Should I Buy A Subaru BRZ or a BMW E46? - ROAD TESTAMENT

This week, we introduce a new segment: #BRZorThat, in which we discuss used-car alternatives -- submitted by you -- to the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S, the second coming of the inexpensive, light-weight, rear-drive sports car. Try one of these, or buy the BRZ. Your choice.

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  Autos & Vehicles

[JaxT83]

You could get a 996 for mid 20s too.

[botchalism]

Did I say E46 is a poor choice against a BRZ? No. They both have reliability issues. I'm all about up front costs, I don't like the uncertainty of thinking "do I own THAT car, do I own a lemon?". Since we're talking about buying a used car here, I think that is a more than valid thought. I bought the IS 350 with the reliability of Toyota along with a certified warranty, I have no uncertainties, I'm covered. You mysteriously find time in your 60+ hour job to repair your BMW, hats off to you

[artemisR38]

The car has over 100K miles on it, over 70k of which I have added over the past 5 years. Sensors are cheap and easy to fix. I have yet to have one fail on me though. This is going nowhere. The IS350 is a cool car. I'm glad you enjoy it. I love my E46 and it will stay that way. It's a feasible car for those WILLING to make it happen. Is the 350 more reliable? Sure. Is it fair to say an E46 is a poor choice against a BRZ? No. That's a sweeping statement based on a lack of mechanical competence.

[botchalism]

Yes technology is making cars worse and BMW has WAY to much technology, a bazillion sensors that constantly fail. You're driving a 170,000K car? That sounds like an OLD BMW from the 90s back when they had solid reliability. I'm talking about the past decade of Beamers, their reliability SUCKS, and you can Google endless reviews confirming that. I don't need rave reviews to like a car, is that how you REAL enthusiasts determine true value? Well excuse me, guess I'm not a TRUE enthusiast.

[trvlsvvy]

20year old Porsche? 130HP 2 seat MR2? The BRZ is targeted at the RX8/S2000 buyer and a group of car guys who are waking up from a 20year hibernation caused by the SUV! Lotus Elise are hard to find and literally useless unless you are at the track. Old F-body cars? WTF. Again, worst segment ever on Drive.

[trvlsvvy]

I'm so intrigued by the comments about this insane video. BMWs with thousands in mods? The average BRZ buyer is closer to the buyer of a Prelude in 1992! slight mods maybe later in life, but a BRZ buyer is getting a warranty and likely a loan! who is buying a 10y old BMvoo? E46 is a great car for a guy with a lift!

[artemisR38]

For the record I'm not a mechanic by any means. I'm an IT Consultant for a public accounting firm. So yeah 60hr weeks are pretty normal and I have yet to be towed anywhere b/c of the car failing me. The car is well over 100K and I've put 70K on it myself over my past 5 years of ownership. I just chose to learn how to work on it myself to save money. Watch "Road Testament - Is Technology Making Cars Worse" on Drive. Can't say I've heard any auto journalist rave about an IS350 like that.

[MrINVADER727]

A MK3 Toyota Supra with a 1JZ-GTE would be my pick.

[Efekkt]

Only "breaks down constantly" if you expect to do zero maintenance throughout the life of your car. Cars are not built to last, they just aren't. It just depends on where in its life the car is, at least BMWs give you something great to drive and won't leave you stranded if you properly maintain them.

[Christopher Rourke]

It isn't because they're built very cheaply, it's because a large amount of people who buy them (I'm guessing) don't know how to look after their rotary engine.