BRZ GR86 One Year Review Pros & Cons

Do you agree?? Here's my one-year review of my 2023 BRZ with a plethora of pros and a few cons...I'm sure you all feel me on the 1st con listed. Post your thoughts up in the comments!
~Mike
00:00 - Introduction
00:51 - Pro 1
02:08 - Pro 2
05:43 - Pro 3
09:36 - Pro 4
11:32 - Pro 5
14:07 - Con 1
15:31 - Con 2
17:18 - Con 3

[@rkworth1]

i have a 2024 brz-ts, and love it. living in the mountains in western north carolina, it is a blast to drive. never had the back-end slip out from underneath me, and i have pushed it hard. only complaint i have is the road noise. but, as i have put more miles on the tires, it seems to have gone down a bit. i love how high the rpms can go. i was looking at the wrx, and by the time the turbo really kicks in, you need to shift. the brz just loves to rev higher, which makes for a smoother drive.

[@KonkrRoads]

Perfect car for some perfect roads! I can't wait to get over to the Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains with my BRZ...hopefully next summer. Have any favorite roads there??

[@19hundoc47]

I’m coming from a manual and automatic GR Supra and the GR86 is more fun. I love it

[@KonkrRoads]

What steered you away from the Supra and towards the GR86?

[@ratatatatata5290]

@@KonkrRoads People idolize the Supra as some sort of mega drifting mega handling track monster, buts it’s really a GT Car. It’s fast, aggressive, and comfortable, but it’s not going to have the same handling characteristics as a lighter rougher riding vehicle like the gr86. The gr86 is the car that all the Supra kids who will never own a Supra think a Supra is. Supra is awesome 10000000%, but it’s not the car people think it’s going to be when they buy it.

[@SailorCowes]

100% agree here, Mike. It’s a sweet ride!!

[@KonkrRoads]

Thanks my friend 🤙

[@genna544]

Great Video! I recently purchased a GR86 2024 premium. Road noise with the back seats down is even more pronounced, but not a big deal to me. I have 2 cons, the 1st is the shoulder strap for the seat belt rides really high on my neck with no adjustability, purchased a fix off amazon. Item 2 is it needs to be around 300hp. I love the linear power in the mountains and on track, makes it very drivable and predictable. I needed to pass a few cars on a straight in the holler before going up the next mountain, just needs a little more ass for this type of thing. I'm probably a little skewed as I come from higher horsepower motorcycles. I traded in 2 wheels for 4 after 2 back surgeries last year. I do love it and it makes me smile every time I drive it!!

[@danielboisvert139]

Check something like Harrop's supercharger if you want more power. It's gonna cost you several thousands but you'll get to 300 hp and over.

[@KonkrRoads]

I feel you on the power -- it needs a bit of salt and pepper to get the spice right. I bought my BRZ with supercharging in the planned budget; just waiting now for reliability and testing data from the big players like Harrop, Sprintex, and Vortech. Have you considered a turbo or blower?

[@Maclin456]

Excellent video (subscribed). I have a 23 BRZ WRB. Love it. What are your thoughts on a set of high quality lowering springs (Tein H Tech)? Just going for the aesthetics, but would that just nullify the engineering that went into the stock suspension? Also, I love the signal stalk. Second nature after a week and no clicks! Also running the Borla S-Type exhaust. Wonderful.

[@Young_Bourdain]

As a GR Corolla owner, I’ll tell you the FL5 Type R does look better. But I’ll grant you that the 86 looks better than my GRC.

[@KonkrRoads]

I understand that looks are a subjective endeavor, but to say the type R is more attractive than the GR Corolla is a bold stance. The FL5 Type R has a look that only a mother can appreciate -- your Corolla at least has a figure to enjoy 🤙

[@ratatatatata5290]

Gr Corolla looks 100x better than the current gen type R and that’s from someone who DESPERATELY wanted one and ended up in a 24’ gr86 instead.

