We're just kidding, we know you don't actually hate the BRZ. But, really, tell us what's keeping you from buying this superlative, inexpensive and engaging little driver's car. Let us know in the comments.
I have a baby in a rear facing car seat. My MK7.5 GTI is quiet and nothing has broken on it or fallen off in 40k miles. My GTI averaged 28mpg lifetime while being faster. 25mpg (the same as the BRZ) after going Stage 2 and being MUCH faster. The BRZ/86 are fantastic cars, but even at an entry level price, they're still a luxury item. Their market is young adults with a bit of money and no responsibilities or middle aged adults with enough money for a 2nd fun car, but not enough for a Cayman. That's not a lot of people.
@@clutchthepearls3062 The GTI is decent but VWs reliability and resale are garbage they're terrible cars the GTI included. I always see guys that don't know theyre old driving them smoking a vape it's cringe honestly and the touch panel is horrible. Also it's a huge price gap between a BRZ and a 718 a 718 costs more than alot of cars the garbage GTI included.
Personally its motor, these are superb but I just am not confortmable spending this much on a boxer powered car. I have owned a couple EJ powered vehciles turbo'd at that. But long term buying something new I want a different engine. Me and 3 frieds have agreed if the 1.6 3 cylinder comes to this chassis we will buy immediately.
As the owner of a 22 BRZ, I love these cars! I thought this was a fair long term review. The BRZ is awful as a family car and is not practical, but the driving experience makes it worth it especially as a 2nd/3rd car. These aren't cars for commuting slowly to work. Where they shine is attacking backroads and having fun at the track. I did nearly 50 track days on my 1st gen FR-S and loved it so much, I upgraded to the 2nd gen and have not been disappointed. The engine sound is an easy fix with an exhaust and/or intake. Looking forward to many more years/miles with this one.
I own 2023 BRZ and my god is it amazing. I agree with the 10/10 rating and like others baulk at the sheer stupidity of any reviewer who says “great car, but the back seats are a joke!” If you give one f about the back seats then you don’t get it. If you care about cup holders, clicker feel, cargo, road noise, or anything other than driving the absolute snot out of this thing then you do not get it. I will give the RTV and track issue to those who are buying it to track it, but regular people are wringing their hands over something they will never experience. Do you regularly drive your car 120mph through 5 second turns? For the love of god, shut up. Even the track people…RTV issue is super easy to fix and 1/2 quart over fill on track solves oil starvation. And you still spent 30,000.
I hear you, and we all have commutes I’ve been in this car with two friends who own newer and older gen, sheesh… it’s just sooooooo noisy sooooooo noisy. Do you not hear it? Real question. Like it’s kinda hard to have a conversation on the highway and it’s not like the engine sounds nice. Idunno I hear you but you can’t dismiss it all as we are just complaining.
@LafemmebearMusic 🧢 you're just regurgitating ehat you've heard online. Clearly you could just buy an electric car and stfu honestly, your comment is overdramatic asf 😬
No ones buying these?!?!? Are you insane? These have top 10 highest resale value. Ive worked at a subaru dealers on and off for 25 years and these flew off within weeks and or were sold b4 they got off truck.
@@middler5212for RWD sports coupe, can you get more practical then this? Rear seats are huge even if they are tiny. The closest competitors for driving experience would be miata (only 2 seats), ecoboost mustang (almost $10k more cad), and thats about it lol. Anything else is fwd, or way more. For me, with no kids, I just ordered one a few months back, and it should be perfect for my needs and way more then practical enough, the folding seats are huge benefit aswell.
I’ve never regretted buying my 22 BRZ. The driving dynamics are great and love the way it looks. Road noise is terrible on bad pavement. Like the man said, no car is perfect.
I picked up my BRZ three days ago. It is much more beautiful in person than in the photographs. I haven’t noticed anything cheap about the interior. Oh, it’s great to drive!
Had mine 18 months and it’s the perfect daily sports car & practical enough if you don’t have kids. It does need an aftermarket exhaust and subwoofer but that’s true of most cars. Enough power to have fun but not so much to get into trouble. I have restraint problems and faster cars get me in trouble. The BRZ ride is firm enough for great handling but soft enough for bad roads. Can’t recommend enough it’s a great street car
Had one for two years as a daily and the only issues were a lack of room when I needed to accommodate a third passenger and the rough ride on the constant road construction in my area and speed bumps. Got a lot of compliments though.
i can haul around my upright bass, this is pretty much the only option, maybe a mustang/camero but these cars are so light and nimble, they look amazing - had my 22 over 2 years now as my DD, it's the best!
I have had a 2022 since January 2022. It has been flawless. I had 1 interior squeak that I fixed with a piece of felt tape. It is fun but, yes a bit slow in a straight line. I solved that with a full exhaust including UEL header and a flex fuel tune. What an incredible difference. The car is so much better.
In the U drag and its 0 to 60 and quarter mile are almost matching the Acura Integra type S its always weird seein g them say the Integra is fast and this car is slow 😅 doesn't make sense
I did buy one. I don’t hate it. I have never scratched the dash and said it sucks. If you value a car based on how scratchy the dash is, don’t buy a BRZ. Anyone who wants a fun to drive true sports car this, and the Porsche Cayman are the only option with a real roof and the Boxter and Miata are the only options if you want a soft top. If you are scratching the dash to look for quality, look elsewhere.
