Is the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota 86 Appropriate as a Daily Driver?

Based on personal experience and a wide range of factors, I have concluded that the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86 (often collectively referred to as FR-S/BRZ/86) are not ideal choices for a daily driver. This review provides insights into why this vehicle may not be the best fit and suggests alternative choices.

What Makes a Daily Driver Car?

A daily driver car should provide a wide range of utility. It should be capable of handling various driving conditions and scenarios besides just high-performance driving. Key considerations include:

Ability to carry larger loads Good fuel efficiency for commuting Comfort for longer drives Ease of carrying multiple passengers

Drawbacks of the FR-S/BRZ/86 as a Daily Driver

The FR-S/BRZ/86 is a thrilling vehicle to drive, particularly in manual transmission, but it has several limitations that make it unsuitable as a daily driver. Some of these limitations include:

Bigger Loads: The FR-S/BRZ/86 does not have sufficient cargo space to handle larger loads, such as those from home or garden stores. This makes it a challenging option for dealing with everyday needs. Ice and Snow Conditions: In regions where winter brings ice and snow, the FR-S/BRZ/86 can be cumbersome and potentially unsafe due to its low ground clearance and lack of features such as snow chains or winter tires. Noise Level: The FR-S/BRZ/86 is generally too loud for daily urban commuting. Its significant engine noise can be disruptive in meetings and other quiet settings, making it generally unsuitable for commuting. Passenger Capacity: The FR-S/BRZ/86 is a two-seater, which limits the number of people it can comfortably carry. This is a significant drawback if you need to transport more than two passengers.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to other options like the Honda Civic or Subaru Crosstrek, the FR-S/BRZ/86 has several disadvantages:

Utility: The Honda Civic offers more passenger and cargo space, making it a better choice for daily use. The Crosstrek provides even more utility with higher ground clearance and a practical roof rack option. Fuel Efficiency: The Honda Civic is better suited for long commutes due to its better fuel economy. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine in the Civic is more economical than the 2.0-liter boxer engine in the FR-S/BRZ/86. Engine Reliability: The boxer engine in the FR-S/BRZ/86 is known for its reliability issues, particularly with head gaskets, due to its higher revs and greater noise output. The inline engines in the Civic and Crosstrek are generally more reliable and easier to maintain.

For those who prioritize performance but still need a reliable daily driver, the Honda Civic Si, Toyota Supra, or BMW M2 can be excellent alternatives. These cars offer better overall utility and are much more reliable for daily use.

Conclusion

While the FR-S/BRZ/86 is a joy to drive and offers excellent handling, it is not the best choice for a daily driver due to its limitations in load capacity, noise level, and passenger space. If you frequently face scenarios where you need to carry larger loads, deal with snow, need to take meetings in a quiet environment, or need to comfortably carry more than two passengers, it would be better to select a different model that can meet these needs on a daily basis.

As a recommendation, for those who currently only own one car and find the FR-S/BRZ/86 is the best fit for their daily needs, I would suggest obtaining a second car that addresses these limitations. This approach allows you to enjoy the performance of the FR-S/BRZ/86 while still having a reliable and versatile daily driver.