[@keane2292]

Fuck the other two replies, I also think the type R looks better than the gr corolla. I not sure about the 86 vs the grc but that depends on what kind of mods have been done imo

[@ratatatatata5290]

@@KonkrRoads No disrespect meant but have you seen the GR Corolla in person? It’s an entirely different beast in person than in pictures. I was a type R elitist and adamantly shit on the gr Corolla until I went to pick up my Gr-86 and saw it in person.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@ratatatatata5290 I love the look of the GRC. It's a rally schemed wrap away from perfection! I just wouldn't own it. I much prefer the lines of a coupe, especially BRZ and 86's. 🤙

[@bart12d]

Mike, we must have very similar timelines. I also got my GR86 about 13 months ago and love it. Went with the HKS axle-back like you, but rather than suede vent covers, I did carbon fiber. Your 5 pros are spot on, and for the cons, I would just replace the side mirror issue with the turn signal stalk. That stupid returning to center automatically needs an aftermarket solution…

[@KonkrRoads]

Hey Bart, nice choice on the exhaust -- how do you like it so far? Good call on the signal stalk...I still fumble it every so often even after a year lol

[@bart12d]

@@KonkrRoads yep, I’m sure every one of us occasionally gets caught in the embarrassing loop of trying to cancel the turn signal by tapping the opposite way, but tapping too hard so the other direction starts flashing. :D The legamax premium is great! Nice deep rumble without any raspy tones that I hear in others. And it’s only 5 db louder than stock. This is honestly how it should have come from the factory (and without the “sound enhancement” speaker which adds weight). Oh, and the tips on the HKS actually extend out to the edge of the cutouts, unlike the stock tips that look like they’re hiding in shame.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@bart12d "hiding in shame" 🤣🤣. So true!! Glad you're enjoying the Legamax Premium! 🤙🫡

[@robertpeet8880]

I love my BRZ. I don't mind the rearview mirrors at all. That would be an expectation based on past experiences. The car can be loud. But the most luxurious car I've ever owned was a Mazda 6. So I'm used to hearing my environment. I agree with everything else.

[@KonkrRoads]

Thanks for giving the video a look!! How long have you had your BRZ?

[@robertpeet8880]

@@KonkrRoads Received delivery in Jan of 23. Only 15,000 miles so far.

[@DIFHI]

Picked up a white BRZ tS recently. First manual and I feel so bad for beating this thing up while I learn. I agree with pro 1, it feels like the road is right in your face. It makes moving around with this car so easy and predictable because of it. I'm actually in the same area, might have seen your BRZ around a few times!

[@KonkrRoads]

Nice ride choice 🤙. You go to any local meets?

[@DIFHI]

@@KonkrRoads nah haven’t yet but would be excited to pull up to one someday 🙏

[@drivingpsyche]

I would add one more con - no lumbar adjustment for at least driver's seat. And maybe also how fast you go through tires and brakes because the car is so much fun :-)

[@KonkrRoads]

Lol you're right on target about the tires and brakes!! Good call on the lumbar -- it's surprising there's not at least a manual pump to get some more support

[@udeshhhhhh]

Personally I prefer the engine in this with my AWE Touring exhaust.. nice crackles and pops on stock tune 😏 but then again it set me back around 2.6k AUD🤔

[@KonkrRoads]

AWE Touring -- certainly loud crackles and pops. A fun exhaust for sure...your neighbors still like you though??

[@jukeboxzero1]

Yeah my '18 Type R was great on the track but could not be described as sleek (unlike my '22 BRZ). I was planning to keep the rear seats down all the time but found that, at just over 6' tall, i need to have the driver seat all the way back and you can't do that with the rear seats down.

[@KonkrRoads]

Good choice on the BRZ -- you ever miss the Type R?

[@jukeboxzero1]

@@KonkrRoads I miss the practicality of the hatch for sure. Over the years i've had (or still have) five hatchbacks and a WRX wagon. Need to pack more efficiently in the BRZ. Haven't taken the BRZ to the track yet but i'm sure it would be a much different experience than the Type R.

[@Jimmy-sj8pi]

Was thinking of a GR lately, but I was worried the novelty of a sportcar would wear off since im driving it daily to work. When the novelty wears off, id be stuck with a small, engaging, noisy, and bumpy car. These points aren't too much the cars fault, just my personal take coming from a regular sedan driver for 8 yrs.

[@KonkrRoads]

How long is your commute? It sounds like you know yourself well; 8 years driving a sedan may bring some angst when jumping into a GR86 for a daily driver. Then again, it could be a life-changing experience for the better. For me, I tried driving an SUV daily and that didn't last very long. I've driven low-slung sportscars my whole life so the GR/BRZ feels like home. Maybe you could ease into things with a more forgiving coupe?