I have a 2022 BRZ and love it!! It is my daily driver and brings a smile just going to the store. Your review was great. Best part of the BRZ experience is the driving feel. Worst part for me is the road noise.
Hi ya Edmunds - I am a Subaru advocate and just took delivery of a BRX tS on 30 August 2024. This is the 10th Subaru I have purchased. I have had Corvettes but the practicality of an almost 200 mph car has been called into question by my wife more than once - lol. I can have just as much fun with this 'tS'. I would like to see another 'there and back' video pitting a BRZ ts against the WRX tS - please. I love Subaru's and prefer the looks of the BRZ to the 'Toyota 86' - just MY preference - please don't hate. Stay safe and healthy - ALL!
You don’t buy a BRZ for the space it has or for a backseat. You buy it for the fun of driving it. Also a BRZ is not a premium car so some of the things inside of it will not be that nice but you live with it because that’s what you buy. I am planning on buying a BRZ as I don’t need a lot of space in my car and I like to have a fun car to drive.
Had mine around for 18 months so far in Australia. Same colour as this car but with the factory STI 'style pack' body kit all round in black along with the factory quick shifter and Corsa catback exhaust. The catback exhaust made a huge difference to my driving enjoyment (not more power but way better sound). This is a second car for me so no issues with lack of practicality. Fits like a glove every time I slide into the seat. Love it.
I had a first gen brz and it was amazing. I drove it all year around that means summer and winter in upny. Did a trip from NY to CO 16 hours car was good on mpg and smoth ride comfy seats. The car was super reliable never did any mayor repairs other than regular maintenance... Modifications was cai and exhaust. The car was not fast by any means but it's a slow car that you can push to its limits and give an enjoyable experience. Imo the highlight of the brz it's the handling the way you can take turns at higher speeds and how well the car gives you feedback at the steering it's unique... On winter all I did was buying a set of blizzaks and 2 60lbs sand bags and I was going thru deep snow without any problems... It's a subaru and toyota mix you can't go wrong with it...
Bought my BRZ in 2019, reluctantly sold it yesterday. Transformed my dull daily drive into always fun part of my day. And I was often carrying three kids (inc two teens) for daily school drop-offs & pick-ups. No complaints from us - we adored this brilliant car.
I have 16k on my 22 BRZ. It’s been a really fun and practical car for me. I had the original and put over 180k miles on it. It’s a great platform that delivers fun every day.
About the valve stem caps, I'm sure someone probably took them and about the center caps, plastic pop in center caps are notorious for popping out if you ever drive the car hard or take it to a track and get the temps up regardless of the brand. I would say aside from the obvious annoying thing like the cup holder location, everything is little nitpicking. Update: I got my brz Jan 25th off 2024 and I agree that the cup holder location and the button to open it couldn't be more annoying lol
Well I did want one of these too but as much as I like it I fell in love with the leather interior and the nice ride of the Mazda3 hatch and everything else about it, the quiet ride and the sound system just work well in a small car, I really enjoy driving it.
I have a 2017 BRZ bought as a midlife crisis response 😂. That said, every time i hop in the car it feels like playing as Toad in Super Mario Kart: you're not the fastest or the heaviest, but you are nimble and will stick on the road unless you really mess up
Sportscars are mainly for car guys and car Enthusiasts. Average normal person. That doesn't have a passion just dont understand how to enjoy a sportscar. But also last couple of years cars in general are really expensive$$ . I daily drive mostly my 2012' honda Accord to work. I own several of sportscars. Yes. None of my sportscars will match or beat my D.D Accord. But im always wanting to drive my sportscars cause of the sense of joy & feeling they bring to me. I also track them ( Road racing) my commute is boring and my monday to Friday as well. But once weekends come in play. My cars bring a Great smile to me. And yes. I am planning in the future purchasing this BRZ as well.
Just the best Sports Car I’ve had, previous sports Cars, first 3 generations of Miatas, first two I put a supercharger on but the 3rd gen was factory. Yes the BRZ is a coupe but so much more comfortable then my past Miatas and ample interior space and more power! Engine Torque at mid range is fabulous. Yes the interior sound is up there with tire noise the main cause. I’ve turned off the fake engine sound but that was not what I liked so at least with it on I can simulate engine sound. I’ve owned 2 new BRZs. Not one issue with mine, nothing broke and fuel economy is the same as previous Miatas. Over 30 mpg/ 7.7 litres per 100 Km. Love the engaging BRZ. On another note, I sold my WRX and got a BRZ and instantly love the BRZ More!
One comment... the BRZ is not 'easy to get into' as mentioned. If you set the car in the perfect driving/control position and get out, then getting back is not as easy as I would like. It's a minor detail, but you asked for the info lol. You are however, rewarded with a great set of seats that do hold you in position.
I'm a geezer (75) with a '14 BRZ. I get up very early in the morning and do 45 minutes of stretches and resistance exercises because I want to stay flexible, but also so I can get into and out of that car!
No ones buying them? Good luck finding one on the lot, and if you do they can be several thousand dollars over MSRP. I was told I could order one, and wait four months for it to be delivered. I gave up and bought a MINI instead. If they are not selling I can only imagine it's because people are not able to find one.
Mark ups are most common on gr86s. Most BRZ owner and myself got it at msrp. And it is a plan ahead type of car. Mine took 6months to arrive when I got it in 22.
