2022 Subaru BRZ 6MT HONEST Owner's Review - 2500 miles

2022 Owner's Review of the Subaru BRZ Limited 6MT. 2500 miles and some insights on handling, performance, braking, track experience and more.

[@aaden4888]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who loves the look of the TS-5’s on this car! I can’t wait to do it. Definitely get the AWE touring edition exhaust, no drone, deep roar that wakes the boxer up.

[@caradd2967]

I love the TS-5s however TE 37s were my first choice. Unfortunately, when I was in the market for wheels, no one had TEs in stock but that seems to be changing.

[@FujiboHeavy]

Good review! You def only need to upgrade to DOT4 brakefluid. The reason for fade, is the oem fluid was getting too hot. Once you upgrade the fluid with much higher boiling point you will see a huge difference. I personally use ATE 200, but I hear Motul 600 or 660 is also great. Im currently at 4.5k miles on my GR86, and LOVIN IT. Cheers!

[@benfica00]

Great review and helps a lot to clarify lotta good thing

[@vibhuiyer6984]

Excellent review, your bronco review was also great!

[@caradd2967]

Appreciate it.

[@maizescientist9919]

Hey man love the review, would love to see you bring your car to the rancho meet on Saturday I’d love to check it out!

[@Rayshader]

Thank you for the review! Base on your description, HKS legamax may fit the bill. There are some videos floating around for reference. YMMV, cheers

[@itaybutavia1204]

Thanks for your review

[@alexyoshioka4330]

The factory brake system paired with a really good set of track pads (CSG pads) & fluids (Endless RF650 or equivalent) will get you very very far. Canyon driving and doing a HPDE on a closed course, especially at auto club ROVAL is a totally different experience for both car and driver. I'm not surprised the brakes failed on you and glad you didn't rear end someone coming in hot into turn 3. Do your due diligence, do a proper prep always before any track day along with a proper setup so you don't waste $150+ on track admission to literally only drive one session. I hope the car continues to exceeds your expectations and keep the reviews coming.

[@caradd2967]

I've tracked like 15 of my own cars stock and this was by far the biggest brake disappointment. Nothing else came close. I actually tried buying CSG pads but whoever was doing email sales that day was quite frankly an idiot. Wouldnt call them for shit again.

[@jimiverson3085]

Amen. When going to the track, brakes are priority #1 and needs both fluid and pads. In a light car, that should be enough without getting into fancy brake kits. If you can't slow the car down, all the other goodies won't matter.

[@GSTRification]

Accurate and honest review on one of the best bang for the buck RWD manual you can get today. Mine is sapphire blue even though silver really captures the beautiful form of this car perfectly. And is that a sub no date or sdds? It looks like a case has a nice taper of 41mm model but looked a little beefy and didn’t see a helium escape valve. I have a sub and sd43 50 but don’t get wrist time as much these days. It looks like we have a fairly similar taste and hobby. And i am also 6’1 so miata and s2k back then wasn’t for me lol

[@caradd2967]

40mm sub. Yes we have similar hobbies and tastes lol

[@bon3372]

Liked ur review. The indicator issue is just a change in habit ...for Lane changes give a slight tap in direction desired once you change lane it turns off ...for 90 degree turns click indicators regularly as usual force and indicator cancels after 90 degree turn. Hard to get used to but thats how it works..have fun!

[@finderskeeperz8363]

Let me guess....you're cruising down near Fairbanks Ranch. I acquired a 2023 Limited BRZ today from El Cajon! I was super fortunate! Great vid!

[@Ahahahhaaah]

Yah I’ve had my gr86 since January (first and only red one in Vegas) , it’s such a cool car to drive. I wish they came with a turbo but for obvious reasons they won’t do that. Only thing I hate is the button on the center console. I only have 3200 miles since I work from home.

[@shaneh734]

Great honest review! Can’t wait to see more videos! How much did you pay out the door?

[@caradd2967]

Thanks. Car had a 33k sticker, so I think it was right around 36k out the door here in CA.

[@roustabout4fun]

Nice review...I wonder about this model or the MX5 as far vas handling and overall fun~

[@milliebays1801]

Great review well said

[@klopsy]

Great review, by the wayvwith those upgrade wheel and tyre does it still easy to slide compare to stocks ?