[@TheMrFett]

I had the 2013 BRZ Ltd for over 11 years as my daily driver (26 mile round trip to work and back) and also took several 5 hour and a few 14+ hour (one way) road trips in it. I found it very enjoyable to drive and the harsh ride didn’t bother me as the handling was phenomenal. It was a four season car for me with the appropriate tires used during the cold winter months. I bought a 2024 BRZ Ltd earlier this year. Made similar exterior changes along with the same 245/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S (or Pilot SS for summer) on 18” Enkei Raijin wheels that provide a remarkable improvement in handling. The “novelty” of driving it never wore off on me.

[@Jimmy-sj8pi]

@@TheMrFett Whenever I test drove it, it felt really fun like a go kart. That's definitely what's enjoyable about this car. Idk, for now I set the thought of buying it aside. I just got a new job and I got free charging for my Tesla at work. So im just biding my time for now.

[@TheMrFett]

@@Jimmy-sj8pi Free charging = 👍🏻 I wish my work did that (other car is an EV). I taught both of my kids how to drive using the BRZ. Both compared it to a go-kart as you did. lol. If you do get to the point where you are seriously considering one, know that Toyota dealerships get allocations and no custom pre-orders (at least this year it was that way). You may have to search dealer inventories to see what’s in stock or on the way. Subaru on the other hand manufactures BRZs in very limited quantities and can only be custom pre-ordered within narrow windows of time each year. I’ve been told it’s twice a year now. One of the largest volume Subaru dealers in my Tri-State area only had two custom pre-orders make it through the first window in Nov ‘23 for ‘24 models. Mine and another person’s. The second window I think was shorter during the early spring of this year (?), and 2024 model year BRZs stopped production in early June.

[@1Solace]

Brother, all I'm saying is... you can be a bit more enthusiastic or something but thanks

[@KonkrRoads]

@@1Solace I love my BRZ, but it's no 427 AC Cobra level of excitement 😎🤙

[@1Solace]

@@KonkrRoads well, even if you're reviewing a mini-van, im pretty sure you want your audience to be more engaged. i work in mental health. I'm not a bubbly person but I know my clients pick up on my affect so I have to be a little more animated with them.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@1Solace thank you for the work you do -- an important job to say the least

[@1Solace]

@@KonkrRoads thanks man, I wish nothing but the best for you. Nice BRZ 😊

[@davidgillham6847]

Biggest issues for me are road noise, crappy sound system, horrible door rattles when playing music, terrible fuel economy for such a small light weight car as higher gears are too short IMO, brakes are not up to track work from the factory, fake engine noise and the dead zone on center with the steering being slightly too much compared to the previous gen. Could do with 20-30hp more, but not really necessary for most street driving. The stock sound system is so weak, that any road noise above say 50mph on rough road just eats up all the bass, so you end up turning it up real loud, but then the system can't cope, the doors rattle like crazy and it's a viscous circle.

[@KonkrRoads]

Have you tried the speed volume control feature for the stereo? Page 69 of the "Getting Started Guide" that came with the owner's manual. May help with one of the common gripes 🤙

[@Fghh108]

1. Road noise, changing tires did nothing. 2. oil burning 3. junky power train sounds 4. seatbelt chime 5. terrible brake feel under panic stop 6. Skinny slippery steering wheel 7. wheel hop is atrocious 8. No circular tach with traction aids off 9. First generation car had none of the above problems..

[@DKarGarage]

Gr corolla sucks on track ,not well balanced, gr86 is better balanced vehicle,

[@KonkrRoads]

Balance of the BRZ/86 is premier, no doubt 🤙

[@69fcortina]

You lay pretty far back in your seating position. Try straightening up your seat back- it will take getting used to- but it would solve both the reach to the wheel and the need to stretch your neck to see over the mirrors.

[@KonkrRoads]

Good point, I'll give it a go 🤙

[@69fcortina]

@@KonkrRoads thanks. It wou.d have been easy to pop off a snarky reply to my comment, I appreciate that you didn't. I have Psoriatic Arithritis, and positional comfort is a constant issue for me. I end up having to check myself constantly, and I reflexively did the same when I saw your driving position. It may not work for you at all, but it was well intentioned.