I've been owning 2015 BRZ since 2018 as a daily car. For a single man wanting a proper sports car, this is decently good daily car. The biggest complain I have is the noise in the cabin but this has been mitigated with a $30 active noise canceling headphones. I also live in CO so winter tire became a must after a couple seasons of sketchy situations (i.e. getting stuck in the snow in the mountain and unable to climb a hill). If you need to move large cargo just borrow a friend's or family's larger car. I don't see any need for more power in stock configuration even at a high altitude losing 15% power (should be better with 2.4L engine on 2022+ models) at ~80k miles just did a clutch replacement, spark plugs + engine mount, coolant flush, yearly oil change, gear oil flush every 40k miles.
The only thing keeping from purchasing one is that new car price. Used ones haven’t fallen yet. And that engine note. I had a first gen. Some say it got better, but it still sounds the same to me.
Unlike Honda and Toyota, Subaru allows you to do a factory order for the car. Just order it and wait a few months. You won't have to worry about having to compromise on colors or options, you'll get it exactly how you order it.
I own this car. A little bit overstated on quality. Nothing IS high quality, that’s true. But fit and finish so excellent, so nothing FEELS low quality. I feel like that mattered more. I’ve owned mine for 15 months. I don’t get to drive that much. Only 5000 miles, but absolutely nothing has broken on mine.
No one buys it because a bunch of keyboard warriors demanding rear-drive, manual coupes will NEVER put their money where their mouth is.They dream of "drifting, "hooning", whatever, but the reality is they are stuck in the boring commute with everybody else.
Love the BRZ but I’d take the GR86. It’s better looking, more aggressive handling and way more Toyota dealers to have it serviced that Subaru dealerships, in my area.
I needed warranty and recall work on my 1st gen 86, and it was a nightmare. I went for the new BRZ this time so I could get my Subaru serviced by Subaru.
Subaru themselves act like they don’t even care about the brz. I looked down on them for a long time because of the lack of power but then I drove one and I really liked it. I think it’s one of the best handling cars you can buy especially in its price range. Now I own an 18 WRX and 23 BRZ and I love driving the BRZ more but I would not want to own it as my only car. Yes you can fold the rear seats down and put things in the trunk but it’s not a comfortable daily car. It’s small and low to the ground so you have to get in and out a certain way. And because it’s a coupe, it has longer doors than most vehicles and you have to be more careful opening them. I think my biggest complaint about it is the turn signals. I don’t know why they tried to fix something that wasn’t broken to begin with. Yes you can own this as your only car and make it work but most people wouldn’t want to including me. If I didn’t already own another car I wouldn’t even consider a BRZ.
I’m comparing a 991.1 911 to a BRZ for practicality and fun to supplement my 718 Spyder. The 718 is way more than is necessary for the road. Seems like a 911 and BRZ are very comparable except for the obvious ones.
I hate when the BRZ gets compared to the WRX. They are two different tools for two different jobs. Speaking of tools. Buy a older Forester, swap all the suspension with STi aftermarket components. Put super sticky tires on it and there you go. Carry people, stuff and still handle like a race car. Thats what I did to my 09 Forester. Next mods are Sti 6 speed, axles, hubs, brakes and R180 rear diff. Then a EZ30 swap.
Could do the same thing with the MK7 Sportwagen/Alltrack. Throw an IS38 turbo and some springs/shocks and you basically get a Golf R wagon with a trunk way bigger than most crossovers and even some SUVs.
Talk about different cars. The forester drives like a school bus. The BRZ drives like a sports car. No power or suspension changes will get the lightweight low center of gravity handling of a BRZ. We have had 3 Foresters, they are great for what they are but that is not fun driving.
There is a lot of aftermarket support for the complaints people have about the car for what ever you may want the car to be. Personally I love a GT over a sports car but with money for a Porsche Bentley 8 series or even the Lexus RC. So I'd by this, add a lot of sound deadening material and also upgrade the speakers in the car. Lovely 2 maybe 3 day project and that it.😊
Everything you complained about comes with buying an inexpensive sports car. If you want better quality interior, fork up more money and buy something else. Nothing in the market competes with this car.
It's kinda homely looking. It has the shape of of a sports car but looks dopey up front. Also, Subaru cheaps out on interiors where i spend ALL my time in a car
Pretty sure subaru/toyota made this car with the intent that people were going to heavily modify it so made the interior with as low quality parts as they could to save cost for the buyer so they can buy mods.
honestly I just can't justify buying a new(ish) car until I can buy a place to live. Trying to be a responsible millennial. The second that changes I'm putting in an order... for a gr86. That brz front licence place bracket on the bumper bugs me way too much and I live in a province that doesn't require a front plate.
OK, you asked the question. I was looking for something to replace a 987 Porsche Cayman and watched a lot of reviews of the GR-86 and the BRZ. I decided that the BRZ is a better car BUT! In the end I couldn't see paying $10 grand more than what I just got another Cayman for. It is about the sound and the build quality. It's a sunny day fun toy and I just didn't want a car that would need a lot of aftermarket mods to really come close to a Cayman. Yes, it will need things done but a stock base Cayman will run circles around a BRZ so in the end it would have been more like $15 grand and still sound awful. Just MHO.
I’m shocked to hear that the BRZ is not a family car and can’t do family car things very well. What was Subaru thinking?!?! So disappointed that it only does sports car things.
