he said not much snow in the past 3 years and so long as I use winter tires I should be OK. I know, might be biased opinion but putting it out there.

Right now I totally scratched off the Crosstrek and only looking at a new 2017 BRZ or just cheap beater car. I did my calculation including everything in there (insurance, depreciation, everything) and from what I can gather, the BRZ will cost me about 19% of my annual living expenses, while a beater car will cost 15%. The upside for the BRZ if of course being a new car that's more reliable and way way more fun to drive. Also on a personal level, I am also considering shipping the car back to my country once my assignment is finished. I will ship back the BRZ but certainly not a beater car.

What do you guys think?

Should I go for the 2017 BRZ? should I get the Brimbo brakes package? I can't wait until 2018 because I need a car now.

[Slammillionaire]

If you love the car, buy it and just put a good set of winter tires on for the snowy season. You'll be fine!

[sfdai0]

Has there even been any news of the 2018?

[~el~jefe~]

The 2018 gets 1/2" bigger screen, and it is "capacitive" (Like an iphone screen, vs soft touch). it gets 1-2 other things that I would not want, tiny electrical things like three tic tic tic automatic signals (hate those, I assuem you can reprogram them though).

Aside from that, the 2017 with Performance package is the exact same car as the 2018. I have a new 2017 with performance package. I would trade it in now if the 2018 was even mildly more cool in terms of comfort, road noise or drive. It is not, the 2018 is the 17.

now, should you get it? I love the car. I mean, it GLIDES. it is effortless, low, smooth drive, not at all loud on highway or local, very serene. Seats are the best I have tested checking out all brands from $23k to $48k models. The seats, handling, safety, reliability, and the best looks of a car under $60k, made it a no-brainer. BUT! It took much convincing and snapping out of it by Tcoat (guy on here who posts a lot). There is nothing like it on the road. It even has four seats. I get 35 mpg at 75 mph with hills. 82mph I get about 33 mpg with hills / mountain area. It gets 28 mpg local in New York City. I can brake 38 mpg if I want to keep it near speed limit, like 66 in a 55mph place.

I have not driven it in the weather yet, but Tcoat lives in the arctic and says winter tires make it fine. I will be getting Pirelli Sotozero 3's on it next week for the winter (performance winter tire).

Edit: My mileage, at 5000k miles has been increasing since it was like 2000. I tihnk I stay in the upper to mid 30's now for long mountain trips at high speed. That is just insane for a sports car. It is good for a family economy car, 36-38 mpg!

[rennlistuser3]

Originally Posted by Slammillionaire

If you love the car, buy it and just put a good set of winter tires on for the snowy season. You'll be fine!

I see you're from a snowy area as well

Do you use your car in winters and is it fine for you?

[~el~jefe~]

as far as the Brembo package vs non, there is no question that if it is within your budget, the package offers a lot. I never ever have fade flying down mountains, and the ride is really smooth, and the wheels are very attractive and seem great quality. I am more than pleased with the add-on, very cool. I feel the best models are the base with nothing, or the limited with the PP. one way you are getting a racer for cheap, the other you are getting a maxed out car for cheap.

[rennlistuser3]

Originally Posted by ~el~jefe~

The seats, handling, safety, reliability, and the best looks of a car under $60k, made it a no-brainer. BUT! It took much convincing and snapping out of it by Tcoat (guy on here who posts a lot).

I'm sorry, I didn't get this line, what are you saying? it was a no brainer to buy it but you still needed convincing? or do you regret your purchase now? I didn't understand..

[rennlistuser3]

Originally Posted by ~el~jefe~

as far as the Brembo package vs non, there is no question that if it is within your budget, the package offers a lot. I never ever have fade flying down mountains, and the ride is really smooth, and the wheels are very attractive and seem great quality. I am more than pleased with the add-on, very cool. I feel the best models are the base with nothing, or the limited with the PP. one way you are getting a racer for cheap, the other you are getting a maxed out car for cheap.

what about brake pad and rotor replacement cost? I'd imagine they're way more for the Brembo version right?

[ToySub1946]

"The sensible cars to buy here considering the weather is something like the Subaru Crosstrek. I went and test drove one yesterday and almost died of boredom."

I drove a new Crosstrek last spring, though with the manual 5-speed trans. For me it was like driving a bus, and had zero acceleration power.
Guess that's because I am totally spoiled by my 2015 Scion FRS.


