Better To Mod Yourself Or Buy A Subaru BRZ tS?

Buy yourself a base BRZ and modify it, or let Subaru do it for you? The Subaru BRZ tS is a modified BRZ with some nice handling upgrades, but can you do it cheaper yourself? Probably... but would you want to?
Car Reviews: • Drives & Reviews
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[@TC_Geosci]

That cruise control stalk was on my 2005 Subaru WRX. I think it was prevalent on Subarus even more than 20 years ago.

[@sshah2545]

It’s not right to say this is a 5k upgrade, but yes 5k over base. The TS is based on the Limited, which already had the same wheels this one does. But doesn’t have the shocks or the brakes. If you consider this an upgrade from the Limited, it’s about $3000 more. Still debatable about whether that’s worth it. The 2024 model year was significantly more expensive at every level, than my 2023.

[@danny2607]

Huge fan of the BRZ! And the tS just seems like the perfect driving enthusiast recipe to me.

[@bearclaw5115]

The tS is only a 2,650 upcharge from the Limited on which it is based. Worth noting that you can get the Brembo's and upgraded suspension (Sachs) on the GR86 for only 1,500 extra. And you can also spec the package on the base GR86 for 2,000 extra. Something you can't do with the BRZ.

[@massimilianozeni1848]

I like aftermarket parts and the possibility to tailor the car as you want it. That trueno though..it looks fantastic, wouldn't touch it probably eheh. These japanese gems are the the only RWD options to learn how to drive properly and they are low maintenance high reliability most of the time. I went for a pristine s2000 with the idea of leaving it stock and it now has Recaro RSG and Ohlins suspensions. If you take your time to look around you can modify them for a decent amount of money, I bought the Ohlins new in Japan and saved about 40% of what they charge you in Europe and the US for example. Now looking for a big brake kit. At the end of the day it is not cheap but quality mod really transform the feel of the car. On my other car I have an Endless big brake kit and the brakes feel fantastic compared to the stock mono piston brake offered on these stock japanese beauties. Is it any faster on the road or can it stop any quicker? no, we know that, but it feels like braking in a Porsche now and that matters, these cars are all about good feel to start with and on the track/autocross they become more enjoyable and faster (and you can stay on the track longer and have more fun)

[@beno.9952]

Great video!

[@alexandram9477]

good job

[@bubbalandbeau9872]

It cost you $32,000.00 to purchase it new and then I need another $5-6,000 to upgrade? Too much! The BRZ reliability is the real concern! It’s ranked 20 of 21 subcompact cars according to a random google search. Wow! Road and engine noise are also other issues that show up as concerns by reviewers. I’m interested in the BRz because of its stylish design, great handling and yes, that additional back seat room, but not if I need to carry my toolbox in that backseat just to ensure I can get the car back home. C’mon man! impress me with some reliability and then I’m interested. Until then it’s just like an MG or a Triumph of old … unreliable. Subaru and Toyota didn’t get to the top of the automotive industry making cars that need constant repair.

[@SteremyJeele]

The website you were looking at (Repair Pal) is truly "random." They are not a trusted provider of reliability info, and they do not provide ANY sources for their data or ratings. This generation of the BRZ/86 has only been around for 3 years, long-term reliability is unproven, and I would venture to say 99% of the vehicles on the road are still under warranty. Short of the *VERY* few catastrophic failures related to the RTV issue, by all accounts, the car is otherwise extremely reliable.

[@deniscdyck]

What are you talking about? The car is as reliable as any Toyota or Honda out there and it being NA gives peace of mind it'll be reliable for decades to come. The car suffers from "demographic" though. Too many kids go "oh, I can have this instead of a Civic/Corola for the same or less $?" then follow suit abusing it and doing shitty maintenance if any at all. If you know how to take care of it (mainly oil) and don't abuse it the car will outlast pretty much any car on the market.

[@practicaldriver]

You are an internet warrior. My '23 BRZ has been super reliable. No issue at all. I have 20k miles, 22 track days, and overall very hard driving on it. Only thing that needs constant replacement are brake pads and rotors lol