The RTV issue with this car singlehanded destroyed my intention to own it. Even if it doesn't blow the car up immediately, it will always be on a owners mind and does not bode well for the engineering excellence that you typically expect in a Japanese car. And yeah, I want to track once in a while, as the car is designed, so don't say just don't drive it on a track
@@chrisg5101 there’s no evidence that they have fixed anything. I would wait a few years to see. And again it’s not necessarily that I think the car will blow up but it just gives me an impression that the engine is not well engineered compared to any other Japanese sporty car
@@chrisg5101 why are you seemingly upset I don't want to spend my money on a lemon? Track or not RVT is an issue. Oil starvation is an issue. You won't see one of these on the road in 5 years with the same motor. That's a fact
A 911 costs 4 or more times the price of this car and Edmunds never saids the rear seats aren't usable I would rather own a Panamera or a Macan 🤣🤣 all the more reason not to trust these type of reviews. They never say that on Mustangs, Camaros 2 seat cars that it should be a family car...Subaru must not have paid for advertising....any other car but here these guys want a crossover smh 🤦 these are not car enthusiasts let them review the next looks like everything else crossover not sports cars
Idk what’s all that bs with the material is a eco box sports car and please don’t compare it to a golf there’s no actual comparison Realistically the reliability of the Gr/BrZ is far greater than gti’s and it’s more of a everyday car compared to the mazda. And remember plush materials age like milk, hard plastics well they just stay hard and rarely crack or bubble or anything
Yeah there’s no way the engineers intended the back seats to be used for people; it really is a truly horrible space to confine any size of a human being.
Because they didn't engineer them for people...They gave the car back seats solely for owners to fold them down and carry an extra set of tires to the track. The Toyota Chief Engineer has literally said that's the only reason why in his own words. And he added that the Miata and S2000 require a van or trailer to carry an extra 4 tires, and that's a pain in the ass, so the 86/BRZs remedied that problem.
@@moldyrefrigeratorand aren’t those of us who track the car glad! 🎉🎉🎉 I just think it’s moot point to criticize a sports coupe for not being “family” enough in its seating. It was not intended to be a family car. So that’s more what I was referring to. They should call them “padded collapsible storage” not seats 😂
That's 35G's US to put a semi-hardcore sports car in your hands. I guess if you've never had a sports car before, its not a bad purchase. It's definitely not going to be your only vehicle. Forget about owning one if you're with someone and you're on the cusp of making a family. This 2nd generation is a vast improvement over the 1st gen. Thankfully I've been able to own my hardcore sports car since I got out of high school. Nor is it ever leaving my side. Which is why for less money I got a slightly used Model 3. That's the problem with this price bracket, isn't it? Would you want to deal with all the maintenance headaches of a traditional ICE vehicle or go the modern route and still have fun. I'll be honest, I didn't think I would love my Model 3 as much as I do. I knew I was getting something that would be convenient for sure. I didn't think it would be such a great alternative. I'll be damned if I spend money on an ICE vehicle as my main vehicle going forward. Once you go EV, its extremely hard to go back to anything else. It would have to be rare and something iconic to tolerate. 🙂
We're just kidding, we know you don't actually hate the BRZ. But, really, tell us what's keeping you from buying this superlative, inexpensive and engaging little driver's car. Let us know in the comments.
If I didn’t have my Miata, I’d probably have one of these.
I have a baby in a rear facing car seat.
My MK7.5 GTI is quiet and nothing has broken on it or fallen off in 40k miles.
My GTI averaged 28mpg lifetime while being faster. 25mpg (the same as the BRZ) after going Stage 2 and being MUCH faster.
The BRZ/86 are fantastic cars, but even at an entry level price, they're still a luxury item.
Their market is young adults with a bit of money and no responsibilities or middle aged adults with enough money for a 2nd fun car, but not enough for a Cayman. That's not a lot of people.
Nothing, I already bought my 2023 BRZ earlier in the year.
@@clutchthepearls3062 The GTI is decent but VWs reliability and resale are garbage they're terrible cars the GTI included. I always see guys that don't know theyre old driving them smoking a vape it's cringe honestly and the touch panel is horrible. Also it's a huge price gap between a BRZ and a 718 a 718 costs more than alot of cars the garbage GTI included.
Personally its motor, these are superb but I just am not confortmable spending this much on a boxer powered car. I have owned a couple EJ powered vehciles turbo'd at that. But long term buying something new I want a different engine. Me and 3 frieds have agreed if the 1.6 3 cylinder comes to this chassis we will buy immediately.
Nobody in the market for a sports car is cross-shopping it with a Prius and a Maverick LOL.
As the owner of a 22 BRZ, I love these cars! I thought this was a fair long term review. The BRZ is awful as a family car and is not practical, but the driving experience makes it worth it especially as a 2nd/3rd car. These aren't cars for commuting slowly to work. Where they shine is attacking backroads and having fun at the track. I did nearly 50 track days on my 1st gen FR-S and loved it so much, I upgraded to the 2nd gen and have not been disappointed. The engine sound is an easy fix with an exhaust and/or intake. Looking forward to many more years/miles with this one.
What’s the oil issue on this specific year?
I own 2023 BRZ and my god is it amazing. I agree with the 10/10 rating and like others baulk at the sheer stupidity of any reviewer who says “great car, but the back seats are a joke!” If you give one f about the back seats then you don’t get it. If you care about cup holders, clicker feel, cargo, road noise, or anything other than driving the absolute snot out of this thing then you do not get it.
I will give the RTV and track issue to those who are buying it to track it, but regular people are wringing their hands over something they will never experience. Do you regularly drive your car 120mph through 5 second turns? For the love of god, shut up. Even the track people…RTV issue is super easy to fix and 1/2 quart over fill on track solves oil starvation. And you still spent 30,000.
