Looking to buy a Subaru BRZ? You’re not alone— this popular sports car has been a favorite of car enthusiasts since its 2012 debut. The BRZ’s lightweight frame, low center of gravity, and excellent handling make it a great choice for those seeking a true driver’s car. But, like any car, the BRZ comes with its own set of issues. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure you get the most out of your purchase. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common problems with the Subaru BRZ, including engine, transmission, and electrical issues. We’ll also provide some tips on how to best avoid these issues and keep your BRZ running smoothly. Read on to learn more about the potential issues you could face when buying a Subaru BRZ.
The Subaru BRZ is a sports coupe that pairs a lightweight frame with a 200-horsepower engine. It’s a rear-wheel drive car, with a six-speed manual transmission as the only available option. The BRZ comes in one trim level and has standard features such as cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, and a sport-tuned suspension. The BRZ is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. Subaru offers the BRZ in a handful of exterior colors, including Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Silica, Dark Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, and WR Blue Pearl. The coupe and convertible have cloth seating, while the coupe also has an option for leather.
The BRZ’s engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine that puts out 200 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. While this engine’s power is adequate for daily driving, it could be underpowered for those who like to drive spiritedly. A few common issues with the BRZ’s engine include overheating, carbon buildup, and oil consumption. Overheating is a common issue for many cars, especially in areas with long, hot summers. While you can reduce the chance of overheating by keeping your car’s fluids topped off and using synthetic oils, it’s still possible for your car to overheat. If you notice your engine overheating, it’s important to pull over and shut off the engine as soon as possible. You should also open the hood and allow the engine to cool down before attempting to restart it. Carbon buildup happens when you don’t change your engine oil as often as you should. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness, trapping dirt and impurities in your engine. When too many impurities are trapped in your oil, it can cause carbon buildup that reduces your engine’s lifespan and increases emissions. To avoid carbon buildup, you should have your oil changed regularly. Most car experts recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Another common issue with the BRZ’s engine is oil consumption. If you notice that you’re consuming oil at a faster rate than normal, there’s a chance you may have a buildup of impurities in your engine. If you notice a buildup of impurities, it’s important to have your engine professionally inspected to determine the cause and get it fixed.
The BRZ’s standard transmission is a six-speed manual with a standard clutch. While most people enjoy the sportiness of a standard clutch, others find it difficult to master. If you’ve struggled with a standard clutch in the past, you may want to avoid the BRZ, as it’s often difficult for new drivers to master. Another common transmission issue is noise. Many cars tend to make a bit of noise, but a high level of transmission noise could indicate a serious problem. If you hear excessive transmission noise, get it looked at as soon as possible, as it could be a sign of internal damage or wear that could lead to failure.
The BRZ’s electrical system includes parts like the starter, alternator, and various sensors and circuits. While these parts don’t get as much attention as the engine and transmission, they’re still important and can cause issues. The most common electrical issues with the BRZ include loose wiring, no start, and poor charging. If you notice loose wiring in your car, it could be an indication of a larger problem. Loose wires can short out and cause a fire, so they need to be inspected as soon as possible. No start issues can occur when a fuse burns out or a circuit breaker trips, but they can also be a sign of a larger problem. If you experience a no start, it’s important to have the car towed to a mechanic as soon as possible. Poor charging issues are indicative of a bad alternator, which could cause other electrical issues to arise, such as incorrect engine data or a dead battery.
Before purchasing a Subaru BRZ, it’s important to inspect the car thoroughly for any issues. It’s also a good idea to take the car to a mechanic for an inspection to make sure there aren’t any major issues that you can’t see. When inspecting the car, look for obvious issues, such as worn or torn parts. You can also check the odometer to see how many kilometers are on the car. If the car has a high number of kilometers, it may have more wear and tear than a car with lower mileage. Make sure you’re careful when inspecting a used car for issues. Be sure not to dent or scratch the car when looking at it. It’s also a good idea to get a mechanic to look at the car, even if it’s brand new. It’s possible that a dealership could sell you a car with a serious defect.