[@trentel]

I wanna see the gt4 in a video! Subbed

[@jcn694]

Great review. How do you like he WR Blue?

[@zinhanwin6259]

People are just enjoying this new package soo much. A lot if shops and reviewers would say this car is what the last one should be. I don't know, I'm glad it is what it is. The last one was aimed at much younger demographic drivers, tuners, mods, and racers. However this new one can be enjoyed by more broad across the range and However dragsters and red light racers may not be happy with power on the tap. As they really should be looking at Nissa Z or Supra instead.

[@noahpickerill3749]

Those wheels look absolutely killer dude. 😀

[@pseudonym5872]

I bought a 2016 BRZ Limited about a year and a half ago. Couldn't pass it up as it only had 13.8k miles and one owner. I definitely like the body and wing style better on the first-gen. I can't stand duck bills. Mine is still stock, with the exception of a sound generator delete - I removed the tubing entirely and plugged the holes. It's my first sports car so it's out-performing everything I've ever driven before, and it's certainly more fun. No problems yet - though I wouldn't expect any at so low a mileage. I drive it year-round in Minnesota and it's a great drive even in winter. The Yokohama tires that came on the car have been flawless. The dealer had recently replaced them, so they were new. They also did a bunch of other maintenance just before I bought it, including replacing the diff fluid. The car was originally bought from this dealership, and all maintenance had been done there as well, according to CarFax. Overall, I highly recommend the BRZ even if you never modify it or track it. It's an awesome daily driver.

[@gamelord]

Regarding the AC issues: It’s because it’s a small Japanese sports car “problem” lol. Welcome to the club. I personally had to turn mine completely off in my ‘08 Civic Si to get full power 😂

[@caradd2967]

LOL people are telling me it's normal for cars. I've never experienced it in any of my cars before.

[@sethm10]

On the piped in sound, if I recall the module can be unplugged. It’s somewhere behind the glove box. Dealer can take care of, but I am sure a diy video on KZbin can be found.

[@skip741x3]

the very 1st thing i'd do if i owned the car! cant stand fake sound

[@robob221]

I hear the AWE touring exhaust is perfect for you. Got a unique design built for the new 2.4 and is muffled (touring), plus it has 0 drone due to its preparatory muffler design.

[@JohnLee-hb9ix]

Great video and commentary. How does the steering feel compare to your Cayman? Which keys do you pick for an errand?

[@caradd2967]

Cayman steering feel is on a different level. Errands are BRZ for sure, however I replaced it recently with something else. Check my other vid.

[@mirkotripic1752]

@@caradd2967 Why did you sell it if you don't mind me asking?

[@christacy1]

Great video. AC compressor automatically turning off at WOT is pretty common for most modern cars, but I agree, it's very noticeable on these cars.

[@caradd2967]

I've never experienced it in any of my modern cars. Was very noticeable on hot days on some canyon runs.

[@biffbastion301]

@@caradd2967 Yup I agree with Chris. This has been done for many many years. I even think maybe Foxbody Mustangs would do this as well. They started doing this for extra performance and to not blow up your compressor. I would say around the 1980's some manufactures had this built it.

[@skip741x3]

Its normal for the ac to cut during wide open throttle. ..like others have said, this has been done forever on cars to maximize acceleration..my ancient daily driver, 94 probe gt has same thing But, I cant say ive ever noticed it doing its thing... the ac feels fine ,on or off throttle and I cant even notice it cutting the ac compressor during full throttle...ac is always cold

[@TerryFT86]

@@caradd2967 on the luxury cars or cars just makes more then enough power, they wont cut AC. It's a quark of low power car.

[@iNerdboy132]

What wheels are these? Really nice set up!

[@MalikPhotography]

I just made a very similar video of mine not long ago! My mpg is only 24 for my commute to work. I’m not sure how everyone is getting such high mpg on this. Back seats are useless for adults, but for kids it made the difference between getting this vs a 2 seater only. I liked the piped in sound, it’s still pretty quiet. The exhaust part is challenging, the good exhausts without drone are louder than I want. The Fujitsubo AR seems to be the most refined exhaust that’s not loud and just improved the volume/tone slightly. But I’m still researching others.