I hear you, and we all have commutes I’ve been in this car with two friends who own newer and older gen, sheesh… it’s just sooooooo noisy sooooooo noisy. Do you not hear it? Real question. Like it’s kinda hard to have a conversation on the highway and it’s not like the engine sounds nice. Idunno I hear you but you can’t dismiss it all as we are just complaining.
@LafemmebearMusic 🧢 you're just regurgitating ehat you've heard online. Clearly you could just buy an electric car and stfu honestly, your comment is overdramatic asf 😬
I have a teenager and a wife, so yeah... I give one hoot about the back seats and 'still get it'. Everyone's priorities are different.
@@LafemmebearMusicany car under 3000 lbs will be noisier. Thats just what you sacrifice for a light car
Complaining about a sports car’s practicality in an infinite sea of boring econobox SUVs is tone deaf to who would actually consider one of these.
And yet I’d argue that’s the #1 reason no one is buying them. 😕
@@middler5212 🤫
No ones buying these?!?!?
Are you insane? These have top 10 highest resale value. Ive worked at a subaru dealers on and off for 25 years and these flew off within weeks and or were sold b4 they got off truck.
Yup exactly, its like complaining your half ton pickup takes up to much space and isnt small enough😂
@@middler5212for RWD sports coupe, can you get more practical then this? Rear seats are huge even if they are tiny. The closest competitors for driving experience would be miata (only 2 seats), ecoboost mustang (almost $10k more cad), and thats about it lol. Anything else is fwd, or way more. For me, with no kids, I just ordered one a few months back, and it should be perfect for my needs and way more then practical enough, the folding seats are huge benefit aswell.
I’ve never regretted buying my 22 BRZ. The driving dynamics are great and love the way it looks. Road noise is terrible on bad pavement. Like the man said, no car is perfect.
I picked up my BRZ three days ago. It is much more beautiful in person than in the photographs. I haven’t noticed anything cheap about the interior. Oh, it’s great to drive!
As a BRZ owner , wind noise is not a problem and tire noise is easily fixed with all season high performance tires.
yup and stick to 17-inch light weight wheels / rims for less noise.
Which model of tires did you get?
@@ghrtt7 the summer tires and wheels can be put back on for the track but for the road, there is no loss in grip.
Had mine 18 months and it’s the perfect daily sports car & practical enough if you don’t have kids.
It does need an aftermarket exhaust and subwoofer but that’s true of most cars. Enough power to have fun but not so much to get into trouble. I have restraint problems and faster cars get me in trouble.
The BRZ ride is firm enough for great handling but soft enough for bad roads. Can’t recommend enough it’s a great street car
Had one for two years as a daily and the only issues were a lack of room when I needed to accommodate a third passenger and the rough ride on the constant road construction in my area and speed bumps. Got a lot of compliments though.
i can haul around my upright bass, this is pretty much the only option, maybe a mustang/camero but these cars are so light and nimble, they look amazing - had my 22 over 2 years now as my DD, it's the best!
I have had a 2022 since January 2022. It has been flawless. I had 1 interior squeak that I fixed with a piece of felt tape. It is fun but, yes a bit slow in a straight line. I solved that with a full exhaust including UEL header and a flex fuel tune. What an incredible difference. The car is so much better.
In the U drag and its 0 to 60 and quarter mile are almost matching the Acura Integra type S its always weird seein g them say the Integra is fast and this car is slow 😅 doesn't make sense
I did buy one. I don’t hate it. I have never scratched the dash and said it sucks. If you value a car based on how scratchy the dash is, don’t buy a BRZ.
Anyone who wants a fun to drive true sports car this, and the Porsche Cayman are the only option with a real roof and the Boxter and Miata are the only options if you want a soft top.
If you are scratching the dash to look for quality, look elsewhere.
I love this, lol.
I have a 2022 BRZ and love it!! It is my daily driver and brings a smile just going to the store. Your review was great. Best part of the BRZ experience is the driving feel. Worst part for me is the road noise.
Hi ya Edmunds - I am a Subaru advocate and just took delivery of a BRX tS on 30 August 2024. This is the 10th Subaru I have purchased. I have had Corvettes but the practicality of an almost 200 mph car has been called into question by my wife more than once - lol. I can have just as much fun with this 'tS'. I would like to see another 'there and back' video pitting a BRZ ts against the WRX tS - please. I love Subaru's and prefer the looks of the BRZ to the 'Toyota 86' - just MY preference - please don't hate. Stay safe and healthy - ALL!
I agree BRZ looks way better than GR86 !
You don’t buy a BRZ for the space it has or for a backseat. You buy it for the fun of driving it. Also a BRZ is not a premium car so some of the things inside of it will not be that nice but you live with it because that’s what you buy. I am planning on buying a BRZ as I don’t need a lot of space in my car and I like to have a fun car to drive.
Had mine around for 18 months so far in Australia. Same colour as this car but with the factory STI 'style pack' body kit all round in black along with the factory quick shifter and Corsa catback exhaust. The catback exhaust made a huge difference to my driving enjoyment (not more power but way better sound). This is a second car for me so no issues with lack of practicality. Fits like a glove every time I slide into the seat. Love it.
Which catback did you get?
@@fennec1 mentioned it - Corsa.
I had a first gen brz and it was amazing.
I drove it all year around that means summer and winter in upny.
