Would Love Some Car Advice - Budget $50K

[Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 14:25
Last edited 15/08/2021 - 19:40 by 2 other users

I turned 30 this year, I'm single and no kids. All my cars have been used Camry's from the 90s and I decided I am going to get a new to near new car.

I really like the Subaru BRZ, but I really want a 4 door as my brothers and I like to go on road trips together ( there's 2 of them, and they're big guys )

My budget would be a max of like $50k, any suggestions? I am looking for something a bit sporty. I am not sure if I would prefer manual or auto.

Also I have a legal question. Is it illegal to accelerate fast? Or so long as you stay under the speed limit it doesn't matter? I have never had to worry about it before haha

Automotive

Comments

    • Euphemistic on 08/08/2021 - 18:32

      There isn’t really except maybe the Stinger, or a BMW M something. Since the Commoddore and Falcon passed away there aren’t really any budget performance sedans.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2021 - 23:39

        The only RWD manual sedan being sold new in Australia is the 160k M3.

    • Muzeeb on 08/08/2021 - 18:35
      +1

      2018 Passat R Line

      • tonyjzx on 08/08/2021 - 20:52

        I think any comparable current or near current BMW M car is very very far away from $50k.

        • CAPTCHHHA on 10/08/2021 - 11:11

          Not the M series but there are some used Vic Police MY18 530d's Msport going for 40-50K on Pickles.

          • jzdhgkd on 10/08/2021 - 15:01

            @CAPTCHHHA: I've heard ex police cars are a bad buy because they spend half their lives idling on the side of the road which causes engine or valve build up etc. Not sure if same advice applies today, maybe one of the mechanics can give advice on this.

            • tonyjzx on 10/08/2021 - 17:43

              @jzdhgkd: Thank capt for the tip.

              There's also ex NSW police 530d ex cop cars.

              A few points though…

              They seem expensive for what they are… ie. cars with 100,000 - 160,000km without warranty for $45k and you know theyve been treated well by the cops???

              wow some people love to gamble

    • Leeroy Jenkins on 09/08/2021 - 20:44
      +6

      There really isn't.

      If you just wanna accelerate fast on the road, I'd get a WRX STI or a Civic Type R. They are pretty fast and very practical compared to those RWDs in your budget.

      If you want a track car, it's hard to find a better one in your budget other than a 86/brz or a MX5. These are amazing track cars that can really teach you how to drive. You'll learn cornering, dancing on the edge of traction, breaking, throttle control etc very well with such light RWD cars without worrying too much about dying or causing serious damage. Faster cars are great, only if you have the skill to drive them fast. In my friend circle, there's none. So your 86/brz/MX5 are likely to be faster than your friend's Stinger if you really know how to drive it. If you wanna drift, definitely get a manual. You won't be very happy drifting if you can't do clutch kick which should be your staple move.

      I personally have a BRZ. It's ready to be taken on track in stock form. The brakes are sufficient to get a few laps in, the stock Primacy tyres (gen 1) are pretty bad, but you can start with those and learn to drive with them (even on public roads cuz they tend to slide on damp/wet roads). You'll learn to be smooth with your throttle to not lose traction on the rear tyres. Later you can upgrade to something like Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, they will make a huge difference in your lap time and handling. If you fancy drifting, I'd only upgrade the steering column and coilovers. Don't let anyone trick you into installing mechanical diffs unless you want it to be a dedicated drift car.

      If you do decide to get an 86 (brz Gen 1), be sure to get the manual version. The auto version is called 43 by some people cuz it offers half the experience the manual does. Why? Lower power (literally), more power loss in transmission, boring gear ratios, less driving engagement, heavier, basically what you get is a car that drives like a Honda Civic on public roads, and is noticeably slower than manual when accelerating. Seriously this was my impression after driving an auto 86. The manual version drives like a completely different car.

