Kieranz's Garden State GBS BRZ

[Kieranz]

Announcing the newest member of Club GBS.


Wife's first impression when she saw it in the driveway. It is so small! How are we going to get 2 car seats in there?

Response: that's why we have your swagger wagon Sienna.

First impressions:
It was the first time I had seen a GBS in person. I have seen 2 ultramarine FR-S' on the road and they both seemed quite dark, but after taking a close look today - the color just rocks. The dealer got 3 BRZs in today's shipment. My GBS and 2 WRBs. I was considering swapping mine with a WRB today if I had cold feet. No way - glad I ordered this one thanks to the wifey.

Dealer had the car prepped and detailed. They didn't even drill in the front plate brackets - I didn't even need to make a special request. I'll probably put the bumper bracket in the normal center position anyway. The tow hook brackets are tempting, but would probably make the car stick out further with the LEOs.

This is the second time I have driven one. The folks at Flemington Subaru had a WRB demo they were gracious enough to let me drive a few weeks back. I picked my car up at Somerset Subaru - as they have always taken care of me very well.

After careful inspection of the car, I do have the occasional cricket noise and clunking when shifting into first. Though neither seem to annoy me greatly. The clutch engagement point also seems to be better on this car than the demo I drove (VIN 10xx vs 29xx). However during my drive home, i noticed that when I downshifted into 2nd at low speeds and low RPM (1300 to 1800), I think I was getting some odd noises when gently accelerating away, sounding a little like clutch chatter. Not sure if others are experiencing this as well.

Surprisingly the lack of an armrest didn't annoy me, given the low seating position. But as I had expected- the radio touchscreen and lack of steering controls were very maddening. I love my XM and habitually change channels. The new setup forces my eyes off the road. Give me my hard buttons back!

But overall I am very happy with my purchase. Took her out at night on the local roads. The car corners on rails. I was able to take a few sharp curves at some pretty unbelievable speeds. The tires protested, but the car stayed firmly planted.

Now back to the back seats. My 2 boys and the neighbors kids were all intrigued by the car. The 4 of them all quickly jumped into the back seats. Surprisingly there's quite a bit of room back there for little people. The 12 and 8 year old even both jumped into the trunk with room to spare.

My two boys can't wait to take a ride in daddy's car this weekend. It will be the true test when I try to get both Britax car seats back there. Car seats really don't come bigger than these. I'll be sure to snap a pic.

Happy driving!

[iLuveKetchup]

Looks great!!

[termigni]

nice color. lookin at the pic, did the car take a quick leak? lol

[dori.]

nice, where in NJ are you located? I live in NY but I'm about 10 mins from the border of NY and north NJ

[Propaganda]

Glad you and your family like the car!

Also wondering where you are. Flemington is familiar, but I can;t remember how far away it is from me. I'm close to ridgewood and can be in Suffern, NY in about 15-20 minutes.

[Kieranz]

Originally Posted by Propaganda

Glad you and your family like the car!

Also wondering where you are. Flemington is familiar, but I can;t remember how far away it is from me. I'm close to ridgewood and can be in Suffern, NY in about 15-20 minutes.

I am in Union County. Flemington is even a hike for me. It's near Western Jersey - Hunterdon County. I got my car at Somerset Subaru which is in Central NJ.

[Kieranz]

More pics. Finally got some shots on a real camera. Although the color is still very hard to photograph. The dynamic range of the camera doesn't pick up the different shades of blue you get from the lighting.

[Kieranz]

Good news and bad news.

Good news.... Despite my wife's doubts, yes the car seats do fit! After some acrobatics, both children were in the back. The Britax on the right is a huge seat. And ironically the little guy had less leg room than the big guy due to the height of his car seat and my height (6' 1"). That said they were really happy to be back there as we trail blazed a few winding roads.


Now the bad..
Hours after taking the pictures from my last post, my hood was marred by the birds. i have a much larger recount of this in another post. I am scheduled to get Xpel put on the hood this Wednesday (too little too late), but I am hoping that lee will be able to get this stuff out. I guess my car was a little too eager to get some character and got sh!tfaced on its second day out.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15618

[computertech01]

I'd be more worried about tree sap. I had problems with that at work and had to park farther away. Too bad where I park is the location everyone puts their shitty for sale cars.

[Lee358]

You bought from liberty subaru didnt you? I saw your car all wrapped up i think it was last week it must have just came in.


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[Kieranz]

Actually got mine from somerset Subaru.

[ranisron]

Congrats on the purchase and especially fitting two baby seats in the back... I have a 6 month old and she fits in the back, in rear-facing seat.