Did a trip from NY to CO 16 hours car was good on mpg and smoth ride comfy seats.
The car was super reliable never did any mayor repairs other than regular maintenance...
Modifications was cai and exhaust.
The car was not fast by any means but it's a slow car that you can push to its limits and give an enjoyable experience.
Imo the highlight of the brz it's the handling the way you can take turns at higher speeds and how well the car gives you feedback at the steering it's unique...
On winter all I did was buying a set of blizzaks and 2 60lbs sand bags and I was going thru deep snow without any problems...
It's a subaru and toyota mix you can't go wrong with it...
Bought my BRZ in 2019, reluctantly sold it yesterday. Transformed my dull daily drive into always fun part of my day. And I was often carrying three kids (inc two teens) for daily school drop-offs & pick-ups. No complaints from us - we adored this brilliant car.
*The best car ive ever had!*
I have 16k on my 22 BRZ. It’s been a really fun and practical car for me. I had the original and put over 180k miles on it. It’s a great platform that delivers fun every day.
Twisted your ankle putting in a car seat; such a delicate man..
Had mine for a year , my only complaint is I wish it had 2 more gears for the highway. That would also help the noise problem.
I have a 22 WRX Limited as my daily driver and expecting my 24 BRZ tS in March for my strictly fun car
Siiiick combo. That tS looks awesome. Eyeing one as well
About the valve stem caps, I'm sure someone probably took them and about the center caps, plastic pop in center caps are notorious for popping out if you ever drive the car hard or take it to a track and get the temps up regardless of the brand.
I would say aside from the obvious annoying thing like the cup holder location, everything is little nitpicking.
Update: I got my brz Jan 25th off 2024 and I agree that the cup holder location and the button to open it couldn't be more annoying lol
Hahahaha the follow up comment. Congrats
Well I did want one of these too but as much as I like it I fell in love with the leather interior and the nice ride of the Mazda3 hatch and everything else about it, the quiet ride and the sound system just work well in a small car, I really enjoy driving it.
just left fairfield subaru at the beginning of the month with the last new 23 limited in the bay area.
I have a 2017 BRZ bought as a midlife crisis response 😂. That said, every time i hop in the car it feels like playing as Toad in Super Mario Kart: you're not the fastest or the heaviest, but you are nimble and will stick on the road unless you really mess up
I know you posted this a month ago but I had to comment. Well done! Couldn't agree more
Hahaha great comparison. Toad is my fav
Thank you, Nick for your incredible insights!! I always look forward to hearing what you have to say!!
road noise is not an issue in my country as the roads are of high quality
Sportscars are mainly for car guys and car Enthusiasts. Average normal person. That doesn't have a passion just dont understand how to enjoy a sportscar. But also last couple of years cars in general are really expensive$$ .
I daily drive mostly my 2012' honda Accord to work. I own several of sportscars. Yes. None of my sportscars will match or beat my D.D Accord. But im always wanting to drive my sportscars cause of the sense of joy & feeling they bring to me. I also track them ( Road racing) my commute is boring and my monday to Friday as well. But once weekends come in play. My cars bring a Great smile to me.
And yes. I am planning in the future purchasing this BRZ as well.
Just the best Sports Car I’ve had, previous sports Cars, first 3 generations of Miatas, first two I put a supercharger on but the 3rd gen was factory. Yes the BRZ is a coupe but so much more comfortable then my past Miatas and ample interior space and more power! Engine Torque at mid range is fabulous. Yes the interior sound is up there with tire noise the main cause. I’ve turned off the fake engine sound but that was not what I liked so at least with it on I can simulate engine sound. I’ve owned 2 new BRZs. Not one issue with mine, nothing broke and fuel economy is the same as previous Miatas. Over 30 mpg/ 7.7 litres per 100 Km. Love the engaging BRZ. On another note, I sold my WRX and got a BRZ and instantly love the BRZ More!
agreed BRZ whips the wrx for driving fun - and if you are in a hurry I think the brz is the right tool for that job
Bought a 2023 GR86. Totally love it. 👍
It's on list for my next car. Depends how I'm feeling at the time. Also considering a maverick or ex30
One comment... the BRZ is not 'easy to get into' as mentioned. If you set the car in the perfect driving/control position and get out, then getting back is not as easy as I would like. It's a minor detail, but you asked for the info lol. You are however, rewarded with a great set of seats that do hold you in position.
I'm a geezer (75) with a '14 BRZ. I get up very early in the morning and do 45 minutes of stretches and resistance exercises because I want to stay flexible, but also so I can get into and out of that car!
No ones buying them? Good luck finding one on the lot, and if you do they can be several thousand dollars over MSRP. I was told I could order one, and wait four months for it to be delivered. I gave up and bought a MINI instead. If they are not selling I can only imagine it's because people are not able to find one.
Mark ups are most common on gr86s. Most BRZ owner and myself got it at msrp. And it is a plan ahead type of car. Mine took 6months to arrive when I got it in 22.
I've been owning 2015 BRZ since 2018 as a daily car. For a single man wanting a proper sports car, this is decently good daily car. The biggest complain I have is the noise in the cabin but this has been mitigated with a $30 active noise canceling headphones. I also live in CO so winter tire became a must after a couple seasons of sketchy situations (i.e. getting stuck in the snow in the mountain and unable to climb a hill). If you need to move large cargo just borrow a friend's or family's larger car. I don't see any need for more power in stock configuration even at a high altitude losing 15% power (should be better with 2.4L engine on 2022+ models) at ~80k miles just did a clutch replacement, spark plugs + engine mount, coolant flush, yearly oil change, gear oil flush every 40k miles.