      I say the above cuz if you aren't interested in tracking or drifting a BRZ, there's just no point in getting it. You'd be much happier with a car that accelerates fast, unless you really like how it looks.

      In short, WRX STI or Civic Type R. If you find the above interesting, consider the BRZ itself which you'd have to sacrifice practicality for.

      • Fobsessive on 10/08/2021 - 17:36
        +1

        Awesome response mate!

        • tonyjzx on 10/08/2021 - 17:44

          These are good performance cars but I wouldnt think they are good touring cars with 2 or 3 people in them…

    • buckster on 10/08/2021 - 20:55

      Octavia rs comes close

  • Euphemistic on 08/08/2021 - 18:34
    +1

    If you don’t really know what you want it’s hard to say. $50k is a pretty decent budget either new or used you could have just about anything you want. Obviously a little older will get you more bang for buck.

    You can get pinged for accelerating harshly. There’s driving wrecklessly and furiously as posobly charges even if you don’t create too much noise/smoke or break traction. It depends on how hard you go and how annoyed the copper is.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 18:47

      I really like the 86/ brz loking for a sedan version if possible. wrx maybe? with an exhaust that sounds nice

    • Fobsessive on 10/08/2021 - 17:36

      2 Reckless 2 Furious

  • timthetoolman on 08/08/2021 - 18:56
    +4

    I will probably get flamed but what about a new skoda octavia?
    Quick, sporty, roomy, lots of features for the money.
    Then palm it off in a while to somewhere here who wants to buy a questionable second hand euro with issues?

  • Caped Baldy on 08/08/2021 - 19:15

    Looked into Mitsubishi evo?

    • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 00:55
      +4

      They are f-ing expensive. Evo10 is asking for more than what they were last sold brand new.

      I am waiting to pick up a finale edition for the garage… still waiting…

      • sim777 on 10/08/2021 - 00:04
        +1

        Almost every jdm car has skyrocketed since covid. S2000 has pretty much 2-3x in asking price… Decent evo 8,9 are asking 60-70k . Unmolested S15 is a unicorn… sad times

      • solidussnake on 10/08/2021 - 06:29

        I had a FE10 from new and would never get one again, gearbox issues, no actual tech and expensive servicing for $60k new 🤦‍♂️ Should of gotten an S3 or RS3 at the time ha

  • plmko on 08/08/2021 - 19:35

    The next generation WRX will be revealed on August 19th. Do not make your decision until you've looked into that.

    • sim777 on 10/08/2021 - 10:08
      +1

      Has been delayed as the NY show has been cancelled. They have announced instead an online announcement but date is TBC

    • Leeroy Jenkins on 11/08/2021 - 21:37

      I wouldn't get the first batch of any new car. Best to wait a few years for those.

      So I wouldn't let this delay my purchase.

  • Ghost47 on 08/08/2021 - 19:47
    +1

    WRX or i30N new or lightly used Focus RS (might be risky because it’s discontinued) or Civic Type R.

    • Muzeeb on 08/08/2021 - 19:49
      +3

      lightly used Focus RS

      Does not exist

      • tonyjzx on 08/08/2021 - 20:52

        focus st/st3 whatever if you put up with fwd

  • grey zetsu on 08/08/2021 - 21:24
    +2

    I was in the exact same situation. I ended up getting a Camry SX hybrid. I was a bit sceptical but in hybrid sport mode it was so quick off the line compared to my old v6 camry i ended up buying one. An unmodified Subaru BZR is not really a sports car its about as fast as a camry. You can get a Subaru WRX for $46k, Mustang ecoboost for $61k, Nissan 350z for $53k, Camry V6 used, Tesla model 3 for $60k or near new golf gti or R.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 21:30

      Thanks heaps. Are the impreza any good?