[@DevoT]

I'm in the same boat as you, except my mpg after 2400 miles is hovering around 20 mpg but I blame that on my lack of highway driving and near constant hooning. I would like to get an exhaust and headers, but with the whole RTV issue I don't want to do anything that could void my warranty. I kind of like that it's quiet enough for me to rip without being too loud on the streets. I will wait and see what happens as far as a recall and will consider modifications from there. My next upgrade is going to be an extra set of wheels for winter tires.

[@MalikPhotography]

@@DevoT yea def recommend 16s, with 205/55/r16. Although some say 205/60 will give you more side wall and bigger diameter…I didn’t want to risk a tight fit. But with 16s and a good snow tire, car will be perfectly on in snowy states.

[@DevoT]

@@MalikPhotography F yeah, thanks for the advice.

[@caradd2967]

I want exhaust next but can't figure out which one doesn't sound...trashy.

[@KhanFyused]

The first day that I brought my BRZ to the office, two of my coworkers insisted on trying to stuff full-sized adults into the right side front and back seats. It's possible - but only when the right-front seat was moved all the way forward. My 5 ft 9 inch supervisor (same height as me) could be in that front seat w/his feet on the floor - but his knees were hard against the dash with no room to move feet around. Not comfortable for anything more than a few miles for either the front or rear seats. If I had to put someone behind the driver's seat, w/the front seat slid all the way forward, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to safely drive.

[@scottkelley4517]

Dope rims, I have a gr86. It’s great fun. I’ve owned ss Camaros and vettes. Went to the gr86. I like it but if your taking it on trips or long distance it’s harsh. The Camaro was better for long distance and I had a 1le. Overall it’s a great car, it’s like a s2000 like you said. Affordable, but if you have the money and like burley deep throaty engines with torque to 160 Camaro and Vette is better.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Um,...the word 'dope' went out in the 90's.

[@ikaru007]

I have a Silver 22' BRZ and I'm thinking of getting the same wheels. Do you have any rubbing issues? I saw another video saying that if you want them not to rub to be 8.5 so you don't have to make any mods

[@CarsOverPeople]

I always did think of these cars as the “budget” Porsche GT4’s/GT3’s

[@sanzserif]

Similar car history! Previously had M2 currently with an 86 and GT4. You still have the GT4 and do you have any idea what you may replace it with?

[@tone3560]

Any idea on what exhaust your going with? Do you plan on doing headers uel? My 2023 6mt red limited brz is coming in october thanks for your vid very informative

[@caradd2967]

I seriously can't decide which one. I'm kind of leaning towards the AWE but it's pricey. No plans for headers at this point.

[@tone3560]

@@caradd2967 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpCmpaOJet6Ipbs there is a vid of awe track exhaust with UEL...LOL If i went awe touring I would have to give up on the subie rumble UEL dream. Im waiting for someone to build a active exhaust system so it can be pretty silence and then ruckus mode for the mountains.

[@martinharnois6468]

Did you have any issue engaging the second gear ? Mine is clicking grinding a bit at only 1000 miles...

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

You have one of the best modern NA, manual, RWD, low slung, dedicated track cars. But go and drop 35k on another one....except dialed down to 4? I'm sure the BRZ it's great fun. I'm considering one, but with the GT4 in your garage, why not something that isn't so similar? Not trying to hate but honestly just curious.

[@notmyrealname2.0]

For exhaust, check out the invidia n1 catback.

[@caradd2967]

What do you like about it? Curious.

[@BrandonTwilley]

BBK is one of the best upgrades you can make. it makes the car more fun than the supercharger did.

[@mirkotripic1752]

What is BBK?

[@shianchuu]

​@@mirkotripic1752 big brake kit

[@lee150427710]

Do you think the Honda Type R has better feeling of driving?

[@udonnoodless]

At how many miles did you do your first track day

[@dutchberry]

i have a 17 brz on my 5th year

[@whadur]

with you wheel/ tire specs did you have any fitment issues or is it fine being lowered on coils? do you think 245s would give issues?

[@caradd2967]

Titan 7 TS5 18x9. 235 contis, I think 245s would be fine. Yes lowered 1.5 inches on Tein Coilovers.