BRZ is the ultimate "i need to pick up some groceries" or "i forgot something at work" car
Nice watch you're wearing. I got a instinct 2S and I never been happier with a watch. Also nice video! 😊
I'm really surprised that I can't pull my trailer with the brz lol
That BRZ is way more practical than my Miata, I really like this 2nd generation.
The only thing keeping from purchasing one is that new car price. Used ones haven’t fallen yet. And that engine note. I had a first gen. Some say it got better, but it still sounds the same to me.
I daily a nd Miata and can’t afford a BRZ as well. The BRZ is my second pic and would love one.
The BRZ/GR86 is a modern-day RX-8 with significant performance improvements and reliability.
How can I buy one when my dealer doesn't stock them? And the Toyota dealer has a $5k markup.
Check to see when the dealer or area dealers are placing orders for them takes 4 to 6 months
Unlike Honda and Toyota, Subaru allows you to do a factory order for the car. Just order it and wait a few months. You won't have to worry about having to compromise on colors or options, you'll get it exactly how you order it.
I own this car. A little bit overstated on quality.
Nothing IS high quality, that’s true. But fit and finish so excellent, so nothing FEELS low quality. I feel like that mattered more.
I’ve owned mine for 15 months. I don’t get to drive that much. Only 5000 miles, but absolutely nothing has broken on mine.
No one buys it because a bunch of keyboard warriors demanding rear-drive, manual coupes will NEVER put their money where their mouth is.They dream of "drifting, "hooning", whatever, but the reality is they are stuck in the boring commute with everybody else.
@travsmac I bought one. So more than “no one.”
What the heck is going on with that front license plate situation?!?!?!
Love the BRZ but I’d take the GR86. It’s better looking, more aggressive handling and way more Toyota dealers to have it serviced that Subaru dealerships, in my area.
I needed warranty and recall work on my 1st gen 86, and it was a nightmare. I went for the new BRZ this time so I could get my Subaru serviced by Subaru.
Toyota service men are not trained to deal with boxer engines.
I’ve got a 22 with 15k, my only complaint is that the cup holders. Could have used those old pop out style like my 02 wrx lol
Subaru themselves act like they don’t even care about the brz. I looked down on them for a long time because of the lack of power but then I drove one and I really liked it. I think it’s one of the best handling cars you can buy especially in its price range. Now I own an 18 WRX and 23 BRZ and I love driving the BRZ more but I would not want to own it as my only car. Yes you can fold the rear seats down and put things in the trunk but it’s not a comfortable daily car. It’s small and low to the ground so you have to get in and out a certain way. And because it’s a coupe, it has longer doors than most vehicles and you have to be more careful opening them. I think my biggest complaint about it is the turn signals. I don’t know why they tried to fix something that wasn’t broken to begin with. Yes you can own this as your only car and make it work but most people wouldn’t want to including me. If I didn’t already own another car I wouldn’t even consider a BRZ.
I’m comparing a 991.1 911 to a BRZ for practicality and fun to supplement my 718 Spyder. The 718 is way more than is necessary for the road. Seems like a 911 and BRZ are very comparable except for the obvious ones.
Perhaps people are buying the Toyota GR86 instead? I for one prefer the Toyota's slight difference in styling.
0:13 it's just not on the table financially.
Even used ones are out of the question for me.
What’s the oil issue in high g turns?
I have about 5k on mine AND I LOVE IT!
I hate when the BRZ gets compared to the WRX. They are two different tools for two different jobs. Speaking of tools. Buy a older Forester, swap all the suspension with STi aftermarket components. Put super sticky tires on it and there you go. Carry people, stuff and still handle like a race car. Thats what I did to my 09 Forester. Next mods are Sti 6 speed, axles, hubs, brakes and R180 rear diff. Then a EZ30 swap.
Could do the same thing with the MK7 Sportwagen/Alltrack. Throw an IS38 turbo and some springs/shocks and you basically get a Golf R wagon with a trunk way bigger than most crossovers and even some SUVs.
Talk about different cars. The forester drives like a school bus. The BRZ drives like a sports car. No power or suspension changes will get the lightweight low center of gravity handling of a BRZ.
We have had 3 Foresters, they are great for what they are but that is not fun driving.
There is a lot of aftermarket support for the complaints people have about the car for what ever you may want the car to be. Personally I love a GT over a sports car but with money for a Porsche Bentley 8 series or even the Lexus RC. So I'd by this, add a lot of sound deadening material and also upgrade the speakers in the car. Lovely 2 maybe 3 day project and that it.😊
I love my BRZ...2023
Everything you complained about comes with buying an inexpensive sports car. If you want better quality interior, fork up more money and buy something else. Nothing in the market competes with this car.
ND3 Miata?
There are cup holders in the doors! They work perfectly, stop complaining about the damn cup holders!
Great video.
I wouldn't buy one until the RTV issue and oil starvation under cornering is resolved. Why not mention these problems?
You are too young to know how good this car is. Respect to the 90's
It's kinda homely looking. It has the shape of of a sports car but looks dopey up front. Also, Subaru cheaps out on interiors where i spend ALL my time in a car
I love to see you remove the oil pan and see if RTV is in the oil pick up tube
Pretty sure subaru/toyota made this car with the intent that people were going to heavily modify it so made the interior with as low quality parts as they could to save cost for the buyer so they can buy mods.
