My quick non-driving review of BRZ Limited

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Just letting everyone know my observations after I checked out and sat in a BRZ limited for quite a while that was sitting at the dealer.

No steering wheel controls on the actual wheel. Cruise control is on a stalk. The light settings on the other stalk for the lights is (off, auto, running light, and on positions). The fancy dual climate control buttons felt very cheap and plastic-ish and the whole dash area of the buttons moved when I pushed one button down. The mini's toggles buttons are far superior feeling. The three dials for the temp setting, etc felt good though but won't be pressed nearly as much as the toggle 'looking' switches for defrost, etc.

The front black bumper looking thing (actually looks more like rubbery carbon fiber) is actually just apart of the front fiberglass/plastic with some rubbery feeling stuff. When I pushed on it the whole front area, even the not black part moved. I assumed it was just the front bumper area showing past the front area. I guess the fake front bumper looking thing is only for show to cover up the actual front bumper.

The shifter, clutch, brake, and gas pedals felt perfect even for heel/toe. Steering position and wheel felt very good (has tilt and telescope).

The limited seats felt very good. The dash area isn't super hard plastic but a slightly spongy plastic if you know what I mean (same type as in my VW R32). Back seats only fold down by pulling two nylon pull straps in the trunk (not convenient, as do the front seats when rear passengers want to exit a door as the strap is near the bottom. Never seen Nylon straps like that for seats. Kind of cool but a little impractical as they could get caught on something or get damaged (wear or stuff getting caught). Back seats are useless for non-kids unless the front seats are moved up, which could be done by the front passenger as long as they aren't obese to have a moderately comfortable person in back and front on the passenger side. I wouldn't ride for more than an hour like that. I can see fitting four wheels in the back when the seats are folded down, but looks like it would be a very snug fit.

Also the side exterior fake vent things near the mirrors felt cheap and looked tacky up close. FR-S ones looked much better.

After sitting in the limited I don't think all the extras are worth $3295 more compared to the FR-S, although heated seats will be missed when I get the FR-S, so I will see about adding them if I truly do miss them after the fact. Overall it seems like a great drivers car for just under $25k (FR-S) but seeming just a wee bit much for $29k (BRZ) considering the feel of the extras the BRZ has (not quite worth it in my opinion) and I was all gun ho about the BRZ limited differences and extras, but now I'm changing my mind to FR-S. Plus the FR-S has 2yrs of free maintenance and Subaru doesn't, which makes an even better deal as I don't have to buy those extra parts (with labor for some people).

To repeat others that have posted this (USD$): FRS invoice 22990 MSRP 24200 BRZ Premium invoice 24327 MSRP 25495 BRZ Limited invoice 26112 MSRP 27495 then add destination of 750 to all of those.

Here's what some of you may think of my review or of my opinions , , , or perhaps some nice thoughts like or

[Style]

Pretty good review from what you have seen only. I was leaning towards the FR-S but still had a little love for the BRZ but after reading this, I think it is now a 101% sure that I am getting the FR-S. Besides the fact that I have one on order at 1 dealer and on the waiting list at another dealer.

[Turbowned]

The extras are worth it to me. Must have HID's as I'm done with halogen headlights. I love the LED DRL's. Heated seats are a must, as is automatic climate control. I could live without nav but it's not too much more to get it. Leather/alcantara is much nicer than cloth IMO, and the fog lights/spoiler round off the package nicely. I know it's silly but probably the biggest thing I want in the Limited trim is the keyless access. I HATE fumbling for keys every time I get in the car! All I have to do with the keyless access is walk up to the car, open the door, clutch/brake in and push the start button. Perfect!

[milwsteve]

I'm the opposite. Don't need, don't want all the extras. Just want a pure sports car. The FR-S should be that.

[Furinax]

Agreed. I am glad you posted the review!

Keyless access and leather seats are a big plus for me, but I'm glad I chose the FR-S after reading this.

Maybe by the time I get my next car those will pretty much be standard along with HUDs.

[Cal]

I drive a 97240sx, having HID's is a huge step up for me so the BRZ to will basically be like driving a caddy lol.

[two40silvia]

So here's what I think. What makes you think the FR-S is going to be any different than the BRZ? Yes there are subtle differences, but they're basically the same car. So if the BRZ felt "cheap" on the inside and the back seats are cramped, which by the way is the first time I've heard this, everyone else says they are actually very roomy, they are probably going to be the same in the FR-S. Personally I think the navi, heated leather seats, and keyless entry are worth the extra 3 grand. But this is just food for thought. Not trying to stir anything up.

[Raven2013]

The FR-S is cramped in the back. The interior is very nice. I am partial to black, I was driving a 2012 Civic SI coupe & an 2012 RS 7.0--neither had as nice of interior (the RS 7.0 did have close proximity entry & push to start). I don't like the bumper on the BRZ, reminds me of the SI Coupe. These are tiny cars for sure, the trunk is small. I like that the windows go down about 3/4" when you open the door & go back up when the door is shut. Small things entertain me (:

[upsdude]

i saw a couple fr-s' at the local dealership...and i gotta say seeing them in person makes me like them even more. but the dealer markup is insane. they had one stickered at $31k-eff that LOL for that kind of money i'd rather buy a used e46 m3

[ej25ti]

Nice review thanks!
im plannin on a limited

[High Voltage]

I paid $24,920 for mine on Saturday.