[@rasharddauvergne342]

Well from my knowledge the ac compressor turns off after a certain rpm. I have a japanes car from 2003 and it happens

[@oesoy]

Nice RSF route. Let us know how it handles on highland valley road

[@caradd2967]

It's bad ass on HVR

[@derekr5965]

If Subaru/Toyota is going to pipe-in engine noise, why stop at a 4-cylinder boxer? Why not have the choice of an Italian V-12 or a vintage Ford flathead? Good video. Thanks.

[@KrispyKruiser]

I just hit 22k in my gr86 base. Haven't had any issues. I drive about hour and a half to work each day and it's super comfy for a thick boy(6'1", 230lbs.). Push it hard. I think the AC is great I drive 75+ typically and it keeps up with Texas heat great! I have to wear a hoodie usually. The seatbelt chime is god awful and my dogs set them off in the back seats. It mutes the radio and is so effing loud. I hate it. I'm looking at the touring track exhaust they have an option for muffler or straight pipe. And easy conversion between the two.

[@caradd2967]

22k and no problems! That's a relief to hear. The AC for the most part is fine it's just I've noticed when you are really flogging the car in the heat up in the canyons the chill just disappears for a few moments. I will be getting an exhaust next for sure.

[@petahlee]

22k and no issues! That is good to know given the amount of buzz surrounding the entire RTV issue. I only hope i am one of the lucky souls like you. =)

[@KrispyKruiser]

@@petahlee I havent checked my oil pan yet. I will probably check it/replace it during my next oil change @ 25k, since toyota is no longer giving me free ones. with how many people i see having the issue, its only a matter of time. hopefully she keeps running like a charm for another 200k.

[@petahlee]

@@KrispyKruiser I doubt the extra RTV in question is from the oil pan so there is really nothing that can be checked without removing the pan. I am covinced the extra RTV is from other areas of the engine, like timing cover. If you have gone 22k miles without issues, i doubt you will ever have any issues at all. What build date is your unit? What is your usage case? Just normal commuting? Track? Driven like it was stolen? Thanks.

[@KrispyKruiser]

@@petahlee Door tag says "MFD IN 12/21". only thing that looked like a date on the door tag. That's my thinking as well, made it this far. but better to be safe than sorry. This is my daily, 3 hours in htx traffic a day(100mi/day). First 12k miles i drove it pretty soft other than a few times seeing how fast i could get her on open highways (about 125mph). Lots of lifting and coasting and i averaged about 30 mpgs. from 12-22k i have been a bit harder on her, probably harder on the auto trans than the engine. MPG avg is down to 28 now. Haven't tracked it. Need it for daily purposes. When i get my bike fixed and have a second vehicle ill probably track it.

[@shaneh734]

What octane do you use? Would there be any adverse actions from using a lower octane even though premium is recommended?

[@caradd2967]

I use 91 Octane, which is pretty much the highest we get in California unfortunately. I don't know why you'd want to risk using any octane lower than that.

[@BeeLuvr]

Higher octane means higher resistance to combustion under load. Running lower octane may result in combustion not happening when it should in the engine(called pre-ignition), which can cause damage in rare cases. Modern ECUs can adjust how the engine performs if you use lower octane, but generally, you shouldn't use a fuel with less octane than recommended by the manufacturer. My GR86 manual states to use 93 and will run fine with 91 with no adverse effect on the engine. Only cases to use lower octane is if you pull up to a gas station without 91; you fill up a miniscule amount to get you to the next gas station that hopefully has 91/93.

[@SkyFullOfLighters542]

@@caradd2967 bc they're broke, also you guys only get 91 as the highest? that's the standard here in Australia and we have 98 octane

[@Netryon]

If you used to your family sedan having the front wheels where they are and feeling the turn ir could be familiar. Something feels missing inside, but lot's of screens and something you could do to the speedometer with c++ and QT oh my meaningful lowest of the low.

[@MrWackydoodles]

sarap magdrive ng walang tricycle sa daan

[@The_Hulkster]

Coming from driving all kinds of sports cars over the years, I decided to spend a bit more and get a 1LE Camaro when I was choosing between the FRS and other sports cars years ago. I really wanted to like these cars but they just didn't have that "soul" I was searching for in a driver's car. The 1LE is the heavier vehicle for sure but somehow it feels like the better driver's car all around. Performance is ungodly stock and even more so with a stage 4 cam, headers and a good dynotune. It's a track MONSTER on my track days especially with nothing but brake fluid and stainless steel brake lines. It's a God mode car dare I say in a similar category as the old Z06 vette. I'm still a Toyota guy but I needed a track day hero that I can still daily.