"It ended up jettisoning a wheel center cap and multiple wheels lost valve stem caps."
Uh, that's called theft.
I am buying one :)
I can’t wait for you guys to start selling yours so I can afford one.
honestly I just can't justify buying a new(ish) car until I can buy a place to live. Trying to be a responsible millennial. The second that changes I'm putting in an order... for a gr86. That brz front licence place bracket on the bumper bugs me way too much and I live in a province that doesn't require a front plate.
OK, you asked the question. I was looking for something to replace a 987 Porsche Cayman and watched a lot of reviews of the GR-86 and the BRZ. I decided that the BRZ is a better car BUT! In the end I couldn't see paying $10 grand more than what I just got another Cayman for. It is about the sound and the build quality. It's a sunny day fun toy and I just didn't want a car that would need a lot of aftermarket mods to really come close to a Cayman. Yes, it will need things done but a stock base Cayman will run circles around a BRZ so in the end it would have been more like $15 grand and still sound awful. Just MHO.
I’m shocked to hear that the BRZ is not a family car and can’t do family car things very well. What was Subaru thinking?!?! So disappointed that it only does sports car things.
The RTV issue with this car singlehanded destroyed my intention to own it. Even if it doesn't blow the car up immediately, it will always be on a owners mind and does not bode well for the engineering excellence that you typically expect in a Japanese car. And yeah, I want to track once in a while, as the car is designed, so don't say just don't drive it on a track
@@chrisg5101 there’s no evidence that they have fixed anything. I would wait a few years to see. And again it’s not necessarily that I think the car will blow up but it just gives me an impression that the engine is not well engineered compared to any other Japanese sporty car
@@chrisg5101the issue has not been resolved and is a critical red flag. Not buying unfortunately
@@chrisg5101 why are you seemingly upset I don't want to spend my money on a lemon? Track or not RVT is an issue. Oil starvation is an issue. You won't see one of these on the road in 5 years with the same motor. That's a fact
Maybe if i was 10 years younger but these day i rather get a manual tacoma.
A 911 costs 4 or more times the price of this car and Edmunds never saids the rear seats aren't usable I would rather own a Panamera or a Macan 🤣🤣 all the more reason not to trust these type of reviews. They never say that on Mustangs, Camaros 2 seat cars that it should be a family car...Subaru must not have paid for advertising....any other car but here these guys want a crossover smh 🤦 these are not car enthusiasts let them review the next looks like everything else crossover not sports cars
Maybe if you actually tighened the valve stem caps you wouldn't have lost then.
you wouldn't buy it as a family car? duh. i don't understand why a car is expected to do everything for everyone.
I'd like to have one :)
Idk what’s all that bs with the material is a eco box sports car and please don’t compare it to a golf there’s no actual comparison
Realistically the reliability of the Gr/BrZ is far greater than gti’s and it’s more of a everyday car compared to the mazda. And remember plush materials age like milk, hard plastics well they just stay hard and rarely crack or bubble or anything
Long term a Miata!
def worth 30k in usa, not 43k in eu
Kuphal Radial
Yeah there’s no way the engineers intended the back seats to be used for people; it really is a truly horrible space to confine any size of a human being.
Because they didn't engineer them for people...They gave the car back seats solely for owners to fold them down and carry an extra set of tires to the track. The Toyota Chief Engineer has literally said that's the only reason why in his own words. And he added that the Miata and S2000 require a van or trailer to carry an extra 4 tires, and that's a pain in the ass, so the 86/BRZs remedied that problem.
but 4 seats also helps with insurance. a 2-door, 2-seat car is more than a 2-door, 4-seat car...
@@K03sport didn’t make much of a difference on my insurance bill.
@@moldyrefrigeratorand aren’t those of us who track the car glad! 🎉🎉🎉 I just think it’s moot point to criticize a sports coupe for not being “family” enough in its seating. It was not intended to be a family car. So that’s more what I was referring to. They should call them “padded collapsible storage” not seats 😂
Adela Extension
Johnston Lights
Rolfson Mill
Imagine buying a gen 2 when you can have a gen 1 for half the price
That's 35G's US to put a semi-hardcore sports car in your hands. I guess if you've never had a sports car before, its not a bad purchase. It's definitely not going to be your only vehicle. Forget about owning one if you're with someone and you're on the cusp of making a family. This 2nd generation is a vast improvement over the 1st gen. Thankfully I've been able to own my hardcore sports car since I got out of high school. Nor is it ever leaving my side.
Which is why for less money I got a slightly used Model 3. That's the problem with this price bracket, isn't it? Would you want to deal with all the maintenance headaches of a traditional ICE vehicle or go the modern route and still have fun. I'll be honest, I didn't think I would love my Model 3 as much as I do. I knew I was getting something that would be convenient for sure. I didn't think it would be such a great alternative. I'll be damned if I spend money on an ICE vehicle as my main vehicle going forward. Once you go EV, its extremely hard to go back to anything else. It would have to be rare and something iconic to tolerate. 🙂
Bernier Ridge
don't turn right and you've got a great car
Delbert Streets
People would probably buy more if Subaru actually built some.
You have to order the BRZ. They don’t just make them.
Stoltenberg Meadow
Harber Turnpike
It's not different enough anymore....make 300hp turbo version
Cleora Wall
Marks Branch
Murl Alley