[Year's_End]

I've grown infatuated with the BRZ as of late, and it's time for me to downsize my car, both literally and financially. After seeing a BRZ at last Saturday's Cars & Coffee, I haven't been able to get these Toyobarus out of my head. I even had a dream about driving one (dead srs).

I'd love to hear some reviews and opinions from my E90/92 brethren so I can have a relative view on the car. I'm 22 years old, so I definitely fall within the target audience. It sounds like just the right mix for me: small, lightweight, fuel efficient, high-revving, 2+2 configuration (back seat drivers can suck it up), and most importantly, fun.

I'm more interested in the BRZ than the FR-S for two reasons: 1) from an aesthetic standpoint it's miles ahead imo. 2) it's not a god damn Scion.

I'd like to know about a few things in particular:
-Is the acceleration adequate, or is it bordering lethargic? I haven't driven a sub-250hp car in awhile.
-How does the gearbox feel? Is the clutch smooth, and where's the engagement point? And how does the stick feel? (notchy, rubbery, light, etc.)
-How's the build quality inside? Material quality is a non-issue as I'm not seeking luxury for the time being.
-How big is the trunk?
-Can a real human fit in the back?
-Did it make you truly happy driving it?

TIA guys.

[rdub315]

Seems like a test drive would answer all of your questions. Others' opinions and insight may be helpful, but if you're seriously interested I think firsthand experience will ultimately help you the most.

[Year's_End]

That's a given, I just won't have time for at least a month to go to the local dealership and I don't want to tease myself in the meantime.

[N 5 4]

YouTube! I've watched many reviews already. You'll get the best initial assessment watching some vids, and then to test drive.

[ptack]

Two things-
1) It does still look like a Toyota/Scion from the rear
2) Your satisfaction will entirely depend on what kind of driver you are so you could probably save yourself a lot of time by going down to a dealer one evening and doing a test drive.

[rhouck]

If you went to the track regularly or lived somewhere with great roads, then I think it could be an excellent car. But since you live in Florida, I'm not sure how you will be making use of the attributes of the car that make it "fun".

[mike@Vossen]

The car is a blast!

[danniexi]

I haven't driven the car but I know exactly how you feel.

But instead of selling the bimmer I want to pick this up as a second vehicle. It's totally impractical and I'd be crazy to purchase it but my god... it's so tempting.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by BA335iS

YouTube! I've watched many reviews already. You'll get the best initial assessment watching some vids, and then to test drive.

I've seen as many as I can possibly find...I'm looking for actual owners' opinions. Unfortunately, most owners are simply posting acceleration runs which I couldn't care less for. :/

Originally Posted by ptack

Two things-
1) It does still look like a Toyota/Scion from the rear
2) Your satisfaction will entirely depend on what kind of driver you are so you could probably save yourself a lot of time by going down to a dealer one evening and doing a test drive.

1) The rear doesn't bother me on the Scion or FR-S aside from the quasi-Altezza taillights, but the FR-S's maw looks like the typical melted bar of soap you'd find from a Toyota branded vehicle. I much prefer the BR-Z's headlamps (HIDs + LED DRLs) and geometric face.

2) I'm an avid fan of lightweight cars. My favorite vehicle I've driven to date is a Z4 M coupe, largely because it was so flickable and loved to power-on oversteer. I'm hoping this will be like a Z4 M-lite. I'll take balance and real-world accesible limits over brute force any day of the week. The 335i is fun to flick around, but the open diff bothers the shit out of me.

Originally Posted by rhouck

If you went to the track regularly or lived somewhere with great roads, then I think it could be an excellent car. But since you live in Florida, I'm not sure how you will be making use of the attributes of the car that make it "fun".

I know plenty of small roads that are lightly traveled where I could have fun with the car. I know what you're saying though, it's like a big flat grid out here.

Originally Posted by mike@Vossen

The car is a blast!

Good to hear! Care to embellish?

Originally Posted by danniexi

I haven't driven the car but I know exactly how you feel.

But instead of selling the bimmer I want to pick this up as a second vehicle. It's totally impractical and I'd be crazy to purchase it but my god... it's so tempting.

Seeing as I don't have to deal with kids or a wife, I think this would be perfect for someone like me.