      • grey zetsu on 08/08/2021 - 21:45

        subaru impreza wrx 2021 is about 0 to 100 in 5.8 to 6sec. thats pretty quick plus it has four doors and looks amazing.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 22:01

          Thanks for that. I am really really considering going for the WRX STI. Is the STI worth twice the cost of the impreza? I read the maintenance is much higher for the wrx

          • grey zetsu on 09/08/2021 - 00:40
            -2

            @[Deactivated]: if you are coming from a used camry the regular wrx will be more than enough at $47k. The differences beteween performance is not really worth it imo unless you are racer. As for maintanance the models are the same platform, the wrx sti is just tuned a bit more and the wrx premium has sound system ,uncomfortable racer seats, i'd say go for the regular wrx. You book a test drive. This might sound like out of left field but since its free i reckon you should book a test drive and test the new camry and corola hybrids…

            • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 00:51
              +1

              @grey zetsu: Stick to a WRX until you know how to appreciate an EJ25. Otherwise a waste of money, and a waste of … well… EJ25.

            • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 04:25
              -1

              @grey zetsu: Yeah once this covid shit is over I will go. Where I am the cops are checking everyone who is moving on the highway.
              Is the WRX a nightmare to maintain? I read it only takes premium and requires much more checking

              • spackbace on 09/08/2021 - 13:58

                @[Deactivated]:

                I read it only takes premium

                FYI so does the 86/BRZ. Really any decent turbo/sports car will need 98RON

                • Leeroy Jenkins on 11/08/2021 - 21:56

                  @spackbace: You need to put 98 into 86/brz, which is a pain. 95 works but is not recommended.

          • Leeroy Jenkins on 11/08/2021 - 22:03

            @[Deactivated]:

            Is the STI worth twice the cost of the impreza?

            If you are asking this question, it's probably not worth it, but I think it could work out cuz it could get you into the scene. You'd start looking at things you normally wouldn't look at, like how to drive this car fast, how to corner with this car on a track etc.

            When I was learning driving, I'd always be trying to get those double clutching and heel-toe downshifting on point, then one day i tried double clutching during heel-toe downshifting, i messed up and grinded my gears, then I researched how to combine those two techniques and started practicing carefully. (if you are wondering why i double clutch, in my car, i simply can't shift into 2nd at high speeds without double clutching). Basically at some point you'd be trying out different driving techniques if you haven't done so before.

            The manual gearbox on the STI is also miles better than the one on WRX, the suspension feels so much better. Me as a gearhead, if i'm already spending that much money to get a WRX, the STI is a no brainer, it's just an all round much better car, well except for fuel consumption.The STI simply makes less compromises on driving experience.

            • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2021 - 23:45

              @Leeroy Jenkins: We are talking about sending someone learning how to cook a 3 min migoreng into preparing a full French degustation.

              Everyone can drive "fast" in the sti, but not everyone can drive the sti fast… unfortunately, some end up wrapped round the pole…

              Partly i30N, golf r/gti are so popular because even a noob can drive "fast" in them…

              • Leeroy Jenkins on 12/08/2021 - 13:14

                @[Deactivated]: You are right, I was just trying too hard to get someone into performance driving without thinking about what it means for them.

                I should know most people arent really interested in developing race driving skill,, and prob dont care if the shifter gives a mechanical feel when they dont mind an auto.

                After all, most people care about how fast they take off at red lights and how loud their exhausts sound. They dont care about how fast they can drive on a track nor how they can realise a car's full potential.

                So people please just ignore me.

    • Leeroy Jenkins on 11/08/2021 - 21:50
      +1

      An unmodified Subaru BZR is not really a sports car its about as fast as a camry

      I'd argue the BRZ is as pure a sports car as a sports car can get, definitely the most "sports car" out of all the cars you've listed.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 21:30
    +12

    For $60k you can get a Tesla Model 3 SR+. You'll make the $10k back in running and fuel costs in short time.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 21:31

      Is it 60 flat? I dont wanna pay the 67k tax

      great point tho

      • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 21:31
        +1

        $60k flat in Vic and NSW with govt cash back.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 21:32
          +1

          Oh wow I didnt know about a cashback

          • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2021 - 21:33
            +2

            @[Deactivated]: Yep, best in NSW. It's not calculated on the Tesla site, but it gets taken off when you pay for it. https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/nsw-governments-electric-v…

            NSW is great. -$3k and stamp duty off too. So Probably under $60k on the road.