What I'd suggest, if you still want to think rationally for a winter car. Test drive a Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. They are supposed to be the most fun to drive brand cars of that type. Personally, I like the looks best of the CX-3, yet unfortunately for me, not available with a manual trans. The CX-5 can be had with a manual...Oops no longer available..WTF !

I was unable to try one myself as we have no Mazda dealership where I live.

[rennlistuser3]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

"The sensible cars to buy here considering the weather is something like the Subaru Crosstrek. I went and test drove one yesterday and almost died of boredom."

I drove a new Crosstrek last spring, though with the manual 5-speed trans. For me it was like driving a bus, and had zero acceleration power.
Guess that's because I am totally spoiled by my 2015 Scion FRS.


What I'd suggest, if you still want to think rationally for a winter car. Test drive a Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. They are supposed to be the most fun to drive brand cars of that type. Personally, I like the looks best of the CX-3, yet unfortunately for me, not available with a manual trans. The CX-5 can be had with a manual...Oops no longer available..WTF !

I was unable to try one myself as we have no Mazda dealership where I live.

yeah I sort of went down this path of thinking. I use to drive a CX-5 until very recently and yes I agree those things are crazy fun for an SUV (blows the crosstrek out of the water), if anything I was spoiled by the CX-5 and thought the Crosstrek would be similar and was so mistaken. The Crosstrek is like a truck, and the CX-5 is like a tall sporty sedan.

But still, the CX-5 wasn't as fun as say a BRZ. It gets you from A to Z surprisingly fast but the engine is relatively mute and while very responsive for its class, it's nowhere near the BRZ class of cars. It's also to be frank, not as cool inspiring a car as the BRZ or even Miata. These sports cars grab attention (both yours and others) inside and out. There is just that special something about sports cars.

Honestly there is nothing special about the CX3/5 I wouldn't be getting out of say a 2011 Mazda 6 beater car that can be had for around 8k US. So I'd rather choose between the new BRZ or an old beater. One is the fun choice and the other is the sensible one.

[rennlistuser3]

Say, another question came up

So when you switch to winter/summer tires, how to transport the tires? do they fit inside the BRZ itself?

Any suggestions on third party storage at Minneapolis?

[~el~jefe~]

Originally Posted by rennlistuser3

I'm sorry, I didn't get this line, what are you saying? it was a no brainer to buy it but you still needed convincing? or do you regret your purchase now? I didn't understand..

like you right now. You should buy it and buy it maxed out. It is a no brainer. The internet messes with your decisions, but in the end, it does not compare to any other car out there. When you wake up and look at it again, you are like... damn... my ride is ***kin sweet!

Vs: every other car is a family car with sport suspension and a turbo. Aka, wrx, bmw, audi.

Tcoat had to snap me out of it on the WRX. While it is a wonderful car, it is a car and not a sleek sports car.

[~el~jefe~]

Originally Posted by rennlistuser3

what about brake pad and rotor replacement cost? I'd imagine they're way more for the Brembo version right?

Oh jeez, yes. 2.5x the amount lol! Labor + aftermarket track front and back brakes. The $1100 would not even cover the fronts being done. And you get the backs with the package. Now, if you are always on flat lands and just burn around town and long trips etc, the stock brakes are very good, big diameter and strong.

My Brembos bring all the boys to the yard,
And they're like,
Its better than yours,
Damn right its better than yours


The Sachs struts are pretty sweet too. Very smooth ride and they take the hits.

As far as Tires, yes, they fit in the car fine, a full set. It is built to bring tires and wheels to a track, so that is a given for the thing. I am at the edge now of buying my tires. It is breaking into November and the heat wave in NY City should be passing quickly.

[mrg666]

Originally Posted by rennlistuser3

Say, another question came up

So when you switch to winter/summer tires, how to transport the tires? do they fit inside the BRZ itself?

Any suggestions on third party storage at Minneapolis?

Yes, I can fit 4 tires in my FR-S after folding the rear seats just fine, and they are 245/40-17. If you put tires on extra wheels, they will still fit. See below, fourth goes on top of those two in the front. BTW, that is not my car.


This is also possible with this hitch


Winter is no problem if you drive like you are driving in winter. Now go get your BRZ