So, I've been eyeing the BRZ/FR-S since its release. Really just more of an appreciation, not necessarily anything beyond that. Then, B.A.D. dragged me to the Detroit Auto show and I had the opportunity to sit in and see both, in person. THEN, I bought a 2013 Toyota Rav 4 to replace our Mini Van (for the wife). In the process, I visited a variety of dealerships. Got to see an awesome BRZ and a beautiful FR-S. TTTTHHHHEEENNNN, that damn price point is so hard to ignore!!! And they are featured on every auto magazine out there! They are just stalking me. Ok, so before you all comment... 1. I don't care that it's rear wheel drive. In fact, it's part of the appeal for me. 2. I LOVE my MCS, but I am fickle. I've consistently replaced my car every two years. I'm pushing it with my MCS. 2 1/2 years!! It has never been because I didn't like what I had, but because I am so interested in owning something else. 3. Save your R53 comments ;-) I'm fighting the urge to drive one as I fear it will seal the deal. HELP!!
I think you need to do more runs on the twisties with me, Chuck, Nick, and others. I could let you drive my car :cornut: but I was told to save the R53 comments. haha
You will be unimpressed with the total lack of power, compared to what you feel with the MINI. It would be akin to going from your MCS to a Justa Clubman. Sure, they handle nice and are low to the ground, but you won't be keeping up with MINI Cooper S (R53/R55/R56) off the line or out of the corners... There's also no cool clubs doing cool club things... (as of yet) with the BRZ... or "Broze mobile" as I like to call them.
But honestly, I do think you will be disappointed. It's always fun to test drive cars and like they say, "the feel of the wheel seals the deal." Once you drive it you'll want it because it is something different from what you have. Give it a few months and then you'll regret getting rid of your MINI. Take it from me; I went from a Mitsubishi Eclipse (while my mom had a MINI) to a Range Rover and then to a MINI. Japanese cars are fun until they get a few years old and everything starts to break in and then you look around and realize that a bunch of teenagers, early 20 somethings, women, and dbags are driving the same car with huge wings on the back and fart cans and then the stigma is created and you can't run from it :cornut:. I suggest buying parts for your MINI to make it more fun and more you.
BRZ or FRS, tough call Well for me I think the BRZ / GT86 are great cars. If I was to go out & replace my R53 those would be on my short list. Really??? Does someone actually think RWD is a handicap? I just don't get that? All one needs to add is snow tires for the winter & it is good to go no matter the weather. The BRZ / GT86 are fine handling cars. If you put a set of decent tires on them they would run circles around our MINI's. Not enough power? It has close to 200 HP a MCS does not. JCW's are there but not the MCS in either R53 or R56 flavor. Like driving a justa? No I don't think so. All those arguments do not make sense. ut: One large bonus with the BRZ / FRS is they will not be in the shop being fixed as much as a MINI. You'd only buy a car that other people in a certain kind of club would like? That's sad, drive what you like be it MINI, BRZ or even a Fiat. I happen to know a bunch of car guys around here that are interested in all kinds of interesting cars. No car snobs around here. In closing I love my R53, but I like the BRZ / GT86 a lot, great cars. :biggrin5:
If you are wanting to change it up, it sounds like a fine car to get. Sounds like you'll probably change again in a few years anyway right?? Go drive one and see!
These cars were also featured on Top Gear so you can get a better feel of them before you test drive. Nathan posted the link to it; I believe it was the latest one.
Why would I want to talk him out of it? If that is what he wants he should get one. After all he does not drive an R53. :wink:
Keep the Mini parked during the week (in the garage of course)and use it as a weekend warrior. Buy the FR-S and use it as a commuter. Problem solved....
It's ok; I don't dislike the car; I kind of like it but I'm trying my best to keep him around. I say go to the dealership for a test drive this saturday and bring it to Tim Hortons and then we will all go out for a drive on the twisties and see if you like it better than your MINI. :devil:
Jason, I too had the bug for a different car when I bought the Coupe. I had a Cayman S sitting at MAG ready to be picked up. I was walking around the house getting ready to go over and pull the trigger on the Cayman when my wife asked me "are you going to miss a MINI, going to the Dragon and hangin' with all the MINI guys"? I responded that it really wouldn't make a difference, after all I could drive her Countryman to donuts and the Dragon. She said, "if you're considering that, you're not ready to give up your MINI". She was right, I bought the Coupe. I'm glad I did! The MINI is where my fun is....a go-cart on steroids.....if you need a new car go over and buy the 2012 JCW Coupe that MAG will cut a great deal on. Talked out of it yet??
That is a nice JCW Coupe, I was admiring it the other day when I was there picking up a bunch of parts. Take it from me, I have gone through a bunch of cars, but always have come back to owning a MINI. I love the Rallifart, but there is something about a MINI that no other car can replace...
Wow, excellent discussion! Would love to upgrade to a JCW, but I don't want a coupe. I prefer the good 'ole original body style. And, as silly as it sounds, I still need a back seat... I did see that coupe yesterday and it is very nice. Maybe I'd jump to a JCW Paceman. MAYBE. I'm also not really worried about power. My MCS is 2 1/2 years old and I just rolled over 16k miles. I can't use the power I have! I'd hate to miss out on the club, that is definitely top of mind. I know that doesn't mean I'm no longer welcome if I don't drive a Mini, but I so plan to attend MOTD this year, so that experience could change my mind for sure. Oh, decisions. No Cayman issue here!!
I have it under good authoritay that if you drove something like a CTS-V Wagon or a Lotus Exige S, you would totally be welcome down at The Dragon... The Brose Mobile might be pushing it though...