[@CesarMartinez-gl9ko]

Dam I’m in the same boat and I’m considering the trade for a 1LE . It’s such a good track car and they look great too!

[@The_Hulkster]

@@CesarMartinez-gl9ko People always think I'm on crack when I tell them a Camaro is a driver's car but I just smile and move along. I'm one of the biggest toyota guys out there but even that BMW Supra doesn't have the soul of the 1LE. Maybe the Corolla GR hatchback has some soul since it's a toyota through and through.

[@CesarMartinez-gl9ko]

@@The_Hulkster Definitely is a drivers car and in my opinion the best under $60k! However I would take a Supra, I prefer the inline 6 and I think it’s a really fun car! But it’s all opinion in terms of fun but you do have the better car

[@caradd2967]

I've owned 2 Camaro SS 1LEs. LOVED them. Embarrassed high end cars on track with them. Shitty dailys though.

[@caradd2967]

I lapped Supras in my 1LE however those drivers were probably mediocre. 1LE is hard to beat on track for sure.

[@daniellanzotti2391]

Great looking wheels, What's the brand/model?

[@caradd2967]

TITAN 7 TS5 18x9

[@daniellanzotti2391]

@@caradd2967 Ohhh nevermind Not for $2000 🥵

[@macula_]

Have you checked the RTV thing when you changed your oil?

[@caradd2967]

NO BS, the RTV thing is making me nervous as hell. I follow some other BRZ owners on IG and the stuff they are finding on low mileage cars (under 3k) is terrifying. But I do have a warranty so I can only hope Subaru honors it if something were to go wrong.

[@CODEEFPS]

Have you dropped your oil pan and check for RTV? It’s a issue I hear so much about and a reason why I don’t buy one of these

[@zd8dan]

yea i just bought one & that's what i'm scared of. but we will see haven't had any issues yet & i'm at 3000 miles

[@P51]

I'm seeing a lot of reviews where they say the Toyota version's engine has a better tune on it--thus better performance. Have you seen any of these?

[@caradd2967]

LOL no. Sounds like BS.

[@SnowWolf9999]

Actual engine tune is same, the Toyota has a more aggressive throttle map from factory that makes it seem faster

[@boldcitycc]

@@SnowWolf9999es, and for those that don’t know what that means, it basically means most of the throttle response comes in the first third of the pedal. So it seems a little more aggressive. If you floor both of the both cars, you’re going to get the same acceleration out of them. I personally find the over exaggerated initial throttle response in my 86 slightly annoying

[@YoSoyAlexGeek]

2,500 miles is not enough for review. Do this again after 20k or 30k miles so people can know if this is worth buying.

[@Tonga2]

On my 3rd oil change and at 4000 miles since changing the oil it is almost at the add oil mark. Oil consumption is increasing? Anyone else with more miles on theirs and adding oil?

[@caradd2967]

Coming soon. BEST CAR EVER. Slightly biased thoough.

[@manueldiego4863]

Any issues with the rtv so far?

[@caradd2967]

Not yet, but it's definitely in the back of my mind which is not fun.

[@norm1815]

9:45 Dude.....A/C compressors have been made to turn off for over 50 years now on WOT runs as they slow you down when accelerating if engaged. Also you really don't want your AC compressor turning 7000 rpm's. There is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

[@caradd2967]

Hey a lot of people are saying that. I've personally owned 30 plus cars and never experienced it before so...

[@dareeltoro6681]

I just cant stand the fake engine sound, Will turn it off when I get mine, Thanks for the vid

[@skip741x3]

same here bro.. theres no place for fake sounds in Any serious sports car

[@lastname-Nm]

Regarding the AC getting warm on WOT, I thinks something’s wrong with your car. These were hastily put together, some don’t even have the serpentine belt lined up.

[@orcastationaryrecords]

Who told you that

[@norm1815]

9:45 Dude.....A/C compressors have been made to turn off for over 50 years now on WOT runs as they slow you down when accelerating if engaged. Also you really don't want your AC compressor turning 7000 rpm's. There is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

[@MyGoToUserName]

Gen 1 does the same thing as WOT. Designed that way.

