BRZ

[Evan]

so i made the idiotic but predictable mistake of looking at the prices of these on the used market.  very surprised.  i'm a little intrigued, and by that i mean i have about 10 brz/frs tabs open on my browser for the last week.  i just keeping thinking a stock/slight bolt on 86 would be a super fun daily/hpde/rally car.  i can't think of anything else that's as light, practical, reliable, affordable and rwd that wasn't made 2 decades ago.

original plan was to use the Si as the main family car but now that the 4Runner made a surprise appearance in our lives we've realized its probably going to get driven more, and the Si less because its pretty nice.  starting to wonder if the 86 finally makes sense, but i'm also conflicted because i actually love the Si and i've come out the bad side of a "grass is always greener" decision in the past.

i'm still a bit gunshy about the pancake motor, and due to the wide range of owner types i can't figure out how ACTUALLY reliable the powertrain is.  seems like some people are on their 3rd engine, some barely touch theirs after years of abuse and they're fine.  what's the general consensus?  for something under $12-13k, basically just avoid the 2013's and try to look for a good owner?

also more elise pics plz, its too pretty to not get any attention.

The more I drive this car, the more I like it. I honestly think you would love it more than your Si.
Early 2013s had a recall for the engine which was actually overblown, and the recall fix was actually causing more harm
2014s are good to go, unless you plan on tracking it in which case they eat coilpacks. Even then, most just consider it a consumable and budget $100-$200 each season for it.
2015s and 2016s have new coilpacks and harnesses that fix the issue. They were what I was shopping for until I found a great deal on a 17 Perf Pack.

Subaru engines don't really get 'splode-y until they go over 2.0L and add boost. Given the people beating on these things its pretty amazing how stout the engine is. I don't recall reading of an unmodded 2014+ engine letting go.

in short

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also more elise pics plz, its too pretty to not get any attention.

got some company at work the other day. Limited edition "hyper blue". Love the color


Other than that, mostly just driving it on nice days. Installed a dashcam, easiest hard wire Ive ever done because Subaru put a 12v socket in the glove box. No fuse tap or buck converter needed.