            • Dogsrule on 10/08/2021 - 10:08

              @[Deactivated]: The NSW EV incentive legislation has been delayed due to Covid preventing parliament sittings. Anybody's guess when it will pass and if it will be backdated to Sep 1.

      • cloudy on 08/08/2021 - 22:20
        -2

        Don’t forget the changes at home required for charging, assuming you own your own home.

        • devize on 10/08/2021 - 00:17
          +2

          What changes? Mine charges through a regular power point with no issue…

          Probably shouldn't comment on something you don't know about.

          • Bypass on 10/08/2021 - 01:12
            +5

            @devize: Couldy is obviously referring to a home wall charger. The mobile charger that is included with Teslas adds 10km/h charge, fine for most people who drive <50km a day.

            The wall charger costs roughly $2000 installed and charges electric cars several times faster(3-5x). It is a must have for people driving 100km+ a day.

            • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2021 - 09:02
              +1

              @Bypass: The wall charger is $780, and whatever you electrician wants to charge you for install.

          • cloudy on 10/08/2021 - 10:39
            -2

            @devize: Most people I know with a EV have a wall charger installed because they drive their car.

            If you don’t, clap clap for buying a car and not driving much.

            Even if you are happy with running a granny cable this assumes you have a PowerPoint you can use. Many houses I know might not have a powerpoint where they park, or outdoors. So you might need to run a cable from inside your home out a window unless you get a sparky to install a pp outside.

            So instead of insulting people’s knowledge you should consider other situations beyond your own.

            • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2021 - 10:52
              +3

              @cloudy: Calm down chief. They are right, if you drive 100km+ a day, you need a dedicated charger. If you only do the typical 30km a day, you can get away with the included wall plug. The Model 3, especially the SR+, is extremely efficient and doesn't really need a lot of juice to get around. I was astounded how much range even a 50kw fast charger gave it on a road trip. Way better than a Model S that regard.

              • cloudy on 10/08/2021 - 11:25
                -2

                @[Deactivated]: I can understand people use wall plugs, but even those would at least have the effort of having an outdoor wall powerpoint, which not all houses have. Very very few people run the granny out a open window over night and are happy with that solution.

                • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2021 - 11:29
                  +2

                  @cloudy: You wrote this:

                  'So instead of insulting people’s knowledge you should consider other situations beyond your own.'

                  Perhaps you should take your own advice onboard. Many, many people would garage their cars, which means they have access to power, and many, many houses have outdoor power for lights, gates, garage doors, etc.

                  • cloudy on 10/08/2021 - 11:34
                    -2

                    @[Deactivated]: I clearly stated,

                    “ not all houses have”

                    So if you have all those things you mentioned, great.

                    But all the houses I live in, have none of what you described. Most of my friends do have that.

                    So I have consider some people have it, it’s in my statement, what you and devise have assumed is there is no need for any other work on house. Just buy a EV and good to go, no exceptions or qualifications. Which is not true for some people.

                    • devize on 10/08/2021 - 17:29

                      @cloudy:

                      Most people I know with a EV have a wall charger installed because they drive their car.

                      If you don’t, clap clap for buying a car and not driving much.

                      Pipe down chief. Maybe the people you know listen to your opinion too much without doing research themselves.

                      The standard mobile charger is good for 14km/hour. If you charge it when you get home and/or overnight you can easily get at least 100-150km charge a night. I don't know too many people driving more than that a day and if they are, then yes, maybe a wall charger is a better option but still obviously manageable without it.

