Hey Scotty,
I’m looking at getting a nice little sports car for daily driving and auto cross use. I’m currently looking at getting a used Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ or a Nissan 350z. What are some common problems I should be aware of? And which do you think is better?
@mod_man may have something to say here.
If you want it to last long, get the Toyota. Of you want a faster one, get the Nissan. If you want both worlds, get a Honda S2000.
A good S2000 would be perfect.
The BRZ is underpowered and the 350Z is known to have some drivetrain issues as it ages, mostly transmission related.
Avoid the 2003 350Z for sure. That year had many issues and also tends to eat tires.
Of course, there's always the Miata as well.
BTW, the BRZ is also the Toyota 86.
A lower mileage S2000 might cost more but you are getting the best of both worlds with it and they've been going up in value for a few years now. So you might see more upfront cost but depending on how much you drive you will probably be losing next to nothing on depreciation.
Otherwise if it were me I'd get the 350Z. The FRS/BRZ just doesn't have much power w/o expensive modifications.