[@growingup4487]

the AC compressor turns off at WOT to give you full power without stealing HP it's normal

[@caradd2967]

Have personally owned 30 cars plus, this is the only one where I noticed this.

[@sonnynick1]

They did a much better job on the exterior than the interior on this generation. I am getting a Toyota Corolla vibe.

[@davebell6942]

I love my GR86, and yet my M4 seems faster ?

[@alphabeta8403]

3:00 Great S2K replacement 7:30 Suspension, wheels and tires 11:00 MPG I wonder if the 18x9s up front rub at all when U-turning 🤔 How low is it compared to stock? 15:30 Weak launch

[@caradd2967]

Tein Coilovers, Titan 7 wheels and Conti Extremesportcontact tires. 18x9 does not rub. 1.5 in drop. Yes a weak launch but it's a one take and off the cuff review.

[@alphabeta8403]

Can you do another updated review? Thanks

[@salimrandall]

Looks like a baby RC-F

[@davidrossi1486]

If it wasn’t for the right-hand drive, I would’ve sworn that this was Australia

[@DextersVloguhtory]

What kind of wheels are those?

[@caradd2967]

Titan 7 TS 5 18x9.

[@ftr911drvr]

Its so wierd there are V8s thst get the same gas mileage, I get it gas mileage isn't the purpose but when cars with more than double power and performance get the same or better gas mileage thats insane

[@J_S209]

I’ve been driving V8 sedans, 3 of them, since 2001. I’ve never got anything much better than 13 to 14 litres to 100 kms. Anything will get better fuel economy. 🤣

[@GMCRaptor]

Why brz over gr86 ? Good basic review☺

[@caradd2967]

Came down to Availability, personally get the one that has the better price as they are the same for the most part.

[@SnowWolf9999]

@@caradd2967 mechanically the only difference is with the suspension, Toyota carries over the 1st gen parts, Subaru has different front knuckles and sway bars (lighter) and attached the rear sway bar differently to make it more stable at higher speed (but makes it less tail happy than the Toyota)

[@khazzzzzz]

get an AWE Touring exhaust, it cancels out drone.

[@richardhaas9519]

Do you have a cracked windshield?

[@caradd2967]

No, why do you ask?

[@lettybastien4624]

I see it too

[@darthvader511]

can you remap it?

[@caradd2967]

I'm sure there will be options...

[@squareenixffost]

Gr86 will oversteer more and is because of the suspension. Brz is better for most daily drives

[@magneto8002]

Torque is just too low.

[@RicaSkateShop]

Ill say it for you...... RICER!!!!!!!

[@badboy-gn8fu]

Of course it's a sports car

[@BrandonTwilley]

your turn signal mechanism is broken, it should auto cancel after taking a turn.

[@caradd2967]

No Apparently this is a design feature/flaw they all do it.

[@SnowWolf9999]

@@caradd2967 I think it's a Subaru thing, my 2018 Forester XT does it too

[@RAY_FILET]

Whatever you do - do not buy this car used.

[@losouknoso22]

Y

[@RAY_FILET]

@@losouknoso22 I feel it's a car that is typically owned by a younger generation, who is inherently negligent imo. The car itself is phenomenal, but seems to require an excess amount of attention. The boxer engine seems to chug oil, like nobody's business. I seriously have no idea where it goes, and I drive the vehicle like a elderly woman. That's one reason. However, I'm not sure all of the rumors apply to daily drivers l, other than the one I just mentioned. In short - it's better to know exactly where the car has been or buy from someone you absolutely trust.

[@losouknoso22]

@@RAY_FILET got u n yea the oil is one reason why I’m hesitant to buy I heard that a lot n the fact that my wife bouta have our 3rd kid she won’t be too happy with a 2 door lol

[@Arid379]

2500 is nothing. Drive it to 100,000k than tell me

[@caradd2967]

Tell you what after 100k? I don't keep cars that long unless they are EPIC

[@colt2206]

Why modify a car if it is still not going to have enough power to be a real sports car? It’s just a economical little car with a sporty style. It will never be a sports car with 228hp

[@colt2206]

It’s nice but that’s not a sports car. It’s a sporty economy car with low power