                      Don’t forget the changes at home required for charging

                      Clearly changes are NOT required at all for many people.

                      • cloudy on 10/08/2021 - 20:11

                        @devize: Keep replying to you own arguments. Reply to none of the issues most others face.

    • ItsMeAgro on 11/08/2021 - 09:47

      The Tesla beats any 50k petrol car hands down.

      Cheaper in the long run (by meters or miles, depending on how much they depreciate over time), plus safer, faster, cleaner, smarter, better tech, better audio, etc, etc.

      • DiscoJango on 11/08/2021 - 20:26

        But its stupid ugly.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 00:53
    +2

    Stinger v6 turbo, G70 v6 turbo, lexus is350 f sport, mustang GT (minimal leg room at the back).

  • Rev0lt on 09/08/2021 - 10:29
    +7

    If you're looking at the BRZ, you don't need to worry about the accelerating fast bit.

  • he3at on 09/08/2021 - 12:33
    +2

    Here's an oddball option: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-jaguar-xf-30d-…

    • 4-door and decent space
    • it's a bit sporty (but then, almost everything is when compared to a 90s camry)
    • diesel fuel consumption won't break the bank on your road trips
    • 700Nm so it can accelerate fast if you like
    • Servicing costs are ok if you bring it to an independant specialist workshop
    • Reliability is probably better than its crap resale would suggest, but remains the unknown factor here…
    • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2021 - 11:43
      +3

      There is zero chance I would buy a 72,000km Jag out of warranty.

      And it might have 700nm of torque, but 0-100kmh in 6.2 is hardly 'accelerating as fast as you like' these days. A new Camry is faster than that.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 15:39
    +1

    Take a look at the Hyundai 130N fastback/or sedan. Not sure if they are out yet considering delays, but they definitely look cool that’s for sure

  • Brick Tamland on 09/08/2021 - 16:20

    Subaru WRX or Levorg. Maybe a Holden Commodore VF SS

  • HeWhoKnows on 09/08/2021 - 18:37
    +2

    Until OP narrows down the field its a bit hard to make any recommendations.
    Doesn't even know if he wants manual or auto.
    Some cars are better as autos. Others as manuals
    So there is a good start !

    Next, go read some car magazines

    • solidussnake on 10/08/2021 - 06:32
      +3

      And he's not ready to buy until 2022/3 🤦‍♂️

  • redfox1200 on 09/08/2021 - 20:01
    +2

    $500,000 in future money is a lot to spend on a car

    • SBOB on 09/08/2021 - 20:17
      +1

      depends on your timeline for "future"..

      • redfox1200 on 09/08/2021 - 20:34

        Probs 30 years in an index fund

        • SBOB on 09/08/2021 - 20:43
          +2

          yep, in which case almost everything you buy is a waste and you should live off 2 minute noodles

          • Lunatic on 10/08/2021 - 11:15
            +4

            @SBOB: Those could become 20 minute noodles if you're patient enough

          • redfox1200 on 10/08/2021 - 13:04

            @SBOB: now you're getting it!

  • Battlestar666 on 09/08/2021 - 20:26

    Three guys on a road trip and you’re used to a Camry, make sure you do a good calculation on the boot size and shape. I’d second Skoda Octavia (RS?) or a slightly used Skoda Superb, or else a newer Camry.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2021 - 15:42
      -3

      imo these cars are the most dreadful vehicles every created. the babushka looking VAG seconds and Camry, the king of mundane.

  • itzSTARSCREAM on 09/08/2021 - 20:44

    2nd hand Audi S3 sedan

  • chuie on 09/08/2021 - 21:05

    Is there a reason your only criteria is $50k?

    Given you can get plenty of roomy four door sedan, suv, 4wd, or utes in the used car world, that's simply too much to play with. If you suggest you need to go new I would suggest that a) it's hypocritical of ozbargain to support new car purchases, and b) you include this in your criteria.

