Subaru BRZ

[jack cooper]

I'm considering buying a BRZ. I know it's an "Autocar" '5-star' vehicle and the general motoring-press
views seem to be pretty positive. I've studied all the tech. specs. etc. so don't worry about repeating that:
I'm more interested in the day-to-day driving experience and the scope for self-maintenance (routine oil/filters/plugs belts, not gearbox swaps!). Not too keen on the lack of a spare wheel, I confess, but I
cold always move to run-flats....
Any comments gratefully received.
Tks in anticipation,
J.C.

[750turbo]

Surely these cars are still within the OEM Warranty period, and therefore will require servicing by a VAT registered company?

Or have I aged that much over night!

[jack cooper]

You could be right! Didn't think of that - I've always had cars older than 3yrs of age, and am happy to do
my own routines.
Tks for the reply
J.C.

[s m]

On the subject of no spare, wasn't one of the claims for this car that it could carry a full set of wheels/tyres in the back?

If it were mine, I'd be tempted to carry a full size spare in the back in a tyre bag....especially as the setup isn't staggered

[Alex]

The BRZ comes with a 5-year warranty, so you'll need to get it serviced at a VAT registered garage that uses OEM quality parts to maintain that.

Subaru dealers are very expensive for servicing. Toyota charge much less for the GT86. Bell & Colvill charged me £341 for the 12 month service which is basically just an oil change. And they used the wrong oil...

Changing the oil yourself is easy; the oil filter is on top of the engine and there is a hole in the undertray to access the sump plug.

The spark plugs do not need changing until 60k miles, but it's a big job to get at them. Goodness knows what a Subaru dealer will charge for that.

[jack cooper]

s m: Yes - the BRZ Brochure does make the point that there's room for a set of track-day tyres in the back (with the rear seat-backs folded, obviously). Agree with you about carrying a spare, either full-size or
speed-restricted 'emergency' job with a thin, high-pressure tyre.

Alex: useful info - tks! That's why I do my own servicing; even if you use Mobil 1 (or similar expensive
oil), the materials for an oil change shouldn't exceed £60. Call me a sceptic, but if you do it y'self you're gonna get it right. I already have a 2007 C6 Corvette, which has
a very relaxed service-schedule, but I change the oil and filter every 3,000mi. Getting under the car is the
biggest hassle, but I've bought some ali ramps which are perfect for routine stuff.
Plug-changes on the LS2 aren't too difficult, but aren't required until 100,000mi. I'm not surprised the plug
change job is awkward on the flat-4 Subaru Motor: access looks to be a bit of a swine.
Starting to have some doubts now......perhaps I'll keep my Jeep after all.

Appreciate the info!! Many tks.
J.C.

[Torquey]

I was told when talking to a Toyota dealer that the warranty on the Subaru was only 3 years as opposed to a 5 year warranty on the Toyota.

Given that the cars are just over 2 years old I don't see how Subaru's are selling.

[Alex]

Torquey said:

I was told when talking to a Toyota dealer that the warranty on the Subaru was only 3 years as opposed to a 5 year warranty on the Toyota.

Given that the cars are just over 2 years old I don't see how Subaru's are selling.

Subaru quickly upped the warranty to 5 years to match Toyota.

[s m]

jack cooper said:

s m: Yes - the BRZ Brochure does make the point that there's room for a set of track-day tyres in the back (with the rear seat-backs folded, obviously). Agree with you about carrying a spare, either full-size or
speed-restricted 'emergency' job with a thin, high-pressure tyre.

Interestingly, in Australia the BRZ comes with a full size spare




From the current configurator

[nickfrog]

I think the Toyota servicing costs are very reasonable. For me really not worth getting my hands dirty as the saving is less than the loss of value anyway, unless of course you keep it forever. I do respect the self-service approach but it will also affect warranty and/or goodwill and will also affect part-ex value should you want to do that.

Are you set on the Subaru ? You might come across more choice by extending the scope to the GT86. Will be cheaper too because of volume.

I think run-flat would be a shame with such a delicate handling chassis but implementing a spare wheel is easy as the boot is shaped to take it under the boot tray thingy anyway.

I use a Slime kit personally. Touch wood.

[Welshwonder]

The 5 year Subaru warranty only came in around early to mid 2013 so there are some cars going to be out of warranty next year. Also, the 5 year warranty isn't quite what it says on the tin - the first three years is a normal warranty, but the final two years is limited to engine and drivetrain (which are pretty bullet proof!)

I can second the expensive servicing - I also paid over £300 for the first service which was basically an oil change and fluid level check.

Quite a number of little commoin faults on them so make sure you check out the forums for more info.

The spare isn't a problem - you can buy a second hand space saver off ebay for very little money and it fits into the already provided cutout in the boot. If you want a full size spare, you need to buy a different boot carpet with raised centre.

[nickfrog]

Welshwonder said:

I can second the expensive servicing - I also paid over £300 for the first service which was basically an oil change and fluid level check.

No comprendo. There is no need to use Subaru dealers. As I said Toyota dealers charge £169 for the first service and £299 for the second one. That's their actual price list, discounts can also be had. It's the same car using the same parts and is totally interchangeable.

When you add the fact that the GT86's 5-year warranty is comprehensive, the Subaru doesn't make that much sense pragmatically.