    Personally the only advantage of new cars are quiet interiors and modern tech, in exchange of cheaper build quality (plastics are thinner), planned obsolesence (parts are complex and more costly to service), and depreciation.

    But hey, if you at the settled age of 30 want to splurge $50k as the ripe old millennial that you are, go for it.

  • Willco88 on 09/08/2021 - 21:09
    +1

    You like fast cars and style and fun?

    Nissan 370GT 200KW

    or Subaru WRX STI both 4 doors

    • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2021 - 23:51

      Vroooommmm… 370z!

  • Ekliptix on 09/08/2021 - 21:15
    +1

    I just bought the face lift I30N premium manual for roughly that amount and it’s great, plenty of performance, sounds great, fun to drive and practical with two kids.

  • Seaeagles on 09/08/2021 - 21:26

    I was pulled over in NSW about 2 years ago in my modified WRX.
    The policeman said the usual do you know why I pulled you over and I replied no I don't.

    He said you took off pretty quick from those light back there.
    I said yes I did but I never broke traction or exceeded the speed limit and I was just getting up speed to merge onto the motorway.
    He said yes but you took off pretty quick, I can book you for excessive acceleration.

    I said I have never heard of that
    He took my licence and went and done his checks and came back, handed me my licence and said just don't take off so quick next time.

    I have no idea if there is such a thing, I feel it was more there is a hoons car I will pull that over thinking it was a young bloke and not a 45 year old driving.
    Knowing an older bloke would have more idea on what's going on then a 20 something and a clean record for around 20 years would have helped.

    • plmko on 09/08/2021 - 23:19

      Extremely arbitrary, I reckon they get triggered by the sound of the car. There was a case of a guy in Sydney going to court over excessive acceleration in a Lambo, the witness cop described it like "lighting" but it turns out the car was just loud and the speed could only have been around 40-50kmph. Case was dismissed.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2021 - 23:53

        Glad you didnt get booked for the mod… can end up to be costly.

  • ErlichBachman on 09/08/2021 - 21:29

    Man why not spend say 20k on a great car still, $5k on an overseas holiday when we can travel again…and $25k invested you'll be laughing at your 50th

    • DiscoJango on 11/08/2021 - 20:28

      Cant laugh when your 50, back will hurt from excessive movement.

  • aurotaro on 09/08/2021 - 21:52

    Model 3 brother. Own the future.

    ICE cars will be on their way to redundancy from about 2026 onwards.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 09/08/2021 - 22:00
    -4

    i sat in a Tesla 3 just last week, horrible dash with a giant size ipad. Was very much looking forwards to it now I wont even consider it. Get a Mer-c class. The new one should be out soon if you dont mind spend a little more

  • pitiek on 09/08/2021 - 22:06
    +5

    Skoda Superb 206 Sportline… Decent size boot and rear legroom for big boys…
    AWD and plenty of power in a sleeper shell. It's actually a hatch, not a sedan..

    Tuning options aplenty due to Golf R base engine…

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-skoda-superb-2…

    • Piranha2004 on 10/08/2021 - 09:57
      +1

      I have this. Great sleeper car for those who try and out-drag me at a set of lights.

      • pitiek on 10/08/2021 - 10:13

        Very underrated and capable fun machine… :p

      • s3th2000 on 10/08/2021 - 10:55

        I have a Passat R line - so similar bones but slightly smaller and (IMO) better looking.

    • greencomet on 10/08/2021 - 10:53
      +2

      This or the Passat 206 R-Line, both awesome all rounder cars.

    • enzso on 11/08/2021 - 10:37

      +1

      Huge rear legroom, great acceleration, heaps of features & AWD keeps the rubber on the road

  • FareEvader on 09/08/2021 - 22:22
    -2

    BMW M3 :)

  • jonagrah on 09/08/2021 - 22:37
    -1

    SKODA Octavia RS 245?

  • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 22:47

    Kia Stinger is an good option if you want a sporty sedan

  • Commander Shepard on 10/08/2021 - 00:20

    I really hated my BRZ. I owned it for a year and it was just a miserable car to daily every day. Especially compared to any generation of MX5,
    If you could do 2 seats. Any MX5 would be a good choice. Or a tidy 987 Boxster or Cayman.

    If you need the space for mates. Giulia Veloce, Civic Type R, I30N, Stinger etc.

    Buy what you want. There are heaps of good choices that are in your budget. Just try to test drive a few first so you know what kind of sports car you want, especially if its your only car.

    I personally prefer the sports cars that have more compliant suspension. So I got a 10 year old used Manual Cayman as a daily and a NA MX5 on the side. But I still want another more modern softtop MX5 as the hardtop generally stays on the NA.

    • DiscoJango on 11/08/2021 - 20:30

      Did you hate the brz because you drove it every day, or just because its a crap car?

      Im thinking of getting a manual one as a weekend fun car, my daily goes plenty fast so i dont mind if the brz isnt quick, more for the twisty roads

      • Commander Shepard on 12/08/2021 - 00:15

        Compared to the other sports cars or hot hatches I have owned, regardless of price. I just found it very average to drive.

        The engine, whether its performance or the sound, it just isn't good. It doesn't do slow car fast very well like a MX5 and doesn't have a the character of an S2000.
        Its very slow, simply taking off from the lights is rough and doesn't do city driving well at all.
        The ride comfort is pretty bad that I couldn't use it to its full potential on the twisty roads in the hills. This also makes the car very average to daily.
        MX5 also has a better feeling gearbox.

        I drove it about 3 days a week. It had aftermarket wheels and a tune.
        The only place I could see myself using it would be a on a track day racing other 86/BRZ owners.
        I highly recommend test driving a MX5 and BRZ back to back. Especially if its going to be your second car.
        For reference at the time I owned the BRZ, we also had a ND MX5, NA MX5, 370Z, 987.2 Cayman. And the BRZ doesn't come close to any of those.

        • DiscoJango on 12/08/2021 - 15:52

          Interesting write up, thanks for that. I have yet to test drive an 86, i tried when they first came out but the dealers were being (profanity) to all the hype and wouldnt give you a test drive unless you were super keep to buy one (even though i just pulled up in a twin turbo supra?). I always thought since keiichi tsuya had a hand in developing it, it would be a fun car. Can i confirm, was yours an auto or man, im assuming man. Im really keen for the upcoming Nissan z (3L V6 twin turbo rear wheel drive 6 speed manual yum!) however i would really need to test drive it first, i dont understand how people can purchase a car without even driving it. I was thinking, wait a few years for the z to cop a bit of depreciation and in the meantime drive an 86. The new 86 has around 170kw which im hoping is a small boost to make it more enjoyable.

          In regards to wilco88's comment (i didnt neg u btw) about only needing awd for twisties, i would have to disagree. ive had fwd, rwd and awd and they can all handle the twisties fine, just need to be careful if the rwd is high powered, you dont know the road or how to drive.

          • Commander Shepard on 13/08/2021 - 01:10

            @DiscoJango: No worries. Yeah the 400Z looks great. I am tempted to put an order in when the books open up, as like other recent cars released, it could be the case of inflated prices on the first cars that come out. It might enable my partner and I to have a car and not really lose a cent on it for a couple of years. She would love to upgrade her 370Z to a 400Z. But its a risk.

            I find some sports cars/hot hatches have suspension unnecessarily stiff (BRZ and Focus RS).
            But the MX5s and Porsche Caymans/Boxsters hit the mark perfect for me.
            370Z feels very similar to a Mustang. Nothing wrong with that, its just a lot softer then even a MX5 or Porsche. More is a GT car.

            You definitely don't need AWD for twisty roads in the hills. Not in this country.
            If you go BRZ, definitely test drive one first before making a long term car commitment.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join